The Express.
London, England, 1859-06-02 00:00:00

LONDON, THURSDAY EVENING, JUNE 2, 1859.

PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS IN THE
INSULATION OF TELEGRAPH WIRES.

From day to day we have to record failures of sub-
marine cables. The Hague, the Jersey, the Medi-
terranean cables have all had their failures ea well es
the Atlantic. No one can walk through the streets
of London without frequent opportunities of seeing
the electric wires taken up from their resting-places,
to be tested for the discovery of failures in their
covering. It tecomes an important question, there-
fore, to determine whether gutta-percha can be made
a more permanent insulator, or whether something
better can be provided as a substitute for it.
Three years since Mr. Edward Highton drew
the attention of the directors of the British Electric
Telegraph Company to the important fact, that if
wires covered with gutta-percha were placed in the
neighbourhood of the roots of the oak tree, a peculiar
fungus frequently found in such situations had the
power of destroying the insulating properties of the
gutta-percha. He found gutta-percha in such situa-
tion., if the spawn of the fungus could be detected,
invariably decayed and rotten, while the covering of
the wires at a little distance, where no such spawn
could be discovered, sus perfectly sound. To test
this theory of the destructive yoyitir of this tura,
*ter the gotta-percha be imbedded some of this sub-
stance in a bed of soil with the spawn of the fungus.
In four months' time he found the gutta-percha
covering of the wires, so well as some sheet gutta-
percha subjected to this treatment, completely de-
stroyed—rendered, in fact, quite useless as an elec-
tric insulator. Not only is gutta-percha subjected
to destruction by the action of fungi, under certain
conditions it deatys without their influence. Mr.
Highton found wires covered with this substance in
a state of decay in a town, though preserved from
moisture and other influences in iron pipes. In
addition to Mr. Highton's testimony we have the
very important evidence of Sir W. B. O'Shaugh-
nessy, the chief superintendent of telegraphs in
Indis, that 600 miles of gutta-percha wire,
out of 700 miles sent out to India by
the Gutta-percha Company, was found per-
fectly useless, from the decay of the gotta-
percha. It arrived in India in the cold season.
Without any exposure it was found" that the copper
wire had in many places been forced through the
gutta-percha, which bore evident marks of softening
Ilatest." In addition to this a still more serious
c ge bad taken place, and was in rapid progress,
by which the gutta-percha became brittle, broke off
from the wire whenever bent, and lost all its inside-
ting power. This strange change had taken place
in the unopened cues, in which it had been packed
for India. Professor Hoffman, by en analysis of this
changed gutta-percha, found that it had been oxy-
dised. In spite of all these defects gutta-percha is still
used as the only insulator for submarine and subterra- '
neap telegraph wires. The interests now involved in
telegraphic communication are so vast, and es
we are about to recommence the Atlantic communi-
cation, and also to connect our Mediterranean for-
tresses by direct submarine telegraphy with England,
it becomes an exciting question how to obtain a
better and more perfect insulator than gutta-percha.
It is to this feeling pervading the scientific world
that we attribute the gathering of so many theore-
tical and practical electricians at Messrs. Silver's
works at North Woolwich on Friday last.
Mr. Wart and Messrs. Silver propose to use
indiarubber as a substitute for gutta-percha.
Indiarubber was first used, but it failed on ac-
count of the difficulty of making a homogeneous
covering of indiarubber for the telegraph wire.
This difficulty has now been overcome. The india-
rubber is obliged to be wrapped round the wire in
the form of ribbon. It cannot be rontlorod plastic,
like the gutta-percha. When wrapped round, how-
ever, even if covered over with tape and indiarubber
solution, it is not impervious to moisture. Water,
under great pressure, will find its way through the
overlappings of the indiarubber ribbon. This defect
is remedied by the simple process of subjecting the
covered wire to moist heat. This renders the union
of the indiarubber so complete, that no experi-
mental pressure to which it has been subjected can
destroy its insulation. The superiority of the india-
rubber insulation over that of the gutta-percha con-
sists in this, that it is not porous. So far as yet can
be determined it is not subject to the same decay. It
can be immersed for days in boiling water without
injury. In addition, the severeet electrical tests show
that the indiarubber is a far superior insulator to
any ordinary gutta-percha. Messrs. Silver have
acted wisely in calling in the aid of scientific discus-
sion. The more capital and science aid each other,
the more certain the progress of science. The con-
demnation of gutta percher for subterranean tele-
graphy was unanimous. The defence of its continued
use for submarine purposes weak. The most import-
sat element to our mind in the whole discussion was
the assertion of Mr. Glaisher, of the Royal Obser-
vatory, that they could not depend from day to
day upon the correct transmission of their
time signal', and that five years was the
longest term he knew of any subterranean
cable remaining perfect. We bail this step as an
important one for telegraphy. How india-rubber
will act when tested by experience no one can tell.
All that is now known is that with the new process
it can stand tests where gutta-percha would totally
fail. Mr. Horstmann, of New York, has patented a
submarine cable, in which he proposes to use &thick
covering of shell lac for the insulator. He also
suggests the idea of manufacturing his cable on
board the vessels, as it is being paid out into the
often. We only mention this to show that projeo-
tors are alive to the necessity of procuring a substi-
tute for gutta-percha. Mr. Hearder has communi-
cated a very valuable paper to the Philosophical
Maga:ins of last month, proposing a new form of
telegraph cable intended to reduce the effects of that
inductive action, which so retards the communica-
tion through submerged cables of any considerable
length. This question is only second in importance
to that of insulation. From an extensive series of
experiments he has been led to the conclusion that
the insertion of a porous substance, such as worsted,
cotton, or silk, between the conducting wire and the
insulating covering, will greatly modify this defect.
With these prospects of improving electrical cables
we hope that the serious difficulties of
the present
system of telegraphic communication are in a fair
way to be remedied.

