Page:Clement Fezandié - Through the Earth.djvu/146

126 neighbors that quarrels are most apt to arise. To-day the greatest harmony reigns between us because our countries are situated on opposite points of the globe; but once this tunnel is constructed through the earth, so that passengers can arrive here with a single hour of travel, all these conditions will be changed. Australia will then become America's nearest neighbor, and quarrels will be continually arising. And in case of war between the two nations, what an inestimable advantage the United States will possess in being able to drop troops, firearms, and provisions through this tunnel, certain that they will reach this side in good condition less than one hour after they leave New York!

As to the statement made by certain persons that it would be an easy matter for the Australians to gain possession of this end of the tube, and block up the tunnel by allowing the ocean to run into it, it is made by parties who have no idea of the true condition of things. With proper fortifications on the islet, and an American fleet to defend it, the United States could hold it against any nation. The garrison could not be starved out, since they would receive constant food-supplies from the other side of the earth; and they could not be conquered, for as fast as the defenders were killed off, new ones would take their place. The American ships would receive constant munitions and provisions of coal, while the Australians, having none of these facilities, would be under a great disadvantage.

No; unless the government speedily acts in the matter, the United States will soon gain a foothold here from which they can never be dislodged. Under these circumstances, it behooves our government to at once issue an injunction prohibiting the passage of any cars through the tunnel, and ordering the latter to be immediately filled up with earth again.