The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1856-1888, 1870-10-29

the Fijis to Auckland and Sydney, respectively, 1t
is likely enough that for larger boats and good
time, a handsome sum may be raised between
New Zealand, New South Wales and Queensland.
Sydney is induced to pa%trohize this line in a great
measure, because by this route she plays hrst
fiddle, whilst by the Suez route she plays second
fiddle, those vessels arriving first at Melbourne.
Thus, with the same amount from the American
Government as will be paid by the Colonies, q line
of first class steamers may be put On.
The consideration of all these facts, and facts
are stubborn things, lead, we think, to the fol-
lowing conclusions. That the steam line across
the Pacific, whoever takes it in hand, VIII ulti-
mately resolve itself. not into the grand main line
of travel between England and her southern Colo
mics, nor even into a very seriously competing
line with the two other routes, but into a very
valuable subsidiary means of communication with
them, and most probably as the main passenger
and mail route to New Zealand.
1t fortunately happens, as far as Hawaiian in
terests are concerned, that such a line as this is
far more likely to suit us, than the more magni-
fcent scheme. If it was to be a line, the paying
of which depended on beating the other lines by
a day, and it will be seen by the distances that
this can only be done by having faster steamers
twelve hours spent in Honolulu, might mean fail
urc and ruin to the company. On the other hand,
the more modest subsidiary line. by which the
New Zealand mails at any rate would get there
first by this route without rushing things, is just
what would suit u.s.. By the steamers from each
end arriving here on the same day and both re-
naming forty-eight hours, everything that we
want could be effected. In such a line the 48
hours delay would do no harm. Those passcn-
gers between England and Australia whose main
object is time, will 60 the other way, for it is not
to be supposed that having an advantage in dis
lance the P. &c o. Company will allow themselves
to be beaten in the speed of their boats; whilst
those passengers who are studying comfort and
pleasure, would prefer this route and would
rather remain here the 48 hours than not, as we
have been often told by the passengers themselves.
With regard to the mails, it will be simply this
they can be ahead with the New Zealand mails
any way, and for the Australian mails, all that is
necessary, is to arrange the time of arriving and
departure SO as to alternate with the times of
those via Suez. Thus if they have now q mail
that way once a month, they would then have a
mail twice a month, and if would be but a small
matter if the one this way took a day or two longer,
especially as the subsidy to be paid for the work
would be quite moderate.
There is one point in the new proposed scheme
which, if intended to be permanent, we look upon
as an element of failure, that is the employment
of side-wheel boats, and this whether the line
be on the rushing and grand scale, or on the more
modest economical one. We are aware there are
n iffaranaoc Of OpipiOp m fb;o Suh;aof ond side
wheel boats have their advocates but the evil
dence of facts are too stong on the other side.
Long narrow iron screw propellers, are taking the
trade of the whole ocean, subsidy or no subsidy,
and we believe and are prepared to show that
such boats could take a line without a dollar of
subsidy and pay, where wooden ~side-wheel boats
might get on extravagant one and lose money. If
the American and Australian Governments choose
to pay for what they may consider the luxury of
side-wheel boats, all right-we shall welcome
them here most cordially-but we believe that
the bushes men and practical men both in the
United States and the Colonies are perfectly
aware that they would have to pay through the
nose for the privilege of running wooden side
wheel boats, instead of iron screw propellers.
Although our $25 900 a year might not serve
as much where a powerful through line was once
under way, it may occur that in the course ofthe
maneuvering and the negotiations which will
probably arise over this Pacific Australian steam
line question, two opposite parties may appear on
the field, in real strength about equally matched,
but one proposing the magnificent, and the other
the more practical plan of working it. When two
great opponents are about equally balanced, a
feather may turn the scale-our $25 600 a year
may then come into play, and we may make
terms with either to. our advantage.
1t may be that q considerable degree Of respon-
sibility may be thrown upon His Majesty's Min
listers in the course they will have to take in this
question. Too much haste on the one hand or
hesitation on the other, when the proper moment
arrives, may be fatal; we, however, have conf
dence that His Majesty has men shrewd enough,
cautious enough, and prompt enough to do in this
case the right thing at the right time, and what
ever the result may be, we are further satisfied,
that they will have diligently considered the
question, and acted in good faith for the best in
terests of the country.
M, DICKSON.