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 'yt^Zrtr»-i^j 
 
 MEMORANDUM. 
 
 Tn reference to a Scheme for compJefing a 
 great Inter- Colonial and Inter- Continental 
 Telegraph System, by establishing an 
 Electric Cable across the Pacific Ocean. 
 
 LONDON: 
 
 PRINTED BY SIR JOSEPH CAU8T0N & SONS, 47, EASTCHEAP, E.G., 
 AND 114, 80UTBWAHK STREET, 8.E.- 
 
 1892 
 
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'i ' ' 
 
 MEMORANDUM 
 
 In reference to a Scheme for completing a great 
 Inter-Colonial and Inter-Continental Telegraph 
 System, by establishing an Electric Cable 
 across the Paciflc Ocean. 
 
 / 
 
 3»- ■• ' -^^ti — 
 
 The project of connecting England telegraphically 
 with all her great Colonial possessions around the globe, 
 by means of a line through Canada, and thence by a 
 Submarine Telegraph to Asia, is discussed by the 
 undersigned, as Engineer-in-Chief of the Canadian 
 Pacific Railway, in his report for the year 1880, as 
 follows : — 
 
 The Land Telegraph completed through Canada, and in 
 operation from Ocean to Ocean, opens up a prospect of 
 extended usefulnesss, and promises advantages which do 
 not alone concern Canada. 
 
 A map of the world, setting forth the great Telegraph 
 lines in operation, shows that Canada is situated midway 
 between the masses of population in Europe and Asia, and 
 establishes the peculiarly important geographical position 
 which the Canadian Overland Telegraph Line will occupy. 
 
 Seven submarine Cables have been laid across the 
 Atlantic, of which two are not now in working order. Of 
 the remainder, three are landed on the shores of Canada.* 
 
 
 * Since the ahovo was writton, additional Cables have been laid, and there are 
 at tho prcBout time six Cables in working order from the United Kingdom to 
 British North America. 
 
England is connected with Asia by four main Telegraph 
 lines. Ono by way of Portugal, Spain, Malta, Egypt and 
 the lied Soa. A second passing through France, Italy and 
 Greece also follows the Red Sea. A third traverses 
 Germany, Austria, Turkey, Kussia and Persia. A fourth 
 passes through Russia, and follows the River Amoor to the 
 Sea of Ookhotsh. The two first touch at Aden at the 
 entrance of the Red Rea, from which point a submarine line 
 extends to Zanzibar, Natal and the Cape Colonies. From 
 Aden the main lines are extended to India. From India 
 two separate lines have been carried to Singapore. From 
 Singapore connections are established north-easterly to 
 Hong Kong and Japan, and south-easterly to Australia and 
 New Zealand. The rapidity with which the Telegraph 
 Cables across the Atlantic have been multiplied, and the 
 construction of more than 400,000 miles of land and sub- 
 marine Telegraphs over the globe, affords evidence of the 
 work which they are called upon to perform. The few 
 years in which these results have been attained indicate 
 the rapidly-growing magnitude of Telegraphic traffic, and 
 circumstances conclusively point to a demand for vastly- 
 increased facilities of communication between the great 
 centres of population and commerce of the world. 
 
 While on the one hand, the Telegraph has extended 
 easterly across Europe and Asia, and, on the other hand, 
 westerly across the Atlantic, the Pacific Ocean remains 
 untraversed. The explanation may lie to a great extent in 
 the fact that the character of the bed of a great part of 
 the ocoan fc rbids the attempt. In more southern latitudes 
 the great central area of the Pacific Ocean is marked by sub- 
 aqueous rocky ledges and coral reefs, the existence of which 
 has deterred any telegraphic enterprise from being carried 
 out. Submarine Gables have at different times been 
 projected to cross the Pacific, one of which was to have 
 
started from San Francisco to touch at the Sandwich Ishinds, 
 but on account of the broken and unsuitable character of 
 the ocean bed, the project, after considerable expense had 
 been incurred, was eventually abandoned. 
 
 The chart of the United States Surveys (1877) of the 
 northern part of the Pacific Ocean, shows that a lino from 
 the nortli end of Vancouver's Island to the Aleutian Islands, 
 and from the Aleutian Islands to Japan, via the Kurilo 
 Islands, has a depth averaging from 2,000 to 2,500 fathoms, 
 and the soundings reveal a soft, oozy bottom, presenting 
 similar conditions to the North Atlantic Ocean, on the 
 plateau of which cables have boeu successfully laid. 
 
 From her geographical position, Canada presents unusual 
 facilities for taking advantage of these favorable conditions, 
 and the belief is warranted that when a submarine Telegraph 
 is laid from America to Asia, its location will naturally bo in 
 connection with the Canada Overland Telegraph to the 
 Pacific coast. 
 
 The Cable may start from one of the deep- water inlets at the 
 north end of Vancouver's Island, and bo sunk in a direct course 
 to Japan, or it may touch, about midway, Amlia, one of 
 the Aleutian Islands. At Yesso, in Japan, the connection 
 would bo made with the Asiatic Telegraphs. As an alterna- 
 tive route the submarine lino may land on one of the Kurilo 
 Islands, north of Japan, and thence extend direct to Hong 
 Kong. Either course would complete the connection with 
 the whole Eastern Telegraph system, and eff. -nportant 
 results. 
 
