SAMUEL FIN LEY B REESE MORSE. 243 



In 1868, a public dinner was given Professor 

 Morse in New York, by the distinguished men of 

 the day. Chief Justice Chase presided, and made 

 an able address. After recounting the discoveries 

 of others in electricity, "not least illustrious 

 among these illustrious men, our countryman 

 Henry," he said : " And it is the providential 

 distinction and splendid honor of the eminent 

 American who is our guest to-night that, happily 

 prepared by previous acquirements and pursuits, 

 he was quick to seize the opportunity, and give to 

 the world the first recording telegraph. Fortunate 

 man ! thus to link his name forever with the great- 

 est wonder and the greatest benefit of the age ! " 

 Other addresses were made by Bryant, Evarts, and 

 many prominent men. 



In 1871, June 10, a bronze statue of Professor 

 Morse was unveiled in Central Park, the money for 

 it being raised, in small amounts, from telegraphic 

 operatives all over the country. In the evening, a 

 brilliant reception was tendered him in the Acad- 

 emy of Music, the following despatch being sent 

 on his ORIGINAL register : " GREETING? AND THANKS 



TO THE TELEGRAPHIC FRATERNITY THROUGHOUT 

 THE LAND. GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST, ON 

 EARTH PEACE, GOOD-WILL TO MEN." 



And then the white-haired Morse, now eighty 

 years old, took his seat at the instrument, and 

 signed his name to his message " S. F. B. Morse." 

 The entire audience rose and cheered, and many eyes 

 filled with tears, as he gave his farewell address. 



