THE CABLES QUESTION.

Evening Star, Issue 11152, 30 January 1900, Page 4

THE CABLES QUESTION.

Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright.

SYDNEY, January 29. The majority of the Premiers attending the Premiers' Conference here thought that no apprehension need he fc't that horo would be any unreasonable delay in the construction of the Pacific cable. Meanwhile the immediate advantage of the Capo route could not he over-estimated, ft is probable that tho Eastern Extension Company will accept the modification suggested by the Conference in reference to their dealing direct with the public. Another point which would be the subject of further negotiation is tho request of the company that the colonics admit their material and supplies duty free. The Premiers bad no objection to admit the material for the firs!; construction of the lines free, but they aro opposed to make any agreement beyond that. MELBOURNE, January 29. The ' Argus' says from every standpoint the Pacific cable is far and away inferior to tho Cape as an all-British line. It would be at the mercy of the United States, which could strike it by land and sea. However regrettablo the prospect of a rupture with the United States might be, that event is on the cards. Tbe Cape line follows a route under British guns everywhere, and can be guarded with the least cost and the utmost certainty. Then, again, it wilt put us in touch with South Africa, one of the growing markets of the world, whcie Australia may hope to make money. Canada, on the other hand, is nut a consumer of our goods, and she is pitted against us in the British markets. Yet we refuse to bold communication with our customer, though it will cost us nothing, and yet the colonies are prepared to spend millions upon a second-rate line in order to merely link us with a rival. Absurdity could scarcely go further.