Smyrna times., 1858-08-12
The Atlantic Telegraph.


The gratifying news of the successful laying
of the cable has reached ns.-and never was
gladsess apparently so real and universal on
this side of the Atlantic; and as soon as we be-
gin to receive messages from the other side,
doubtless, we shall be informed that that glad
ness is as real and as universal in old Europe
as in Young America.
But, to foresee all the consequences of this
great work-supposing that the new line goes
into successful operation-would require the
gift of prophecy. Many OF its effects we shall
seVef be able to trace but that it must be pow
erful in increasing the intercourse betw cen the
old world and the new-Europe and America
is obvious enough. The North American saws
steam navigation has already done much to
promote intercourse. 1t has increased traffic.
and sent thousands of Americans on their travels
10 foreign parts, who, without the facility af-
f'rded them by steamers in crossing the ocean,
would have been content TO remain at home in
their native land. The telegraph will tend to
increase both trade and travel, and ultimately,
We trust will be productive of much good to
humanity.
But the doubt must arise whether the United
States will derive that immediate advantage
from the telegraph which some sanguine per-
sms expect The laws that govern industry
nnd trade are not at all altered because we
possess the power of hourly sending messages
TO Liverpool or Manchester, under the waters
Of the Atlantic; and the evils that ailict the
business community, and re at all times able
to over axe it, will be just as numerous as ever
they were, and may be much increased. One
thing is certain,-this Atlantic cable will i'm
mediaiely increase the influence of British pi-
talStS and manufacturers in the United States
When Europeans find that they can have daily
Intelligence from the United States, they will
be more inclined to invest here. Daily know
ledge OF the state Of the markets, and the ia
cilty for sending orders tor goods, will be
likely to stimulate trade, and give addi-
iIOna advantages to the manufacturer and
dealer on The other side. This is not a very
encouraging prospect. The great financial re-
verses that this country has time and aga u cx-
p"r-nced are. in measure, due to over trading
and wild speculation. We run to seed in ths
way, trade and speculation being out of all pro
p'fllon to productive industry, and an instru-
mant like this telegraph, that is eminentIy cal
culated to promote both, aud may be disadyan-
tsgeous 10 cur own manufactures, by atfording
Increased facilities TO the foreigner, ought not
to be regarded as bringing nothing but unLlIt:-
gated good.
The successful laying ofthe cable is, in itself,
a wonderful achievement. 1t is a proud tri-
umph of science and skill. The electric teIe-
gragh is The latest and highest evidence of the
power of the human intellect, and that it should
be made TO link two wide-sundered continents,
making nothing of time and distance, is scarce
ly conceivable. No wonder astonishment and
delight should possess men on hearing the
news of the accomplishment Of such a feat
Bot let it be remembered that the world and
we in the United States especially, have been
going too fast of late. Our haste to be rich
has brought on her embarrassment and loss /: and
hence an agency which may make US still last
er aud wilder in our spcculutions may possibI >
do US more harm than good. Aud even if We
should be stimulated into greater activity, anC
become more productive, like the goose il the
fable, it may be that we shall lay the COLDER
eggs for the benefit Of others.
No word has yet traversed the wires; nol
will any be sent until the Queens message ant
the Presidents reply shall have passed. Sew
eral days must elapse before we can expec
these messages to be transmitted, since it is
work of time to connect the cable ends will
the shore.