Mineral Point tribune. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1854-1858, 1858-07-06
The Atlantic Telegraph-Probliity q Failure

The Telegraph Squadron BOW engaged in
laying the Cable. In common with the whole
world, we earnestly hope the attempt VIII be
successful; but We are compelled to confess that
our advIces are not encouraging We lear this
second experiment will prove . failure.
The letter of our special correspondent, on
board the Niagara, which published this
morning, gives a condensed, but very clear. pre-
else and perfectly reliable report OF the result
of the experimental expedition TO which refer
ences have already been made In the English
papers. 1t was there stated, as also in the re-
port Of the Engineer, that these experiments
were entirely Observation-Disclosures the London
Times recorded the fact that the cable parted
once or twice. though this accident was said 10
have occurred only to the old cable and in a
rough sea. From correspondents letter,
however, it viii be seen that the cable parted
no less than i've fines during the trip Of three
days-ibat this calamity occurred TO both the
old and new cable atIke-and that 1t not
fairly cbargeable either TO the weather the sea-
or any special aeciden; whatever. We have
private adylces, also, OF discouraglng tenor,
though from persons officially connected with
the enterprise. One OF these letters, written on
board the Niagara, saws:
% GU Will see, If you get an accurate report
of the experimental trip. that a more favorable
opportunity could not occur for practice and ex-
periments in laying the cable The weather
was calm and the sea smooth ThereAwas no
swell, the ship perfectly still. yet \ must
confess, 1t was not so successful trial as hop
ed aud expected. Disguise the fact rs we may.
there were mishaPs,. rn!siu dgments and ms
calculations The cable parted at every trial,
whether new condemnable cable. On the
voyage of course, the dangers to be apprehend-
ed are still greater-since the two ships have
the same duty to perform, and failure on either
will be fatal to the other"
Another letter from an officer saws
" To the credit of the Niagara / must men
ton that when the cable was running out at
equal rates from beth ships. the break in every
instance occurred from the Agamemnon Il
seems to mo that ship does not give the matter
the requisite care and Observation-Disclosures she
/ labnrs greatly. predict failure on her part
t though / ana very sorry to think so, for have
taken deep interest in this enterprise and
/ have something at stake in its success
But a.t~g carefully watching and weighing
| everything, have reluctantly come TO the con
/ clus;on that third trial Will have TO be made
! before the cable can be laid. One thing is GER
tan--that if the cable is checked while il is run.
ming out rapidly, the job is over, for it viii no,
| bear the strain. have heard some of the En-.
/ CINE and some of the Electricians cxpress the
opinion that 1t viii prove failure"
All this Is very discouraging. We trust thes,
misgivings will prove to have been unfouuded
but they come from sources entitled to a goo,
degree OF res 3eet and certainly do not fee
warranted in Withholding them from the public
! The expedition started on the l0th of Jnne ane
within q week ten days we shall probably
/ learn its fate.--N I. Times, Time 24ih