M. D. Crain, Manager.
I need $20 very badly today; may I draw the same?
Signed, M. D. Crain, Operator.
Then Manager Crain would reply:
To M. D. Crain, Operator.
Yes, Mark, you certainly can draw $20, as you deserve it.
Signed, M. D. Crain, Manager.
After this formula had been gone through and properly signed and filed, the Colonel would draw the money, but not before.
****
In the 70’s there was an operator named Robert C. Hayes, who worked in Cincinnati, St. Louis, Chicago and Omaha. “Bob,” as he was called, was a great operator and was in demand in emergency cases and it was no wonder that Charles Selden selected him as one of those to assist during the national convention held in Cincinnati in 1876.
The convention had been in progress for several days and everybody was tired and worn out with expectancy.
One afternoon Hayes, Tom Dudley and Bob Irwin were allowed 30 minutes for luncheon. Upon their return, the doors of the convention hall opened and a mass of excited men rushed out, yelling, “Hayes!” “Hayes!” “Hayes!” “Bob” Hayes immediately left his comrades and flew down the street.
“What’s the matter?” cried Tom Dudley after the fleeing man.
“Oh, hush! hush!” cried back the fleeting Hayes, “don’t you hear my creditors yelling after me.”