WESTERN COAST OF AMERICA. 293 



character and importance which justify and 

 demand the fostering care and protection of 

 government. The communication proposed 

 cannot fail to add to its facihties and security^ 

 to an extent scarcely paralleled in the annals 

 of commercial intercourse. The reduction of 

 the period of communication between Great 

 Britain and the shores of the Pacific^ from 

 nearly four months to about forty days^ must 

 afford to the merchant and manufacturer the 

 incalculable benefit of that constant and 

 frequent advice^ which will enable them 

 to regulate their shipments according to 

 the demands of foreign markets. Moreover, 

 the proceeds of their goods will be available 

 three or four months earlier than they now are ; 

 their agents will be able to take advantage of 

 changes in markets, embracing an extent of 

 coast of more than three thousand miles, with- 

 out incurring the present risks or delay ; an 

 increased demand for British maimfactures will 

 be produced; greater security to person and 

 property will be enjoyed, and her Majesty^s 

 squadron, stationed in those seas, will be ren- 

 dered infinitely more efficient for every purpose* 

 That these beneficial objects are worthy the 

 care of the British government, and that they 

 may, with little comparative expense or trouble, 

 be realized, no one who has examined the sub- 



