El manejo administrativo y fiscal del sistema telegráfico en el Estado de Santander, 1865-1910

In the context of institutional history, and with a quantitative and descriptive approach, this article examines the telegraph system in the State of Santander between 1865 and 1910 through the analysis of profitability levels, the tariff andfranchise system, the organization of offices and employees, and the provision of facilities. Given the difficulties of the national treasury, which funded this communication system, the economic and logistical support of the Santander sectional government was highly useful. Additionally, as an alternative, there was a relatively successful involvement of the private sector through the administrative contracts for the construction and maintenance of the networks. Despite being a branch that showed deficit figures, the national government still undertook the investment required to maintain this service, as it was a strategic public good for political control at the provincial level, as well as a guarantee of social connectivity and economic development. This goal was achieved in the State of Santander, where, despite political interference and civil wars, there was a sustained expansion of the telegraph networks and offices, making it a key link between the interior and the Caribbean coast. This study was carried out using primary sources such as official reports, regulatory compilations and industry journals as well as secondary sources with studies on this sector.