Page:The life and letters of Sir John Henniker Heaton bt. (IA lifelettersofsi00port).pdf/320

 market value) and work the cables, at the lowest remunerative rates, with a view to the utmost possible employment of the wires by day and night for the benefit of all her Majesty's subjects.

(b) That, since the charge for telegrams in both France and England does not exceed a halfpenny per word, the rate from England to France should be one penny per word, instead of twopence per word as at present. That telegrams should be sent also to Belgium, Holland, and Germany for a penny per word, and reductions in rate made in the case of Egypt and other countries.

(c) That the cost of a telephone message between London and Paris be reduced to 2s. 6d. for three minutes' conversation, instead of 8s. as at present.

One person observes that it is more expensive to speak through the London-Paris telephone than to utter libels and slanders at a public meeting.

Here are letters from members of the public—cormorants—asking that the names and addressee—not exceeding eight words in all—of the sender and addressee of a telegram should be transmitted free; and that twenty words in place of twelve words shall be sent for sixpence.

Point out that we lose heavily on telegraphs; but do not explain why—that it is chiefly because we bought them so dear, and have to pay heavy interest—that would be turned against us.

Now for a halfpenny grievance:

—You will confer a great favour on the community at trifling cost to the department, and remove