SolizaseTsnian SOCIETY. This benevolent
safely held is 48th anniversary meeting on the 31st ultimo,
at the Albion Tavern, Aldetegate-street, noder the preeldeacy
of Mr. A. Mille, M.P., supported by Mr. C. A. Moody,lll.P.,
Nit leery Heart, But., Mr. W. IL Oore Lloroo, Mr.
Knatchbull, M.P., the Hon. P. P. Bouverie, M.P., Mr. W.
Mealy, Mr. Chisholm Batton, and other Methanol gentle-
men connected with the c nutty of Stmerint. The society
was established is 1811, for the purport of applenticiag
the children of poor 8 matt- rehire wrote reeldeet
in London, and haa accomplished touch good. It is entirety
self-oupporting, the whole of the fund. being devoted to the
elects of the charity. In consequence of the retirement of
Mr. Byard Sheppard, Mr. T. F. Charley wee unanimously
elected hoe. sec. sad a weber of the committee. It was
announced that the Ban of Cork has accepted the office of
president for the ensuing year. The musical arrengementa
were gilfolly directed by Mr. George Our, aided with
great liberality by_liletiers. Collard and Collard.
BATH AND WEST OP ENGLAND AGRICULTURAL
SOCIETY.—BA RNSTATLIS, WZDNISDAT.—Tbe annual embi •
Innen of the above society was opened on Monday, in the ca-
pilot of Notth Devon; but to-day and to-morrow an the
principal days of the show. In addition to a large exhthi-
lion of cattle and Implements, there is en exhibitlon of ar-
ticles of nuaefoctur• from some of the principal firms is
the north end west of England, together with W.A. of art
and water-colour drseriep. Among the latter are six beau-
tiful landscapes by Turner. Them are various other attrac-
tions, of a kcal character, and the authorities of the town,
beaded by the metro, Mr. It. Bremridge, have exerted than-
Niue with great coal to make the exhibition as tuccusful
and pleathen as possible. Among the cattle ere upwards of
sixty eery prima Doyens. Els Royal Highness the Prince Con-
sort is an exhibitor in (woof the Devon dames, and we see by
the prim list issued to-day, that his Royal Highness bee been
awarded the first prizes i a each clue.
LONDON OZNERAL OM/41111M COMPAWY (LITITTITs).
—Treats escripts for the week eadlag May 29, 12,1 .
14e.

EPSOM MEETING.

