F.—B

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out entailing any burden on the taxpayer. We have thus placed before us in the United Kingdom a model which may be reproduced on any scale; we have a unique pattern for imitation in establishing a system of all-British cables encircling the globe; we may indeed regard the State telegraph system of the Mother-country as a microcosmic illustration of the electric nervous system, which the conditions of our world-wide empire already demand. All will recognise the value of such a system. There is probably no single object which in an equal degree would tend to benefit directly the whole British people, or in a higher degree would influence indirectly the advancement of civilization. We must not, however, lose sight of the fact that the Pacific cable is absolutely essential to the larger Imperial scheme. If we examine a map of the world and weigh every geographical condition, it will be found that the Pacific cable is the key, and the only key, to a globe-encircling all-British telegraph system. By no other route than that of the Pacific cable can all Her Majesty's possessions be brought into direct telegraphic circuit without touching an acre of foreign soil. The annual report of the League refers to vexatious delays in connection with the Pacificcable project. The last serious delay can be traced to its origin eight months ago, but I do not propose to allude to the unfortunate cause ; I will only mention that the Eastern Extension Telegraph Company has taken advantage of the delay, and made a determined effort to alienate the Australian Colonies from the scheme. That company appears to have left nothing undone to mould public opinion in the colonies in favour of a tempting proposal which they have made to them; the company has succeeded so far as to bring about a tangle in two of the colonies which may not be easily unravelled. As I view the matter, it is the more desirable and expedient that the resolution before the meeting should be adopted by the League and urged on all the Governments concerned. I feel satisfied that if the recommendations contained in the resolution be acted upon, it will not be possible for the company to injure the Pacific cable in any way which cannot be remedied. The public interests will be effectually safeguarded. With these few words I beg leave to move the resolution. Moved by Sir Sandford Fleming, seconded by Sir Charles Tupper: "The British Empire League in Canada is of opinion that a complete system of State-owned ocean cables, touching the British possessions only and extending to all Her Majesty's colonies throughout the globe, is a project of the first importance. This league, in annual meeting assembled, therefore recommends— (1) That the Home and Colonial Governments should, as a matter of policy, recognise the principle of State control of all British cables, and apply the principle as opportunity offers and as speedily as circumstances will admit; (2) that the Pacific cable should be at once completed as the initial undertaking in such an Imperial system of cables as that indicated ; (3) that in all arrangements for connecting by telegraph the possessions of Her Majesty in any part of the globe, provision be made for ultimate State ownership; (4) that in permitting a private company to lay a cable to or from any British possession, landing privileges be granted only on the conditions that Her Majesty may at any time assume possession of the cable on specified terms." Motion unanimously adopted after discussion.

No. 181. The Hon. the Peemiee, Wellington, to the Hon. Seceetaby, British Empire League, Toronto. Sib, — Premier's Office, Wellington, 18th April, 1900. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 6th February last, forwarding copy of resolutions adopted at a meeting of the Toronto Branch of the British Empire League on the 30th June last, urging the prompt construction of the proposed Pacific cable. I have, &c, R. J. Seddon, Premier. Captain H. F. Hooper, Hon. Secretary, British Empire League in Canada, Toronto Branch, 11, Equity Chambers, Toronto, Canada.

No. 132. [Extract from the Electrician of 4th May, 1900.] An Ameeican-Pacific Cable Bill Passed. The Electrical World of America says that on the 11th April, the Senate passed a Bill appropriating a sum of $3,000,000 for the construction and laying of a cable between San Francisco and Honolulu, the work to be done under the supervision of the Navy Department, who have surveyed the routes. The Bill provides that any ships, American or foreign, may be used in the laying of the cables. In the event of the Navy Department deciding to accept tenders from other contractors for the complete work, a clause in the Bill provides that the cable, wires, and other necessary instruments, materials, appliances, and appurtenances shall be manufactured in America, provided that the cost do not exceed by more than 12 per cent, the cost of same in any foreign market.

No. 133. Sir Audley Coote, Sydney, to the Hon. the Postmasteb-Geneeal, Wellington. (Telegram.) Sydney, sth June, 1900. These is some reason to think Queensland will combine with your Government, but cable must be landed Queensland. I believe I can arrange. See my Siemens offer, December, 1886. Offer the same as before should there be no increase in price of material.