The Northern Daily Times.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1856-12-27 00:00:00

THE ST. LAWRENCE ROUTE,

There is no longer any doubt that the Cunard Company
intends establishing a line of steamers between Liverpool and
Quebec. Captain Laing, long in their employment, visited
Quebec and Montreal some time ago, it was reported, for the
purpose of securing dock room for their vessels, and the dunbto
that were entertained whether that was his real missitin have
given place to certainty consequent upon the public announce-
ment of the company's intention. We are inclined to think
that the new movement is the effect of the experience of the
past season on the shrewd managers of the Cunard line, and
that the imperial authorities have not yet moved in the matter,
notwithstanding the efforts of the Hon. John Young. The
truth is, that the voyages to Quebec of the Canadian
steamers, in from one to two days shorter time than the
.ssels could perform the trip to New York or Boston,
were sufficient in themselves to compel the Cuuard Com-
pany to contemplate a change. A large proportion of the
great business of the line, both in freight and passengers, is
done on Canadian account, and it was abundantly obvious
that it would not long continue to, go to New York and
Boston, when it could be done at Quebec more cheaply and
quite as expeditiously. The screw steamer,with its economical
equipment, at the St. Lawrence port, is exactly on a par with
the expensive paddle wheel at the American, and there could
be no question which could take the Canadian business at least.
There is, however, a trade almost as important as the Canadian
which it was evident would also be attracted to Quebec. We
mean that of the American lake district and far west. The
establishment of the Canadian line .must have had an effect on
the receipts of the Cunard vessels during the past season, but
the withdrawal of business was certain to go on as every addi-
tional steamer was attached to the line. Under these circum-
stances, it became the obvious policy of Cunards to take
possession of a route which had proved so advantageous. The
immense capital of the Cunards, and their skill and experience
give them great advantages in the conduct of their business, and
we have reason to rejoice that their resources are to be employ-
ed in developing a most important part of our trade. We may
safely say that the shipping business of • the St. Lawrence is
entering on a now epoch, and it is impossible now to predict
all the beneficial results which the province may derive from
it. •

same I,

The Montreal journals are engaged in discussing the deter-
mination of the Cunard Company to make the terminus of
their line at Point Levi, opposite Quebec. They, of course,
contend that Montreal should be the terminus, and so far as
freight is concerned, we are inclined to agree with them that
their city would be the most convenient point for tranship•
ment. The same could not be said of passengers, however,
and probably the Canard Company expect that freight will be
brought to their vessels wherever they lie. The Montrealers
are determined to snake an effort, however, to change the
terminus. Nl' ith their usual spirit, they aro engaged in forming
plans by which freight for the steamers may be brought from
the West. A line of propellers, to run direct to Chicago is
proposed, and meeting of merchants and forwarders was held on
the 2nd inst. on the subject.—Toronto Globe.