The record-union., 1894-03-17
PACIFIC TELEGRAPH CABLES.

Herbert Laws Webb in the Engineering
Magazine for March reviews the matter
of proposed cables under the Pacific
Ocean. He concludes that before long
we viii be related by telegraphic cable
with the Orient via the Pacific, and also
with Australasia.
Let US hope that he is a true prophet.
There is already a section of one of the
lines laid, namely, from Brisbane, Aus
tralia, north and eastward to New Gale
donia. This has been done by French
company, which will continue it to the
New Hebrides, thence to the Samoan
group, thence to Tanning Island, thence
to Hawaii, and conclude it at San Fran
cisco. At least such is the scheme,
though there is some reasonable fear that
the French company is not heavy enough
for the whole Of this great work.
Another line proposed is to leave Vic
toria and run direct to Honolulu and
thence to Yokohama. This will be the
more important line. There is distinct
scheme for this line TO touch at San Fran
cisco, but it has been held that it will be
unnecessary II the first mentioned line
from New Caledonia meets the Yoko-
hama cable at Honolulu.
The argument in favor of distinct
cable from Australia Is not met by the
fact that line is in operation already be-
tween Japan and Australia. distance
of more than 5000 miles. To cover this
route by dispatches from Australian
points to reach the American terminal
would mean an extra rate and delay that
the commercial world would grow irri-
table under. So that it is probable when
the cable-laying fever is on for good there
will be two distinct transpaciic lines.
The survey between San Francisco and
Honolulu, authorized by the Fifty-first
Congress and carried on by the Thetis
and the Albatross, Government vessels,
disclosed safe anchorage and beds for the
line, and no difficulties out of the COM
mon order except that the depth of the
water is greater in the Pacific than in the
middle Atlantic. So much of the work,
then, has been accomplished, and the
banks found to be practicable for cable
along the whole distance to Honolulu.
Indeed, we are assured that the profiles
of this survey are so beautiful, and show
such bottom, that they delight the sub
marine cable engineer.
But the depth referred to is not seri-
Gus matter. Equal depths have been
met with and cabled in other parts. In
our case the evenness of the bottom is
great compensation, especially, too. its
favorable composition, principally brown
ooze and globigerina.
The real bad ground to be looked for
is in Japanese waters, where the depths
are unknown, and between which and
Hawaii no surveys have been made. Mr..
Webb, however, is inclined to believe
that the depths of this route and the
treacherous character of the seas have
been greatly exaggerated. Shifting bot
oriental side. because of disturbances by
earthquakes, no cable can stand. But
these are a portion of the risks capital
launched in the enterprise must take and
provide for, by its income
Ordinarily it costs from 1000 to s., 800
mile to place submarine cable. The
cost on the Pacific will probably be the
higher figure, so that there will be de-
manded capitalization of at least SIC, ,O0O,-
900 for either Of the two transpaciio cable
lines. which must guarantee earnings
between $500. 900 and S4O0, 900 annually to
warrant the enterprise. If, however,
there are duplicate lines laid, and with
out which the scheme, in Mr.. Webb's
opinion, would be unwise and uncom-
mercial, the capitalization must be S20,-
100000.
Mr.. Webb intimates that this cannot be
expected without there is aid given from
the several Governments Nevertheless,
the French company referred to. and
which represents capital engaged in cable
supply manufacture. has set out to lay the
cable to California without subsidy aid.
This, says Mr.. Webb. it may do, and 1t will
pay somebody some day-by which he
indicates a grave doubt as to whether the
French company will not hnd it crush
ing task.
Still our essayist adheres 70 the judg-
ment stated by us In the outset, that be-
fore very long there will be quite net
work of Pacific telegraphic cables.
THE Woman's National Suffrage Asso-
citation has scarcely more than concluded