The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1845-11-21
EDITORS CORRESPONDENCE.
From our regular correspondent

l sun consider that the great national advan-
tages to be derived from the use 81 the magnetic tel
egraph TO the people at large and especially to the
government in time of war, should induce Congress,
at early day, to adopt measures for its speedy
erection between all important points of the rcpub-
lie In country of such vast territorial extent,
such speedy communication becomes invaluable.
fear the ability of private companies TO build
the telegraphs in proper manner, and to sustain
} them in successful operation. They have not the
means TO erect them IN that permanent and substan-
tial manner necessary TO their preservation. Their
erection, so far, is Of too temporary character
Wooden stakes, and small copper wires not much
larger than knitting-neede, are too easily de-
stroyed, either through design or wanton malice.
Nor can private companies innct proper penalties,
seek other redress calculated to protect their prop
erty to the extent that the government under its mar
shals, could bring into action for the purpose
Congress ought at once TO obtain the control OF lines
already projected, and make appropriations for
building others IN substantial manner--one TO pass
} from hence, through Washington and the principal
cities, to New Orleans; another TO diverge at Ba-
more, and, by following the national road through
the western States, terminate at St Louis; another
should extend from New York TO Buffalo, and from
thence along the lakes TO Chicago third should
extend from New York, via Boston, to the frontiers
kof Maine. All these might be considered as great
national lines, from which branch lines to various
places might be constructed by the State authors
} ties, or by towns other communities desiring
II their use.
4 In building the teegraphs, the government should
construct them IN the most substantial manner. The
posts should all be constructed Of iron, and the met
al cords should be as large quarter Of an inch
in diameter, and well put together. Sach a tele-
graph would cost more money, but il would be the
cheapest in the end. The rods might, it necessary,
be of iron instead of copper, and protected from
rust by paint other means. Copper, however,
is the preferable material, although the other would
answer perfectly well a conductor. Such ele-
graph would be difficult to destroy. The posts
could not be cut down. As further means Of Sc
curty, the government could station Waterman on
every FIVE miles of t1e telegraph, whose duty it
should be to walk the lines daily for that distance,
to guard them, and see that everything was in or
DER The government should also enact severe
penalties against persons injuring the telegraph;
making it penitentiary offence to break the com.
i municaon, or to otherwise damage the property to
an extent to interrupt its operations.
The government to aid the transmission of Its
dispatches, should carry branch lines to each of
their naval stations, principal barracks, arsenals,
armores, &C. By such means, military movements
in time of war could be conducted by the comman-
der n-chief in Washington, with much despatch
and precision if the whole military and ma
val force of tho country were drawn up in
review before him in the river, and on the plains
/ of the seat of government. What immense sums
and disasters would such lines of telegraphs have
saved us from in the late war;
i With comparatively limited forces by land and
sea, by such instantaneous communication, we
should be made doubly as strong. The money saved
to.the government, in single month or two's ope-
raiions in war, would build all the lines Of tele-
graphs we have pointed out. Even in time Of
peace, the saving to the government would be i'm
mense. Despatch is everything in government, as
well as in business movements; for the want OF
!, which, irreparabe losses may be sustained.
) In establishing the telegraphs, it should be the
object of the government 10 derive no income from
its operations; but if any surplus should result, it
should be devoted to the perfection and extension of
the system; and, when fully completed the rates of
toll should be reduced to the lowest possible amount
necessary TO keep the lines in constant and efficient
action.
This is a subject of the greatest national import
ance-worth more to the defences of the country
than the cost Of powerful fleets, armies, and forts
Is weak point threatened with an attack la hive
minutes it can be known to the commander-in-chef
: at Washington. In five or ten minutes more, his
orders reach divisions to march Immediately TO
its support! In five or ten minutes to each place,
his orders and inerchanges can pass between the
seat of government and all the navy yards arsenals
armores and principal forts and barracks in the re-
public What vast addition Of national strength
and efficiency would such facilities afford.
no" iS the mos. i"po,"r. metal dug f'o" the
and consumption. 1t is daily being applied to new
purposes.
f In my next letter will proceed to give some &C
count of the vast iron-works in Glamorganshnc
South Wales, which | visited for the purpose OF
well the nature Of the ores, plans of working, &c.
The yasness OF the iron trade of Great Britain
forms one of the most astonishing features in her
national industry far exceeding the probable sup
positions of those who have not examined the sub
jcct As vast as this branch Of trade has grown to
be in England, it is yet, comparatively, IN its IN
fancy.
Mr.. Mushct has published history Of iron and
its modes of manufacture. Ii is a very elaborate
and voluminous work--loo much so for general cir
cu hI1 rpat he rnn
learn what immense improvements have been made
in the manufacture Of this useful metal. By the in
PRODUCTION Of the hot-air blast improved furnaces,
and economical conrivances for saving fuel in
ri nuxng, and various other operations, not only a
larger yield Of better iron is obtained from-the same
Ores but it is produced at much less expense, and
at great saving of time.
To all appearance, the iron and coal beds in Eng
land are inexhaustibe. The production ultimately
can only be limited by the demands; and it is with
us in the United States. Notwithstanding the
perfection to which the manufacture of iron has
been brought by the aid Of science, is yet destined
TO undergo further improvements. r
will not anticipate my next letter. and this being
nearly filed, i must stop for the present.
City, ha!Epasi a. m.-Thc weather still continues
fine. Fair Cenesee -four sold to-day at IS 81; g.,
cents more is asked by many sellers
The sales Of cotton to-day amounted to from 900
to 900 baes>-part for shipment, the remainder to
spnners Prices without changes but the market
exhibits greater frmness. AT the stock boards to-
day, the sales 10 a fair extent without mate
rial change in prices. Some Of the railroad bonds
; improved slightly.
:, Exchange still dull Business men generally
are anxously awaiting the news by the steamer
The steamer Niagara into last night al
Caskill landing by soop, which inflicted consid-
cradle damage upon the steamer.
Ciemed-Packet-ship Hendrick Hudson J. Girls
!, void, for London; Childe Harold, for Calao,
: Peter Harmony, Nephews & Co.; barque Apollo,
for Antwerp one brig for Giana and st. Crox.
.7rip,d-Ship Isaac Newton, as days from Liv
erpool; ship Stephen Lurman, of Baltimore, IS days
from Rotterdam; brig Tccumseh, from Rotterdam,
October 18th w.. -
Delo,p-0ne ship, two barques, and one brig.
Yours, very truly and respectfully,
u MORGAN