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Automatic Telephony

a system whereby the user of the telephone effects his or her own connections by pressing the desired succession of numbers on a dial provided with the telephone instrument. The connection is automatically made at the central station without the intervention of any switchboard operator. The automatic system has been in successful use in the Middle West for several years and is rapidly being introduced into Eastern cities .

AZERBAIJAN. Under Soviet Russia since 1920. Local Soviet government established at Baku. Included in new Transcaucasian Federation under Russian control (October, 1921). B religious movement which teaches the unity of all religions and the final oneness of religion and reason. It originated in Persia under Mirza Houssein Ali, who called himself the Baha Ullah, meaning "The One Whom God Should Manifest," and it has spread to many countries, including the United States, where there are over twenty societies professing the beliefs of Bahaism. Its recognized leader, Abdul Baha Abbas, visited the United States in 1912. He died Nov. 30, 1921. Bahaism forbids the denunciation of any of the established creeds, recognizing Christ, Moses, and Mohammed all as prophets; but it counsels its followers to lay aside superstitions and ecclesiastical dogmas in favor of individual investigation and thought. It is opposed to all forms of harshness and hatred, including war. It teaches monogamy, equality of the sexes, and universal education, and forbids the use of intoxicants and drugs and of gambling.