 1. It would connect San Francisco, C nro, Toronto, 
 New York, Montreal, Boston^ i.d all the great business 
 centres of America, with China I the principal ports of 
 Asia, much more directly than by the present linos of 
 telegraph by way of Europe. 
 
 2. It would open a new means of communication between 
 
America and Asia, to bo employed for purposes of general 
 commerce, at much lower rates than by existing channels. 
 
 3. It would obviate the objections to lines which pass 
 through countries where different languages are spoken, a 
 circumstance which often causes error in the transmission of 
 messages. The now lino will be employed for the most part 
 by the English-speaking,' people of both hemispheres, and 
 consequently, one language only need be used by the 
 Telegraph operators. Thus a fruitful source of mistakes 
 would be avoided, and the charges for transmission would 
 be freed from all incidental additions, and reduced to the 
 lowest remunerative rates. 
 
 4. It would complete the telegraphic circuit of the globe, 
 and would be available for highly imi)ortaut scientific 
 investigations. 
 
 5. It would bring Great Britain, Canada, India, Australia, 
 New Zealand, South Africa, indeed all the outer provinces 
 and the Colonial possessions of Great Britain, in unbroken 
 telegraphic communication wath each other, in entire in- 
 dependence of the lines which pass through foreign 
 European countries. 
 
 6. It would scarcely fail to prove of very great advantage 
 for purposes of State, as the line might bo so established 
 as to remain under Governuient control, to be immediately 
 serviceable on any emergentiy. 
 
 i 
 
 The Government of Canada has given its full con- 
 sideration to the project, and has passed certain Orders 
 in Council, granting important concessions, and has 
 promised every assistance in its power to carry out the 
 undertaking. Correspondence has at various times 
 passed between His Excellency the Governor- General 
 of Canada and the Secretary of State for the Colonies 
 on the subject. 
 
11 
 
 Through the intervention of the Imperial Govern- 
 ment the Japanese Government has granted permission 
 to land the Cable at a suitable point on the coast of 
 Japan. 
 
 The Government of the United States has also given 
 permission to land the Cable on one of the Aleutian 
 Islands, and to use the Island as a mid-station. 
 
 The Parliament of Canada lias authorized the Canadian 
 Government to incorporate the undersigned, and such 
 persons as may be associated with him, as a company 
 for the purpose of carrying out the undertaking. 
 
 The importance of the scheme has from the first been 
 recognised. The recent Egyptian War has established 
 the necessity of carrying it into execution with as 
 little delay as practicable. For a period last summer 
 there was a complete interruption to postal and telegraph 
 service through Egypt, with India, China, Australia, 
 South Africa, and the East. The war was happily brief, 
 and this interruption to these services between England 
 and her Eastern possessions was terminated by a 
 brilliant campaign. The interruption, however, was of 
 value, as it confirmed the soundness of the views of 
 General Lord Wolseley on the question of communica- 
 tion with the East. Not long since, that distinguished 
 authority, publicly expressed his conviction that it would 
 be unwise and suicidal to depend on the existing telegraph 
 system as a means of communication with our Eastern 
 possessions. All far-seeing men, who, like Lord 
 "Wolseley, consider the question, must attach the utmost 
 importance to this proposal to establish a telegraphic 
 communication through the Dominion of Canada with 
 the Eastern Empire. 
 
6 
 
 Last summer, when tlic two Cablob in the Hed 
 Sea, and from the Retl Sea to IJombuy, wore rendered 
 entirely useless, the only monns of communication was 
 by tlie line passing through Germany, Russia, and 
 Persia. It is not difficult to judge how far that line 
 could be relied on in the event of a general, or even 
 a partial Mahometan rising, or any European con HcQ- 
 tion whatever. 
 
 It is held that the projected submarine telegraph 
 across the Pacific Ocean, from the western coast of 
 Canada, would accomplish the following objects: — 
 
 1. It would establisli the link at present wanting to 
 complete an unbroken chain of Electric Telegraphs to 
 connect Great Britain and her Dominions in every 
 quarter of the globe, icithout passing through or approach- 
 ing Europe or the Mcdito raucan. 
 
 2. In connection with the vitally important question, 
 " The Defence of the Empire," it would establish an 
 alternative means of communication between London 
 and Asia, Australia, and South Africa. It would form 
 a telegraphic connection between England, the Indian 
 Empire, and Eastern possessions, independent of 
 existing lines, all of which pass through foreign 
 countries, Russian, or Mahometan- Countries, which 
 are not always friendly, and wliich are liable at any ime 
 to become hostile. 
 
 3. It would promote Colonial intercourse with the 
 mother country, and assist in developing and facilitating 
 general commerce. 
 
 4. It would advance the general interests of Canada, 
 by directly connecting the Dominion, telograpliically, 
 with all the other great British possessions in both 
 hemispheres. 
 
5. It would assist in bringinp^ into prominence portions 
 of the British Dominions, embracing Vancouver*H Ishind 
 and British Cohimbia, wliicli, for all practical purposes 
 are at the present time the most distant of our Colonial 
 possessions. 
 
