As Mr. Washburne claims for European telegraphs speed, certainty, and
economy, it is well to be able to read Belgian official testimony on the
same subject. The last report of the Belgian department of public works
has the following paragraph:—
“Imperfection has existed at all times and in all places. It is in
vain to attempt to obtain equally rapid and exact transmission under
all circumstances. Delay will occur, whatever may be done to prevent
it, by the blocking up of lines, by a temporary influx of business;
and, in a country where distances are short, that delay may equal,
and sometimes even exceed, the time that would be occupied in
transmitting by railway.”
Official truthfulness and modesty thus lifts the veil from a system held
up for our admiration, and reveals its weakness.