From: arl_123234@hotmail.com   
      
   Hello, everyone.  Historically (at least in the U.S.), the positive   
   terminal of the 48-volt battery stack at the central office is   
   intentionally connected to an earth ground.  I can't seem to find any   
   info on why this is necessary or how it improves/facilitates the   
   operation of a traditional analog common battery telephone system.   
   Thanks for your time and comment.  Sincerely,   
   --   
   J. B. Wood	            e-mail: arl_123234@hotmail.com   
      
   --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05   
    * Origin: you cannot sedate... all the things you hate (1:229/2)