The Grand Stand yesterday was more crowded than
ewer, the crush of carriages on the hill larger, the excitement
deeper, and the fan and hilarity more boisterous than even
oar remembrance can parallel. The first race excited no at-
trition ; like a Primer's vaudeville, it merely played the
people in, and gave them time to take their places, and pre-
pare themselves for the grand spectacle that was to follow.
With that promptitude and discipline for which the A divi-
sion of polies is celebrated, the Course was soon cleared, and
it stretched green and bright through the serried ranks of

people which extended from T►ttenham-corner to the " rub.
hiss" house. The numbers were hoisted on the telegraph
board, sweepstakes hastily formed amongst the occupants of
carriages on the hill, and the hues of excitement end anxiety
swelled into *roar which might have been heard for miles
man& From the Grand Stand enclosure rose shouts which
were distinct above every other [soloed. Bookmakers were
engaged in " getting round," and backers of hones in " get-
ting out," and they were quite indifferent to the scene in
which they were playing not rinprominent parts. The
three leading favourites were pretty Orin, and
Newcutle was also brought with some force into
the market. After 10 to 1 had been taken about him to
money, be receded to 14 to 1 offered. No incident of specu-
lation, however, was so important as that which marked the
stadium of the three leading favourites. Sir Joseph Haw-
ley end Wells were fortunate, the former In owning the win-
ner of a Derby two years in succession, and the latter in
being able to tide it. Wells, who met with a fearful accident '
at anew, has quite recovered from his huris. George
Manning, who comes of • racing family, and who
is the youngest brother of the well-known clerk of
the scales has had • share of fortune which rarely
befalls any traitor. He has had Sir Joseph Hawley's
horses under his are for barely three years, and during that
time he has won two Derbies and some of the pried'sl
weight for age ram. The dog" are, of course, the chief
losers by the resolt of the race.
The bruins:re of the meeting was well conducted. The
polio, were under the orders of Superintendent Walker, In -
spielers Bray, Grant, Butt, Hocks cud Jackson. Mr.
Coppud wee on duty at the private stead, and
Mr. Charles Martin superintended the outdoor arrange-
ments.

Among the distinguished company present we notiod the
following:—Dab of Beaufort, Margolis of Ailesbury, Lord
D. Kennedy, Earl of Airlie, H. Mendell, Esq., Sir G. Ar-
my tags, Major Bart, Captain Bailie, Kr. C. Brom, Mr. C.
Bernard, Lord Barra, Marquis if Bath, Earl of Bubb°.
rough, Sir G. J3oswall, Kr. J. Bowes, Hoe. G. Byng, M.P.,
Bail of Berm Dab of Cambridge, Vimount Canterbury,
Colonel Carlton, Bari of Cheatardald, Captain Christ's, Vis-
count Cllfden, Sir W. Codrington, Marquis of Conyngham,
Alderman Copeland, Lord Coudray, Kr. J. S. Crawford,
Visoonnt Ctuzon, Hon. Captain Curzon, Earl of Dalkeith,
Colonel de Horsey, Sir H. Des Veer, Mr. H. N. Des
Vcoax, Mr. H. D. Drummond, Lord De Manley, Hen.
L. Ellis, Virommt Enfield, Earl of Boston, Marquis of
Era, Vircount Exmouth, Sir H. Farquhar, M.P., Mon-
sieur Fould, Colonel Ferguson, Lord F. Fitzroy, Hon.
0. Filawilliam, Han. H. Forester, Mr. W. L. Gilmour,
Earl of Glugow, Earl Granville, C. Groville, Esq.,
Earl of Harwood, Marquis of Harlington, Sir
&mesh Hawley, Color Higgins, Lord Villiers,
Mr. J. Ira, Earl of Jersey, Mr. R. Knightley,
M.P., Lord A. Lennox, Earl of Lkhdeld, Earl of
Lincoln, Captain Little, Yr. H. Lowther, Han. J. Mac-
donald, Mr. F. Magmas, Mr. C. Martin, Mr. B. Mills,
Mr. J. Kerry, Viscount Newport, M.P., Colonel Newton
Mr. R. Maslow, Mr. G. Payne, General Peel, M.P., Sir R.
Par M.P., Earl of Portamoreh, Mr. R. Itudaton Read, Hon.
Admiral Roos, Mr. H. Saville, Earl of Scarborough, Lord
John Scott, Mr. R. Shafts, M.P., Hr. F. Stanhope, Earl
of Strathmore, Mr. G. Start, M.P., Mr. Napier, M.P., Earl
of Started, Colonel Taylor, M.P., Viscount Torrington,
Taylor, Be i., Hoc. G. Vaughan, Mr. T. Wallace, Mr. H.
Weller, Mr. W. Wells, M.P., Berl of Winchibes, Sir W.
W. Wynn, Lord Grey de Wilton, Sir Lydaton Newman.