The Express.
London, England, 1865-05-30 00:00:00

Clifford, the resident engineer of the establishment,
to whom the merit is due of carrying out to a suc-
cessful issue all the details of the great work
which has just been completed. The work is DOW
out of the hands of the cunning artificers. Mr.
Glass may resit for a while from his labours, Mr.
Elliot may meditate new cables, aod Mr. Clifford
will go to sea in the great ship, to see
how the work of his hands serves its pur-
pose. It is expected that the Great Eastern
will start from Valencia at the end of June, and,
if fortunate, arrive at its destination in about •
fortnight. But we shall not have to wait all that
time for intelligence as to her success, as daily and
hourly, as the cable is paid out, messages will be
sent to Valencia, and if the weather should become
too turbulent for the continuance of the work, a
buoy, which is now in course of construction, will
be fastened to the portion in the water, the com-
munication will be secured, and the relieved ship
cruise about, waiting for finer weather. Captain
Anderton, who is to command this vessel, and who
has had long experience of Atlantic weather in the
Cunard line, is of opinion that tine weather may be
safely calculated on at the date which, at his sug-
gestion, has been fixed upon for the voyage.
In the evening the projectors, friends, and ad-
mirers of the undertaking, sat down to a splendid
diner d la Bane, at the Ship, Greenwich, and suc-
ceasive toasts were drank wishing prosperity to the
great undertaking.

