ame extent
as the telephone exchange. The automatic machine has made a considerable
change in this occupation. The Morse operator is now employed to a much
smaller extent than formerly. There are still a number of men and women
who are Morse operators, but they are being replaced to a certain extent
by girls who operate automatic machines. The machines are extremely
ingenious and do away with the necessity for the operator to understand
or use a code.

Telegraph companies in some cases maintain a school for the instruction of
Morse operators, and girls who enter telegraphy receive a weekly wage while
at the school, as is the case with girls in the telephone school. In some
cases instruction is given during work in the operating room. Schools are
at central points only. If the girl who wants to learn telegraphy lives
in a small town or in the country, she must be taught by the telegraph
operator. A number of girl operators are to be found in country offices.
The writer remembers specially two of these girls. One was in a telegraph
and cable office down by the sea. She had been a telephone operator and
had learned telegraphy from the telegrapher in the same office. The other
girl was in an inland railway office, and had learned from her brother,
who had held the position before her. Both these girls were earning good
salaries.

The hours in a telegraph office in the city are from eight to six, with a
luncheon hour. The room in which the girl is at work is crowded with
machines and people. There is a good deal of noise and a great pressure of
business, much of which is important. The girl needs to be thoroughly
interested in her work and to have steady nerves in order to do well in
telegraph operating. It will take her several years to become a competent
Morse operator. An automatic machine is operated by a typist. The companies
apply a simple psychological test by means of which they can judge whether
the applicant has the power of concentration necessary for accuracy and
success in this employment.

Many girl operators have charge of agencies in different parts of towns
and cities. These girls have agreeable work under no great pressure in a
quiet place, although with a certain amount of responsibility.

The wages paid girls who operate automatic machines vary according to the
age, ability and efficiency of the workers, and the locality where the
work is done. Typists may begin at seventy-five dollars a month, with
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