 0. There cannot be a doubt that the projected under- 
 taking would materially serve the interests of British 
 commerce. 
 
 7. Whatever complications may arise in Europe, or 
 whatever miglit be going on around the Mediterranean, it 
 would unquestionably secure the safety and certainty 
 of telegraphic connections between the mother country 
 and every one of her great possessions. 
 
 In view of the foregoing considerations, it may be 
 assumed that the Imperial Governmeat would desire to 
 see the telegraph established. 
 
 It has been found that ordinary mercantile tele- 
 graphic business is not sufficient, at tlie present time, to 
 induce capitalists to take up the project, purely as a 
 commercial enterprise. Assistance, for a limited period 
 is therefore required. 
 
 The Canadian Government is deeply interested in the 
 success of the scheme, and has undertaken to facilitie 
 its establishment and give every assistance in its power * 
 
 The Japanese Government being also interested, it is 
 believed, will readily facilitate the carrying out of the 
 project, and it is reasonable to expect, will assist finan- 
 cially to a moderate extent. 
 
 If one of the Aleutian Islands be adopted as a mid- 
 station for the Cable, the enterprise would benefit the 
 
 ' ' ♦ Vide Appendix, 1, 2, 3, & 4. 
 
United States by supplying telegraphic service with the 
 territory of Alaska. There are good grounds for ex- 
 pecting that the Government of the United States will 
 offer a small subsidy for this service. 
 
 But it is obvious from what has been set forth, that in 
 the general interests of the Empire, Her Majesty's Govern- 
 ment is more deeply interested than any other in the 
 success of the scheme. It is not unreasonable to hope, 
 therefore, that in accordance with the policy adopted 
 with respect to other lines of Electric Cable, the Govern- 
 ment of Great Britain will be disposed to assist in this 
 instance. Assistance will only be required until mercan- 
 tile and ordinary traffic be developed to such an extent 
 as to render the work self-sustaining. 
 
 Assistance may take the form of a guarantee of 
 Government telegraphic business, or its equivalent 
 value in a subsidy, for a fixed term of years. Assuming 
 that a subsidy be given, it might be arranged that all 
 Government messages be carried at agreed rates in 
 reduction of the amount of subsidy, until it be 
 extinguished. 
 
 Such an arrangement, together with assistance from 
 the other governments mentioned, would be a security 
 against loss, and would form a basis for raising 
 the capital necessary to establish the line in a satis- 
 factory manner. 
 
 All available information has been obtained with 
 respect to depth of water, character of the bottom, and 
 landing places, and it is believed that the proposed 
 route is the shortest and best, if not the only practicable 
 
t 
 
 •■'c* 
 
 general route for laying a cable across tht 
 The total distance on the great circle, from the p* .ton 
 Vancouver Island at which it is intended to star* j the 
 proposed landing-place in Yesso, is 3,622 nautical miles, 
 divided into two spans by landing on one of the Aleutian 
 Islands. With the necessary allowance for slack of 20 
 per cent., the length of cable would bo about 4,400 
 miles. The cost has been variously estimated at from 
 £1,250,000 to £1,750,000. 
 
 It is evident that the whole outlay would scarcely 
 exceed the cost of a single iron-clad ship of war, and 
 comparatively small assistance from the Government 
 would enable a company to establish a work which 
 would add incalculable strength to Great Britain as a 
 great naval power. 
 
 SANDFORD FLEMING. 
 
 Empire Club, Grafton Street, 
 London, November 20, 1882. 
 
 DOCUMENTS APPENDED. 
 
 1. Minute of the Privy Council of Canada, dated 17th June, 1880. 
 
 2. „ ,, „ „ „ 7th July, 1880. 
 
 3. ., „ „ „ „ 8th Dec, 1880. 
 
 4. „ ,, „ „ ,, 26th July, 1882. 
 
 5. Eeport of Counnander Hull, R.N., ou the proposed Route of 
 
 the Cable across the Pacific Ocean. 
 
 6. List of Olficial Documents, in reference to the Scheme, sub- 
 
 mitted to the Parliament of Canada, 29th February, 1882. 
 
 Vide Appendix No. 6. Nfaatical Report by Commander Hull, R.N. 
 
10 
 
 
 APPENDIX No. 1. 
 
 MlNUTK OF THE PrIVY CoUNCIL OF CaNAUA, DATED 17tH 
 
 Junk, 1880. 
 
 Coi'Y of a Report of a Committee of the llonorahle the 
 Privif Council, approved hy His hxcellencj/ theGovenioT' 
 General in Council, on the V7th «/«««, 1880. 
 
 On a memorandum dated 20tli May, 1880, from the 
 Honorable tlio Minster of Eailways and Canals, representing 
 that a proposition has been received from Mr. Sandford 
 Fleming-, having in view the extension of the Pacific Railway 
 Telegraph to Asia by submarine cable. 
 
