THE MAIL SERVICE.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 15, 6 May 1871, Page 3

THE MAIL SERVICE.

The " Taranaki Herald" remarks :;—- The opening up of direct steam communication with America is of great advantage in a political point of view by establishing friendly commercial intercourse, and impressing most undoubtedly on*the American mind the fact that New Zealand is a rising Colony of some importance in this part of the world. The recent war on the continent of Europe has taught us that an advanced civilisation does not mean the elimination of the more brutal part of human nature, but rather that, under a polished exterior which civilisation gives, it for a time conceals this low trait. In the absence of the practical development of Christianiry among nations, an extended and close commercial intercourse is the surest guarantee for peace. This intercourse we propose to cultivate with our powerful neighbour, and thus, by identifying our interests, secure that harmony of feeling which is so necessary to the prosperity of each. In concluding our remarks, we cannot forbear referring to the leading part which the Honorable J. Vogel, the PostmasterGeneral, has taken Jin this affair. It must have been a task of no ordinary magnitude to secure so many advantages to New Zealand; more especially as the American Government has not yet subsidised the service, which at one time seemed to be an essential part of the arrangement, but yet it has been concluded without it. For securing so large a class, of vessels £50,000 a year seems quite inadequate, but this is not a question for us to consider. A large share of credit is due to Mr Vogel for bringing these long pending negotiations to a successful issue, and vve feel confident that his name will be inseparably associated with an enterprise which is calculated to 'confer immense benefits on the colony.