just as necessary in the life of the individual. It is the saver of time which is our most valuable asset-an asset once gone never to be recovered.

"A place for everything and everything in its place." This applies to the work of yesterday, today and tomorrow, to what you have done and to what you intend to do. It applies to your desk, your work room and your tool chest and it applies to the processes of your mind. Not only concluded transactions should be systematized. Each day's work should be arranged and planned. Future and contemplated transactions as well permit systematic arrangements. Working without a plan is like sailing without a compass.

Business is now regarded as a science. It is only a gamble when men through ignorance, laziness or neglect, choose to make it such. The attention of the keenest minds is directed to methods as much as to ultimate results. Many Many publications of the day are devoted to the systematizing of business. Time saving appliances and short cuts are suggested on every hand.

Every large business is now conducted by a theoretical if not an actual chart. The diagrammatic scheme of every industry is on its office wall. Tabulations and deductions are figured again and again in the attempt to improve upon this scheme and thereby obtain the small margin of profit now possible in business enterprises.

Your superiors can guess for themselves what is approximate or probable, but it is up to you to give them what is actual, definite and precise. Your success in any branch of business will not be based on any lucky strikes or hits but it will depend on your attention to and command of details. The exercise of system will enable you to be exact, and the business world is bossed by the men who are fortified for their tasks, by the men who know. Let the conduct of your own life be dominated by method and order. You will thereby lessen the

difference between what you know and what you ought to know about your business.

In the transactions of a business concern, particularly those of a public service corporation such as our own, where the good will of the public is an asset and

Complaints

where promptness and efficiency mean success, complaints have a great value. Criticism should be received with gratification, not with feelings of annoyance or irritation. The higher the person in authority to whom detailed information of unsatisfactory conditions is brought home, the better and more far reaching will be the remedies applied. So far as a particular complaint is involved it probably can be satisfied by any conscientious representative or employee, but it will be generally found that the situation complained of is the result of a certain policy or condition and that the same causes are having similar results in other instances. The clerk, operator or troubleman can without doubt often remove or correct a particular case of dissatisfaction, but the same facts in the possession of the manager or executive may mean a change of policy or methods which will go to the source of the trouble and for all time eliminate errors of the same nature, thereby lessening friction along the whole line. A doctor is not content with removing only the outward manifestation of a disease. The field of the employee is limited by the prescribed routine of his duties, but this field may be broadened and such limitations extended when particular circumstances, perhaps hitherto unknown to his superior, are brought to his knowledge. We have said many times that the duty of a manager is to plan and supervise and these functions can be most effectively exercised only with the possession of an accurate knowledge of conditions.

Patrons should be brought to a realization that complaints are welcome; that they are solicited. A great many

people are apt to allow a small matter to pass rather than complain, but a bad impression is retained nevertheless. It has probably been their experience in other lines that legitimate and well-meant criticism has been received with indifference if not rebuffs. To bring them to a realization that an expression of their true feelings in respect to their transactions with the Company is welcome and invited, means a valuable advertisement as well as added efficiency. The criticism of employees should be particularly encouraged. Their daily work brings them into closer connection with the public, they learn of situations not reported by patrons, and their own observations based on the information thus acquired and their technical knowledge of the business are likely to suggest action profitable to both the Company and its patrons.

We publish with this issue a photograph of Mr. Geo. J. Petty, Assistant Secretary and Treasurer of The Pacific Telephone and Telegraph Company.

Mr. Petty's service with this Company and its Mr. Geo. J. Petty predecessors has covere l a period of twenty years, continuous with the exception of two years spent in the Philippines at the time of the Spanish War as an officer of the First U. S. Volunteers. In our first editorial of this number we speak of "System" and a reference to Mr. Petty at this time and in this connection is particularly appropriate, for to those familiar with the duties and responsibilities of his department, his name is a synonym for accuracy, exact information and command of details.

Annual Election

At the regular annual meeting of the stockholders of The Pacific Telephone and Telegraph Company the following directors were elected: Henry T. Scott,

J. C. Ainsworth, E. C. Bradley, F. J. Carolan, J. C. Cebrian, Edward Coleman, W. H. Crocker, F. G. Drum, F. W. Eaton, M. Ehrman, Louis Glass, George D. Greenwood, Timothy Hopkins, Homer S. King, Theodore N. Vail, O. J. Woodward and E. J. Zimmer. The directors. organized by electing Henry T. Scott, president; E. C. Bradley, vice-president and general manager; E. J. Zimmer and Louis Glass, vice-presidents; F. W. Eaton, secretary and treasurer.