 That the scheme which has been treated at length by 
 Mr. Fleming, in his last report as Engineer-in-Chief of the 
 Canadian Pacific Railway, comprises the formation of a 
 Company, and the grant of certain concessions on the part 
 of the Canadian Government, namely : — 
 
 1st. Tiie exclusive privilege of landing a submarine cable 
 on the Pacific coast of Canada. 
 
 2nd. The privilege of placing a wire for cable business on 
 the posts of the Pacific Railway when erected, and that 
 Mr. Fleming requests that these concessions may be made 
 to himself individually as an initiatory step. 
 
 That the report of the Chief Engineer of Government 
 Railways in opei'ation holds that great advantage would 
 accrue to Canada, through the carrying out of this scheme. 
 
 The Minister accordingly, upon such report and the 
 advice therein contained, recommends that the concessions 
 stated be granted to Mr. Fleming, upon the following 
 conditions : — 
 
 Ist. That a substantial commencement of the work be 
 made within throe (3) years, and that the cable be laid 
 across the Pacific Ocean witliin five (5) years from the date 
 of the completion of the overland lines. 
 
11 
 
 2nd. That after the cable connection is made the sub- 
 marine telegraph be satisfactorily maintained for purposes 
 of traffic, and bo operated efficiently. 
 
 3rd, That unless otherwise authorised by the Governor- 
 General in Council, the maximum rates of charges be not 
 higher than those mentioned in Appendix No. 24 of the 
 Canadian Pacific Railway Report of 1880, above referred to. 
 
 4th. That the Government reserve the right to take 
 possession of the whole at any time after completion, upon 
 payment of a sum equal to the capital expended, together 
 with a reasonable percentage added. 
 
 5th. That the suggested terms of arrangements be subject 
 to the approval of Parliament. 
 
 The Committee submit the above recommendation for 
 Your Excellency's approval. 
 
 Certified J. 0. COTE, Clerk, P.C. 
 
 APPENDIX No. 2. 
 
 Minute of the Privy Council of Canada, dated 
 
 7th July, 1880. 
 
 Copy of a Report of a Committee of the Honorahle the Privy 
 Council, approved by His Excellency the Governor- General 
 in Council, on the 7th July, 1880. 
 
 On a memorandum dated 2nd July, 1880, from the 
 Honorable the Minister of Public Works, submitting that 
 the accompanying memorial has been addressed to His 
 Excellency the Governor-General by S. Fleming, C.M.G., 
 Civil Engineer, respecting a projected scheme to connect the 
 Atlantic Telegraph system with that of Asia, by means of 
 an overland line through the Dominion of Canada and an 
 electric cable across the Pacific Ocean. 
 
12 
 
 That, as an initiatory step, the Canadian Government, by 
 an Order in Council, dated 17th June, 1880, has conceded 
 to Mr. Fleming, on certain conditions, the exclusive privilege 
 of landing a suLmarino cable on the Pacific coast of the 
 Dominion, and the placing of a wire for cable business on 
 the lino of the Canadian Pacific Railway. That Mr. Fleming, 
 in his memorial, states that it will not be possible to take 
 any practical step for the commencement of that under- 
 taking, until the spot for landing the Cable has been 
 definitely secured, and he therefore solicits the interven- 
 tion of His Excellency the Governor-General, with the 
 Imperial Government, to open negotiations with the Japanese 
 Government either for the transfer of one of the smaller 
 islands of the Kurile group to the British Crown, or for 
 securing the landing privileges necessary for the success of 
 the undertaking. 
 
 That the project of Mr. Fleming is one deserving serious 
 consideration. 
 
 The Minister, therefore, recommends that His Excellency 
 the Governor-General may be pleased to cause a copy of 
 the memorial in question, and of the other documents 
 accompanying it, to be transmitted to the Imperial Govern- 
 ment for their favorable consideration. 
 
 The Committee submit the above recommendation for 
 your Excellency's approval, and further recommend that 
 Sir A. T. Gait be instructed to communicate with the Colonial 
 Minister on the subject. 
 
 ( Certified) 
 
 J. 0. COTE, Clerk, P.O. 
 
 The Hon. Minister of Public Works. 
 
m 
 
 APPENDIX No. 3. 
 
 Minute of the Privy Council of Canada, dated 
 8tii Dkcember, 1880. 
 
 Copy of a Report of a Committee of the Ilonorable the Privy 
 Council, approved hy Ilis Excellency the Governor- General in 
 Council, on the 8th December, 1880. 
 
 On a Eoport, dated (5th December, 1880, from the lion, 
 the Minister of Public Works, stating that a memorial 
 addressed to His Excellency the Governor-General by 
 Mr, Sandford Fleming-, has been referred to him through 
 the Hon. the Secretary of State. 
 
 That the said memorial sets forth that by an Order in 
 Council dated the 17th June, 1880, certain concessions were 
 granted to the memorialist having in view the promotion of 
 the establishment of electric cable communication between 
 British Columbia and Asia. 
 
 That it is represented that steps are now being taken 
 by the Imperial Government in order to the obtaining of 
 permission to land a cable upon the shores of Japan, and 
 that prior to the introduction of the scheme to the notice of 
 capitalists, it is advisable that more detailed information 
 than is at present possessed should be obtained respecting 
 the waters through which the cable should be laid, and the 
 shores whereon its landing may be effected. 
 
