1920: Walter P. Phillips, noted editor & inventor of "Phillips Code"

NOTED EDITOR, INVENTOR OF “PHILLIPS CODE” IS DEAD.

Walter P. Phillips, died last Saturday at the age of 73 years.

Mr. Phillips had a long and successful career in the newspaper business, starting as a reporter on the Providence (R.I.) Journal, in 1865. He later became editor-in-chief of another Providence paper, the Herald, leaving in 1872 to join the New York Sun. He was a member of the Sun Alumni Association.

In 1875 Mr. Phillips entered the service of the Associated Press and within a year rose to be assistant manager. He was made general manager of the old United Press, with headquarters in New York in 1882.

Mr. Phillips was the author of “Phillips Code,” which increased the carrying capacity of press association wires more than 200 percent. He was the father of the late Albert C. Phillips of the editorial staff of the New York Times.

Source: The Fourth Estate: A Weekly Newspaper for Publishers, Advertisers, Advertising Agents and Allied Interests, by Frank H. Lancaster and Ernest F. Birmingham, published by Fourth Estate Publishing Company, 1920; Pg. 30