THE SAN FRANCISCO MAIL SERVICE.

Evening Star, Issue 3664, 19 November 1874, Page 3

THE SAN FRANCISCO MAIL SERVICE.

The Sydney correspondent of the ‘ Argus’ writes, vi ith reference to the San Francisco service Just as Mr Russell had left for New Zealand, a public meeting was called to advocate a di ect through line to San Francisco irrespective of New Zealand. Notwithstanding the influential character of tbe meeting, it must be admitted that it was illtimed. It was too late to afL-ct tbe negotiations "with Mr Russell, and it was too early as a criticism on the as yet unavowed result of that uegotation. At the meeting a deputation was appointed to wait on the Government, and it bad its audience yesterday. Wr Samuel, however, maintained that the forked line was a direct route, as much so as it could be, and certainly as much so as the Suez route. He contended that it was not less a direct route because every other month tho passengers had to change boats, for that was what they had to do every month by the P. and 0. line. Mr Parkes took a differi nt line of argument, and said that the Government had to consider not merely the views of the influential classes 1 but the general interest ©f the whole Colony.’ He evidently thinks that it is quite possible to pay too dear for our whistle, and that in grabbing at too much we may lose all. It is not our interest to have competition, and it may therefore be better worth our while to have an alliance with New Zealand, and to pay the price of it, than to have to pay the heavier c'ost of competing. Nothing was paid by either Minister as to the exact nature of the agreement cpme to with Mr Russell, nor will the details he fully disclosed till Parliament meets; but it is understood that substam tially the arrangement is a renewal of that made in London, viz., that tbe two Colonies are to share equally in the expense and in the enjoyment of the trunk service. Meanwhile the A.S.N Company, having secured the use «f three of Mr Hall’s boats, is able to keep tbs service going for the present. It is certainly ortunatd that Mr Hall’s boats are tfri? fraUabb, ft?, ia it wtttU

have been almost impossible to have kept up any service worth having, A great change, however, has taken place in the amount of the passenger traffic, especially so far as relates to the return voyage. People in England seem to have felt too uncertain about finding a boat at San Francisco to venture on the route, and Mr Hall’s victimisation of his too confiding passengers has done infinite mischief. Unfortunately, at this time the English agency of the Colony cannot display any great energy. Sir Charles Cowpcr is again reported to be sciiouGy ill, and coupling the latest telegram with previous news, it is apprehended that he is suffering from a second paralytic attack.