 That Mr. Fleming suggests, that in order to avoid the 
 heavy expense which would be entailed by the sending out 
 of a special vessel for this piu-pose, permission might be 
 sought from the Imperial Government whereby the services 
 of one of Iler Majesty's ships stationed in the North Pacific 
 waters may be utilized through the extension of one of her 
 ordinary cruises, for the obtaining of the information 
 required. 
 
14 
 
 Concmrinp;' in the views expressed by Mr. Flemino;, and 
 believing the object to be one of much importance, the 
 Minister recommends that the necessary steps be taken for 
 the submission to the Imperial Government of a request on 
 the part of this Government that the services of one of 
 Her Majesty's ships may be conceded for the purposes 
 indicated. 
 
 The Committee concur in the foregoing recommendation 
 and submit the same for Your Excolloncy's approval. 
 
 Certified, 
 lion. Minister of Public Works. 
 
 J. 0. COTE, Clerk P.C. 
 
 APPENDIX No. 4. 
 
 Minute of the Privy Council of Canada, dated 
 
 26th July, 1882. 
 
 Copy of a Report of a Committee of the Honorable the Privy 
 Council for Canada, approved by His Excellency the 
 Governor- General in Council on the 26th July, 1882. 
 
 On a Report, dated 2l8t July, 1882, from the Minister of 
 Public Works, stating that Mr. Sandf ord Flem ' g repre- 
 sents that in consequence of the war cloud over Egypt a 
 most opportune time has arrived for promoting the Asiatic 
 Cable Scheme for which he obtained a Charter from 
 Parliament. That at any moment the telegraph by the 
 Red Sea may be cut, and traflB.c and intercourse completely 
 interrupted between England and her Eastern possessions, 
 which evidently shows the necessity of an independent 
 means of communication with India, Australia, &c., one 
 that could be relied on whatever might ocour in Europe 
 or in the Mediterranean. 
 
 The Minister states that Mr. Fleming also represents that 
 a telegraph from Canada across the Pacific Ocean could not 
 
m 
 
 but 1)0 of immense value, uot only to commorco but in the 
 vitally important question " Tlio Defence ol the Empire," 
 and with this view he intends to bring his scheme to the 
 notice of the Imperial Government. 
 
 That, inasmuch as this country, not only as a part of the 
 Empire, but also as the Dominion of Canada, is interested 
 in the success of the scheme, and in order to promote the 
 object in view, the Minister recommends that the Secretary 
 of State be informed that Mr. Fleming? is a gentleman of 
 high standing and respectability, and that full confidence 
 may be placed in his integrity and entire disposition to 
 carry into effect any undertaking into which he may enter. 
 
 The Committee concur in the recommendation of the 
 Minister of Public Works, and they advise that a copy of 
 this Minute when approved be transmitted for the informa- 
 tion of Her Majesty's Government. 
 
 JOHN J. McGEE, 
 
 Clerk, Privy Council of Canada. 
 
 APPENDIX No. 5. 
 
 Nautical Eeport on the Pkoposed Route of tue Cable, 
 BY Commander Hull, E.N. 
 
 Remarks upon a proposed line of Telegraph Cable to be laid from 
 Vancouver's Island in British Colombia, to Ye%o Island in Japan. 
 
 Barclay Sound, in Vancouver's Island, and Akishi Bay, 
 in Yezo, may be taken as two eligible ports for the termini. 
 
 Barclay Sound is in lat. 48" 48' N. long. 125° 13' W. 
 Akishi Bay is in lat. 43° 2 ' N. long. 144° 52 ' E. The length 
 of an arc of a great circle between these ports is there- 
 fore 3,543 nautical miles. 
 
16 
 
 This arc, entering the Aleutian group, near the northern 
 end of Unalashka Island, passes north of the chain, and 
 re-enters the Pacific Ocean just south of the Island of 
 Agattu. 
 
 Deep sea soundings have been taken in the vi( inity of 
 this arc, by the United States Government, and it is from 
 those soundings that the sections have boon drawn. 
 
 Captain's Bay, in Unalashka Island, in which is 
 situated the town of Iliuliuk, and Kyska Harbour in the 
 Island of Kyska, appear to invite attention for the 
 establishment of an intermediate station. 
 
 Between Iliuliuk and Kyska Harbour the soundings 
 were obtained southward of the great circle along the 
 northern shore of the Aleutian Islands. 
 
 The distances of the proposed track for the cablo are 
 
 from Barclay Sound to Iliuliuk 
 Iliuliuk to Kyska Harbour 
 Kyska Harbour to Akishi Bay 
 
 1,002 
 
 miles 
 
 590 
 
 >) 
 
 1,430 
 
 )} 
 
 If taken on to Hakodadi (see page 20 
 of this report), add . , 
 
 3,622 
 
 212 
 
 3,834 „ 
 
 Leaving Toquart Harbour in the north-west part of 
 Barclay Sound, the cablo might pass through the western 
 channel to the sea, over an average soft bottom, in depths of 
 25 fathoms. 
 
 TLve first of the deep sea soundings will be met with about 
 60 mDes W.N.W. (true) of the entrance to Bai'clay Sound. 
 
