Cables, Submarine -- History; Field, Cyrus W. (Cyrus West), 1819-1892; Inventors -- United States -- Biography
"I hope my fears arise more from my deep interest in your conflict
than from any real danger from the discordant elements among you.
If there is not virtue enough among you to save the State, then
has the slavery poison done its fearful work. But I will not
despair. Opinion here has changed greatly. In almost every town
great meetings are being held to pass resolutions in favor of the
North, and the advocates of the South are pretty much put down.
"This is a short and hasty note....
"Believe me always
"Very truly yours,
"JOHN BRIGHT."
On Wednesday, March 4th, he addressed the Chamber of Commerce. Mr. A. A.
Low offered a resolution expressing the confidence of the Chamber that a
cable could be laid across the Atlantic, and ended his speech in support
of it with these words:
"Any one listening to Mr. Field as frequently and as attentively as
I have with regard to this subject could not long entertain a doubt
as to the success of the effort. He has studied it in all its
bearings, and with the aid of the science and intelligence so
readily at command on the other side of the ocean, where he has had
the benefit of an experience far exceeding that of this country
with regard to ocean telegraphs. I am confident that whatever
hesitation may for a time retard the work, it will not be of that
kind to defeat the enterprise. With regard to the argument that
this telegraph is in the power of the English government, and that
we would be debarred from its use in time of war, let it be borne
in mind that it may be built by Great Britain without our
co-operation. The English government is alive to all the great
necessities of the day. I wish, indeed, our own were equally alive
to the urgencies of the age.
"The English government, as I said, is alive to all the great
necessities of the times, and it will assuredly lay the telegraph,
whether we work with it or not. If this government and people
participate with the government and people of Great Britain in the
work, it will be done under treaty stipulations which will secure
to our country effectually great advantages and facilities. I have
faith in Great Britain, and I believe if Great Britain enters into
any compact with this country she will be true to her plighted
faith. I have little fear on that score.... Our people ought not
to be deterred by unworthy considerations from taking part in an
enterprise called for by all the intelligence and wisdom of our
times--such an enterprise as that now suggested. There is a risk
which may well be incurred, in view of all the advantages the work
presents. I, therefore, move the adoption of the resolution which I
have had the honor to present."
The resolution was seconded by Mr. Cooper, and unanimously adopted.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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