Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1841-12-16
The French Steamers.

rom behneV 1eiaiu, respecting tue
French Atlantic Steamers now building
tn France. Since then we have the
pleasure Of stating, that Mons. FAUvEL
GouRAuD, Vice Consul Of France for
Rhode Island has arrived from Havrc'
via Ncw-York, who informs us, that
the statement in regard to the building
of n number Of steamships, for tho
purpose of crossing the Atlantic regu-
larly, and to arrive and depart from
some port in the United States, the
West Indies, &c. is correct. Mons.
Gouraud gave US full statement of the
plan of the French Government in rela-
ton to the various lines which are to be
established, but which we have not
time to notice particularly, at present.
The number Of steamers that will be
built, including those now nearly Or
quite ready for launching, will be at
least twenty-four, about one fourth Of
which will constitute n regular line to
this country. They are all to be COM
peted by the fall Of 1912. AS soon as
the first ship is entirely completed, it
will be despatched to the United States
with commission from the French
Government to examine the four
ports named in our last, viz: New-Y York, e
Boston, Portland, s. Newport. The
statement that a special agent is to be
sent very shortly, for the purpose of
making n selection, Mons. G. informs
us is not correct. In reference TO the
establishment Of this line of steamers,
we perceive that our Boston neighbors
arc cndeavorng to prevail upon the
French Government to give them the e.
preference, over every other port in
the United States. In the address of
the French residents Of that city,
to the Prince dc Joinvllc, while recent
ly on visit there. we notice an appeal
is made to the Prince, to induce him to
prevail upon his father, the King, to
have the line established at Boston,
Among the arguments made use of, they
say that Boston is the nearest port, and
will insure tho shortest passage. Though
it may be trihc if any shorter, as to
distance, we believe the certainly of II
quick passage at all times to Boston is
not so great as it would be to This port,
to say nothing oithe safety ofour waters
in all weathers and at all seasons.
1t is very rare that vessels, Of any
description, are prevented from coming
into this port on account of iog-the
harbor is so perfectly accessible that even
our worst fogs seldom prevent vessels
and steamers from arriving in safety.
In this, we are confident, we shall have
The preference over either Of the ports
named, from which the selection is to bo
made. Another important object we
think the French would consider in Sc
lecting this port, would be that of tho
security Of their seamen. The facili-
ties for dese,iion here, it is well known,
are not so great as in either Boston or
New York, where inducements are al
ways held out to seamen among the ex-
tensi,e shipping of those ports.
But we have not time now to fully
enumerate the advantages Newport pos
scsses, orer all other ports in the United
States, for the purposes of the French,
In the establishment of this line Of
steamers. Our present object is more
particularly to call the attention Of our
citizens to SONS decided action OH the
subject. An early meeting should be
the subject duly considered,
and if deemed Of sufficient importance,
n committee appointed to set forth the
paramount advantages Of this port, in
every point Of view-to be addressed
to the Government Of France, with rs
little delay as possible. Mons G. we
are assured, will endorse any reprcsen-
tations that may be made in favor Of
Newport, as he knows full well its i'm
portant position, and has already direc-
ted the French Government to it in tho
most unequivocal manner.
In accordance therefore with the sug-
gestion ofscvaral Of our citizens, we men,
ton that meeting Of all who are de-
sirious Of considering the best course
to be adopted, in relation to this impor-
tant business, will be held at the State
House on Monday evening next, at G
o o'clock-when Mons. Gouraud will be
present to give all necessary infoi nation
to it. A full and prompt
response we trust will be given to this
call.
Mons. Gouraud was the bearer of
dc snat hos from ouis philippc IN The