Reports and Documents in Reference to the Location of the Line and a Western Terminal Harbour; 1878

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1878 Excerpt: ... with one exception, express an unfavourable opinion. The channel at present used by vessels when passing through the Haro Strait to reach the Strait of Georgia is at several points only about two miles distant from San Juan and other Islands belonging to the United States. But in the event of war with that country, a very fair succession of channels from Active pass, across Swanson channel through Moresby passage, Sydney and Baynes Channels to the Strait of Fuca, can be had by the erection of a few beacons, and buoying out the channel where intricate and narrow; a vessel then using these channels, need not at any time approach within five statute miles of foreign territory, as will be seen in statements by Admiral Cochrane, Capt. Graham and Commander Pender. The channel by the North of Vancouver Island could also be used by special cnre, and in substantiation of this fact I may state, that the steamers California 673 tons, and Otter 400 tons, have plied for a number of years, day and night, at all seasons through this passage witheut accident, altheugh it is neither buoyed nor lighted. In September and October of last year II. M. S. Daring used this passage both up and down when on her exploring trip to Port Essington. In using either of the above channels to reach the Strait of'Georgia, some detention would no doubt be experienced by very larc vessels, owing to strong currents at certain points, which it would be advisable to pass at the most favourable stages of the tido. Extra cost attendant upon the adoption of Route, No. 6. By the adoption of the Bute Inlet route, merely to avoid the risks of delay just alluded to, and which moreover would only occur during a war with the United States, $15,000,000 or $20,000,000 must be spent in the construction...