Telephone is Used for Hunting Coyotes

Of all the thousands of ways in which the telephone contributes to the needs and luxuries of mankind, the most remarkable one so far recorded is its use as an auxiliary in hunting coyotes.

This morning Leroy Moreland, of Gridley Colony No. 1, saw a coyote sneaking up toward his chicken inclosure. He procured his rifle and shot at the animal, breaking its leg. The coyote is fairly nimble in a getaway with only three legs and this one was making good progress out of the country, when Mr. Moreland went to his house and telephoned Harry Turner to pick up the "varmint" as it was going his way. one shell for his shotgun and he used it without effect. He then telephoned to W. L. Harkey that the animal was bound his way and for him to get him. Mr. Harkey shot the coyote and killed it.

Mr. Turner had but

The animal had evidently been driven out of the river bottom covers by the

high water and was forced to foraging in the open. This is the first coyote seen by the settlers on the Colonies in several years.-Gridley, (Cal.) Herald.

"When any Bulletin or general instructions are received, make sure the employes directly interested understand them. READ AND DISCUSS the same with them-it will help you as well as them.

Telephoning in Paris

"I wonder," said a gentleman who has recently returned from Paris, "how long some of the European customs would serve in this country.

"I had a friend in Paris, for instance, who desired to install a telephone. Following the customary rule he wrote the company to that effect. He received a letter some six weeks later instructing him to purchase his phone, and telling him where to get it, and what kind to buy. This he did, and paid $36 for it. The best phones in this country, I have since learned, can be bought for about $10.

"Then my friend wrote the company that he had secured his phone, and about a week later the company sent a man around to install it, at his expense. Before this was done, however, he was compelled to pay $80, the price of the first year's service.

"I had occasion, while there, to use the phone once-I never tried it again. I went to the phone and pushed a button. Just fifteen minutes later central rang up and asked what number I wanted, and gave me the connection. My friend told me that he had sometimes to wait an hour after pressing the button before he got a reply from Central.

"I can see the average Seattleite using a phone service like that. About the first time he tried it he would jerk the thing off the wall and throw it in the furnace." -Argus, Seattle, Washington.

Efficient Service

The Pacific Telephone Company, and especially the local exchange, under the management of Hampton Roberts, deserves commendation for the splendid service rendered during the prevalence. of the storm. Although it was of much longer duration than usual and the flood waters almost reached a record height, there was no interruption in the local service, or in the Sacramento valley service so far as we are aware. The Superior California news department of the

Sacramento Bee addressed letters to Misses Jennie Ervin, Emma Jones and Blanche Esycheck, who alternate in the long distance service, as follows:

"The Superior California news department of the Sacramento Bee thanks you very much for the specially efficient service you rendered it during the time the high water disarranged schedules, and takes this occasion to let you know that your good work was appreciated."

The letters were accompanied by a box of choice candy for each of the operators.—Woodland, (Cal.) Democrat. Why Increased Independent Telephone Rates Are Opposed

In an editorial seeking to justify the demand for increased rates by independent telephone organizations all over the country, Telephony, the Independent or

gan, says:

"Telephone users seem to base their objections to increased charges solely upon the grounds that they do not like to spend money."

This is a long journey from the truth. The first, last and all important objection raised by citizens against concessions of this kind is that the low rates were the inducement which caused them to assent in the granting of the franchise. They were led to believe that the invading telephone company would give superior telephone service at reduced rates, and so there could be no deception or misunderstanding the rates were named in the franchise.

Once established the Independent concerns have ignored their legal and moral obligations to the public, raised the old cry of persecution by the Bell "monopoly" and blatantly demanded advanced

rates.

In history the term "Independent" as applied to telephony will be a reproach.

Co-operation is essential on the part of every employee of this company, and the more thoroughly that co-operation is followed out, the greater will be its suc

cess.

Dual Telephone vs. Competition Up from the South comes an interesting chapter in telephone history. It was written in Savannah. Telephone subscribers in that city ended an experience in dual telephony by requesting the two companies doing business there the Southern Bell and the Georgia Telephone and Telegraph Company-to get together. This request, signed by 1500

subscribers, had all the force of a com

mand. The Georgia company, realizing

that it was the weaker, not merely in actual subscribers, but in its ability to command that absolute essential-capital for development-made a proposition to sell to the Southern Bell Company. This proposition was accepted, after some dickering, was approved by the mayor and aldermen and the Railroad Commission, and now Savannah is served by a "monopoly." It may be added that

instead of fearing it, the people of Savannah seem to be extremely well satisfied with their plight.

