N&W in 1909--Telephone line

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Bluefield Daily Telegraph
February 11, 1909

PRIVATE TELEPHONE FROM CREWE TO WILLIAMSON
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Norfolk and Western Completes Line--Not Likely to Displace Any Telegraph Operators

    The Norfolk and Western has completed its private telephone line from Bluefield to Williamson and it is now in operation.  The company now has a telephone system extending from Crewe to Williamson and that part of the system which has been completed is first class in every respect.  It has been feared by a number of the telegraph operators that the inauguration of this line would mean the doing away with the services of a large number of men.  From best sources of information obtainable it has been learned that the railway company does not intend to do away with the telegraph office but may replace a few O. S. operators with telephone operators.  The telephone is really an experiment and is but following out a plan which is general with all large companies who have a number of offices which at all times it is necessary to be in connection with.
    It is claimed that according to the old method of telegraphing or writing concerning various matters it was impossible to close up the matters with any degree of dispatch as several telegrams and letters would have to be exchanged before any real object would be accomplished.  According to the present plan of using the telephone it is expected that business matters can be transacted more satisfactorily and with more dispatch than under the old method.  Everyone who has had occasion to telegraph knows that a conversation over the 'phone is much more satisfactory and on this account, it is said, more than any other, the railroad company has installed a telephone service.
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Gordon Hamilton
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