Austria 35 



But there is one thing in Austria which the author would like 

 to see remedied with all practicable despatch. Except in Vienna, 

 where many of the lines are already doubled, although not always 

 used as metallic circuits, the system employed is single wire with 

 earth return. If the Austrians are prudent, they will discard this 

 while the change is yet comparatively easy. As already stated, 

 the development under this wise telephone law will be rapid and 

 practically boundless. There is no finality in telephone exchange 

 work when conducted on liberal and far-seeing principles the 

 horizon ever recedes as progress is attained, and new and un- 

 expected channels for usefulness ever present themselves. It 

 would be a pity, therefore, beyond expression, if the system were 

 allowed to drift into such a muddle as that which already exists 

 in Germany. Let the Austrians open no more exchanges except 

 on the metallic circuit plan, and address themselves to the task of 

 altering gradually if expense is a grave consideration, but still 

 methodically altering all the existing single-wire ones. Other- 

 wise in a few years' time they will find themselves in possession 

 of a system altogether behind the age, and which, to the humilia- 

 tion of the national pride, will not bear comparison with those of 

 France, Sweden, Belgium, or Switzerland, nor, the author hopes, 

 with that of Great Britain either. 



The gist of the law will be given under the various headings. 



SEEVICES RENDERED TO THE PUBLIC 



i. Intercourse between the subscribers and public telephone 

 stations of the same town. Subscribers are held responsible for 

 all damage to their instruments, or to the connecting wires within 

 their premises, arising from malice or want of proper care. They 

 have to pay the actual cost of shifts consequent on removals as 

 determined by the Government engineers. The State reserves 

 power to suppress any connection, temporarily or permanently, at 

 any time without notice : if this is done before the expiration of 

 five years, money paid in advance as contribution to the cost of 

 the line will be refunded for the unexpired period ; if after five 

 years, no refund will be made. The State accepts no responsi- 



D2 



