It really forms no inconsiderable part of the annual revenue of the Republic. Once a route of travel and centres of attraction of this character are established with ourselves, the profit derived would be equally considerable; and, taking the question in its commercial aspect, would repay any moderate outlay so incurred. One important result of more than ordinary Imperial interest is attained by the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway. Halifax, with its admirable harbour, is the headquarters of the North American fleet, and its dockyard is furnished with every accessory for refitting and repair. If the British fleet is to rendezvous in Pacific waters, it must be plain that the same opportunities for repair and renewal of stores must be extended, and in proportion that the distance from England is greater the more positive demand exists for a completely equipped dockyard on the Pacific Coast. Naval and military men have come to the one conclusion on the subject: that the Imperial Dockyard should be as near as practicable to the terminus of the Railway. Indeed it must be evident to all, that where there is a naval station with war vessels on active service there must be the means of refitting and renovation, in a location central and accessible, and one perfectly defensible. It is held that the dockyard should be on an efficient scale, so that a ship of war which has found refuge in port, whatever her condition, can be replaced in her integrity and made completely serviceable. Captain Colomb, in reference to Imperial and Colonial responsibility in war, has remarked “That an absolute and pressing necessity exists for the erection of a great Imperial dockyard at the other side of the world which would relieve the pressure on home dockyards, and fulfil duties they cannot in war perform, and in peace offer commercial advantages of construction and repair to ships of the mercantile marine.” The advantages of a naval station in British Columbia extends beyond the mere repairing and refitting of vessels. They can be best set forth in the words of Admiral Mayne, who reports that with respect to the fleet in Chinese waters:--“Our ships there, which are sometimes almost disabled from sickness, could reach the healthy climate of Vancouver in six weeks, and might, if required, be relieved by vessels of the Pacific Squadron. Vessels have been ordered to Esquimault from China with crews greatly debilitated, and afterwards returned with all hands in perfect health.” However well situated Esquimault may be for a Sanitorium, it cannot be looked upon as offering equally the proper site for a naval arsenal. Esquimault was selected, it is said, at mere haphazard for the purpose of an hospital during the Crimean war. It is an exposed situation, and its defence is complicated by the position of the city of Victoria in the neighbourhood.