Monday, the 29th May, will, it is to be hoped,
turn out to have been a great day in the annals of
telegraphy; for it was the day on which the cable,
which is to unite the two hemispheres in the bond
of rapidly interchanged intelligence, was completed
at the Morden Works, East Greenwich. We have
chronicled the progress of this great work as it
proceeded, and have eudeavoured to make clear
to the outside publics the various ingenious
processes by which former causes of failure were
sought to be removed, and future accidents to be
provided against. All those processes have now
been carried out, and the Atlantic telegraph cable
is a complete work, ready to go forth upon its mis-
sion, and, we trust, to remove all obstacles of time
and distance in as far as the conveyance of intelli-
gence is concerned between England and America.
At about four o'clock yesterday the last portion
of the cable passed into the tank amid the cheers of
the workmen and also of a large company who had
assembled to be witnesses of the interesting event.
Amongst those present were :—Admiral Evans,
Colonel Cballoner, Mr. C. Field, Mr. GlassM.P.Mr.
Elliot, Mr. W. Et. Russel, Mr. Forster M
(Bradford), Mr. Aspinall Turner, M.P. Mr.
Pander, M.P., Mr. Moor, M.P., Mr. S. durney,
M.P., Lord John Hay, Captain Galion (Board of
Trade), Professor Thomson, Mr. Fairbairn, Profes-
sor Wheatatone, Mr. Joseph Whitworth, Captain
Anderson (Great Eastern), Mr. J. G. Appold, M
G.
Aspinwall, Lord Torrington, Mr. Brassey, Mr. G.
Bidder, Mr. F. Le Breton Mr. Varley, Mr.
George Seward, Mr. Crompton, CR., the
lion. Mr. Morse, Sir Macdonald Stephenson, Mr.
Glauber, Sir James Lead* Mr. J. R. Robinson,
Mr. Parkinson, Mr. Gamble, Mr. Appold. and a
large company, including all those names which are
best known in telegraphic scieuce. There was no
ceremonial, and the fact of the finishing of the cable,
so big with future results, relied entirely upon its
own intrinsic interest for the excitement it created.
The cable as now completed, and with the remains
of the last tank full ready to be shipped on board
the tender, ia the longest rope in the world, or
that the world has ever seen. It is 2,600 miles
in length of about an inch and a third in diameter,
and consists of a " core " composed of seven
copper wires insulated with gutty percha and
Chatterton's compound, and having its outer cover-
t% I??rigli a patent core:in.', Of iron
wire and hemp intermixed. It should be observed
that a great desideratum is achieved by the paten-
tees of this portion of the cable. The strength of
iron wire was always admitted, but it was con-
eidered that, being a non-elastic material, it would
be impossible to combine it with hemp in eases
when the two materials were required in combina-
tion. Messrs. Wright, however, by the simple expo-
dieut of twisting the wire alternately with the hemp
turned the former into an elastic spiral, which
rests on the hemp as a cushion, and the two iu
combination, and when covered with tar make the
most suitable covering for the "Dore,!' or inner
cable, which could possibly be contrived. The
work was commenced on the Ist September last,
and has continued without interruption ever since,
the rate of manufacture having been about 17
miles a day complete all through. All sorts of tests
I have been applied to ascertain the perfection of
the current, the specific gravity of the cable, and,
above all things, its power of resistance
to friction or sudden strains. About 600
miles remain still to be shipped, and when all is
stowed it will fill three euormous tanks, oc-
cupying with short intervals the whole keel of the
Great Eastern.
As the construction of the cable, and the mode
of shipping it on board the Great Eastern, have
already been minutely described, there remain still
only a few words to be said about the final and
important work of laying it in the bottom of the
Atlantic. The deck of the Great Eastern is covered
with machinery for that purpose, and, as
may be supposed, all constructed with a
view of retarding and regulating a descent
which requires no mechanical assistance. Two
wheels placed fore and aft will stand, one at the
taffrail and one at about four-and-twenty feet dis-
tance on the quarter deck. The cable, on rising
out of the held, will turn first round the great
"drum "placed at the hatchway, and then sue-
ceesively over the two wheels we have mentioned
into the water. But midway between these two
wheels is placed the dynamometer, a third wheel
running within upright grooves, and under which
the cable passes from the first to the second
wheel. As the tension created by the
rapidity of the descent into the water
increases, the dynamometer rises in its groove,
and a graduated scale of figures ou the latter marks
the amount of strain, and the nearness of its ap-
proach to breaking point. A man will be detailed
to watch this. index night and day,and whenever he
sees the dynamometer rise higher than is safe be
will give a signal, and the retarding machinery
will be put in motion. In this way the rate of pas-
sage over the taffrail can be regulated to a nicety,
I and it is not expected that even very rough weather
will much interfere with its operations. It will be
understood that the descent of the cable into
the sea requires no machinery to facilitate IL
The object is to retard and regulate it, and
for this purpose it is made to revolve first round
the great drum, then between a double row of
Ismail wheels which exercise a retarding influence,
and finally over the two wheels on the quarter-deck
with the dynamometer intervening, from whence it
parts company with the ship altogether and sinks
gradually into the sea.
In consequence of a certain amount of alarm
having been raised as to the possible result of a
" kink" in the cable during its passage into the sea,
several experiments were made yesterday to ascer-
tain what would actually be the effect of
such a casualty iu interrupting the pas-
sage ,of the electric current. A "kink"
was first made in the coil and then straightened.
The insulating covering was then removed and the
wires laid bare, when it was ascertained that not
the slightest disturbance Lad taken place in their
arrangement. A still more obdurate " kink " was
subsequently made in the completed cable, four
men pulling at the twist until it was in a seemingly
hopeless state of entanglement. The rope was then
straightened as in the previous experiment, the
outer covering was stripped off, and the wires
ultimately discovered to be as regularly in
their places as if no " kink " or other cause
of disarrangment had occurred. There remained ek
then only one thing to be explained—namely, the
mode of "splicing" the different portions of the Vier fiwocturo.—We read in the Record :At
cable so as to keep the electric conductor perfect. the date diaper, given es the Queen's birthday by
This process, which one would expect to be complex ,o ass B,:re"Y,
aa to:
in
with by
and difficult, seeing that seven oopper wires had ''""
, of Quebec, Graluanstown Malone. and Rupert's Land
first to be joined, then the insulators made wholes (eleet). It la also stated—;.lthough we trust that this is set
and finally the outer covering spliced, ic, in fact, the fact--that Bishop Ooleseo race es the oessetoe. It
extremely simple. The cable is merely cut in way be that this beeper was satigned to Mesmer easternee as
oblique section, and the outer covering thrownback woo
aioroubishoe,mbotit in ••071WO•ia yha
hi
the
as the surgeons do with a man's skin when they ebomilLe
are cutting off his leg. The edges of the wire Flimsiest IN IRELLWD.—The spirit of Fenieni,
are filed down to fit exactly, and then simply is at bet ecesissociasa to develop itself to this Deighbour•
soldered together the solder, it is under- mud, at least so we have bees Informed by a eorrespeodent,
stood, not interfering with the current. who ears that a somber a young we mown with. ITaaw
A layer of copper wire is then carefully " payed" l'a 'alm
! s'Ziduatririle gwrbain
smbtyntfil'irim smot 'tea
over the joint and fastened with a twist at each and, tows, sod that they preVirto the different 'mistime is •
where the passage for the current is doubly secured, wow woo sola nowt so dimodit oa „o of the
first by the joined inner wires, and secondly by the . meets of the has. To whatever 0•0•• they may be Mari-
outer lapping, which we were informed would bated. there is owiaisly a rest difference ia the walk sad
aws of a "solution of oontinuity " within, ; lITItarY blaring of Um youni
bass some yes zratarooa *Ow to what they
themselves maintain the current. This soldering I e""
Osier,--fimuusr Cuza were Tana PLATEN
and lapping baying been completed, the gotta , lis.uvramorrh wire Thus PIAMIL—This, the maws
percher and Chatterton's compound are melted in watch. momsa the two mooropoisos otos was amasoolsos
again, and the outer covering of wire and hemp et Lee& yesterday. Surrey wea the tees sad took Snit
inter:sired (Wright's patent), brought over and issisp. The whiten at antrsvidly. 800 Wel &ma
'lied after the manner of an ordinary rope aboard fen II "I" The Mom Wager (V.T. mod LTOgfetoad.
p
the erases el skip. The Junior slsad
ship.
Admiral Evans and other experts, both naval trimkP Wiateriwat somber Mr. war a.s..ror trigiLee eat dab s dima
and scientific, watched the above experiments with mat loss— imam, git gook oso. The amok will be to•
much interest, and highly complimented Kr.- day at 12 Ohio*.

