February 20, 1863, The New York Herald
The theory of storms has of late years attracted the attention of many persons throughout the civilized world, and constant experiments have been made by those who have given the matter special study to test the practicability of foreseeing the approach of heavy gales in time to give warning at distant points along a coast, thereby preventing an immense amount of maritime disasters. The force and direction of gales of wind have become a study of no small amount, and if any feasible plan can be adopted for determining their approach, in order that time may be given to guard against their effects, it will be one of the greatest blessings that can be conferred upon mankind. No people in the world have been greater sufferers from this cause than those of the United States, and it is hoped that before many years have passed some system will be had that will serve in a great measure to lessen the number of losses at sea that we are daily called upon to chronicle.
In another column we give an interesting sketch, accompanied with illustrations, of the plan of Admiral Fitzroy, of the English navy, for signalizing to those points not reached by the magnetic telegraph the approach of storms. Admiral Fitzroy has given this matter much attention, and he is satisfied of his ability, from a long series of experiments and observations of different characters, to determine the approach of a gale in time to give the necessary warning to mariners on all points of the English and Irish coast. It was some time before he was able to obtain the assistance of the English government in carrying out his plans, he having for over two years made all the experiments at his own expense; but now the necessary orders have been issued causing his signals to be used at all the stations of the coast guard and other points of the coast. He foretold with great accuracy the approach of the heavy gale of last January, which lasted from the 17th to the 19th of the month, and was no doubt thereby the means of saving much life and valuable property.
If the plan of Admiral Fitzroy turns out to be all that he claims it is, its adoption in this country for our extended line of seacoast will become an immediate necessity. Already have we almost instantaneous communication by means of the magnetic telegraph between Fortress Monroe and St. Johns, Newfoundland, and if a submarine cable were laid from the former point to Key West, and from thence to the mouth of the Mississippi and the Rio Grande, the approach or existence of gales of wind would be known every hour, and their direction indicated in time to anticipate their fury. The HERALD has for many years constantly advocated the adoption of a similar system, which could be sustained by the underwriters and merchants of the country; and if the plan had been adopted then the probabilities are that millions of property would have been saved that is now at the bottom of the ocean, to say nothing of the thousands of lives. It is very evident that the telegraph is to be the principal medium in the carrying out of Admiral Fitzroy’s project, aided by his signals. Consequently we should be ready for its adoption by having our submarine lines completed at the earliest moment.