"Despite mistakes (and who has not made them?), what single enterprise since the building of the Erie Canal has done more to enhance the wealth and prosperity of the metropolis than this last monument to his foresight and energy? Deceit and betrayal at various times by his associates he bore without a murmur; but at the last, when domestic sorrows came upon him--not as single spies, but in battalions--he sank beneath them, and our pity follows him as did our praise." At the meeting of the Chamber of Commerce on October 6, 1892, Mr. Orr said: "With sincere regret I announce the death of seven of our members during the summer. Two were honorary members, namely: "Cyrus W. Field, elected August 21, 1858, and died 12th July, 1892. "George William Curtis, elected March 5, 1891, and died 31st August, 1892. "As resolutions of respect and sympathy are to be presented for your consideration, I beg permission to suspend, for a short time, the general order of business, and call upon Mr. William E. Dodge to present the resolutions relative to the late Mr. Field." Mr. Dodge thereupon offered the following preamble and resolutions: "_Whereas_, The death of Cyrus W. Field has removed from this country one of its most distinguished citizens, and from this chamber one of its oldest and most honored members, we wish to place on record our sincere regard for his memory and our esteem for his invaluable services to the cause of civilization and the progress of commerce; therefore, be it "_Resolved_, That the Chamber of Commerce of the State of New York, in common with the citizens of all portions of our country, sincerely mourns the death of Cyrus W. Field, the first honorary member of this chamber, as one who had through a long and useful life been closely identified with the commercial interests of this city, and by his great ability, tireless activity, and large achievements, had greatly honored the name of American merchant. "_Resolved_, That by the successful carrying out of the project for uniting the Old World with the New by the Atlantic cable he has brought all nations into instant touch and given lasting honor to his name, as among those who have done the world great service. During the long and weary years of discouragement and failure before this magnificent work was accomplished he showed an undaunted courage, a fertility of resource, an unwearied patience and untiring ability for work which won the wonder and admiration of two continents. The example of his success was at once followed by like communication across all seas, so that as the result of his supreme effort the conditions of commercial and friendly intercourse throughout the world have been changed, and instant communication made between all nations.