The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1921, 1895-12-13

LONDON, Nov. 19.-The Agents
General of the Australasian colonies,
with the exception of Mr.. Thomas
Playford South Australia) and Sir
Malcolm Fraser (Western Australia),
waited upon Mr.. Chamberlain, Secre-
tary of State for the Colonies, today
with the view of discussing the ques-
ton in reference to the granting of
subsidy by the imperial government
toward the projected Pacific cable.
Mr.. Chamberlain, in replying to the
representations of the Agents General,
said that the imperial government
had decided to promote the laying of
a cable across the Pacific on condition
that it should be confined to British
territory. A royal commission of six
members would be appointed. It
would be empowered to call witnesses,
to inquire as to the best route and the
cost of survey, to ascertain the cost of
laying duplicate cables as well as a
single cable, and to report upon the
entire question.
The home government and the
Canadian government are to each
nominate two members of the COM
mission, and the Australasian govern
ments together the other two.
Mr.. Cha mberlain said he regarded
the deputatiOn as a meeting of a coun-
Gil of the empire. The presence of
delegates from Cape Colony and Natal
was an evidence of solidarity and
sympathy. He considered that there
was a fair prospect of the cable pay
ing.
Action of the Premier.
SYDNEY, n. S. W., Nov. o.
Yesterday the Premier received
cablegram from the Agent General
| (Sir Saul Samuel announcing that
| the Secretary of State for the Colo
nies (Mr. Chamberlain) had approved
of the appointment of a commission
on the question of the Pacific cable,
the commission to consist of six MEM
bers, two to be elected by the mother
country, two by Canada, and two by
Australia and New Zealand. The
Agent General asked Mr.. Reid to COM
municate the contents of the cable
gram to the Premiers Of the other
Australian colonies, which Mr.. Reid
i'm mediately did. Last night the
| Premier received a reply from the
Premier of New Zealand, asking him
to suggest course to be pursued by
the four colonies interested, with re-
ference to the election of the two dele
gates. Mr.. Reid will communicate
with the Premiers of the other colo
nies on this point.
The Pacific Cable and Mail.
LONDON, Nov. 25.-The Times
considers it is urgent that the Colonies
should select their ablest delegates as
cable Ommissioners, and declares
that Mr.. Chamberlain has requested
tenders to be called for an Atlantic
steam service before deciding the
method of assistance. He also de-
mands increased railway speed to
Vancouver. Mr.. Chamberlain will
not aid the Pacific mail beyond pound
age for mails, holding this to be a
local section service.
Pacific-AtIantfc Service.
LONDON, Nov. 2O.-The Ottawa
correspondent Of the Times telegraphs
that the announcement that the I'M
periaI Government has decided to
grant subsidy toward the establish
ment of fast steam service between
Canada and England, in conjunction
with the Vancouver line, has given
much satisfaction in Canada.
The Pacific Cable.
LONDON, Nov. 1.-THE officials of
the Colonial Office consider that if
Mr.. Spalding's parleyings with the
French Cable Company meet with
any result the financial prospects of a
British Pacific cable will he GREATLY