The Evening Star SATURDAY, JANUARY 13, 1872.

Evening Star, Volume IX, Issue 2779, 13 January 1872, Page 2

The Evening Star SATURDAY, JANUARY 13, 1872.

Whatever difference of opinion may be held in New Zealand as to the probable value of the San Francisco Mail service, there appears to be none in the United States. Whether Mr Wogel succeed in making favorable arrangements with Victoria or not the Webb contract will be carried out j and, as it is certain that no new routes can be arranged for without incurring needless and large expense, there is every inducement for the other Colonies to contribute towards its support. We consider the opposition that has been raised to that route unfair and worse than factious, because, were the mask thrown off, it would be plain to the world that it arose from unmitigated selfishness. It has not been instigated by a legitimate difference of opinion, based upon the comparative merits of the two routes. That would have been fair and honorable. Commercial and geographical considerations might be so nearly balanced that it might be difficult to decide upon the comparative advantages of two roads. But no such plea can be put forward in the comparison between the Suez and San Francisco lines. Everything, excepting a few thousands of pounds in cost, is in favor of the latter, so far as Now Zealand is concerned, and the collateral advantages, even should it not be carried through to Australia, are more than sufficient to counterbalance any additional cost that may be incurred by an independent route. The only possible object of granting a subsidy to the Suez route by New Zealand, which has been so strongly urged by certain merchants and journals, would be securing postal advantages. If commercial benefit is derivable, it is enjoyed by Victoria solely. Even as a passenger route, the “ overland jour- “ ney ” will be abandoned, at least so far as this Colony is concerned ; and the passenger lists by the San Francisco boats prove that the Colonists in Australia are rapidly beginning to appreciate the comfort, safety, and comparative pleasure of a summer sail across the Pacific, a rapid transit by rail across the continent of North America, and a few days’ voyage across the Atlantic in one of the most splendid vessels afloat. These can all be enjoyed at a less expense than the overland route ; and, when the American lines now in pro gress are completed, at a saving of time as well as of fatigue. The San Francisco papers, fully aware of the commercial importance of the line, are earnest advocates of a subsidy being granted to Messrs Webb and Hollouay by the United States. They look upon it as a pioneer line. They regard it as an instalment of that extended traffic that is looming for the United States, when commercial intercourse is opened up with the densely peopled islands of the Pacific. And it must be remembered, that this cannot be enjoyed alone. Commerce benefits alike the buyer and the seller, the carrier, and those for whom goods are carried. Even the little kingdom of Hawaii, so very lately admitted into the class of civilised States, has realised this truth so fully as to grant a subsidy to the San Francisco line. The objection to it raised by the Australian Colonies is simply that the bargain has been made by New Zealand, and they desire this Colony to be made subservient to what they imagine their interests. This feeling is apparent in every attempt that has been made to induce them to contribute towards its support; and it is surprising that any journal in New Zealand should be found to advocate their claims.