 In tl.ie first section drawr u North Pacific Chart, No. 787, 
 the cable will lie over a soft and level bottom, in depths 
 of from about 1,000 to 2,500 fathoms, to the meridian 
 
17 
 
 of 154° W., after which tho ocoan deopenfl to 2,910 fathoms; 
 the cable has hero been taken to the northward to 
 endeavour to avoid tlio deep water, 3,359 fathoms to tlie 
 soutli-east of the Shoumagin Islands. After passing tho 
 meridian of these islands it has been drawn to tho south- 
 ward, so as to avoid the rough ground at tho entrance of 
 tho Unimak Pass. 
 
 Captain's Bay on the norther i end of Unalashka Island 
 appears to offer nuuiy advantages for an intermediate 
 station. Tho town of Iliuliuk is in this bay, and it has 
 been used as the headquarters of the United States Coast 
 Survey Party under W. H. Dall. There are eight villages 
 in Unalashka, of which Iliuliuk is the chief. In 1867 
 there were 570 people living on tho island, of which 309 
 resided at Iliuliuk. 
 
 In Mr. Ball's report, Ulakhta Harbour, known as Dutch 
 Bay, is spoken of as naving good liolding ground in soft 
 black mud and shell in 14 to 16 fathoms. 
 
 The prevalent winds in winder are south-east, and bring 
 rain and fog. North-east winds bring clear weather, and 
 north and north-west, snow. The heaviest gales are said to 
 come from the south-west. The winds generally veer from 
 east to south and west. Squalls blow with considerable 
 force. Skim ice, destructive to boats, will form on a calm 
 winter's night, ' ut it is broken up by the first breeze. No 
 ice obstructs the entrance to Captain's Bay. Earthquakes 
 are said to be frequently experienced. 
 
 A southerly current appears to set constantly along the 
 coast of tho Alaska peninsula with a velocity of about one 
 mile an hour, but it runs with more force through the 
 Akutan and Uualga passes. To the northward of tho 
 Aleutians the current is said to set to the westward. 
 
 "Westward of Unalashka is the volcanic island of Bogoslov, 
 which rose from the sea in 1792. A reef of submerged 
 rocks is said to extend to this island from Unmak, but 
 
18 
 
 Mr. Dall found no bottom with 800 fathoms whon on tho 
 lino of this roof. Tho cublo has been drawn to tho north- 
 ward of Bojjfoslov. 
 
 From Iliuliuk to Kyska Island tho soundings aro taken 
 along tho north shore of the Aleutian Islands, and aro 
 cousoquontly irregular, tho greatest depth being 1,755 
 fatlioms off the Island of Kasatochu. From Tanaga Island 
 to Kyska, a distance of 160 miles, no soundings have been 
 taken. 
 
 The cable has been drawn to Kyska Island as it is 
 reported to possess an oxcoUeut harbour perfectly protected 
 from all winds, with good holding ground, a moderate depth 
 of water, and a level floor of sandy mud. Tho island 
 however is uninhabited. 
 
 If a second station is not required upon tho Aleutians, 
 the cable might follow tho arc of tho great circle from 
 Iliuliuk to meet the deep sea soundings off Agattu. Judging 
 from the sountlings obtained in Behring Sea, loss water 
 miglit be found iipon this track than along tho shores of 
 the Aleutian chain. 
 
 Soundings hove been obtained westward of Tanaga, but 
 they are to the southward of Amchitka, and tho Rat Islands. 
 A line of soundings on the arc of the great circle above 
 referred to would be extremely valuable. They could be 
 easily obtained in the summer, by a trained officer, provided 
 with Sir William Thomson's sounding machine, in one of 
 Her Majesty's ships. 
 
 Tho other islands that afford facilities in the Aleutian 
 group are Atkha, Amlia, and Adakh. 
 
 Atkha is the principal island of the group. 300 people 
 were living here in 1867. Nazan Bay on tho east, and 
 Korovinsky on tho west side were examined by Mr, Dall, 
 but he does not reisort favourably on either. The contour 
 of the south coast of this island, drawn for Admiral Lutke 
 (see Lutke's voyages) by an intelligent native, shows several 
 
deep "bays and poBsiblo harhoura, hut there is no more 
 relinblo information ; thoy linvo not been examined by 
 sailors. 
 
 On tho soutli side of Amlia Island, tlio island noxt oast- 
 ward of Atklia, about 16 milos from tho oast end of 
 Amlia, is tho port of Svotchnikoff. In this bay soundings 
 of from If) to 5 fathoms wore found over a sandy ])ottom. 
 Thoro is a village on the west ond of Amlia. 
 
 Adakh, to tho westward of Atkha, has a good harbour 
 known as tho Bay of Islands ; this was examined by 
 Mr. Dall, who speaks of **an excellent anchorage, with 
 " good holding ground, and shelter behind what proved 
 " to bo an island forming part of an archipelago, which 
 " closes tho mouth of a very large and beautiful bay, known 
 " as tho Bay of Islands." A sketch of this anchorage was 
 made. Adakh Island is uninhabited. 
 
