In the establishment of a regular steam communication between Great
Britain and India there is no longer any serious difficulty, and there ought to be no further delay. If upon this plan can be grafted one for the direct defence of our Eastern dominions, we ought eagerly to embrace it as one of' the greatest boons which the hand of science ever presented to our country. When any subject begins to be talked about, there are always a number of floating rumours too absurd to re- ceive credit from any person who will subject himself to the trouble of a moment's thought. A report has lately been circulated that the Euphrates plan was not yet abandoned; that it would still be the chosen line, and that Beirout WM to be the Syrian port in connexion with it. This is of course only idle talk. If there were actually such an intention for the purpose of benefiting Syria or any other part of the world, the object should be avowed ; but this is not the line for the benefit of India. nor would the people of that country be satisfied with it. They call for the communication by the Red Sea which affords a practicable line.— United Service Journal.
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