The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1877-11-28


The late storm, which has been attended
by series of great disasters on sea and
land, must naturally direct attention to
branch of physical science which embraces
the observation of all atmospheric disturb
ances and an investigation of their charac-
ter and causes. The interests OF commerce
and navigation have been from the
beginning directly affected by weather
changes, but it is only within
the past century that any research
has been made into the origin of the lat
ter, and only within the past twenty-five
years that any satisfactory results have been
obtained from scientific investigation. Or
these the greatest are the reliable data on
which are based the weather predictions
that serve to guard against approaching
dangers by affording very accurate lore
knowledge of their nature and the time OF
their arrival. The happiest results have fol-
lowed a recognition OF the true value OF
these predictions, and the most melancholy
when they have been UNDECIDED by navl-
gators Perhaps the latest and most dread
full, though indirect, consequence OF
storm on our coast, and which has cost the
nation a fine ship and one hundred valuable
lives, would not have been recorded had
those responsible for the disaster only OBJ
served the timely signals of danger that
were displayed at the very time, though too
distant from the point of departure
1t is difficult to account for the scepticism
of intelligent men on some subjects directly
affecting their most vital interests. The
science of meteorology has been passing
through the higher stages of investigation
during the present generation with results
which promise q speedy and successful
application of the knowledge it affords to
the practical purposes of life. But
the history Of its advance in the
public estimation is marked by the
same order of doubt and obstructive
scepticism that has delayed the general
acceptance Of other branches Of knowledge.
Yet we can trace through history the thread
Of investigation which unites the mystic
symbolisms Of the ancient Greeks with the
scientific facts of the modern meteorolo-
gists; the gradual accumulation of data
with which the weather service of to-day is
organized on q broader and more solid
foundation than the Athenians even dreamed
of when they built their tower OF the
winds. In the modern study of meteor
ology speculation is gradually giving place
to accertained fact, and there is in
progress steady and happy elimi-
nation Of theories based upon an
imperfect knowledge of its primary
laws. But it must be recognized that the
most conscientious student made but little
progress until within the past twenty-five
years, and that the practical study Of
meteorology rs applied to useful purposes
only commenced with the development Of
the telegraph system from mere local to o
general use. Before the days of ocean cables
and the wonderful network OF land lines
that now connect and overspread continents
it was next to impossible to determine the
true meteorological relations existing be-
tween any two or more areas of the earth
surface. But now that the necessary facili-
ties for immediate INSTRUMENTATION are
provided the knowledge and appreciation
of the importance of meteorology must
extend among all civilized peoples.
The great necessity of establishing be-
yond any question the connection between
the meteorological changes that occur on the
American continent and those observable in
Europe has for some time been very appar-
ent. Besides the abstract scientific value
of such O result the practical use to
which it can be put for the protection of
ton is of the highest importance. This
the HERALD has been instrumental in apply
ing with complete success after n series
of failures on the part Of various gov
eminent organizations, though sustained
by large expenditures and almost unlimited
facilities. But the HERALD system of storm
warnings is based on foundation that had
been rigidly tested in all its details before
any attempt was made to introduce it to the
public. We made no announcement Of our
ability to warn the European coasts of the
approach of storms until every probability
Of error had been removed by a careful study
of the conditions that attend their transatlan-
tic movements. Our first prediction by cable
forwarded to London on the 14th OF
February announcing the arrival Of a
dangerous storm on the British coasts on
the 10Th was fulfilled to the letter, and our
latest warming for the 25th of November has
been as completely verified. The warning
of February was received with incredulity by
the people of Europe, but that Of November
is accepted with q confidence in its ac-
curacy that is the legitimate result of our
uninterrupted success. The people of the
British Isles and France are to-day indebted
to the HERALD for service the Importance
of which cannot be overestimated Not only
are they forewa~ned Of dangers that threaten
their agricultural and manufacturing indus
tries, but the navigation of their seas, chan
nels and rivers can be rendered M safe as