THE PACIFIC-CABLE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 6551, 31 July 1899, Page 4

THE PACIFIC -CABLE.

DEBATE IN THE CANADIAN PARLIAMENT. United Press Association — By Electric Telegraph— Copyright. OTTAWA, July 29. Mr Mulock, Postmaster-General of Canada, speaking in the House of Commons iiere, with regard to % the Pacific cable question, said: "A few weeks ago the country was*startled by the information that Great Britain had given a monopoly to the Eastern Extension Company so that no other cable company could land at Hongkong within 1 twenty-five years after 1893. I see nothing in tha£ agreement to cause us to doubt for & moment that we can establish communication, with the Orient, when we establish connection with Australia. That agreement provides that the Imperial Government cau purchase the second cable constructed between Singapore and Hongkong for •£300,000. Once the l English Government acquires that cable there only remains the connecting link between the mainland and [Australasia to establish direct cable communication between Canada, China and 'Japan. It is inconceivable that if Canada an'l 'Australasia have united themselves by cable, particularly in, view,, of the fact that the oAmies of Australasia own the telegraph <Bnea -across tliie continent, -anything can pressenirus'from forcing our way into" China jtgdi. Japan., -^or. would it be necessary even |£ Grfet Britain did>not exercise th& power tf P«*anption oyerthe cable between S jngagßoxe^and Hongkong -to resort? tp that, becanse the Eastern Extension- Company, owns that line, would recognise the lirresistable force of the Empire arid give !faar»rates, thus making a duplication of the lme*nnnecessary, unless an increase of busi- ; Dess should make such a step advisable. iJEbsefore, the proposition now submitted, jfchtmgh it nominally provides for communicaIjioifc only between Canada and Australasia, Waetacafly completes cable communication Ibetween Canada, China and Japan. If so, •ifc*is for us to contemplate the usefulness of such development to Canada's trade." •He pointed out Canada's paramount interest imcnltivatmg trade with; the four hundred millions in China and Japan, towards which she had already accomplished so much, by steamship connection. In proof that no Igreairiorden would be imposed upon Canada le quoted Sir Sandford Fleming's estimate that the first year's operations of the cable swmld yield a surplus of £114,000, and the foarth year £249,000. However, whether there was profit or loss, Canada was only insdved to the extent of five-eighteenths, .while the trade of Canada, and Australasia .would be lajgely improved. Last year 'an increase had accrued despite prohibitory cable xates, an ordinary message really costing SO dollars by the present roundabout route. . Sir-Cnarles Tupper heartily congratulated Mr Mulock on his very hicid speech.