Polynesian. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu], Hawaii) 1844-1864, 1858-10-09
CHE ])olpuesian.
OCEAN TELEGRAPH
CABLE LAID!!
THE QUEENS MESSAGE TO THE PRESIDENT
The Presidents Reply!
TEL E O. II A p III JUBIL EE!
&c. &c. sc.
HOW THE OCEANIC TELEGRAPH ORIGINATED.


While the public are rejoicing at the consumma-
ton of laying the telegraphic cable, it is source
of justifable pride and exutation that this great
work is purely of American origin. The Atlantic
Telegraph enterprise was born in the dinning room
of Cyrus w. Field "a Gramercy park, in the city
of New York, one quiet evening in the early part
of March, 1854 There was present CYRUS w.
Field, his brother David Dudley Field, Samuel f.
B. Moorse, Peter Cooper, Moses Taylor. Marshal
.. Roberts and Chandler White. Maps were laid
upon the table, and general conversation ensued
upon the practicabiIity of the enterprise and the
best route. They then and there formed an asso-
citation for the purpose of establishing telegraphc
communication between 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 incorporation.
The two Fields and Mr.. White Immediately pro-
ceeded to Newfoundland to lay the matter before
the Legislature of that island, and to ask for a
charter and other assistance. These three gentle
men arrived at st. Johns about the Doth day of
March, 1854, and at once called upon the Govern
or, who convoked the Executive Council the same
day. These gentlemen appeared before them, and
David Dudley Field made an elaborate and power
ful 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 Assembly, then in session recon-
mending them to pass an act of incorporation
with guaranty of the interest on the company $
bonds to the amount of 100000, and grant of
fifty square miles of land on the island of New
foundland, to be selected by the company.
These terms being agreed upon, Mr.. Cyrus W
Field returned two days after to New York, to fit
out the steamer Victoria for the use of the Com
pany, and David Dudley Field .ahd Chandler
White remained in Newfoundland six weeks, to
urge upon the Legislature the passage of the
charter and grants. Mr.. Fields cOgent reasunings
and convincing arguments on the floor of the As
sembly finally accomplished the desired result.
During their sojourn upon the island hospitaities
and attentions were shOwered upon Mr. Field and
Mr.. White in the most lavish manner, by the off,
cials and citizens of the place, who looked upon
them as public benelactors. The charter was
drawn by David Dudley Field, and it was really
owing to his great legal ability and far reaching
sagaeity that such Advantages were therein secured
as afterwards enabled his brother CYRUS W. Field,
to enlist the confidence and support of English
capitalists Thus the happy conjunction in these
two brothers-the comprehensive grasp of mind of
the one and untiring energy and perseverance of
the other-haye at last brought about i" the con-
summation so deyoutly to be wished
1t was under this act of incorporation that the
line has been established from the eastern coast
of Newfoundland TO the United States, at the sole
expense of the gentlemen above named.