Abstract: A straight line dialing mechanism for a telephone employs a movable plate having finger tip accommodating apertures. Initial movement of the plate to an index position causes a spline on the plate to close a switch that short circuits the telephone receiver and winds a spring that supplies the force for return of the plate. Return movement of the plate is controlled by a speed governor. The plate carries a series of nodes which actuate the leaf of a normlly closed switch to momentarily open the switch with the passage of each node in the return of the plate to its initial position. The leaf carries a ratchet head that enables the nodes to pass in the opposite direction without appreciable flexure of the leaf.