7
the fluctuations of the waves in the narrow straits (feelings in which I heartily sympathise) but it would obviate the further discomforts arising from the necessity of the change, as at present from the train to the boat of passage. It would obviously be a great convenience and comfort to travellers from our shores to the Continent, and more especially to invalids seeking a warmer climate with the least amount of fatigue. But I must calmly submit to you and press upon you the consideration, that all such advantages, be they in themselves ever so great, are as nothing, if weighed against the possible, if not probable, disadvantages that would arise from the construction of the Tunnel, the disadvantages I mean of increased expenses, continual preparation and readiness against invasion, if not fighting itself with all its attendant sufferings and loss of life. In what way or to what extent Trade and Commerce would be affected by a Tunnel I shall not consider, further than to throw out an idea or suspicion I have, that it might be detrimental to the west-end shopping interest of London, if it led to a more certain and rapid method of communication with Paris, that is to say, so long at least as the communication through the Tunnel was in good working order and uninterrupted. But all questions regarding Trade, whether advantageous or the contrary, equally with considerations of personal convenience, or increase of travelling on the Continent, must all be laid aside as really of no moment till we have solved the really important point, which seems to be simply this. Should we he doing right in a National or Military point of view to allow a Tunnel to he made, or should we be running possible or probable, great and unnecessary risks? And so we come back to the point from which we started and ask, Shall we have a Channel Tunnel? I cannot forbear giving you here the words of Sir Garnet, now Lord Wolseley, whom I shall in future quote under the latter title, which he has now so honorably obtained. He says (p. 218 Parliamentary report) "Surely John Bull will not endanger his birth-right, his liberty, his property, in fact all that man can hold most dear, whether he be a patriot or merely a selfish cosmopolitan, and whether this subject be regarded from a sentimental or from a material point of view, simply in order that men and women
