for Foreign Affairs to C. E. De Long , Envoy Extraordinary and, November 20, 1872
Soyeshima Tane-omi to Mr. De Long.
Sir: I had the honor to communicate to your excellency, in a letter dated the 2d of the 9th month, that a telegraphic line from Tokei to Kioto having been completed, it would be opened on the 7th of the same month for public use; but on account of its being only recently finished the operators are not fairly accustomed to its working, and delay is often caused; so I beg leave to hand to your excellency the accompanying proclamation issuing from the department of public works.
With respect and consideration,
H. I. J. M. Minister for Foreign Affairs.
His Excellency C. E. De Long, Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of United States and Hawaiian Islands.
The section of telegraph between Tokei, Osaka, and Kobe, being part of the intended line to Nagasaki, was opened to the public, as a preliminary measure, almost as soon as that part of the line had been constructed.
There have, however, frequently been delays and interruptions of communications in consequence of the want of skill and experience of the young clerks, and other causes impossible to avoid at the beginning in working an extensive line, but which the officers are busy looking after at all times.
If any interruption happens at intermediate stations, messages must be sent by post to the next nearest station having communication, in order to obtain as much as possible the convenience of the telegraph.
As in the commencement of working a line these matters are unavoidable, the foreign and native community are requested to notice the above, as this department cannot hold itself responsible for delays.
An increase of telegraphic means of communication is being rapidly pushed forward, and as soon as completed, and after great inspection, between Tokei and Nagasaki, it is expected all complaints on this head will cease to have any foundation.
11th month, 5th Meiji, Telegraph Department.