Chapter One 
THE NEW ENGLAND FOUNDATION 
Cyrus WEstT FIELD, born 1819, died 1892, had one of the most 
exciting careers of his time. The span of his life marked the 
transition from a primitive America, without railroads or 
electricity, to the complicated civilization of the end of the 
nineteenth century. In that drastic change of the American 
scheme of living, he took a prominent part. He linked up the 
news service of Europe with the news service of America— 
an advance of tremendous significance. As the American 
statesman, William M. Evarts described it, somewhat grand- 
iloquently: “Columbus said, “There is one world, let there be 
two’; but Field said, “There are two worlds, let there be one.’ ”’ 
The laying of the first Atlantic cable does not deserve such 
extravagant praise as this, but it was, nevertheless, a striking 
and romantic achievement—a stirring fight against the forces 
of nature and the apathy of human nature. 
Field’s life was a drama in the heroic style. He had a 
humble beginning, experienced stupenduous difficulties, at- 
tained a world-wide reputation, and suffered overwhelming 
misfortunes. Few Americans pass through the extremes of 
luck that characterized his efforts. He knew hard work and 
countless discouragements. A unique triumph rewarded his 
perseverance. After a life of public service and generous 
deeds, he died a sad and disillusioned man. His personality 
is one of the most attractive of the Victorian period. 
He ran the gamut of adulation and criticism. One month 
he was called a deluded fool. The next month he was cele- 
brated as “Cyrus the Great,” one of the outstanding figures 
since Columbus. He was glorified by extravagant praise, and 
his name was cheered by thousands of admirers. New York 
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