Viewing page 30 of 36

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

famous American Sayings
(see page 2)

SAMUEL F.B. MORSE electrified the world in 1844 when he cabled "What hath God wrought?" by magnetic telegraph from Washington to Baltimore. Born in 1791, Morse devoted his early years to painting and sculpture. It was not until 1832 that he began his experiments in electricity. Earlier that year, on an ocean voyage, Morse hit upon the idea of a relay system which would assure long-distance transmissions. By 1836, he had a working model of the device which he demonstrated to Congress in 1837. A trip abroad to obtain patents in England and France failed. But in 1843, the Senate, in the closing moments of a final session, appropriated $30,000 for the construction of an experimental line. On May 24, 1844, Morse sent his historic message from the Capitol to his partner, Alfred Vail, in Baltimore. Vail's correct repetition of the cable told the world what Morse had achieved.
NEW YORK SUNDAY NEWS - OCTOBER 13, 1968 PAGE 11
[[Image on right side of page]]
 SY SEIDMAN COLLECTION