The Sun.
London, England, 1859-02-24 00:00:00

IMPROVED ELECTRICAL CABLE.

On Tuesday evening the Rev. Walter Mitchell,
M.A., delivered a lecture " On the Atlantic Tele-
' graph, and Electric Telegraphs in general," at the
. Russell Institution. The most novel feature of the
lecture, and one which elicited great interest, was
the description of some very interesting experiments
by Professor Hughes, the inventor of the printing
telegraph recently described in our columns. These
experiments have not only exemplified the defects of
the present Atlantic cable, and the cause of the
interruption of electric communication, but also
afforded a demonstration of an easy method of pre-
venting such accidents for the future. A copper
wire insulated in the ordinary manner was placed
in a bath of salt and water. An electrical circuit
was made, interrupted only by the water. The com-
plete insulation of the copper wire was indicated
by the needle of one of Mr. Henley's most delicate
galvanometers connected with the interrupted
current standing at zero. A hole of • considerable
size was then made through the gutta percha,
allowing the salt water to reach the wire. The
electrical circuit was then immediately completed
by the water, the deflection of the needle, and its
permanent position at DO deg., marking what is
technically called " dead earth," or, in other words,
the complete escape of the electric force through
the opening into the surrounding water. A more
minute hole was then made, when the following
curious phenomena presented themselves. The
needle of the galvanometer was deflected about 70
deg. ; but instead of remaining stationary at that
point, kept vibrating irregularly through arcs of
two or three degrees on each side of 70 deg. The per-
plexing vibrations of the galvanometers applied to
the electric cable were thus exemplified. It becomes
therefore exceedingly probable that the vibrations
supposed to be produced by earth currents are
nothing more than an indication of the minute
nature of the flaw in the gutta percha, which
has destroyed the conducting power of the present
cable. To remedy such defects for the future, Mr.
Hughes has devised a form of cable as simple as it
seems to be effectual in performing its work. Grutta
percha is more or less porous. Minute flaws may
exist which may not show themselves until some
time after the immersion of a cable. This was ex-
emplified by Mr. Henley, who discovered a flaw in
his Tasmanian cable, which did not show itself until
it had been three or four days under water. To meet
these defects, to fill up any minute pores in the
gutta percha, and also to cure any accidental frac-
ture or puncture of it, Professor Hughes introduces
a visid semi-fluid substance of a non-conducting
character betw6en the conducting wire and the
gutta percha. The gutta percha covering of the
wire is drawn out into a tube a little larger in bore
than the wire, the space between them being filled
with the viscid fluid. As soon as any puncture is
made through the gutta percha covering the fluid
oozes out, and is of that nature that it hardens as
soon as it comes in contact with the surrounding
water. A puncture was made in a piece of this
prepared cable while in the bath. The needle of
the galvanometer instantly registered dead earth,
showing the injury received by the cable. But
immediately the fluid began to ooze out and repair
the injury. In about half a minute the return of
the needle to zero indicated the complete restora-
tion of the covering of the cable. Not only was
this demonstrated by punctures, but long slits, two
or three inches in length, were speedily filled
up. This imitation of the process by which nature
repairs injuries done to trees by the flow of
the sap and its coagulation opens out a good pros-
pect of overcoming the defects which have lately
manifested themselves in several deep sea telegraph
cables. It was stated that there were no mechanical
difficulties in the way of the manufacture of such a
cable, and that it would not be more expensive
than those now made.
The lecture was also illustrated by some of Mr.
Henley's very perfect and delicate relay instru -
ments, which excited deserved admiration.—Daily
News.

