24 THE NORTH ATLANTIC TELEGRAPH. or sea. Unfortunately a northern wind drove our vessel to sea, and further examination of Greenland had to he abandoned. We took deep-sea soundings during the voyage towards Iceland, and found the greatest depth 1540 fathoms, bottom mud. I think the soundings taken were correct, and they show the depths to be quite regular as to ascent and descent between Labrador and Greenland, and between Greenland and Iceland. We cannot say that there is a plateau placed along this route by Providence especially for this telegraph, without respect to other things in creation; but we have reasons for believing that Provi- dence has placed between the two continents sea-belts, that can be successfully employed for a telegraph, and to Him, for that as well as all other blessings which we enjoy, be all honour and praise (hear, hear). Mr. Chairman, having occupied my hour, I will close my re- marks, after calling your attention to the relative distances of the two routes. It has been supposed, as another reason why this line is less preferable than the other, that the distance by way of Iceland and Greenland is greater. That is urged as an objection to this route, but let me call your attention to the facts. From London to Quebec the distance by the Atlantic line is about 4150 miles; by the North Atlantic line it is only 3684, being 466 miles nearer than the other route. From Montreal the distance is about the same; from New York to London it is nearer by 286 miles; from St. Louis to London it is 469 miles nearer; from New Orleans it is 356 miles nearer; from New York to Glasgow it is 406 miles nearer; to Berlin, 561; to Hamburg, 591; to Copenhagen, 951; to Stockholm, 1381; and from New York to St. Petersburg it is 1800 miles nearer (applause). These are the facts, and I challenge contradiction. (A gentleman asked whether Colonel Shaffner meant the sea-route only.) No; I mean the whole telegraphic distance. The distance between Ireland and Newfoundland is 1600 miles, but it requires 2000 miles of cable. Colonel Shaffner concluded by showing and explaining the plummet by which he ascertained the nature of the bed of the ocean, and also the uses and purposes of the various Esquimaux curiosities which he had brought from Greenland. On the motion of the Dean of Guild, a vote of thanks to the Colonel for his excellent speech, was accorded with acclamation. A similar compliment having been paid to the Chairman, the proceedings terminated.

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