1878. existence of a principle having properties sufficient to produce the effects which we observe; and when the principle so assumed explains, by logical deductions from it, all the phenomena, we call it a theory. Thus, we have the theory of light, the theory of electricity, etc. There is no proof, however, of the truth of these theories, except the explanation of the phenomena which they are invented to account for. This proof, however, is sufficient in any case in which every fact is fully explained, and can be predicted when the conditions are known. In accordance with this scientific view, on what evidence does the existence of a creator exist? First. It is one of the truths best established by experience in my own mind, that I have a thinking, willing principle within me, capable of intellectual activity and of moral feeling. Second. It is equally clear to me that you have a similar spiritual principle within yourself, since when I ask you an intelligent question you give me an intellectual answer. Third. When I examine the operations of Nature, I find everywhere through them evidences of intellectual arrangements, of contrivances to reach definite ends, precisely as I find in the operations of man; and hence I infer that these two classes of operations are results of similar intelligence. Again, in my own mind, I find ideas of right and wrong, of good and evil. These ideas exist in the universe, and, therefore, form a basis. of our ideas of a moral universe. Furthermore, the conceptions of good which are found among our ideas associated with evil, can be attributed only to a Being of infinite perfections, like that which we denominate 'God." He was born on the south side of Division street, west of Green street, of Scotch ancestors: his father, William Henry, dying when he was a boy, and his mother bringing him up in accord with the strictest of Presbyterian doctrines. He studied at the Albany Academy, taught a district school at Selkirk two years, was apprenticed to a jeweler for a time and was a tutor at the Van Rensselaer Manor House. On Sept. 11, 1826, he became professor of natural sciences at the Albany Academy, and in 1828 discovered the principle of his wonderful "intensity" magnet which made it possible to operate electrical mechanism at any distance over a wire. He exhibited his magnetic "spool" or "bobbin," that useful form of coil in electro-magnetism, before The Albany Institute in March, 1829, and perfecting it to exert greater power, had his paper, descriptive of it, printed in Silliman's American Journal of Science in January, 1831. He saw the value of the discovery in that by being able to attract by 1878. magnet at a distance, hold a weight even of a thousand pounds and release it by opening of the circuit, he could make an electrical telegraph, or communicate signals by this method. Following his conception of the telegraph in 1828, he strung about two miles of wire, which he had insulated from contact, about the large room, second floor, of the Albany Academy in July, 1829, and by a metal lever striking upon a small bell, operated through this long stretch of wire, he demonstrated to his class the feasibility of an electric telegraph, and the "sounder" of the century following is but a commercial form of this original instrument. Prof. James Hall, late State geologist, testified to seeing this apparatus working successfully there in August, 1832. He left Albany in November, 1832, to join the faculty of the College of New Jersey (Princeton) and made discoveries there that were of great practical benefit. He became first Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution at Washington, D. C.. on Dec. 3, 1846, and organized it on his plan, as submitted Dec. 8, 1847, on lines he believed the late James Smithson intended under his will. He established the Lighthouse Board, at the head of which he was for twenty-five years; studied the laws affecting signals by sound at sea to avert danger; inaugurated the system of mapping the weather and sending out forecasts all over the country. He was elected president of these bodies: American Association for the Advancement of Science. 1849; United States National Academy of Sciences, 1868; Phil· osophical Society of Washington, 1871. President Hayes, his cabinet and all the ambassadors with their suites attended the funeral and he was buried in Oakhill Cemetery, Georgetown, on the 16th. A public commemoration service was held in the House of Representatives, Vice-President Wheeler presiding, and the President among the auditors, on May 17th. The addresses delivered on this memorable occasion were gathered and printed in a volume of large size, containing 528 pages, and "published by order of Congress" in 1880. A list of a line index of his scientific publications, covers ten pages in this book. A bronze statue by Sculptor W. W. Story was erected later in the Smithsonian's grounds by the U. S. Government, and when each State was requested to present two statues to the collection of the House of Representatives, his likeness was one of the two chosen from the Empire State. The day before his death he rested in slumber but awoke when his friend, Prof. Simon Newcomb, the astronomer, was standing by his bed, and 1878-1879. not only asked whether the observation of the transit of Mercury had been a success, but inquired about the chance for an appropriation for future observations. On the day of his death, his mind reverted to experiments at sea, and the last thing he gave utterance to was to ask the direction of the wind. He was then in a semi-conscious condition, and died at 12:10 o'clock, May 13. May 14. New edifice declared officially the State Capitol, Rifle range leased on Genet farm, Greenbush Heights (Rensselaer), opened in the spring. Kenmore Hotel opened at s. w. corner North Pearl and Columbia streets. Telephone exchange established here, the 3rd in United States, May 22. Albany Baseball Club of Professionals, Greenbush grounds, organized. Steamboat J. G. Sanders put on Albany & Troy Line. Albany Tennis Club organized. Gasworks at North Albany blown down during gale, and parts carried across the river. July 21. Prospect Hill reservoir, north of Central avenue and east of Colby street, containing 7,000,000 gallons, built. Gen. John Tayler Cooper, a most prominent citizen, dies, Aug. 13. Mutual Rowing Club wins at National regatta, Newark, N. J., Jackson Corps (organized in 1867) becomes military body. School No. 17 completed. Aug. 20. Board of Public Instruction appoints Charles W. Cole the (3rd) superintendent of schools (succeeding J. O. Cole of 1869). Albany Railway elects Abraham Van Vechten (fourth) president, Oct. 14. Temple Tabernacle No. 5. U. S. A. K. T. P., instituted. Nov. 30. dies, River closed to navigation (Government record), Dec. 21. 1879. Charter officials holding office at this time for the year — Mayor, Michael N. Nolan; Common Council: John Zimmermann, I. 1879. Thomas B. Franklin, II. William A. Donahoe, III. John T. Jan. 1. New Capitol opened in part formally by reception, Jan. 13. Feb. 17. John G. Treadwell (1st superintendent of school buildings) resigns, March 3. March 26. March 28. Alexander Sayles appointed (2nd) superintendent of school build- March 29. May 7. Federal Building (Post-Office) corner-stone laid, May 20. Gen. J. Meredith Read leaves Greece (as U. S. minister), May 28. Hudson River Line (formed in 1862 as the New York & Albany Day Line, later Hudson River Day Line) incorporated. National Encampment of G. A. R., June 17-18. Swimming-school of Garrett J. Benson opened on east shore. July. Mutual Rowing Club wins 6-oared at National regatta, Saratoga, July 9. N. Y. State National Bank elects J. Howard King its (5th) president, July 21. Grant (Rep.) Club with 3,000 members organized. Albany Musical Ass'n, Conductor John G. Parkhurst, re-organized. Dr. Jas. H. Armsby Memorial, Washington park, unveiled, Nov. 25. CAPITOL OF 1878. Sen. James A. Bell presented a resolution April 24, 1863, providing for a building to replace that of 1808; authorized by Act of May 1, 1865; first stone laid July 7, 1869, by Hon. John V. L. Pruyn; cornerstone laid June 24, 1871; officially declared the Capitol on May 14, 1878; opened in north side by reception Jan. 7, 1879; occupied in 1884; completed in 1898; cost about $30,000,000. |