!ADVERTISEMENT.] &MIT AND T...TEARING.— SPED.
T.,AECtLsES.—POWERFUL TELESCOPES.—OPERA, RACE, AND
r rncTrvE GLASSES.— Messrs. S. and B. Solomons,
opticians, 39 Albermarle-Street, Piccadilly. Observe—
opposite the York Hotel, W.—Opera, Race-course, Field,
and general Out-door Day and Night Perspective Glasses,
very small, for the waistcoat pocket, each containing 12 and
18 lenses, constructed of German glass. IVill show dis-
tinctly a person to know them at two-and-a-half and three
miles, and an object from eight to ten miles distant. Her
Majesty's Coast Guards are making use of them as day and
night glasses in preference to all others ; they are also pre-
ferred for deer-stalking by sportsmen, gentlemen, and
gamekeepers. Telescopes 31 inches long, by which a per-
son may be clearly seen and known at 31 miles' and an. %
object at 12 to 14 miles' distance; and with an extra astro-
nomical eye-piece, Jupiter's moons, Saturn's rings, and
the double stars are distinctly seen. All the above can be
had of larger and all sizes, with increasing powers, and
are secured by her Majesty's Royal Letters Patent.
The Royal Exhibition, 1851. A. valuable, newly-
invented, very small, powerful Waistcoat-pocket Glass,
the size of a walnut, by which a person can be seen
arid known one and a half mile distant. They answer
every purpose on the Race-course and at the Opera.
houses. Country scenery and ships are clearly seen
at four to six miles. They are invaluable for shooting,
deer stalking, yachting, to sportsmen, gentlemen
keepers, and tourists. Price Ms.—Spectacle Lenses of the;
greatest transparent power. The great advantage derived
preserved this invention is, that viaantstihrevmeboryecstomi
aged persons are
anemdplosytrtehnegirtheeingedht,
minnugteocni
—eeaailliesdeetowith those lenses of a much less ma Impairedu pfay
itinoings
power, and they do not require the frequent changes to the
dangerous effects of further P owerful assistance. Persons
can be suited at the most remote part of the world by send-
ing one of the glasses out of their spectacles in a letter, and
stating the distance from the eyes they can read small print
with it, and those who have not made use of spectacles by
stating theairnaegxe7
surpasses anything
for rDa:afness..—New Discovery.—The Organic
n Vibrator,et
rnl
dinarilyp ow erf.ul small newly-invented
Deafness, entirely different from all other
anything of the kind that has been, or probabls;
eversu can be, produced. Being of the same colour' as the
8..1? is not perceptible. It enables deaf persons to hear
tmetly at church and at public assemblies; the unplea-
sant sensation of singing noises in the ears is entirely re
moved,. and it affords all the assistance that possibly could
be desired.-39, Albemarle-street. Piccadilly. Obearvo--
opposite the York Hotel, W.

ROYAL LYCEUM THEATRE.
Manager, Mr. Edmund Falconer,
Re-engagement of Madame Celeste.
THIS EVENING, will be produced a New Drama, by
J. Oxenford, Esq., entitled THE LAST HOPE.
To be followed by a Grand Ballet and Scene from THE
SIEGE OF TROY. Miss Rosina Wright, Miss Harriet
Dalton, Miss Jenny Lauri. Mr. John Lauri. and Corps de
Ballet.
To conclude with THE CHILD OF THE WRECK.
Madame Celeste and Mrs. Keeley.
Reduced Prices—Dress Boxes, 4s. ; Upper Boxes, 38. ;
2s. • Stalls, ss. ; Gallery, is.
Box-office open from 11 to 5 daily. Doors open at halt-past
6 to commence at 7 every evening.

NEW THEATRE - ROYAL, ADELPHI.
Sole Proprietor and Manager, Mr. Benj. Webster..
Powerful Novelty.—Crowded Houses.—Last Six Nights of
MASKS AND FACES; Triplet, Mr. B. Webster. Trium-
phant reception of Mr. Wright. Glorious success of the
INVISIBLE PRINCE.
THUS EVENING, the performance will commence with
MASKS AND FACES ; Mr. B. Webster, C. Selby, Mr. Bil-
lington, P. Bedford, Miss Woolgar, Miss H. Sims, Mrs. Bil-
lington.

Alter which, WELCOME LITTLE STRANGER. Mr.
Wright.

To conclude with THE INVISIBLE PRINCE. Mr. J. L.
Toole.

Doors open at a quarter-past six—Commence at seven. Box
Office open from 10 to 5 —no charge for booking. No fees to
servants permitted. A registry kept of all articles found.
Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Wigan are engaged. Due notice will
e given of their appearance.

ROYAL STRAND THEATRE.
Lessee and Directress, Miss Swanborough
THIS EVENING. WOOING IN JEST AND LOVING
IN EARNEST.
Atter which, the new Extravaganza, KENILWORTH ; or
Ye Queene. ye Earle, and ye Maydenne.
And THE BONNIE FISH WIFE.
Commence at 7 o'clock.

ASTLEY'S ROYAL AMPHITHEATRE
Westminster-road.

Lessee and Manager Mr. William Cooke.

THIS EVENING, and during the week, the revived 4_:a-
fnatic Romance from • Sir Walter Scott, entitled KENIL-
WORTH, re-produced with original effects and additional
splendour.
To be followed by SCENES IN THE CIRCLE, intro-
ducing Mr. W. Cooke, Mr. Bridges, Mr. A. Cooke, &c.
Madame Blanche, Madame Bridges. Maddlle. Fleurette, and
Emily Cooke, together with the Star Riders. and Astley's
unrivalled Troupe of Equestrian Artistes.
To conclude with the great Operatic and Burlesque Eques-
trian Pantomime, entitled HARLEQUIN BARON MUN-
CHAUSEN, AND HIS COMICAL CREAM COB
CRUISER. Baron Munchausen, Mr. W. Anson ; Harlequin,
Mr. H. Hemmings ; Pantaloon, Mr. Morley; Clown, Mr. A.
F. Forrest, the Grimaldi of the day; Columbine, Miss Julia
Weston. Brilliant and unsurpassable Transformation Scene,
with dazzling effects of Colour and Fire. Gorgeous Scenery,
and every incident in bustling reality, from Regent-street to
the "New Palace for the People, at Muswell Hill."
Dress Circle, 4s. ; Boxes, 3s. ; Pit, 28, ; Gallery, la.; Upper
Gallery, 6d.
Stage Manager, Mr. R. Phillips.

