Carroll free press. [volume] (Carrollton [Ohio]) 1834-1861, 1858-09-01
From the New York Herald.
How the Ocean Telegraph 0rigina-
ted.

AEVM bhp NcN AVth hNteA1s
How the Ocean Telegraph 0rigina-
ted.
While the public are rejoicing at the
consumation Of laying the telegrapbc Ca
bic, ii is a source Of justifable pride aud
OxrtaLion that this grea! work is purely Of
American origin. The Atlantic Telegraph
enterprise was born in the dining room Of
Cyrus w Field, in the city Of New York,
one quiet evening in the early part Of
March 1854. There were present Cyrus
w Field, his brother David d Field, S
+ B Morse, Peter Cooper, Moses Taylor,
Marshal o Roberts and Chandler White.
Elaborate maps were laid upon the ia
Bile, and a general conversation ensued up
on the practieability of the enterprise
and the best route, they then and there
formed an association for the purpose Of
establishing telegraphic communication be
tween America and Europe. The most
feasible mode of accomplishing it was
thought to be by way of Newfoundland;
and it was determined to apply to The
Legislature of that island for an act of in
corporation.
The two Fields and Mr. White imme.
diately proceeded to Newfoundland, 10 lay
the matter before the Legislature OF that
island, and to ask for charter and other
assistance. These three gentlemen arrived
at st. Johns about the goth day Of March
1854, and at once called upon the Cover
nor, who convoked the executive council
the same day. These gentlemen appeared
before them, and David Dudley Field
made an elaborate and powerful address.
The Governor promised them an an
swer in the course Of that day. In an
hour or two the answer was given to them
in writing, that he would Immediately send
in a special message to the legislative as
sembly, then in session, recommending
them to pass an act of Incorporation, with
a guaranty Of the interest on the compa-
MES bonds to the amount Of E50,000, and
grant of fifty square miles of land on the
island of Newfoundland, to be selected
by the company.
These terms agreed upon, Mr. Cyrus W
Field returned two days after to New York
to tit ont the steamer Victoria for the use
Of the company, and David Dudley Field
and Chandler White remained in New.
foundland six weeks TO urge upon theasg'
islature the passage of the charter Pnd
grants. Mr Fields cogent reasoning and
convincing arguments on the floor of the
assembly fiually accomplished the desired
result. During their sojourn upon the is
land, hospitalities and attentions we're show
cred upon Mr.. Field aud Mr. White in the
most lavish manner, by the officials and
citizens of the place.. who looked upon
them as public beuefactors. The charter
was drawn by David Dudley Field, and it
was really owing to his great legal ability
and far>reaching sagacity that such advan-
tages were therein secured as afterwards
enabled bis brother, Cyrus w. Field, to
enlist the confidence and support of En-
glish capitalists. Thus the happy conjunc-
ton in these two brothegs-the compre-
henslve grasp of mind Of the one and un-
firing energy and perseverance OF the 9th.
er-have at last brought about the "cou-
summation so devoutly TO be wished"
The preamble of the charter recites,
that "whereas it is deemed advisable to
establish, line Of telegrsphic communi.
cation between America and Europe, by
way of New Foundland," &c, therefore
abe it enacted" DC.
E. NJ. Archibald, at present British Con-
sui in New York, was then Attorney Gen
eral Of New Foundland, and took warm
interest in the subject.
We have before us a copy of New
Foundlsnd paper; published in April, 1854
giving sn account of a banquet beld in st.
Johns, on the occasion Of the passage of
the above act. David Dudley Field pre-
sided, ard Chandler White acted as Vice
President. A great number of speeches
were made; aud to show that the sDtc,
patOns of that day have been realized, we
give an extract from the speech Of the
President:
David Dudley Field said-The time
will come, gentlemen, when the first
question throughout America will be,
"What is the news this morning from
New Foundland?"
On the return of Messers. Field and
White to New York, the 9th day of May,
1854, the company was organized under
the name of "The New York. New Found
land and London Telegraph Company. -
The following is a copy of the first card
they issued:
NEW YORK, NEW FOUNDLAND