WAR AND DISCOURAGEMENT 117 
It was, of course, no easy problem to solve, regardless of the 
route chosen. 
The technical aspects were underestimated at first. Knowl- 
edge of engineering and of electrical science had to be gained 
by the slow method of making costly mistakes. Much had 
been learned, however, by this time concerning the manu- 
facture and laying of cables, and the best system of signaling 
through them. Human brains and energies were at last des- 
tined to succeed in this long fight with nature. Field’s initia- 
tive and perseverance were at last to be rewarded. 
