THE INTERNATIONAL TELEGRAPH CONFERENCE.

Globe, Volume XXI, Issue 1749, 27 September 1879, Page 3

THE INTERNATIONAL TELEGRAPH CONFERENCE.

The London “ Times ” states that it has been permitted to mention some of the principal changes that have been recommended. Of these the most important are that for the present tariff, which prescribes a fixed rate for a certain minimum number of words, rising by steps of ton words, there shall be substituted a word tariff, with the addition of a fixed charge on each message equal to the rate for five words for the use of the wires. Thus, a message of one word will bo charged as six words, and so on. In Europe the length of a word is fixed at fifteen letters, or five figures, and beyond Europe at ten letters and three figures. Words separated by hyphens are, within the limits of Europe, to be counted separately, but beyond these limits the hyphens may be omitted. Code language is sought to be defined as words each of which has a definite meaning, although they may not be so combined as to form an intelligible phrase or sentence ; and it is proposed that the rule requiring all messages to be signed shall be rescinded. Some of these alterations, and more especially that instituting a word tariff, are undoubtedly great improvements. But, on the other hand, the propriety of restricting code telegraphing is open to grave question. It is, at any rate, a matter which very closely affects the business interests of tho country, and one, therefore, which our Government should seek to deal with not in secret, and from the point of view of the telegraphist only.