The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1848-01-22
History OF the Electric Telegraph-Its Ris
and Progress In the United states.


We this day present to the rea ders of the
Herald, the results OF another combination of the
science and art of New York. The beautiful
map of Morse's Geographic lines has been pre-
pared and executed at much pains and cost, ex-
pressly for the Nep York Herald. This map
not only shows the rapid, unexampled progress
of the lightning lines throughout North America,
but it also displays the genius of another of our
citizens-of the inventor of geography The
inventor of this new style of engraving is Sidney
E. Morse, Esq, one of the editors of the New
York Observer, now in London, and it is destin-
ed, undoubtedly, to produce remarkable revo-
luton in the arts OF printing and engraving.
But to the telegraphic map: Here is given in
compact form the present condition of the tele-
graph enterprise in North America. The varl-
Gus lines that thread the country, and all the
stations, are noted, so that readers see at
glance, with what places they can be in in
stantaneou communication Quebec can speak
to Boston, to Detroit, to ST. Louis, and to New
Orleans, at the same moment, and receive from
each an answer in less than five minutes, so soon
as few miles more of wire are added, and which
is in rapid progress Of completion.
Sixteen years since, Tin October, 1922 Prof.
ceived, on board the packet ship Sully the inven-
ton which is now exciting so much attention
throughout the civilized world. Having the
curiosity to know how he was led to the concep-
ton of so novel thought, we asked Professor
Morse, some weeks ago, to tell us. He inform
ed us that it occurred in the following manner:-
After the usual midday meal, he and several
other passengers of the Sully were seated at the
table in the cabin, conversing on scientific sub
jects;and in describing some recent phenomena of
eectro-magnetism,t the experiment ofDr. Frank
lin on the Schuylkill river, to test the velocity
of electricity, was alluded to. The thought at
once occurred to Prof Morse, that if electricity
travelled distance of three miles instantaneous
Iy, and could be made visible in any desired
part OF its course, system of signs might be
devised by which intelligence might be sent.
This was the germ of the Invention of the
electro magnetic telegraph Ia the leisure
OF the voyage, the invention thus concern
ed was nourished, and assumed, before the
close of the voyage, substantially the character
which marks it at this day; for it is circum-
stance to be noticed in Morse's invention, that it
was conceived in alits essential characteristics,
as he has personally informed us, in the first half
characteristics were the marking of dots, as
signs for numerals; the recording at distance,
upon paper, in permanent manner, these signs;
and by means of electro magnetism, or electrc
ty, and single circuit of conductors. A spe-
ces Of type was at once devised, and in the first
week after his arrival in New York he had made
the mould and cast the type; but in consequence
of very limited means, and the pressure Of pro-
fessional duties, he did not construct his instru-
ment complete until several years after. This
was done, however, in the latter part Of the year
1896, in the New York City University; and early
in the year 1887, and frequently during the sum-
mer and autumn Of that year, it's operation was
witnessed by thousands in our community, who
are living witnesses to the fact.
These uodeniable facts prove incontestibly that
the American telegraph holds precedence in
time, to all Others. OF its superiority, every day
is furnishing evidence, both at home and abroad
Let the daily work which it performs testify
While the telegraphing OF the Queens speech, OF
700 words, in two and an half hours, after much
rehearsing and laborious sbbreviation, is bla-
zoned throughout Britain as most marvellous