The Press.
London, England, 1858-08-07 00:00:00

though still on board the Niagara, had arrived to within a few miles of its
destination at St. John's, Newfoundland. The cable itself lay in a trail of
2,022 measured miles along the broad ocean-bed; and, notwithstanding
the tremendous pressure of the fluid—exceeding in the deeper water five
tons to the square inch of surface—the electric messenger flashed through as
rapidly and regularly as when it lay coiled in the ship's hold. Preparations
are simultaneously making on both sides of the Atlantic to land the two
ends of the cable. Some final adjustments have also to be effected and a
few shore instruments fitted up. All real difficulties are, however,
vanquished; and in a few days more London will, in a most
practical sense, be on " speaking terms" with New York and Washington.
This success has come upon us with the suddenness of a pleasant surprise.
It is less than three weeks since the squadron sailed from Cork for their
second attempt, the first having failed under circumstances which excited
very serious apprehensions of another disappointment. The 1,0001. shares
then stood at 300/.; a significant proof how small were the chances of
success in public estimation. Since then not a word had been heard of the
flotilla until the Agamemnon herself brought the tidings of triumph. The
two cable-bearing vessels, it seems, reached their appointed rendezvous in
mid-ocean on the 28th of July ; the splice was made on the following
morning ; the consorts then separated, steaming respectively east and west
until they brought their two ends home on the sth. The actual process of
laying down the cable, consummating so many hopes and reward-
ing the labour of years, was thus accomplished in something under
seven days. The political and commercial benefits that must result
from this triumph of skill need no comment. As a scientific operation
the completion of the Atlantic Telegraph belongs to those suc-
ccmes which point the way to further achievements. Greater things
will be done yet. Broader ocean spaces have to be spanned, and instan-
taneous communication established with remoter regions. Now that the
thing is shown to be possible, England can never be content until she has
placed herself in hourly "rapport " with every colony or important centre
of commerce on the face of the globe. Expense is no object. In point
of fact, the required outlay is by no means formidable. The Atlantic
Telegraph Company have spent little more than 400,0001., of which a large
proportion was absorbed in preliminary experiments and unsuccessful
attempts in laying down. They have lost also several hundred miles of
cable in their failure, and, nevertheless, have still 500 to spare. When
the means and mode of operation are thoroughly known, the cost of
establishing a submarine telegraph anywhere, and to anywhere, will be ex-
ceedingly moderated ; and, when accomplished, how glorious will be the
results ! Place the Foreign-office in communication with every capital,
the Colonial-office with every dependence, the London and Liverpool Ex-
changes with every mart, and we may safely dispense with many a regi-
ment and ship of war, while rejoicing in a flow of peaceful and prosperous
commerce, such as the world has never seen before.

Few can have Ihiled to read with amusement the accounts of the old
theatrical days, when, at the close of the London season, the leading per-
formers used to retire from the boards of Covent Garden or Drury Lane
and " star it" in the provinces. How awkwardly they mixed pride with
condescension, and played down to their audiences ! The leading per-
formers on the Parliamentary boards have during recent years adopted a
some what similar practice, and have been wont to deliver lectures to
admiring audiences in country towns—lectures truly admirable for making
the most of the lecturer's very scanty knowledge, or for conveying recom-
mendatory hints in reference to his peculiar political views. We under-
stand (from authority almost as unquestionable as that of the " Times cor-
respondent " at Naples) that the leading Members of her Majesty's
Opposition, being not quite satisfied with the results of the past session in
general, or of their own patriotic efforts in particular. have resolved on an
extensive provincial campaign during the recess, and on astonishing or
conciliating the natives in a great variety of ways. Our announcement
may be something premature, as the arrangements are not wholly com-
pleted, but we believe that some leading points in the programme may be
regarded as settled.
Lord P—N is said to have originally contemplated a lecture at Bir-
mingham " On the Fall and its Consequences," but to have been deterred
by the suggestion that the subject would prove suggestive of unpleasant
political allusions. It is probable, therefore, that a paper "On Permu-
tations and Combinations" will be read at Cambridge by the accom-
plished Viscount.

- Mr. has promised a paper "On the Signs of the
Times." He has privately assured Dr. CUMMING that his view of the sub-
ject will not interfere with the Learned Doctor's peculiar branch of inter-
pretation. In fact, we understand that Mr. L—'s idea of the " pro-
phets" involves a different class of considerations.
Sir C--- W— purposes a lecture on British timber as connected
with the English navy and the Admiralty Board. He will compare the
respective densities of various kinds of Wood, and exhibit striking illustra-
tions of what may be deemed the maximum density.
Lord J. RUSSELL is still quite undecided, on account of the great
variety of subjects on which the public ignorance appears to him lament-
able, or, as the Noble Lord expresses it, " unconstitutional." Ile at first
inclined to a series of readings from " De Lolme," but has since had his
attention much engaged by the history of Judtea, and the important
question of its auriferous capabilities. lie will, probably, lecture on the
latter subject in the reading-room of the Royal Exchange. Sir R—D,
M.P., is expected to take the chair.
Mr. CARDWELL having had his attention drawn to Fogrm's celebrated
EstiaY " On decision of Character," has determined to read a similar essay
of nis own on "Resolution." The. learned lecturer's English is so often
utterly incomprehensible that there are grave apprehensions of a failure.
Lord C---N is engaged on a lecture to be poetical, entitled " The
Cabinet of Peace," in which he is to take a bird's-eye view of foreign politics,
touching on the question ofTurkey, the state of Persia, the latest " returns "