 In 18G7 there were 200 people living on Attn, the western 
 island of the Aleutian chain. 
 
 From Kyska the cable is tbawn to the southward to meet 
 tho line of deep sea soundings. Between Eat Islands 
 and Agattu two shoal casts, of 303 and 332 fathoms, were 
 obtained over a bottom of black sand. After passing tho 
 meridian of Agattu the ocean suddenly deepens, and in 
 long, ni** E. the great depth of 4, '37 fathoms was found; 
 from this it shoals to 1,777 fathoms in 167*^ E., after which 
 it gradually deepens to 3,754 fathoms. 
 
 The soundings then lie along the eastern shore of the 
 Kurile Islands, depth varying from 317 to 1,445 fathoms. 
 About 100 miles to the south-east of these islands very deep 
 water is found; the soundings showing 4,041 and 4,655 
 fathoms. 
 
 Shoaler water may be found by sounding farther to the 
 northward, between Attn Island and Kamchatka, towards 
 Behring Island, but from the general nature of the bottom 
 
do 
 
 in thoso regions, it is to bo fearod that a valley of over 
 3,000 fathoiuH must ho crossod in takinjj^ a cable* from tho 
 west ond of tho Abditian iKlands to tho Asiatic Continent. 
 
 Akislii Bay, in Yozo Island, apptuirs to form a favorable 
 position for landing tho eablo. Tho bay is spacious, well 
 slioltorod, water not too (loop, with a sandy floor, and has 
 boon woU surveyed by Messrs. C W. Bailie & Oldlield, of 
 tho English Naval Surveying Sorvico. 
 
 There is a Japanese settlement here, consisting of 40 
 Japanese and 160 Ainos. Fish are abundant. Junks bring 
 provisions in summer, and ovoidand is a path to Hakodadi. 
 
 Should it be thought advisable not to land tho cable at 
 Akishi Bay, but to carry it on to Hakodadi, there will bo 
 no difficulties to be overcome. From Akishi Bay (by which 
 tho cable must pass) to Cape Yorimo, the south-east point of 
 Yozo, the distance is 92 miles. A line of inshore soundings, 
 9 miles from the coast, show depths of from 50 to GO 
 fathoms ; 30 miles from the coast no bottom could bo found 
 with 127 and 200 fathoms, while at 00 miles soundings wore 
 obtained in from 1,108 to 1,619 fathoms, mud and sand, 
 and gravel and sand ; 1 6 miles from Cape Yorimo there is 
 78 fathoms, fine sand. 
 
 From Cape Yorimo to Hakodadi, the distance is 120 
 miles, tho soundings from 166 fathoms'to no bottom at 350 
 fathoms. This stretch, if used, makes an addition of 212 
 miles to tho original length, making tho total distance, 
 Barclay Sound to Hakodadi, 3,834 miles. 
 
 From a long personal experience in tho North Pacific 
 Ocean, gained during a service of over thirteen years, 1845 to 
 1859, in Her Majesty's discovery and surveying vessels as a 
 navigating officer; having on six occasions crossed the 
 Aleutian chain during passages made to and from Behring 
 Strait, the Sandwich Islands, and tho North-west coast of 
 America ; from having also made the passage to Behring's 
 
31 
 
 Strait from tho Sandwich Islands, wostward of tho Aleutian 
 chain, calling at Potropaulski on tho Asiatic coast; 
 from havinp consulted tho woathor reports niado by 
 Mr. W. II. Dall, in Ajipcndix No. 10, to his ropoit of tho 
 Geographical and Hydrographicul Explorations on tho coast 
 of Alaska, to the Government of tho United States of 
 America, in 18"2 and 1873; from information obtained of 
 tho waters under consideration during tho compilation of 
 tho present Admiralty Wind and Current Charts of the 
 Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans ; in fac^t, from my own 
 varied experiences, and from inf (jrmation obtained from every 
 available source, I am able confidently to report that tho 
 climatic difficulties to be encountered in laying this cable in 
 the North Pacific, are not greater tliau those mot with in tho 
 Nortli Atlantic, where so many cables have been success- 
 fully laid. 
 
 IJad Avoather in both Oceans, Atlantic and Pacific, seems 
 to bo caused by tho cold Arctic currents coming in contact 
 with tho warm streams from tho south — the Gidf stream 
 in the Atlantic, and tho Kuro Siwo in tho Pacific Ocean. 
 But the volume of the Arctic stream in the Pacific is very 
 much smaller than that in the Atlantic, and consequently 
 tho climatic disturbance is loss; besides which, tho cold 
 current from Behring's Strait does not meet the warm 
 waters of tho North Pacific, until after passing the Aleutian 
 chain, and in consequence there is comparative peace along 
 the general route of the proposed cfible to the northward of 
 these islands. 
 
 There is ono dif&eil„y with respect to which the North 
 Pacific is free. Icebergs are un? wn, while in the 
 Atlantic, icebergs and field ice, during a considerable 
 portion of the year, are continually met with. 
 
