The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1894-10-27
A GREAT ENTERPRISE
CANADA AND AUSTRALIA TO BE CON-
NECTED by A ALL
Uncle Sans Consent Wanted I'm ths
Interest of % Concession from Ha-
waii-A comsnis-fon~r Talks

SAN FRANCISCO. Oct. 26.-Sanford
Fleming, commissioned from the Canadian
government to Hawaii in the interest Of the
proposed Canadian-Australian cable. arrived
here on the steamer Alameda to-day. In
an interview he spoke freely OF his mis-
sion to the Pacific islands, whittier he was
accompanied by W.. II. Mercer. OF the
Colonial Office, in London Mr.. Fleming de-
clared that there was nothing secret about
their mission. The governments of Canada
and Australia. ne said, have resolved 10 lay
a Pacific cable. There are a number OF
islands in possession of Great Britain be-
tween Australia and Canada across which
the cable might be stretched as stepping
stones across the ocean. He mentioned the
Solomon. Gilbert and Fiji groups and North
ford and Tanning islands. With stations
at these points there would be no absolute
necessity for landing the cable on islands
which are not British. However. the pro-
%jectors of the enterprise appreciate the
business considerations which make il es-
sential any Pacific cable shall touch all
islands OF Samoa and Hawaii Samoa. 1t il
proposed 10 reach by a short branch from
Fiji, and il would be possible 10 connect
Hawaii by a branch from the nearest mid
ocean station a. Tanning Island. a British
possession, which, however. is over eight
hundred miles distant from Honolulu. To
avoid this long waste Of cable Il was
deemed necessary to obtain a route nearer
the Hawaiian group. To secure the neces-
sary concessions from Hawaii was the mis-
sion OF Messrs. F.emlns and Mercer 10 tne
islands. Concerning the measure or their
success. Mr.. Fleming said:
III the Hawaiian government eyinced any
desire TO meet US we were instructed TO
open negotiations and to point out and on
what terms the Hawaiian people could Sc
HIrQ the ADVANTAGES OF "A I@IaKrannlE kHEL-
ice. After a number OF interviews with the
principal officials OF the Hawaiian govern
and before our departure We left with them
a memorandum or agreement, the terms or
which we are prepared TO recommend 10
those whom We represent We do not ask
them TO cede any island or any portion
Of Hawaiian territory TO US. What We did
ask was that they should lease to US Bird
or Neckar or some other uninhabitated isf
and outside the main group, probably three
or four hundred miles from Honolulu, to be
used as a telegraph midocean station only.
From there a branch line would be run TO
Honolulu. We asked for no exclusive
rights for telegraph CONNECTIONS. but we
one OF these islands and a subsidy of 5000
per annum for fifteen years, 10 establish and
maintain connection with the nearest cable
station on the American coast, our charges
from Honolulu TO be / shilling a word for
ordinary messages 3 pence a word for gov
messages. The arrangement is, OF course.
subject TO the approval OF all the govern
ments concerned, and i may mention that
the United States has something 10 say in
the matter. BY the terms of Hawaii's
treaty of reciprocity with the United States
Hawaii is forbidden TO grant any other
power any lease or lien upon any portion
of territory. 1t is quite understood that the
first step of the Hawaiian government viii
be TO appeal TO Washington for assent 10
grant the privileges which we ask. No Diff
fculty is anticipated"
1t is understood Messrs. Fleming and
Mercer vii, proceed 10 Washington to urge
their cause. At Honolulu III. NJ. $. Hya-
cinth was at their service. Accompanied
by the British minister they were taken
on the Hyacinth to inspect Bird island and
make the necessary soundings in the
vicinity.