INDUSTRIAL PROGRESS DURING THE YEAR 1875. cclix 



power is a stationary engine working a dram with endless 

 bands. Trains are carried up and down simultaneously 

 every five minutes, and their carrying capacity is placed at 

 30,000 passengers per day. After many delays, the cable 

 of the United States Direct Submarine Telegraph Com- 

 pany was completed during the past year, and is now in 

 practical operation. The line, it may be remarked, is laid 

 between Ireland and Nova Scotia, and another submarine 

 section from Nova Scotia to Rye Beach, New Hampshire. 

 This is the fifth cable now in use in the Atlantic service. 

 The subject of the adoption of the underground telegraph 

 system within the limits of cities gave rise to considerable 

 discussion. A recent diplomatic conference on the metrical 

 system arranged for the organization of an International Bu- 

 reau of Weights and Measures at Paris. During the past 

 year the metrical system has been introduced into Egypt. 



The preparations for the great International Exhibition 

 at Philadelphia are, at the time we write, in a very forward 

 state. The rapidity with which the erection of the Exhibi- 

 tion buildings has progressed during the past year, and up 

 to the time of our writing, has been most satisfactory ; and 

 it may be regarded as settled that they will all be com- 

 pleted and ready for their appointed uses before the time 

 announced by the Centennial Commission for the reception 

 of goods. When this condition of forwardness is contrasted 

 with the confusion which ruled at the opening of the late 

 Exposition at Vienna, on account of the backward state of 

 the work of preparation and w T hich was the cause of much 

 complaint and unfavorable comment at the time the en- 

 ergy with which the work at Philadelphia has been prose- 

 cuted is a cause for sincere congratulation. The intense 

 earnestness with which the Commissioners entered upon 

 their labors, and the quiet but thorough manner in which 

 they have effected the Avork of organization, finance, and 

 construction have completely disarmed the hostile criticism 

 of some, and aroused from their apathy and indifference to- 

 ward the enterprise another large body of our citizens re- 

 siding without the limits of Pennsylvania ; so that now, as 

 the time draws near for the opening, a very general interest 

 in the success of the Exhibition is manifested throughout 

 the country. 



