A Thought out of the Grand Topic of the Day
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A THOUGHT OUT OF THE GRAND TOPIC OF THE DAY.
One of the results formerly dreaded by some of our politicians, (or pretended to be dreaded,) is likely to receive a new impetus by the great and most startling Telegraphic success now an established fact. We allude to what the said politicians term "foreign influence." We shall of course be tied by closer ligature than ever to the Europeans monarchies, and all the appertains to them. That which may have been relied upon as our salvation from their evil example, and the undermining of despotism generally, the separation of a great sea requiring many days to cross, is now obviated, and all that owns royalism is at our doors--aye, even penetrates our streets, our houses, and our capitols.
At first, and perhaps for quite awhile, the result of this ocean telegraph1 will be seen only in business matters—the sale of stocks, the price of the great staples, the condition of the finances, the happening of important political events, &c. In this practical age, such are the points of interest that secure the first place for themselves—as is right and proper enough. Indeed we consider that only upon them, as upon a solid basis can the rest be established.
But presently, the communication between Europe and America will involve other points. We shall find a play of mental, moral and social power interacting between them.
We confess that we look upon the prospect of this result with very great curiosity—or rather would look, if we were not pretty sure that its final effects wait far in the future, and will hardly be witnessed by us of this generation. It is, in some sort, a contest between two great powers, in a different mode from any yet known upon the earth.
On the one side will be the spirit of Europe, established, old, full of ripe fruits protracted by all the imposing weight of law, literatures, religions, caste, polite manners, &c.; and on the other side the spirit of America, experimental, young, rude impatient of authority, defiant of laws, accustomed to obey its own imperious temper and will, and, as yet, only half unbound from its parental European control.
But has not this same sort of competition been going on for years past? And would it not go on, irrespective of any ocean telegraph? Yes; but the connection of the telegraph brings the forces in contact with each other, and intermixes them, in a way previously unknown. We are thus thrown into altogether new positions, and take new combinations. We are like people who before heard or read of each other—now we meet every day on familiar terms, visit the same houses, sit in the same rooms, and eat at the same table.
What grand moral effects must presently begin to be produced—just as sure as the physical effects, the business matters we alluded to!—One of the best will be the general equalizing, and bringing toward a homogeneous knowledge and good will, of each other, by all lands. This has long been the fond dream of benevolent enthusiast—and here we see how much is done toward it. Manners, beliefs, laws, tastes, will all be, in some sort, reduced to a more cosmopolitan standard. Europe will undoubtedly contribute much to us; but will we contribute nothing to Europe?
Notes:
1. The Transatlantic Telegraph was the first cable connection between the United States and Europe, built by Cyrus West Field and the Atlantic Telegraph Company. It sent its initial message—a note from the British Queen—in 1858 and, although the cable spanning from Canada's Trinity Bay to Ireland was only in operation for three weeks, had a major impact on transatlantic relations of the antebellum period. [back]