The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1846-02-14
Magnetic Observation-Disclosures OF Time
and space.

The vast importance of the magnetic power as
medium of communication between distant points,
seems to be well understood in every part OF our
extended country and the probability Is that before
long every point will be connected in one grand
centre. Ii is within a comparatively short time
that the discovery made, but already there have
been several hundred miles of communication per-
fected, and many more under contract
We are indebted to Mr.. Marshall, who is con-
neced with the New York and Boston Telegraphic
Company, for information of the number of routes
now isished and in operation, and such others as
are being constructed. There are already finished
and in operation line from Baltimore to Washing
ton; line from Philadelphia to Newark, N. j.,
which Is intended to be carried through to New
York-but the difficulty Of laying the wires at the
bottom of the Hudson river, or through the air over
that river, has prevented its completion. 1t is in
contemplation to carry the wires to Bulls Ferry,
and cross the river at that point. In the meantime,
however, it would be great benefit to the public if
temporary depot were established at Jersey City,
IN order that the advantages offered by the use of
the wires might be enjoyed, without undergoing the
trouble and expense Of sending to Newark. The
line from Boston to Lowell is also completed, and
also line from Boston to Nantucket and the New
ioih lining AcickIuPH, lIOm 1NeW DIX 10 COney
Island. The two latter were built tor the purpose
OF obtaining marine news at the earliest moment,
and the latter has been for portion OF the time in
operation.
In addition to those lines that are finished, there
are several under contract, many of which will be
finished In short time. One of the most impor-
tant Of these, is the New York and Boston line,
passing over the old post road to Bridgeport and
New Haven, thence to Hartford, Springfield and
Worcester, and by railroad TO Boston. Sections OF
this line are now entirely finished, and the remain
ing portions are rapidly approaching completion.
The severity OF the winter and the shortness of the
days, have retarded the work somewhat, although,
considering that the "rght Of way" was not pro-
cured until the middle of November last great des-
patch has been evinced in its construction
1t is expected that this route will be completed
next month We hope 1t will be, for it is Of the
utmost Importance, during the present state of our
foreign relations, to have the news by the Boston
steamships IN the possession Of the mer-
chants and the government at the earliest
moment. II that and the New York and Phi
ladelphia, and the Philadelphia and Bati-
more routes were completed, the news by the
steamers would reach Washington before the yes
sci touched the dock in Boston The next steamer
after the coming one, will leave Europe on the 18th
of March, and the news which it will bring, will
probably be most important to the interests OF this
country, in various points of view. We sincerely
wish therefore, that the arrangements OF the Boston
and New York line will have been completed by
that time.
The line next IN importance is the New York and
Buffalo line. The section between Albany and
Utica, So miles in length, is entirely completed and
is daily used. The proceedings of the Legislature
are published simultaneously in Utica and Albany.
The posts between Utica and Buffalo are all erect
ed, and soon the weather will permit the wires
will be extended, and the entire route between AL
bany and Buffalo finished This line will probably
connect with the Boston line, at some convenient
point, and thus form a connection with New York
This road will be very beneficial to the West, and
obviae many specuations on the farmers of that re-
gion. 1t probable that this line, instead Of con-
Meeting with the Boston line, may take the river
route from Albany to New York, passing through
Poughkeepsie. The enterprising citizens Of Troy
will require the extension of this line to their city,
and some of the most influential men there have al
ready made proposals to that effect.
The stock for line to connect with the New
York and Buffalo line at Syracuse, is all taken and
company organised and an agent appointed Ii is
expected that this line will be completed by the first
OF May next As soon as the harsh weather Is over,
there will be a route constructed from Ithaca TO
Auburn, distance Of thirty-elght miles. From
Harrisburgh TO Philadelphia the posts and wires are
all up, and it will be opened Immediately. The
route from Philadelphia to Baltimore is under con-
tract, and will be finished in about sixty days.
II will be seen, therefore, that within very short
time. the North, South, East and West, be con-
nected by this invisible agency; and before many
years, there is doubt the extremes of our vast
country will be brought into close contact-into
circle of communities within five minutes commune
cation with each other.
MARITAL LAw-IMPRIsoNMENT FOR NoN-PAYMENT
OF MILITIA FINEs-We commented, not long since,
upon the strange anomaly among us of the existence
OF courts martial, by whose warrant citizens were
liable TO be selzed upon at their homes, or in their
stores, and dragged ANONYMOUSLY to Jail. We
then deprecated the idea of leaving to jury to
create jurisdiction Of such terrible kind, by their
votes, Judgments or verdcts as it appeared to us
that the statute book alone can decide the question
OF Jurisdiction, and give or take away the same.
II exists tdoes not In either case, it is for the
Judge to know the statutes, and not for the jury.
He is to decide, not they, whether the defendant i'm
his plea, has made out case OF Jurisdiction, or has
failed to do SO.
We are now happy TO learn that there is pros
pect OF at least some partial remedy to this grev
ance. A bill has been introduced into the Senate
for abolishing imprisonment for non-payment of
militia fines. 1t leaves the law, every other res
pect, unatered The collector may levy by distress,
sell your bed, or otherwise annoy you, by virtue of
martial law, but he cannot, henceforh, if this bill
Is passed, convey you to jail So far, so good for
we hold, with the old adage, "half loaf is better
than no bread"
The PARTY CoNT ENTIoNs IN ALBANY refer
our readers to the Legislative proceedings at Al
bany, for the last few days. but particularly those in
the Senate OF Wednesday last. 1t seems that poll