It is gratifying to know that they are doing a thriving business, every year showing better results, all sharing in the universal prosperity felt throughout the country now and for years gone by.
The following sketches of prominent and well-known telegraph men, some of whom are living, and others who have passed away, will be of interest to many Canadian readers.
Preceding these brief portraitures are a few reminiscent tales recalled at random, chiefly Canadian incidents of “days that are gone.”
The Fall of Sebastopol.
I was in the service of the Montreal Telegraph Company at the head office in Montreal. One day the Superintendent summoned me to his presence. He directed me to proceed at once to Sherbrooke as the operator in charge there was very sick and unable to discharge his duties.
I left by the first train and reached my destination the same evening. On arrival I noticed a great crowd of people awaiting the train. Something unusual must have happened surely.
I immediately reported myself to the station master, and was considerably astonished when he seized me by the shoulder, rushed me across the passage to the telegraph office, ordered me to call up Montreal and enquire if the rumored fall of Sebastopol was true. This I did and found the report confirmed. This was on the 20th day of September, 1855. A Cunard steamer arrived at Halifax that afternoon bringing the news which was flashed over the wires by the Associated Press.
Montreal sent a full report, which came in on the old style recording instrument. A newspaper man came in and volunteered to write it down as I read it off the paper reel. Each sheet when finished was read aloud to the crowd outside. The despatch ended and the people dispersed.
Next evening the event was celebrated by illuminations, bonfires, feu de joies, etc. The local militia turned out en masse, headed by Captain Ibbotson, loyal and patriotic songs sung, and universal joy was manifested by all.