Editorial. VALEDICTORY.-We have finished our work, and now present our farewell respects to our friends-the patrons of the Companion. Our publication has been honored in both hemispheres by the telegrapher, and the devotee of science. We feel grateful for such elevated consideration. We now cease the publication of our Journal, and, also, any further connection with the management of the telegraph in America. It is now more than ten years since we first became charmed by the electric telegraph. We were then a young practitioner at law, and, with considerable energy at an early day, embarked in the new enterprise. Owing to the unfortunate patent difficulties, suits, controversies, and rivalry, it soon became evident that the field of usefulness was surrounded with very great barriers. There was no retreat for us. With a consciousness that Morse was a wronged man, that his many years of toil was scoffed at unjustly, and that he was entitled to the credit he claimed, we with a warm devotion defended and advocated his rights over all others. There was a time when our future welfare would have been financially benefited, by assuming a different attitude. We never wish for gain by the outrage of others' rights. The continuation and multiplicity of suits and controversies, made it apparent that there was no possibility of ultimate success. We have passed through the ordeal, in all the elements of administration, and find ourselves a few thousand dollars worse off than when we began, that is, so far as our account current of loss and gain pertains to the telegraph. We still hold a very large amount of unproductive stock, and we must confess, that we are likely to continue to hold it. As to the Companion, it was started by our own inclination, and at our own expense. It has been supposed by some, that it was mantained at the expense of the patentees; such was not the case, either direct or indirect. What we have said, in behalf of Professor Morse, or of any other gentleman, was original with us. The whole management of the Companion has been exercised by our own independent will. Our attention, for the future, will be divided between the two hemispheres, and, perhaps, the patrons of the telegraph will hear from us again, in the final accomplishment of our cherished wishes, to see the earth girdled with one continuous electric and intelligible flame, diffusing light, knowledge, and peace among nations. |