THE FIRST TELEGRAM.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 147, 23 June 1934, Page 9 (Supplement)

THE FIRST TELEGRAM.

'WHAT HATH GOD WROUGHT?'

DR. MORSE MAKES A PROMISE.

Having returned to his native land from Europe, Professor Morse, inventor of tho telegraph, proceeded to Washington, where ho renewed his endeavours to procure the passage of the 'oill granting the appropriation of 30,000 dollars for the construction of tile first telegraphy line. Towards the close of the session of 1884 the House of Representatives passed the bill by a large majority, and it remained only for the action of the Senate. Its progress through that House, as might be supposed, was watched with intense anxiety by Professor Morse. There were only two days before the' close of the session, and it was found, on of the calendar, that no less than 143 bills had precedence 'to it. Professor Morse had nearly reached the bottom of his purse; his liard-oarned savings were almost spent; and, although he had struggled on with undying hope for many years, it is not surprising that lie felt disheartened now. On the last night o£ the session he remained till nine o'clock, ancl then left, without the slightest liopo that the bill would be passed. He returned to his hotel, counted his money, and found that, after paying his expenses to New York, he would have faj cents left. That night he went to bed sad, but not without hope for the future, for through all his difficulties and trials hope never forsook him. The i next morning as he was going to break- ' fast, ono of the waiters informed him that a young lady was waiting to see | him. Ho found that the young lady j was Miss Ellsworth, daughter of the J Commissioner of Patents, who had been his most steadfast friend while in Washington. "I come," said she, "to congratulate you." "For what?" said Professor Morse. "On the passage ot your bill," she replied. "Oh, no. You must be mistaken," said lie. "I remained in the Senate till a late hour last night, and there was no prospect of it being reached." "Am I the first, then," she exclaimed joyfully, "to tell •you?" "Yes, if it is really so." "Well," she continued, "father remained till the adjournment, and heard it pass, and I asked him if I might not run over and tell you." "Annie," said the Professor, his emotion almost choking his utterance, "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, Professor Morse was in Xow York. Upon .receiving intelligence that it was In working order lie wrote to those in charge telling them not to transmit any messages till his arrival. He left immediately for Washington, and on reaching that city sent to Miss Ellsworth a note informing her that he was now ready to fulfil his promise, and asking her what message ho should send. He received the following Tcply: "What hath God wrought?" The message was twice repeated, and each time with the greatest success.