The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1855-08-18
NEW YORK HERALD, SATURDAY, AUGUST 10, 1855.
by which, through Its aid. information might be
transmitted to great distance.

| by which, through Its aid. information might be
transmitted to great db4ance
The remark was received With sort Of general
assent, but did not turn the conversation from the
experiment which DR.. Jackson had been describing,
and which was the subject Of general interest. The
active mind Of our Professor, however, was busy;
and that night the idea which he had conceived
was worked out into practical form. His leisure
hours on board the Sally were devoted to the
invention of an instrument which was to prove the
possibility of transmitting intelligence by means Of
electricity between distant points The result was
the construction of machine similar to TINT now
used with the exception that instead Of the spring
there was originally simple permanent magnet.
1t is sufficient to say here, that he satisfied with
his success; but this not ALT was merely the
beginning of his labors-he had to contend against
the scepticism OF an unbelieving world, which had
persecuted and tortured even to death, Of the
noblest sons Of science for the faith that was in
them.
After his arrival in New York he succeeded in
making perfect model Of his machine. He accom-
plished this in his studio in the University, where
his time was divided between his great work and
the instruction of some pupils in the art of painting
This was in the fall of 1885, when the University
were the distinguished historical painter, Daniel
Huntington, and MIR. Loomis another artist Of much
merit Both these gentlemen acted as witnesses in
the long and obstinately contested suit between
Professor Morse and Mr.. O'Reilly.
In 1887 public exhibition Of the invention was
made in the University the scene of his unremittng
labors, before large audience. considerable
number were attracted by mere curiosity Uncertainty
not from, tIasr T,tth ,cc&t&
invention. Little did they or the world imagine
that one day, through its magic agency, the most
distant parts Of the earth would be brought toge-
ther and that the great ocean itself would present
no obstacle to the establishment of immediate COM
munication between the Old and New Worlds. A
large number of persons we have said were present
and witnessed the success Of the experiment 1t
was conclusively proved that intelligence could be
transmitted as quick as thought through wire ten
miles long. A few months after this Professor
Morse went to Washington, and in February of
1888 exhibited his machine to the President, his
Cabinet, and large assembly Of the members Of
both houses The same success attended tbs exhi-
btion. The subject was soon after brought before
Congress, and an appropriation asked for to con-
strnct telegraph line between Washington and
Baltimore. Thirty thousand dollars, it was stated.
would be sufficient for the purpose, and as the
amount was 30 small it was supposed it would be
granted at once; but, like many other great mea-
sures Of public utility, it was nearly killed by delay.
Large bodies 1t Is said, move slowly and never was
the axiom more forcibly illustrated than in this
case. The Committee on Commerce. to which the
subject had been referred, reported promptly and
favorably, recommending that an appropriation of
thirty thousand dollars, the required amount, be
granted for the construction of the proposed line.
Week after week passed without any notice
being taken Of the report, month succeeded month,
and still Congress took no action on it. Professor
Morse, however, was not easily dscOuraged--he
worked with untiring energy, in his studio at the
University, for the means to support himself in
Washington during the sessions of Congress, and in
the midst Of the greatest difficulties the false pro
mses Of politicians, the indifference Of pretended
friends, and the delays and vexatons Of tedious e
gislat0n, lab0red with the most determined perse
verance to secure the passage Of the bill reported by
the committee.
The first year passed. the second was near its
close and still there appeared to be prospect that
it would be acted upon Professor Morse, during the
interval between the sessions went to England,
having secured his invention here, and endeavored
TO obtain patent from the British government.
This application however was met and opposed by
Wheatstt ne and Davy, and was defeated in conse-
quence of their alleging that the invention had
already been published, and that, according to Eng
lish patent law, it public property. Failing in
England, he went to France, where he succeeded in
obtaining patent, and where his invention was
exhibited by the great French astronomer, Arago,
before the Academy OF Sciences. But although he
was successful in securing the patent when he at
tempted to construct line from Paris to st.
German, the government nterposed. and claimed
ton, on the ground that it was govern
nent monopoly and, that according to the laws
of France could not be possessed by an indi.
vidual. Thus while there was one law requiring
him to carry his invention into practical operation
within two years, there was another which prohib-
ted him from using it; and both being in conflict
he was compelled TO abandon the design OF using
his patent in that country. He now returned 70 his
native land, and proceeded Immediately to Washing
ton, where he renewed his endeavors TO procure the
passage Of the bill granting the appropriation Of
thirty thousand dollars. Towards the close OF the
session Of 1874, the House OF Representatives took
1t up and passed 1t by large majority, and IL only
remained for the action Of the Senate Its progress
through this house. AZ might be supposed, was
watched with the most intense anxiety by Professor
Morse. There were only two days before the close
Of the session, and 1t was found on examination OF
the calendar, no less than hundred and forty
three bills had precedence Of it. Professor Morse
earned savings were almost spent and although he
had struggled on with uDdying hope for many
years, it is hardly to be wondered at II he felt dis
hearened now. On the last night Of the session he
remained till nine o'clock, and then left without
the slightest hope that the bill would be passed.
He returned to his hotel counted his mo
ney. and found that after paying his expenses
to New York he would have seventy-iye cents
left That night he went to bed sad but not without
hope for the future for through all his difficulties
and trials that never forsook him. The next morn
ing, he going TO breakfast, one Of the waters
informed him that young lady was In the parlor
waiting to see him. He went in immediately and
found that the young lady was Miss Ellsworth
daughter Of the Commissioner Of Patents, who had
been his most steadfast friend while in Washington
II GOMEZ said she, " to congratulate you.n
For whati ~ said Professor Morse.
ION the passage of your bill she replied.
"0h, no-you must be mistaken said he :"
remained In the Senate till late hour last nj gbt,
and there was prospect Of its being reached"
cam the first, then, she exclaimed joyfuIly, Ito
tell your,,
"Well," she continued, father remained till the
adjournment, and heard 1t passed, and asked him
II might not run over and tell you"
Annie, said the Professor, his emotion almost
choking his utterance, annie, the first message
that is sent from Washington to Baltimore shall be
sent from you"
well" she replied, I will keep you TO your
word
While the line was in process of completion Pro
fessor Morse was in New York, and npon receiving
intelligence that il was in working order he wrote TO
those In charge, telling them not TO transmit any
messages over it till his arrival He then set out
i