The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1858-09-27

New York, Sept. rs, 1853
White the partial failure of the Atlantic telegraph has
excited such universal interest this country and in
Europe IL is 10 be regretted that far the matter has
been passed over by those who alone compe
tent 70 form an opinion the subect-practical tele
graphlsts published letter from some prom
ncnty engaged in the might have done much
aay the general uncasiness such communication
has appeared perhaps word two from ex-teIe-
graphst might be thought worthy of place in your
columns as you have always manifested much interest
the success of the enterprise
The present working condition OF the cable only be
attributed to two causesmpcrfect insulation OF portion
OF the wire constantly submerged or faulty connec
lion at either terminus between the cable itself and the
ground wire. II the impeachment arises from the first
cause should say that the injured portion Of the cable
valcnta where the difficulty supposed to exist is
above low water mark, aais . vta.e 9, tne Tue re-,
flow through the length OF the wire; tho tide
rises; the injured portion Is again submerged;
water Is formed and consequently the
current interrupted in its course-or in other words
the reaches the point at which the wire connects
with the water and the point whence started
hence the occasional flow Of signals If the cable
imperfect any portion OF its constantly submerged
length, there could be no communication through what
ever all the in the world would not force the
beyond the point where the water touched the
wire. An Increase Of battery would only render the re-
turn stronger and decided As well might
we attempt send electric current through spool Of
cotton Any practical who has had much experience
We hear great deal from theorists Of partial ground
connections On land line such interruption might
occur but in q submerged wire. will illustrate this
Take for instance the line between New York and Bos
ton portion Of the wire may fall from the posts to the
ground in dry weather, aud cause but little injury
20 the through working Of the current. Let it rain
for half an hour sufficiently to moistcn the earth
nj the point Of contact, and the ground connection
IL formed az once and the working Of the line be-
yond that point-the current returning whence came.
Tho shower ceases the dries the moisture and the
Continuity is again restored. Again, will suppose
the wire in perfect working order 60 TO any intcrme
,ate point the line throw wire mo matter how nc)
over the and place the end in the moist earth
YOU interrupt the through working at once the current
returning New York tho wire from the ground
and the Continuity instantly restored These my
for surprising that the cable is not injured below
low water mark.
On the other hand, the present difficulty arises from
faulty connection through the instruments and battery
or anywhere the circuit between the shore end OF the
cable the ground WIRE IL should have been discovered
and remcdied long since. The test is very simple Az
Zach wiro the cable outside all local connections
place it n the ground thus forming short circuit from
ground TO ground, through Instruments batteries and
connections and the Of the difficulty Is apparent
must apologize for occupying much valuable space
hut the interesting nature OF the subject must be my
excuse c. BARRY,
FIX -superntendent Telegraph.