CHAPTER XVI.

THE MAGNETIC AND MORSE CLUBS ENTERTAIN

Much activity was being displayed by the New York members of the Pleiades Club on the fields surrounding the Telegraphers’ Tabernacle, and the air reverberated with the sound of the hammer.

This activity was being manifest in the construction of old-fashioned balloons, shambling dirigibles and the more graceful aeroplane.

Of course it was really not necessary for the spirits on the planet Mars to have any such slow means of locomotion but the idea seemed to keep busy and active and be entertaining to their friends.

The air craft was unique in appearance and novel in design, and would have been considered marvelous on Mother Earth.

Many hundreds of ex-New York telegraphers were on the plaza, engaged in more serious conversation than was generally their wont. The interest centered on the war and the devastation being created by the U-boats.

“I have the greatest confidence and hope in the ability of Tom Edison to cope successfully with this menace,” said Biff Cook, “just as he has mastered many another difficult problem. I have no doubt that even now his keen brain has invented a device to offset the machinations of the submarine. I don’t like to see our American boys engaged in this strife and hope that Uncle Sam’s entrance into the arena will have the moral effect of bringing on the hoped-for peace,” and “Biff” sat down after prolonged applause.

The New York Aeroplane Club invited their friends for a whirl through space, their object being to try and meet the “Thunderbolt Express,” which was expected hourly bearing George W. Conkling.

Some hundred miles down the line, the “Thunderbolt Express” was stopped and Mr. Conkling stepped aboard the dirigible “Gotham” (Tom Ragen, commander), where he was saluted by whistles laden with “73,” etc.

Mr. Conkling was pleased with his reception and the evening was spent in listening to the latest news from Mother Earth as delivered by America’s fastest telegrapher.

“There is going to be a meeting of the Magnetic Club tonight in the Telegraphers’ Tabernacle and you are all invited to come and have a good time.”

The speaker was John W. Mackay, and as his voice rang out in hospitable notes, a tumult of applause broke out on every side, which assured a full house.

The irrepressible John W. Kelly promised to be on hand to entertain the gathering as “only Kelly can.”

Former telegraph presidents, general superintendents, construction superintendents, linemen, managers, operators, chiefs and wiremen all promised to take part in the banquet which was destined to be a never-forgotten affair.

Music was the feature of the banquet and all the patriotic pieces were played and encored to the echo.

J. W. Kelly was more than usually at home and his songs and jokes kept the audience in a roar.

Addresses were made by the following gentlemen: Belvidere Brooks, Alfred S. Brown, “Biff” Cook, Charlie Parr, Tom Dolan, A. E. Sink, Jimmy Hennessey, Ed. Delaney and others.

“We have had such a nice time this evening and we have all been very much entertained,” said Belvidere Brooks, “and as none of us are tired, supposing we take an air flight in our machines by way of recreation, and when we return the members of the Morse Club will be very glad to have you tarry at our big round table and partake of the Club’s hospitality.”

Events were occurring rather fast, but there was nobody disinclined to have all the enjoyment there was in sight, and after a joyful aerial ride, the Morse Club rooms began filling up.

A diversion of programme was made and many ladies, known to the profession, were present.

The speakers were: Alfred S. Downer and his brother David, Gillie Olmstead, Henry A. Bogardus, Gib Merrill, George Fagan, Hank Cowan and others.

Those present besides those mentioned were: William Orton, Norvin Green, C. A. Tinker, E. D. L. Sweet, R. H. Rochester, D. Rich, Stephen D. Field and his uncle Cyrus W. Field, Moses G. Farmer, S. F. B. Morse, Alfred Vail, Ed. Leslie, Fred N. Bassett, P. V. DeGraw, Ham. Young, L. B. McCarthy, Dennis Doran, H. H. Ward, W. D. Schram, J. W. Morlan, W. L. Waugh, Thomas T. Eckert, Maurice Brick, D. B. Mitchell, Thomas P. Scully, J. A. Henneberry, E. E. Stewart, James McParlan, H. V. Shelley, M. H. Redding, Lant Jones, H. P. Dwight, J. C. Hinchman, William J. Holmes and many others well known on earth several years ago.