The Dermott News

THINGS THAT FOLKS TALK ABOUT ACROSS THE OCEAN

A kiss, a dancing lesson, a $25,000,000 financial project, are some of the things that folks talk about across the ocean.

While financial and business matters constitute a large part of the traffic, the number of relatively trivial things discussed at a cost of $81, the minimum charge for 3 minutes conversation, really is surprising. according to Percy Redmund, general manager of the Southwestern Bell Telephone Company.

Two Missouri families counted that a moderate rate for reunions with daughters thousands of miles away in England. A St. Louis newspaper used the service to interview a famous statesman at his London home, publishing his views upon the Chinese situation that night.

"These, however," Redmund explained, "are quite prosaic phases of the radiophone's use; there are a score of more unique purposes that it has filled."

"Sneezes and songs have been transmitted with more or less success, although few details concerning the former may be had. The song was sent, however, after a New Yorker had inquired if he could transmit the words and music of a new tune.

"He was told that it was questionable whether the music would go over satisfactorily, but decided to chance it. Conditions proved favorable and the song is now being sung, played, whistled and hummed in London.

"A famous New York Dancing teacher instructed a London dancing teacher in the steps of the Black Bottom-via the transoceanic channel. A talking machine was placed close to the New York telephone; the instructor counted while the record played, and a girl assistant stamped the steps he described.

"In Philadelphia a leading department store learned that blue is the prevailing mode in the colors of women's dress in Paris. An American father in London, talking with his home, received the news that his infant son had achieved his first tooth.

"A prince visiting in America spoke with his country's minister in London. A Paris specialist travelled to England to prescribe treatment for a patient in New Orleans. A man in New Hampshire talked with a London firm, arranging reservations for a Mediterranean cruise.

"An advertisement placed by an American business house in an English newspaper over the telephone, brought a response from a potential London customer. A $25,000,000 bond issue was arranged. Details were agreed upon by a telephone call to London on a Saturday and the bonds were offered early the following week."