The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1918-11-28
In HIS Life of William
Thomson, Baron Kelvin
of Largs," Prof. Silvanus

ull<JlXLNtu4N xxxO w
DGg8gYl Thomson, Baron Kelvin
lfSNaNh of Largs," Prof. Silvanus
[Gg-Al P. Thomson quotes a let
ter from the Sydney Morning
Herald, which gives a thrilling ac-
count of the laying of the first At.
lantic cable. Though it was only
a temporary success, to this first
cable belongs all the inspiration of
accomplishment and difficulties
overcome.
THE electric room," writes a
junior officer of the electric staff,
is on the starboard side of the
main deck forward. 4. On one
side stand the 'detectors' of the old
system, 80 called from being chief
ly used in testing for faults. i.
On the opposite side of the table
is Thomson's marine galvanometer,
so called because it combines deli
cacy with perfect stability at sea.
1t is closed up in a plain deal box,
which is placed on frame, equally
primitive, attached to springs. Yet
this little 'Jack-ln-the-box, as we
often call it, does the work of ev-
cry instrument on the table in its
own peculiar way, and a deal more
accurately.
1t is rather an exciting occupa-
ton to watch the telltale signals as
we pay out. Even the most indif.
ferent holds his breath for a time
when their story is of dubious or
ominous import. We are regarded
by the engineers about the paying
out machinery as birds of evil
omen. If one of our number rushes
upon deck or approaches with a
hurried step, they look as a Roman
husbandman might have done at a
crow on blasted tree. Indeed it
is almost impossible to realize the
anxiety aud heart-interest every
body manifests in the undertaking.
Tonight, but few hours after
starting, we had an alarming crisis.
We had signaled to the Niagara,
(which carried the other end of the
cable toward America) Forty miles
submerged and she was just be-
ginning her acknowledgement,
when suddenly, at 10 p. M, COM
municatian ceased. According to
orders those on duty sent at once
for DR.. Thomson. He came in a
fearful state of excitement. /.
The fault was not on board, but
between the ships. There did not
seem to be any room to hope; but
still it was determined to keep the
cable slowly going out, that all op-
portunity might be given for a re-
suscitation. The scene in and
about the electric room was such as
l shall never forget. The two
clerks on duty. watching. with the
common anxiety depicted on their
faces, for a propitious signal; DR..
Thomson, in a perfect fever of
excitement, shaking like an aspen
leaf, yet in mind clear and collect
ed, testing and waiting, with half
despairing look for the result.
Behind, in the darker part of
the room, stood various officers of
the ship. Round the door crowded
the sailors of the watch, peeping
over each others shoulders at the
mysteries, and shouting Gang
way!' when anyone of Importance
wished to enter. The eyes of all
were directed to the instruments,
watching for the slightest quiver
indicative of life. DR.. Thomson
and the others left the room, con-
vinced they we're once more doomed
to disappointment. Still the cable
went slowly out, while in the hold
they were resplicing the suspected
portion. The clerks continued
sending regular currents. Sud-
enly one sang out, 'Halloa! the
spot has gone up to forty degrees
The clerk at the ordinary instru-
|ment bolted right out of the room,