Evening Republican, Volume 15, Number 229, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 28 September 1911 — King George Uses Telephone; Private in Buckingham Palace. [ARTICLE]

King George Uses Telephone; Private in Buckingham Palace.

Among the many improvements at Buckingham Palace, London, sweeping alteration's have been made in regard to the telephone department, which in King Edward’s time was of the most primitive description. late king heartily disliked the teleprone and never used it, if he could manage without it, but .King George, who is methodical and businesslike, uses it constantly by day and night. The general postofilce has now installed a special exchange in the palace with three fffty-line'switchboards, two for day and one for night service. There, is an extension from the switchboard to the, king’s private apartments, and, in addition, the king has a private exchange line of his own which is used for specially private conversations on affairs of state With cabinet ministers and high officials. There is also a private wire to Windsor Castle and to the residence of Lord Knollys, Sir Arthur Bigg>and other court officials; to Mkrlborough House, York House, the residence of the Duke of Connaught and St. James Palace. V The most extraordinary precautions have been taken to prevent these private conversations from being overheard. The king’s number, which is, of course, not made, public, is “832 Westminister,” hut any oqp who expected to “get through to the king” by calling up that number would be disappointed. King George frequently gets through a lot of business on > the telephone before he goes out at nine o’clock for his ride in Hyde Park. _ Queen Mary has a private line and also an exchange line. The latter facility' Princess Mary also enjoys; she can converse with her parents or with the occupants of the schoolroom. Miss Knollys has a telephone in - her sitting room, from which she can converse with Qufeen Mary or Queen Alexandra.