And yet the word "competition" once sounded good, for there is a maxim that "competition is the life of trade." Therefore the competing Georgia company was hailed with acclaim. By and by doubts

arose.

The people of Savannah didn't get two telephones-at the price of one, as is so often promised. They got two telephones at the price of two-and they also got some other things in twos, such as telephone instruments, telephone

directories and bills.

These things were minor annoyances, however. What they wanted most they didn't get, and that was ready intercommunication. On the contrary, the more energetical'y the two companies competed for business the higher was

built the barrier between inter-communication. Some subscribers could get along with either service, but in order to be in touch with all their customers and clients, the business and professional men had to have both systems.

When they figured out to their own satisfaction that there is a marked distinction between competition and dual telephony, that competition applies only to the sale of a particular thing, that in telephony this particular thing is intercommunication, and that inter-communication was impossible, with two telephone companies in the same field, save at a

cost which subscribers burdened with ally asked the companies to solve the two telephones had to pay-they naturproblem by uniting.

These facts are worth remembering, because every employe is from time to time challenged with statements regarding the benefits of competition. In theory an argument on this subject may run on without end. Here, however, is a concrete answer, based on a practical trial. It deals with conditions that were met in the year 1908, and it came, not as a hasty decision, but as a firm conviction based upon an experience of eight years, and as the result of an agitation. by the principal telephone-users of the city. Telephone Topics.

Good Authority

In a recent issue Printer's Ink calls attention to the value of the telephone directory as an advertising medium and

says:

"It has two distinct elements of value found in no other medium except, per

haps, the city directory. First, it is a permanent fixture instead of a periodical affair, and widely distributed among the best business houses and homes of its community. Second, it gives ample space for the publication of an extended story in cases where the advertiser would probably be unable to tell the same story through newspapers."

Twixt Optimist and Pessimist

The difference is droll, The Optimist sees the doughnut, The Pessimist the hole.

Value of the Telephone to Small Communities The telephone system recently installed at Vallejo, Cal., by The Pacific Telephone and Telegraph Company has been the subject of favorable comment from the local press. As stated in the Vallejo Chronicle, the telephone has long passed the stage when it was a luxury to be enjoyed by the well-to-do and has become. a necessity not only to public institutions and private enterprises, but to the home as well. The telephone of today is a servant to the city and the people, and a very useful servant it is. Every public building is equipped with telephones, which are always busy taking care of the city's affairs. We find them in all the departments of the city hall, in the fire department's quarters throughout the city, in the schools and hospitals, the police department, and in the office of the water and light companies; and these public institutions would be at sea if their telephone connections were cut off for an hour. While the city finds it an absolute necessity, the average citizen finds it just as essential to his welfare. This is evidenced by the large number of 'phones which have been installed during the past year in private homes.

A few years ago, if we found it necessary to call a physician, it meant a walk of often a mile or two. If he was not in when we got there, it meant another trip to some other physician. Today we reach his residence by 'phone in a few seconds, and if he is out, we call up another one in the same length of time, thus saving valuable time and allowing us to remain at home. We find we need something from the store or market in a hurry, and still cannot find time to go for it. Without a 'phone we have to get along without it, but with one we can call up and have goods delivered to us without losing any time. In case of rain or bad weather, the telephone proves to be the housewife's best friend. One woman in speaking of her telephone calls it "her

friend on the wall." Our most distant friends are always within call and in case of need can be summoned at a minute's notice. As a social aid, the telephone is society's best friend. Every day, invitations are issued over a 'phone and arrangements made for these delightful, informal parties and gatherings. Without a telephone, these informal affairs would be difficult.

The business man already knows the value of a telephone to him and it is not a question of having a telephone, but a reliable telephone, that interests him. daily over the telephone and important Many important deals are now closed matters involving thousands of dollars are decided after a conference over the 'phone between two men who may be at the time hundreds of miles apart. A reliable telephone and good service are necessary then.-Journal of Electricity, Power and Gas.

A Boston lady had given her marketman her daily order over the telephone, and later in the day decided to change it a little and countermand an order she had given for some liver.

Ringing up the market-man, she said: "You remember that I gave you an order for a pound of liver a little while ago?"

"Yes," was the reply.

"Well, I find that I do not need it, and you need not send it."

Before she could put down the receiver she heard the market-man say to some one in the store:

"Take out Mrs. Blank's liver. She says she can get along without it."— Lippincotts.

"Systematize everything-your work, recreation, finances. This is the way to cut out unnecessary drudgery, unnecessary indulgences that have ceased to amuse and only do you harm, and unnecessary leakages in your expense account."