CANTERBURY HALL, Westminster-road.—
Proprietor—C. Mowrox.
The publid is most respectfully informed that the ?nix
Aa'r GALLERY. in connection with the above Hall, IS WOW
OPEN DAT AND NIGHT, from 11 o'clock a.m. until 12
o'clock p.m. The New Gallery contains an extensive Collec-
tion of -Pictures, by Ancient and Modern Masters tand is also
devoted to Art productions generally. The Proprietor feels
he may confidently assert that, viewed altogether, the exist-
ing► Maisie Hall, the New Fine Arts Gallery, and tho recently
added Ante-Hall, will present an attraction which, whether
as regards the architectural beauty of the structures them-
selves, or the varied and hitherto unattempted combinations
within, will be found to be wholly without parallel in the
Kingdom.
The MUSICAL ENTERTAINMENT commences as usual at
Seven o'clock.

Tn addition to the usual entertainment, the SAUVLET
FAMILY, of Amsterdam, Eight in number, whose varied
instrumental performances have created so marked a sensa-
tion in the principal cities and towns of the Continent, will
perform every Evening at Nine and Eleven o'clock.

THE WEATHER.--SUN OFFICE, Fzs. 24.
THERMOMETER, IN THE SHADE.
50—highest since noon yesterday.
41—lowest this morning and during the night,
49—this day at noon.

BAROMETER-30.48.
WIND, Westerly; light, with very fine weather.

The anxiously-looked-for report of her MAJESTY'S
Commissioners appointed to inquire into the best
mode of Manning the Navy has just been published.
It is an important document, well worthy of atten-
tive consideration, and is peculiarly valuable at the
Present moment, when so many dark clouds are
lowering in the political atmosphere; and it has
been more than hinted Britannia no longer " rules
the waves"—that she would, in the event of a con-
test, findu it difficult to maintain the maritime
supremacy which has so long been her pride and
boast, and which constituted at the same time her
glory and security. Although we do not feel dis-
posed to place implicit credence in all these gloomy
vaticinations, we unhesitatingly say that Great
Britain must keep in advance of all other
nations—that its prestige must continue un-
impaired, and its position as mistress of
the ocean placed beyond the possibility of doubt
or suspicion.

It would be a spurious and unwise economy
that would endanger these all-
important matters
for any pecuniary consideration. We are, of course,
strongly opposed to everything verging on waste,
jobbery, or wanton extravagance ; but let all that
can fairly be demanded be carried into execution
and the nation will not complain of the cost, what-

ever it may be.
The modern improvements in the construction of
ships of war render it indispensable that we should
adopt every change which has been sanctioned by
experience, and clearly proved to be beneficial.
Steam is now essential to the efficiency of vessels
of all classes in her MAJESTY'S Navy, and it must,
therefore, be introduced wherever practicable, and
other vessels built to supply any possible or even
imaginary deficiency. We know that, not-
withstanding the exigencies of the revenue, and
the difficult position in which the Chancellor
of the Exchequer is placed to make both ends meet,
that subject will receive due attention, and we
trust that the statement of Sir JOHN PAKINGTON
to-morrow evening—it: Lord PALMERSTON will
allow him to make it--will remove every just cause
of apprehension or uneasiness.

But, after all, it is not merely ships that are re.
quired. The moment the necessary outlay is sanc-
tioned by Parliament they can be put in hands, and
the time of their construction calculated to
an hour. But it is the " souls" by which
these inert bodies can be put in motion—the
experienced and hardy seamen who arc to con-
stitute their crews that we want. Parlia-

ment may vote an addition of 20,000 seamen to our
fleet, but where are they to be found during the
emergency ? The nation would no more sanction
the ;pressgang system, the dragging of innocent
men into compulsory servitude,and the total depri-
vatioui of their liberty, than it would ac-
quiesce in the capital punishment of a young
woman, who had been robbed of her hus-
band, for shoplifting to the value of a few
shillings. The ballot for a certain number of
conscripts is almost equally objectionable. The
principle is the same, although each man obtains a
chance of escape. But why should he be compelled
to part with any portion of his natural freedom ?
why should he be compelled to encounter certain
risk? why should the burden be permitted to fall
on one class while all others are exempted ? These
are questions not easily answered save on the plea
of expediency ; and

" The gentlemen of England, who live at home at ease,"
have certainly no right to expect that their pockets
should be saved at the expense of the persons of

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THE SUN.
THURSDAY. FEBRUARY 24, 1859.