OPERATOR, OPERATOR

Within the next three months it is possible that an English drawl may come rippling over the ocean with a "Hello--are you there?", to be answered by a crisp Vermont "Yes?" For George of Buckingham and Windsor, and Calvin of Washington and Plymouth are to inaugurate the transatlantic telephone service by what the Associated Press calls a "short conversation". And already the curious are wondering what will be the topic of conversation. Whatever it is it will prove food for columnists and Will Rogers; kings and presidents don't give each other a ring every day.

George might chat concerning the aces or Bond Street styles--but would Calvin be interested? Calvin, on the other hand, could discourse with some use and a great deal of knowledge about the maple sugar industry as practised in the New England States; but, then, George might be bored. The Queen would no doubt want to be remembered to Mrs. Coolidge but such courtesies require only a brief time for despated. Certainly neither gentleman will open the question of debits or foreign trade--politics are taboo in polite social circles. It is a difficult situation when two parties of such different tastes as George of Buckingham and Windsor and Calvin of Washington and Plymouth get together--even over a telephone. But as it is there will probably he no trouble: central will, as usual, probably oblige with the wrong number.