PROCEEDINGS FOR 1911 XXIX 
which shortly afterwards led to the projection of a scheme of the highest 
importance to the whole Empire. 
The scheme was in part unfolded at the Imperial Conference of 
1887, and at each succeeding Conference of representatives of the 
autonomous Dominions held in Ottawa and in London the subject was 
further considered and developed, the advantages to result from bring- 
ing into close telegraphic touch each one of the overseas British states 
and all with the Mother Country, became more and more apparent. 
The feeling in course of time became strengthened that all should be 
within speaking distance, and that they should become neighbours, as 
far as steam and electricity could effect that end. 
Thus it was recognized that the great over-sea British Dominions 
should have the most facile means of intercourse, each with each, and all 
with the parent power to which they owe a common allegiance. In 
this spirit the project of a globe-girdling chain of electric cables under 
State control has been developed. 
Circumstances, largely of a geographical character, have divided 
the project into two great divisions, each covering approximately half 
the circumference of the globe. The first division extends from England 
westerly and southerly to the antipodes of England. It crosses the 
Atlantic to Canada, embraces Canada from the extreme east to the 
extreme west, and then passes through the Pacific Ocean to New 
Zealand and Australia. 
The second division is on the opposite side of the sphere; it begins 
with New Zealand and Australia, it extends across the Indian Ocean 
to United South Africa, connecting by a branch with India, from 
South Africa it passes through the Atlantic to England probably by 
way of the West Indies or Nova Scotia and Newfoundland as may be 
determined. 
It is now more than eight years since the initial cable of the first 
division was laid across the Pacific. This cable formed a direct tele- 
graphic connection between New Zealand, Australia and Canada. 
Since the beginning of November in 1902 it has ever since been in suc- 
cessful operation and the financial returns indicate a steady annual 
increase. By arrangement with the Canadian Pacific Railway Com- 
pany, a copper wire has been placed along the line of railway through 
all the provinces from British Columbia to Quebec, and the through 
telegraph business is transmitted under the direct control of the Pacific 
Cable Board. There only remains an Atlantic cable to be placed under 
the same control. Thus it appears that the first great division of the 
Empire-girdling chain, is within measurable distance of completion. 
We are however, brought nearer to, if not face to face with, a possible 
difficulty of a grave character. The difficulty is so serious that to 
neglect it or delay in providing a remedy, would be most unwise. 
