The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1851-01-11

here, but called the invisible agencies of
nature into requiSition for the rapid diff
fusion of intelligence, and have made
them-the messengers of man to con-
vey his commands to distant points with
the swiftness of the winged lightnings,
out-travelling the earth itself. We have
now the magnetic telegraph traversing
all parts of our country, along whose ST.
lent wires, the invisible messengers, ODE
dent to their master, man, move at his
bidding
"Compar'i with the speed of whose flight;
The tempest itselflags behind,
And the swift winged arrows Of liglt.''
1t is truly the most wonderful invention
OF the age, and where II is destined to
stop we know not, but ere long we may
hear that the wires have been carried
across Bhering's Strait TO the continent
of Asia, and thence to Europe and At
RIGA.
"Wlat's yet discovered only seems to show,
That nothing's known, to what's TO know"
But there has been change gong on
among mankindin some degree connec-
ted with science, yet far more important
than half ofthe scientific discoveries
otis the diffusion of existing knowledge
among the mass Of mankind" Old sys-
TENS of instruction are giving way to
those better adapted to the spirit of the
age; improved systems are every where
springing up, and carrying instruction
to the tenants of the remote cottage,
while cookbook simply flying the means
OF instruction are finding their way to
every mans Preside, and through the
agency of The press (vastly improved in
its facilities within the present century,
all matters Of intelligence, general and
local, as will as the progress of science
and literature are rendered. easily accosi-
bic to every citizen, and from these eau
ses an enlightened public opinion is ev-
cry whore diiIusing its influence in all
the great departments Of human society.
Agriculture, the noblest and most es-
sential of all the employments of man,
is rapidly improving, by calling to its
aid science and art, and by the increas-
ing spirit ofemulation induced in part,
by public exhibitions and by lucrative
returns for well directed industry, and
by receiving its proper rank among the
most honorable callings of man.
In manufactures too our country has
progressed very rapidly within the last
fifty years, equalling in excellence,
beauty and finish, many of the most eel
ebrated articles Of manufacture of the
Old World. And in all the comforts
and conveniences of life, there has been
vast improvement, and we every where
see citizens born without any patrimony,
soon acquiring by industry and frugality
a competency of the good things ofthis
life, and probably the history of the
world does not furnish an example of
any nation having risen so rapidly to
greatness as the United States within
the last half century. From a popula-
ton Of five millions she has increased to
more than four times that number
what were small towns then, have grown
IN population and commerce to excel
cities of the Old World which have been
renowned for centuries. And beautiful
and populous towns have sprung up as if
by magic where fifty years ago stood the
wigwam of the Indian, while her pos
sessions have extended from the Missis-
sippi to the Pacific Ocean, and her COM
merce is only circumscribed by the lin
its of the globe itself. Truly the mid
die OF the nineteenth century finds the
United States Considering the extent of
her territory, the abundance and varie-
ty OF her productions, her inland and
maritime commerce, her manufacturing
interest, the energy, enterprise, and in
teillgence Of her people, and her free
and liberal form Of government,) the
greatest nation upon earth.
In the production of statesmen and
soldiers during the period referred to,
our country has been most prolific
Many of them have gone to their re-
ward, whose deeds will long be cherish
ed by their countrymen, and live in the
enduring pages Of history, while many
yet remain on the theatre of action as
bright stars in the galaxy of their coun-
try's glory.
The sages and patriots ofthe Revolu-
ton, are with few exceptions,) all
gone, but the remembrance of their
deeds will last while human liberty has a
votary.
In looking forward to the future great
ness and glory four common country,
zon, but these will he dissipated by the
good sense and patriotism fthe Amer
lean people; and there is bright prom
Use in the future.
Very few, perhaps, who are now en-
gagged in the active duties of life, will be
on this stage of existence at the close of
the present century, and the events that
will intervene are hidden in the mystic
rious future. 1t remains for us to act