Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1872-03-06
The Telegraph Contravcrsy.
WASHINGTON, March

WASHINGTON, March, 1872.
Editor Star; EdltOrially commenting on the
interesting commune atoms on the Morse and
other telegralhs, you suggested that exam
nation by experts was desirable to decide the
Claims III dispute. l would direct those inter
ested in the subject to the Smithsonian Report
OF 1850, where the results of a thorough inyesti-
CATION are published, and authenticated by such
men as the present Chief Justice, the late Prof
Walker, OF the Coast Survey; Prof. Hall, of
Regents.
have been established: Il. Prof. Henry con-
structed the first and only instrument able to
transmit power to q distance; 2. Pro-. Henry,
in his lectures, actually made signals with this
instrument, and directed the attention of his
hearers to its adaptation for practical tele-
graphy.
Mir. Morse invented very neat machine for
breaking and connecting the circuit, a conve-
niens apparatus for recording, an alphabet, & 3,
always taking the action Of the electro magnet
TOR granted. He tailed, however, from want of
motive power, and called on DIR. Gale fo-
assistance. DR.. g. Immediately succeeded BY
the introduction Of Prof. Henry's magnet, and
received in compensation part of the
10. ws,sh afterwards equiv
Thus it appears that Prof. Ii. could telegraph
and had telegraphed, without Mr.. Morse's de
vices and long before their existence; while
MT M machine was absolutely imperative
without Prof. III Is scientific discoveries-it was
very like an elegant and convenient palace-car.
with the railroad and locomotive omitted. Still,
differently on the practical merits Of the respec-
tive parties but facts are facts, and for a long
time have been known as rather stubborn
Mnen' however, generous people is about to
give lasting expression of its gratitude to
benelactor, 1T may, perhaps, be conducive to
greater justice to consider the compensation
already received in relation to the liberali y OF
intention and the public spirit manifested BY
the individual to be honOred.
MT. M0rse's success is almost without prece-
DEM. Fully protected by letters OF patent, he
NIT fh< dnTSef nQoy
meat, and in addition to universal applause, re-
ceiveC money in abundance, decorations in pro-
tusion and fame all over the world. Not vet
content, he wanted the whole and sole control
Of all electricity, and tried to prevent other par
ties from using il. The present Chief Justice
as attorney, opposed and the testimony OF Prof
Henry as expert, defeated him. He was not al
lowed to tax the universe for the application OF
electro magnetism, though he succeeded in ex-
tending his harvest time to the utmost for his
original grant. Thus checked for the first time
IN career OF unparalleled prosperity, il seems
that feeling of anger Overcame Mir. Morse,
and he. went to publishing and circulating
pamphlet OF 80 pages, which substantially con-
tains two propositions: !. That Prof. Henry
does not understand much of electricity. This
was certainly unwise, but the Sc cond was still
otherwise, viz: 2. That Prot. Henry knowingly
investigation proved that the proverbial fame
Of the telegraph for veracity may occasionally
extend to telegrapbc individuals.
=, Some time ago, at dinner in the Aston
gave, what he considers, an abstract Of the
history or the telegraph, to which he sneerngly
added mat some people believe Prof. Henry
bad cone something in the matter, SC,
&c: This was said in the city of New York,
Within earshot Of the unceasng click OF the ever
faithful magnet, produced by the laborous and
long continued researches of Prof. Henry and
uBtringly producing a princey income to its
generous employer, Mr.. Morse. Is rot this
speech alone monument?
In conclusion, ! propose this question: Had
Prof Henry taken a patent for his magnet, =
ne mas been urged to do, could there be a dis
pute now? Have the sewing machine manu-
tacturers ever refused acknowledgment to
MI Howe, when they had TO pay for every
shuttle used? Thus it appears that as in G legal
deed, a valuable consideration is necessary for
its validity, the deed and feat of an inventor.
too. has to be duly fortified by cash. Mr.. Morse
properly attended to this duty. But the domain
OF science is cultivated without fences; the
world Is literally invited to a free use of the
fruit raised. The cultivator has a reward of his
own, pure and unalOyed, which he enjoys with
out morse and remOrse. F. ID