Wilrtemberg 423 



derived circuits so created would render the action of the fire 

 indicator uncertain ; so each subscriber is provided with an 

 earthing peg, with which he grounds his instrument by day, keep- 

 ing it in a non-contact hole at night. So, normally, the fire-station 

 is connected to a number of lines insulated at their further ends. 

 When an alarm has to be given, the subscriber shifts his peg from 

 its dummy hole to the earthing contact, and is enabled to ring 

 the fire-station without loss of current through other subscribers' 

 lines and instruments. In the morning all pegs have to be shifted 

 to the earth contacts before communication with the exchange can 

 be had ; in the evening, at closing time, all pegs must be shifted to 

 the dummy holes. Before joining to the fire- station the operator 

 tests each line, and any found still to earth are left unconnected 

 unless the subscriber can be got to answer his bell and remedy 

 his mistake, or unless the subscriber has instructed the central 

 office beforehand to advise him by special messenger at his 

 expense of the occurrence of such an omission. There is little 

 to be said in favour of such a system as this. It is too compli- 

 cated, requiring apt attention at many hands and at stated 

 hours. A clerk's forgetfulness overnight may deprive his em- 

 ployers of the prompt assistance of the fire-brigade, and in the 

 morning (through leaving the line insulated) of important messages. 

 A far more satisfactory plan, and one to which Wiirtemberg will 

 no doubt come before long, is to arrange for an all-night service 

 at the exchanges. It costs little, and enhances the usefulness and 

 popularity of the telephone immensely. It is not surprising to 

 find that the State disclaims all responsibility for the failure of the 

 system to act. 



TARIFFS 



i. Rates for local exchange communication. If within three 

 kilometers (1-7 miles about) the rate is 5/., payable annually in ad- 

 vance, although the State may, if thought fit, demand payment 

 every six months. For this the State finds, instate, and maintains 

 the line and instrument. Beyond the limit an excess rate of 

 i/. 5-r. per kilometer or fraction thereof is levied. 