MUSIC.
PHILHARMONIC socumr.
The fifth Pbilharcooaio 0000urt took place last
sight. The programme Pm es fellows :
PAST I.
Synnhony (No. 2) In D lunar (composed or-
prom), for the society)
Aria, " Oft maul &Worm^ (11l Moto Megloo),
Mcllle. limo de Masks
Concerto In A minor, Madras liebumann
Aria, "Timor Gull' all roses' (ll Tractors).
Wills. lima de Munro Verdi.
for the
Overture C, MS. (compered szpremil
Mendelmohn.

PANT U.

Symphony la ir (No. $3) --
Beethoven.
Aria (with variations), MfIL, Data 6s Yore ka Proeb.
Overture (Die Zaubereets) Hosart.
Coodoctor—Protessor Biennials Bennett,Mu. Doe.
It will at once be ems that this roused was peculiarly
interesting in several respects. Spehr's Symphony in D
Minor was composed for the Philharmonic Society, and
first performed during one of his early visits to this country.
It 4 cieuinly among his roost beautiful works, having • clue-
rector of simplicity Mid iffshBSne hot always tv be found in
his later and more elaborate prodintieres. The slow move-
ment, especially, is redolent of Mozart, being fun of IMP
log and delicious melody, while the finale has the clear-
ness and gaiety of Heyde. Mendelesohn's Overture,
likewise composed for the Philharmonic Society, and first
performed under his own direction about the year 1833, is
also a very remarkable work. It is of • martial out, and
es breath the firs and impetuosity of youth, while it is a
model of masterly construction. Probably the thing that
made the strongest impression upon the audience was
Madame Schumann's performance of her celebrated hue-
bend's Concerto. It is • work of great originality and genius,
which cells Into action the highest powers of the per-
former ; and the display of energy, fire, and execution
made by this gifted lady was something marvellous. Her
reception was enthusiastic, the excitement of the audience
being shown by prolonged acclamations. Not lees warm
was the reception given to the accomplished lidlle. de
blanks., who, whether on the stage or io the concert-room,
is unquestionably one of the very greatest vocal performers
of the day.
A rowed presenting snob attractions could not be other-
wise than successful. The room accordingly was crowded
to the doors, and we have seldom seen an audience more
-yr to express their admiration and pleasure.

DRAMA.

ST. JAMES'S.
A four-act drama of serious and exciting interest,
founded upon Miss Braddon's popular story of "Eleanor's
Victory," was produced at this hones last night with an
amountof nooses which rarely area& the dramatised version
of a novel. The present play owns, we believe, two adapters,
one being Mr. J. B. Johnstone and the other Mr. John
Oxenford. The construction of the pie., is not free from
faults—faults that, to some extent, are inseparable from
dramas founded upon serial stories—but the various WOOS
are arranged with • keen eye for those theatrical
effects which before now have made the fortune of
Adelphi dramas. Miss Braddoo's writings are so widely
road, that many persona will doubtless go to the theatre to
ens how her heroes and heroines look upon the boards, and
they will find in Mira Herbert's Eleanor a oompanion picture
to the Lady Audki6 which the same refined actress made
so popular at this house about two seasons ego. The in-
terest of Eleanor's Victor's is sot so intense as that of
Lady Andley's Bard, but it is is disagreeable. The
fault of the drama lies in • aerials weaken of foundation,
which is more apparent on the stage than in a book. An old
man who has been a professed gambler all h life lair •
small sum of money at play which belonged to his daugh-
ter, and dies or commits suicide in a fit of remorse. This
la a forcible beginning for a drama, but it is hardly suffi-
sleet to justify the surequent action of the daughter—
her resolution to discover her father's murderers, as she
calls them, and her devotion to go. The plot also
turns too muoh upon the old stage tricks of will•
stealing and will-deetroykog, the crime being
weakened dramatically by being exhibited in a pocket-
picking form. The story as represented on the stags
is rather overloaded with weak characters, end too
many allusions ace made to persons who never appear upon
the seen*. What little comedy the play portages has been
largely introduced by Mr. Oxeciford, and this brag placed
in the hands of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Matthews is most
gonially'and artistically represented. The backbone of the
piece is the performance of Eleanor by Mies Herbert--a
much riper embodiment, to our thiaking, than some of her
former efforts. Her acting has all the force, iutelligenos,
and freedom from staginess which distinguish Miss
Terry's acting, and it is pleasant to find two
ladies, with youth on their side, who are evidently
determined to think for themselves with little regard for
tradition. Mr. Frederic Robinson and Mr. IL J. Montague
played the two villains of the piece exceedingly well, and
Mr. Arthur Stirling gave • rough but pleasing portrait of
a good-natnred, active young man with vast animal spirits.
The ornery by Mr. Grieve IS good, but we wee sorry
to
He • want of good stagamanagement in many of the
detail. Some of the dresses may be easily improved ; some
of the wigs may be easily improved, sad prominent cloaks
should not stand still at one hour when an all-night ears is
represented. The St. James's is essentially a Weet-end
theatre, and even ita melodramas should be correctly sad
'notated.