EDISON'S REMARKS DELIVERED BY MORSE CODE TO 400 TELEGRAPH OPERATORS EDISON, THOMAS A. Autograph Manuscript, unsigned, draft of an 11-line statement on inside front cover of Telegraph Operators Dinner menu, in pencil. The menu, containing a list of the names of the evening's "speakers by wire," the various dishes being served (printed in Morse code), and the music program. 4 pages, 8vo, pictorial wrappers, bound with silk cord; typed description pasted to front cover at lower edge. [San Francisco, October 1915]
"I am delighted to meet the old pioneers of The Telegraph as well as the younger generation. Bogardus, who for so many years collected from us has passed away, and the new regeme [sic] is on. My capacity for slinging Conversation to an audience is zero, so my Life long friend Samuel Insull will help me out and do the act, 73." "73" is a numerical code representing the words "Best Regards"; this code, along with others representing oft-repeated expressions, was established by telegraphers around 1860. The Telegraph Operators Dinner was convened to honor Thomas Edison at the Commercial Club of San Francisco on October 19, 1915. Over 400 telegraph operators attended the events, during which they interpreted a number of speeches delivered in Morse code, including Edison's remarks contained in the present lot, and listened to music played on an Edison phonograph.
