e a plurality of calls is desired, the dispatcher calls
one station after another, getting the answer from one while the next is
being called, and so on. By speaking into a telephone many more words
may be transmitted in a given time than by Morse telegraphy. It is
possible to send fifty words a minute by Morse, but such speed is
exceptional. Less than half that is the rule. The gain in high speed,
therefore, which is obtained is obvious and it has been found that this
is a most important feature on busy divisions. It is true that in the
issuance of "orders," the speed, in telephonic train dispatching, is
limited to that required to write the words in longhand. But all
directions of a collateral character, the receipt of important
information, and the instantaneous descriptions of emergency situations
can be given and received at a speed limited only by that of human
speech.

The dispatcher is also brought into a closer personal relation with the
station men and trainmen, and this feature of direct personal
communication has been found to be of importance in bringing about a
higher degree of co-operation and better discipline in the service.

Telephone dispatching has features peculiar to itself which are
important in improving the class of service. One of these is the
"answer-back" automatically given to the dispatcher by the waystation
bell. This informs the dispatcher whether or not the bell at the station
rang, and excuses by the operators that it did not, are eliminated.

Anyone can answer a telephone call in an emergency. The station
operator is frequently agent also, and his duties often take him out of
hearing of the telegraph sounder. The selector bell used with the
telephone can be heard for a distance of several hundred feet. In
addition, it is quite likely that anyone in the neighborhood would
recognize that the station was wanted and either notify the operator or
answer the call.

In cases of emergency the train crews can get into direct communication
with the dispatcher immediately, by means of portable telephone sets
which are carried on the trains. It is a well-known fact that every
minute a main line is blocked by a wreck can be reckoned as great loss
to the railroad.

It is also possible to install siding telephone sets located either in
booths or on poles along the right-of-way. These are in general service
today at sidings, crossings, drawbridges, water tanks, and such places,
where it may be e