Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 164, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 22 July 1918 — Longest Submarine Cable Is 3,458 Nautical Miles [ARTICLE]

Longest Submarine Cable Is 3,458 Nautical Miles

The longest continuous stretch of submarine cable now working, that is, without relay, is 3,458 nautical miles — that from Vancouver to Fanning island in the Pacific, and the average distance without relay is much less than this. It is evident, therefore, that on the long transoceanic cables such as those across the Pacific, islands must be found for relay stations. This explains the rivalry of certain of the European nations for the possession of small, solitary islets, scarcely more than mere rooks, and useless except for just such a purpose as 'this. This was the reason for Germany’s acquisition of the Caroline and Mar-, ianne islands and later of one of tha Samoan group, at the time of our war with Spain. Similarly England is to be found In possession of conveniently placed islands all over the world.