The Bell group, instead of being driven from the field, were at once lifted to a higher level in the business world.

The effect was as if the Standard Oil Company were to commence the manufacture of aeroplanes.

In a flash, the telephone ceased to be a "scientific toy," and became an article of commerce.

It began for the first time to be taken seriously.

And the Western Union, in the endeavor to protect its private lines, became involuntarily a bell-wether to lead capitalists in the direction of the telephone.
Sanders's relatives, who were many and rich, came to his rescue.