BANQUET TO THE FOX EXPEDITION. 67 Greenland. Experience in telegraphy has proved that long lines are not as yet successful—that a line of 600 or 700 miles, even on land, is as long as will pay commercially when operated by one electric circuit; and as this is a commercial undertaking it must be so viewed (hear, hear). I am one of those, however, who think that Government should lend its aid to such an undertaking at first. If we look back to history we shall see that all great national undertakings have been aided by Governments which did not wait till commercial success was sure before giving their aid. There are exceptional cases in which Government ought to take the lead and direction. My own view is decidedly favourable to the northern line, which is to be in short lengths of submerged wire : no one portion being more than 600 or 700 miles. The greatest depth which has been sounded, either between Greenland and Iceland or Labrador, or between Iceland and our own coast, is 2000 fathoms, and it has been proved by experience that a depth of 2000 fathoms presents no great obstacle to laying an electric wire (hear, and cheers). I do not think, from the soundings w'hich have already been taken, that a much greater depth will be found on any part of the route. I have carefully examined the log of the vessel which took Colonel Shaffner from one point to another— the tables, soundings, calculations, &c.; and 1 thoroughly believe that the soundings were well and accurately taken (applause). I was one of the committee appointed by the Board of Trade before which Colonel Shaffner was examined, and no evidence ever made a stronger impression on my mind than the statements he gave with so much modesty and consistency (applause). Some persons are not aware that, while we are talking about the subject, our American friends are actually sounding many parts of the Pacific Ocean. I feel shame at having been behind-hand, and think that the sooner we follow their good example the better (cheers). We ought to have taken the initiative in sounding the bottom of the ocean. When the Chinese expedition is over, and our smaller vessels are once more set free, no better employment can, I am sure, be found for some of them than in exploring the bottom of the ocean (loud cheers). The facility with which a telegraphic wire can be carried from Scotland to the Parde Islands requires no remark from me. Whether it will be better to have one or two landings or stations in Iceland and in Greenland, will be for Shaffner, Young, and Rae to determine by their judgment accord- ing to the result of the survey. Colonel Shaffner and Captain Young are perfectly acquainted with that region. Of the men composing this expedition I need scarcely say anything. The names 1 have mentioned are well known in the active world, and with this remark I leave them. Mr. Davis, who goes as second in

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