A correspondent informs the Times that in Switzerland the tele-
graph is the property of the State, an office is established in almost every village, and the charge is uniform, one franc for twenty-five words, irrespective of distance. The despatches are printed, and the establishment yields a large revenue to Government. The writer advocates a similar system in England, where the need for it is much greater than in Switzerland, and where the profit would be enormous. We have repeatedly pressed this idea upon the public as one which would equalize facilities of communication, greatly increase trade, and yield a revenue which Mr. Gladstone may apply if he pleases to reduce the national debt. At present our messages are badly sent at dear rates, whole districts are with- out telegraphs, and the State gains nothing.
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