The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1848-11-30

MANAa&SUr We have frequently, within the
past year. alluded to the construction and manage
ment of American ocean steamships, and have
been often called upon to record Irregularities
disasters, and accidents, arising from mistakes
which seem to us TO have been committed through
want Of proper system being pursued by those
| who have the superintendence of affairs
Ii has been much the fas hion and II is still in
vogue, to hold up the regularity which is apparent
IN the performances of the various English lines Of
| steamers, as a standard to which the Americans
| ought TO reach, and to copy as near as possible
their most correct features, In order to effect some
thing like system and order In the operations of our
vessels. These suggestions, so often given, are in
a measure good; but 10 follow them strictly we
should be led into as many errors, and perhaps
greater ones than have yet attended the efforts of
our own people.
Accidents as serious and as mortlfying have oc
Cured to English steamers, bearing the highest re-
putation as frequently If not more so, than to those
now IN the American service; but by the judcieus
policy Of the managers, and the interest each and
every officer employed feels in the welfare Of his
ship OF company, all difficulties and accidents are
carefully suppressed from public observation.
While this course is strictly observed for the pur-
pose of retaining the confidence of the travelling
people, and maintaining their character as safe aud
perfect vessels, our faults and defects are, on
slight provo cation, blazoned and magniied to the
world; and by those whose duty 1t should be to
guard against the circulation reports calculatedto
throw discredlt upon their ships. Every officer in
the English mail steam service is selected as much
for his general intelligence as for his nautical
Ill, nd 70 Itvo l. a.. 4
powers to the interests of the company, wherever
he may be thrown; and hence is the perfect dis
clpline and unanimity which mark the workings
of these vessels under trying and disagreeable
circumstances.
We have been led to these remarks by invdu-
GUS comparisons daily made, and to correct, if
possible, the evil which exists, at least to great
extent, in the management Of The Washington and
Hermann-the consequences of which have tend
ed to cast dscredIt upon all steamers claiming to
be American. The Washington and Hermann
have been put before the world as models of the
most perfect cahbre, and have, since their con-
struction-being the first to across the Atlantic
from this side Of the water-occpped prominent
position, with the eyes of Europe eagerly watch
Ing to detect the slightes! failure That they have
been, to degree defective, must be acknowledged
but not more so than have been those of our neigh.
Dor. The daily reports, in the English papers
will show that even those occurrences, which
must necessarily come to light, are far more nu
merous IN proportion to the number of vessels EN-
ployed, than are those to which we refer in our
service. This is truth which can be substan
tiated by the facts themselves as they appear in
the columns of the Herald on the arrival of every
Liverpool vessel.
But while we endeavor to point out the evils
which attend the course of some, we must
not forget to give credit where 1t is due;
and the instance of perfection and good ma
nagement in marine affairs, which we quote with
pleasure, serves to offset the annoyance and the
prejudices occasoned by the mishaps to the Allan.
tic ships The line we refer to, is that which
more than two years since was established by
Messrs. Spofiord, Tilestson & Co., between this
port and Charleston. The undertaking, by good
management, has been signally successful. The
PRINCIPAL In 1.-THE concern, Mr.. TIleston, under
whose auspices affairs move, Is merchan of the
highest standing, who, by great industry, energy,
and talent, has risen Ito position in his business
at once honorable and profitable; and his line OF
steamers is as yet unsurpassed by any constructed.
Since these vessels have been running, no accl-
dent nor the slightest walton from set rules has
occurred TO cause departure from the regular
and even course pursued with undated success,
during that period. The secret of the good for
tune attending the enterprise of Spofiord, Tiles
ton & Co., Is solely in the managing department
Here there are no conflicting interests; the power
to act Is concentrated and rests in the hands of Mr.
Tieston, who is at liberty, having the full conf
dence of other owners TO 1t with that secretion
and judgment which characterize every operation
connected with this line. When either of these
vessels, the Southerner and Northerner, arrives,
an internal survey of the ship is made. Mr.. Ii
lesion makes 1t point in his duties, to examine
thoroughly every department, to see that nothing
from the engine room to the kitchen, Is wanting
to render the pperfect in all its Details and that
everything be supplied which may add to the CON-
fort Of passengers. Advantage is taken of the dull
season to overhaul each vessel from stem to stern
and every care used in the fitting W, to reader
success doubly sure. This season, we learn, both
TIE Southerner and Northerner are to be completely
refurnlshed, painted and renovated. No alteration
in engines or hull has ever been necessary.
With the example thus set within the precincts
of our own city, how much might some of the
companies profit by emulatIng it, They need not
copy the English customs, so long as there is
system at work, profitable and accessible, which,
if followed will be sure to give tone and character
to their affairs. Companies should never NEEDLE
with the detailed affairs of ship, as their move.
ments, where decision and action. are necessary are
usually tardy and conflicting; and often, if not
always, preJudlcial to the interests OF the concern.
CURIOUS LETTER FROM PARIs-SoMEruING ABOUT
the translation of letter written from Paris, by
one of the National Guards who visited London
with his legion, at the end of October last. 1t Is
exceedingly graphic and characteristic, and con-
tans some curious details of the entente cord,aie
which reIgns now between republican France and
arlstocratc England proving that the old preudlces