Likely the first case of electronic hacking/trolling. And the first time the “identifying a security vulnerability” excuse was used.
In October, 1901, the American Wireless Telephone and Telegraph Company interfered with Marconi’s efforts to report the America’s Cup race: “Such was the situation when, to the surprise of the Associated Press operators on the Mindora down the bay, the Marconi receiving apparatus began to record such messages as ‘To hell with Marconi,’ and various profane and obscene phrases, which were found to emanate from the old schooner Maid of the Mist.”, according to Wireless Telegraphy That Sends No Messages Except by Wire, from the October 28, 1901 New York Herald.
Also, during the U.S. Civil war, it was common to tap into enemy telegraph lines.
“I would remind Professor Fleming that abuse is no argument.”
This rebuttal from the antagonist Victorian hacker was evidently the last word as it was obvious he had claimed the high ground. A pity that such a statement would just get steamrollered and ignored in public debate today.