The Atlantic Cable Laid!

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All hail to Anglo-Saxon genius! and two nations' heartfelt thanks to the noble, aye, and mighty, men of science, capital, and energy, whose untiring zeal and indomitable perseverance have linked the hemispheres with the electric cord ! The cable, that has been the subject of so many hopes and fears, the enterprise that has received so much commendation and discouragement, now ceases to agitate with differing storms the public mind; and all, with one accord, and with harmonious voice, in joy and gratitude, feel glad that, reposing on old Ocean's bed, it has become a bond of peace between the nations, and that success has at last crowned the united efforts of America and England to bring about a triumph of science unequaled in the history of the age. On the afternoon of the 5th our land was electrified with the glorious intelligence; and-sm&es, congratulations, and warm expressions. of good will, were heard and seen on every side. At Andover Theological College about one thousand persons were partaking of the Alumni's semi-centennial dinner, when the news was announced ; then followed enthusiastic applause, and from that crowd of men of genius, learning and position, there burst forth, to the solemn tones of the " Old Hundred," " Praise God, from whom all blessings flow." The right reception for such glorioua news ! Hearts were too full to speak, and many a silent sigh of thankfulness ascended to Him who had given the genius, and sustained by daily help, the men whose toil and energy have secured this grand result. Originated at a time when all seemed prosperous and fair, then carried on through a season of iuch commercial depression as, we are thankful to say, is seldom seen; when cavillers and objectors on every hand—from the press and forum—all alike spoke dis-couragingly of the enterprise ; yet after three failures, through all these difficulties, these noble men have toiled and thought, devised and carried out, and at last, when least expected, their perseverance is rewarded, and the world agreeably disappointed, by success! Only three weeks ago we announced the failure number three, but we did not groan and lament; we knew that the credit of men of science was at stake, the reputation of two navies was concerned; they had to effect a victory greater than ever was obtained in any battle, and our motto was in Gerald Massey's simple words— " Hope on, hope ever." Words almost loose their power, and fancy becomes weak, when we imagine the great results that will fpllow in the wake of this great event—Christianity and liberty both made more secure, new avenues of commerce opened, and no time given for rankling feelings to possess the minds of either people towards each other, for difficulties will be explained in a few hours; and in this regard, Cyrus W. Field, Professor Morse, and all connected with the enterprise, are great pacificators, great civilizers, and ever after shall be enrolled among the world's great men. We have not the inclination now to expatiate on the triumphs of science over natural difficulties, but we cannot help confessing that we are struck with wonder and an honest pride, when we reflect that British aud American science, skill, and application have made three thousani miles of no importance, and have conquered Space and mastered Time.

Scientific American Magazine Vol 13 Issue 49This article was published with the title “The Atlantic Cable Laid!” in Scientific American Magazine Vol. 13 No. 49 (), p. 389
doi:10.1038/scientificamerican08141858-389b

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