APPENDIX No. 20.

REPORT OF FIRST-CLASS SERGT. HARRY W. CHADWICK, SIGNAL CORPS, ON SIGNAL CORPS EXHIBIT AT THE PAN-AMERICAN EXPOSITION, BUFFALO, N. Y.

BUFFALO, N. Y., September 27, 1901.

SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report relative to the Signal Corps exhibit, Government Building, Pan-American Exposition, Buffalo, N. Y., as directed: In selecting this exhibit it was decided to use only such up-to-date apparatus and field equipment with which the public in general were not familiar and would prove highly interesting and instructive, and if possible allay the impression usually arising during these occasions "that the Government is being used as a medium or basis for advertising purposes." As most of our instruments are manufactured by commercial firms and bear their marks, it was therefore thought advisable to utilize only the field telegraphic day and night signaling, in order that practical demonstrations could be given daily to illustrate fully their uses during active field operations.

The exhibit is divided into four sections, and instruments, equipment, etc., for indoor explanatory purposes are arranged systematically in groups relative to their respective class of signaling, viz:

Section I.-Heliographs, lanterns, and other equipment for visual day and night signaling.

Section II.-Vibrators-telegraphic and telephonic-of different types; outpost cable cart and telephone sets, all electrically connected for illustration purposes.

Section III-Wireless telegraph transmitting and receiving sets fully equipped for practical work, and Western Union telegraph instrument in circuit regulating time ball.

Section IV-Official photographic enlargements of Philippine insurrection, photographed and enlarged by members of the Signal Corps.

The display is situated next to the wall on a side aisle, and occupies a floor space 15 by 20 feet, including 34-foot passages on either side, surrounded by partitions, standing uniformed figures, and mounted troopers on pedestals, entirely obstructing our view from the passing public in main aisle, and making it most difficult to locate.

APPARATUS FOR VISUAL SIGNALING.

On this equipment the heliograph has taken a prominent place in the minds of the informed and reading public and is attracting universal attention, for the important part it played during Western Indian campaigns, and valuable assistance rendered the besieged English troops at Ladysmith, South Africa, last year. The large attendance and extraordinary interest manifested during our daily signal work, from main entrance of Government Building to top of the Temple of Music fully indicates our efforts are eminently successful and appreciated by the audience. The setting up of the apparatus, adjustments with single and double mirrors with reference to the position of the sun and its manipulation, are clearly explained by Corporal Young and Private Thompson, who are fully conversant and expert signalmen, and deserve great credit for their skill, tact, and endless patience in performance of this and like duties.

WIRELESS-TELEGRAPHIC APPARATUS.

Unfortunately the space allowed for these instruments and accommodation of the public is entirely inadequate in proportion to the attendance, which is increasing daily; but the amount of interest and enthusiasm shown by the intelligent public, electricians, and others since its installation is most gratifying. Crowds begin to gather long before the advertised hours, and when the space will hold no more they perch themselves on elevated positions and there patiently await the designated time. The demonstration consists in its practical operation, transmitting and receiving messages, and a thorough simplified explanation, describing the working parts and theory of the entire apparatus. In order to expedite matters and satisfy public demands, it was found absolutely necessary to devote two hours daily-11 a. m. to 12 m. and 2 to 3 p. m.-exclusively to these exhibitions, giving an equal chance to all, preventing, so far as possible, the usual disgruntled feeling due from disappointment, as many of them no doubt denied themselves of other pleasures to be present.

EXPERIMENTAL FIELD APPARATUS.

During the four-days' conference of electrical experts held at the Temple of Music many of them took especial interest in this part of the display, and the result was a rigid inspection and test of all the most important electrical instruments. Many of them contended that, with exception of the wireless set, the field telegraphic and telephonic vibrator type "D" was the most practical and unique apparatus of the kind they had ever seen, when used in connection with the outpost cable and reel cart. They were highly elated and expressed much surprise at our success in carrying on communication over naked wire strung along the ground, with a six-foot break in the circuit.

PHOTOGRAPHS.

The fifty-two official photographic enlargements taken by the Signal Corps, representing the different regiments who served in the Philippines, and pictorially illustrating many incidents during active hostilities and operation of the American troops in Luzon, is a drawing card, and have received much attention from artists, photographers, and others who make a specialty of art. In many instances visitors have readily recognized among them friends or relatives engaged in active service. They have been tastefully matted, labeled with their respective data, and arranged in wall and partition panels which are of contrast in color, giving them the proper effect and showing them off to an advantage.

I would state that from an educational point of view the exhibit thus far is a decided success and fully warrants the expenditure and trouble involved. Many eminent professors, scientists, leading electricians, and prominent people of the United States, Canada, and other parts of the world have attended our demonstrations. They expressed much pleasure in having an opportunity to familiarize themselves with this branch of the service, and freely commended the high efficiency of the corps and the many modern resources used as a means of communication in the field under all circumstances, which seems to have been unknown to the public in general.

Very respectfully,

H. W. CHADWICK, First-Class Sergeant, Signal Corps.

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