Our Cable Communications. 55 
such items of intelligence, together with the prices 
current, stocks, consols, &c, are matters of vital and 
necessary importance to commercial men, far distant 
from, but doing business with Great Britain, Europe and 
America. To supply this desideratum as early as 
possible is the special work of the Telegraph Companies, 
for the performance of which duty the West Indian 
Colonies pay very handsome subsidies. 
Recognizing these fa6ts is it not matter for surprise — 
at first sight at least — that all the news received in 
Demerara should come by the apparently roundabout 
way suggested by the headline " via New York " ? 
Especially is this so, when the British and Continental 
Sugar Markets have such an intimate influence upon our 
staple manufactures, or when questions such as that 
involving the boundary of the colony are being discussed. 
Surely it is not too much to expect that we might know 
each morning what has taken place in the Imperial Parlia- 
ment overnight, notwithstanding the difference in time, so 
that cable-istic replies, or corrections, might be sent if 
need be, and oftentimes prevent the spread of wrong 
and vexatious information. For ordinary state purposes, 
and the better control of the Fleet, &c, the argument is 
in favour of the West Indian Colonies being at a less 
distance — by time — from the Mother Country. In short, 
a quicker means of communication than at present 
exists is desirable, to say nothing of a cheaper ; and if 
thereby only an alternative route be provided, great 
benefit would result therefrom. Great Britain with its 
ten cables to the United States, is always en rapport 
with America, upon every question of interest to the 
whole commercial community ; and as to a daily 