 I would submit that more deep-sea soundings should bo 
 obtained, especially upon or near tho arc of tho great circle 
 
from Iliuliuk to Agatu Island ; also northward of a line 
 between Attn Island and Cape Lopatka, in Kamchatka, 
 towards Behring Island. By this means, shoaler wat^r 
 than that referred to by me in the foregoing part of the 
 Eeport may be found, and by a slight detour, the valley 
 that appears to lie between the Aleutian Islands and the 
 Continent of Asia may bo avoided. 
 
 {Sifjned) THOMAS A. HULL, 
 
 Commander R.N., 
 Late Superintendent of Admiralt!/ Charts. 
 
 Mamrc, Honor Oak, S.E., 
 
 London, 22nd August y 1882. 
 
23 
 
 APPENDIX No. 6. 
 Official Documents relating to the Scheme of 
 Mr. Sandford Fleming for connecting Canada 
 with Asia by Submarine Telegraph. 
 Submitted to the Canadian Parliament, 29th July, 1882. 
 
 (Return 41.) 
 J . Letter from Sandford Fleming to ' 
 
 Sir Charles Tupper . . . . 14th May, 1880. 
 
 2. Report of the Chief Engineer of 
 
 Railways in operation .. 20th May, 1880. 
 
 3. Order in Council I7th June, 1880. 
 
 4. Memorial to His Excellency the 
 
 Governor-General 
 
 27th June, 1880. 
 
 5. Memorandum referred to in me 
 
 morial to His Excellency 
 
 6. Letter to Secretary of State en 
 
 closing memorial 
 
 6^. Memorandum, Minister Public 
 
 Works 2nd July, 1880. 
 
 7. Order in Council 7th July, 1880. 
 
 8. Letter to Sir Charles Tuj^per . . 22nd October, 1880 
 
 9. Letter from Department of Rail- 
 
 ways and Canals to Sandford 
 Fleming 
 
 Memorial to His Excellency the 
 Governor-General 
 
 Order in Council . . 
 
 Department Public Works to 
 Sandford Fleming 
 
 Earl of Kimberley to the Marquis 
 
 of Lome, Governor-General . . 4th December, 1880 
 
 Sir A. T. Gait to the Earl of 
 Kimberley 
 
 Colonial Office to Foreign Office 
 
 Colonial Office to Foreign Office 
 
 Under-Secretary of State to the 
 Minister of Public Works 
 
 10. 
 
 11. 
 
 12. 
 
 13. 
 
 14. 
 
 15. 
 16. 
 
 17. 
 
 4th November, 1880. 
 
 4th December, 1880. 
 8th December, 1880. 
 
 13th January, 1881. 
 
 2nd September, 1880. 
 2nd September, 1880. 
 Ist December, 1880. 
 
 28th December, 1880. 
 
24 
 
 18. Department Public Works to 
 
 Saudford Fleming .. .. 29th Docombor, 1880. 
 
 19. Sir A. T. Gait to Secretary of 
 
 State . . . . . . . . 9tli December, 1880. 
 
 20. Copy of Telegraph to Charge d' 
 
 Affaires at Yeddo .. .. 8th December, 1880. 
 
 21. Secretary of State to Minister of 
 
 Public Works 20th December, 1880. 
 
 22. Sir A. T. Gait to Secretary of 
 
 State 30th November, 1880. 
 
 23. Sir A. T. Gait to Secretary of 
 
 State . . . . . . . . 2nd December, 1880. 
 
 24. Colonial Office to Sir A. T. Gait 1st December, 1880. 
 
 25. Earl of Ivimberley to the Marquis 
 
 of Lome, Governor- General . . 18th December, 1880. 
 
 26. The Foreign Office to the 
 
 Colonial Office . . 
 -,, ,, , , CI- TT ( 14th December, 1880. 
 
 27. Memorandum by Sir Harry 
 
 Parkes . . 
 
 28. Translation of Cypher telegram. . 21st December, 1880. 
 
 30. Under-Secretary of State to 
 
 Minister of Public Works . . 10th January, 1881. 
 
 31. Sir A. T. Gait to Secretary of 
 
 State . . . . . . . . 23rd December, 1880. 
 
 32. The Colonial Office to Sir A.T.Galt 22nd December, 1880. 
 
 33. Department of Public Works to 
 
 Sandford Fleming .. .. 28th January, 1881. 
 
 34. Sandford Fleming to Department 
 
 of Public Works . . . . 29th January, 1881. 
 
 35. Earl Kimberley to the Marquis of 
 
 Lome .. .. .. .. 25th January, 1881. 
 
 36. The Admiralty to the Colonial 
 
 Office .. .. .. .. 18th January, 1881. 
 
 37. Sandford Fleming to the Minister 
 
 of Public Works .. .. 4th February, 1881. 
 
 38. Department of Public Works to 
 
 Sandford Fleming .. .. 1 0th February, 1881. 
 
25 
 
 39. Sandford Fleming to the Hon. H. 
 
 L. Langevin Uch February. 1881. 
 
 40. Sandford Fleming to the Minister 
 
 of Public Works .. .. 23rd February, 1881. 
 
 41. Sandford Fleming to the Minister 
 
 of Public Works .. .. 2nd March, 1881. 
 
 42. Sandford Fleming to the Minister 
 
 of Public Works .. .. 10th March, 1881.