Jasper County Democrat, Volume 8, Number 4, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 29 April 1905 — MUTUAL TELEPHONE LINES. [ARTICLE]

MUTUAL TELEPHONE LINES.

Rensselaer, Ind., April 27,05. Editor Democrat: I have been requested to write something on the Mutual Telephone system; a number of people have inquired, about the cost, running expenses, etc. Our line is about six and a half miles long, has nine phones on a No. 10 wire which cost about $7.20 per mile. A mile weighs about 265 lbs. No. 12 wire would probably have answered every purpose; it weighs about SJ6S pounds• per mile and costs about $5. While common galvanized wire is extensively used it is not to be recommended for first-class work, because in a year it is badly rusted. A No. 12 double galvanized wire costs about $7.50 per mile, just one-half more than the common, and ought to. last a lifetime. It is known as “B-B.” No reputable, company recommends common wire for telephone purposes. A still higher grade of wire is called “Extra B-B.” Brackets cost l|c, insulators 2|o. Ordinary country lines will need need 28 to 30 poles per mile. Native poles should be of burr oak or white oak, should be peeled, and ought to last from seven to ten years. At first we had two phones on the line; they run 18 months before renewing the batteries, which cost 12c per phone. We are using wet batteries, but dry batteries are handier, cleaner and more generally used now. Good telephones cost from $11.50 to $12.00 or sl3, If 500 are wanted they would want to send a representative to figure with you. I have been requested to announce that would be a Mutual Telephone meeting at Mt. Ayr, on the evening of May 20.

WM. HALSTEAD.