Democratic Sentinel, Volume 20, Number 28, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 17 July 1896 — Heard from Afar. [ARTICLE]

Heard from Afar.

The wonders and pleasures of the long-distance telephone are most agreeably illustrated by two pretty stories told by the Tacoma Ledger. The first has to do with a Chicago man who had been hunting in the northern woods, and happened Into Merrill, Wis., on the very day that the longdistance telephone line opened an office in the town. .Hearing of the innovation, he decided at once to lruprovs his opportunity. He went into one of the “sound* proof” booths and had himself put in communication with his family. A* they had a telephone In the house the task was a small one. He chatted with his wife, told her a fish story at which she might smile without embarrassing him, since he could not see the sign of Incredulity, talked with hli boy and girl, and then called tot “Gyp.” “Gyp” was a setter, a great family pet, who had been left behind because of an accident which rendered him lame. Gyp was called to the telephone, and he stood on a chair, his fore-feel on the back, and his mistress held the transmitter to his ear. “Hello, Gyp!” called the mas fey fyom Merrill. And the dog in Chicago pricked up his ears and whined. The master whistled cheerfully, and Gyp barked directly Into the receiver. He kDew his master’s voice, and the whistle as well; and the master cheered him by ready laughter at the prompt and eager reply. It was worth the two or three dollars that It cost A lady living .near Indianapolis, who had for more than a year been In delicate health, was brought to Chicago early last winter, where she received surgical treatment in a hospital. It was impossible to take her home for the Christmas celebration, although she had so far recovered that she could walk readily all over the hospital. She had three beautiful children at home, and the father prepared a Christmas tree, just as he had formerly done. Only he added one new feature. He had the electricians come in on the afternoon before Christmas and put his residence telephone into the tree, where it was concealed with pine needles and tinsel. . He arranged with the long-distance people, apprised his wife of her part in the play, and at a certain moment in the evening, when the children, bubbling over with joy at their presents, still felt a sadness at the absence of their mother, he clapped the receiver to the ear of his youngest child, and the gentle voice of “mamma” came over the wire. It was their most precious Christmas present