The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1849-07-02
wouid say that il has by no means reached its
climax. Nevertheless, it seems to be but little re-
gsrded by the public.


As you glide swiftly down that portion of the
noble stream which Cooper has made forever fla
nous in his "Red Rover, I" that divides the city of
Manhattan from Long Island, in one of the elegant
steamboats, which navigate the sound, you cannot
fail TO be struck by the many evidences of the
growth and prosperity Of this great commercial
emporium, which present themselves in the foun-
dries, docks, and ship-yards, which for moro than
mile occupy the bank Of the river. All along the
shore resound the echoes Of ponderous hammers,
fashonng into shape the iron skeleton of some new
monster Of the deep-vast structures, the hulls of
immense packetships, and steamers of gigantic
build, reposng the stocks, loom up far above the
workmen pass to and fro-thousands of gratiied
spectators throng around the launch Of some vessel,
still more gigantic than any which has preceded it,
and, halfbewildered by the hustle, activity, ami
nation, and excitement of the scene, you at last
step upon the crowded wharf fully impressed with
the conviction that New York may we'll claim a
proud name among the great trading capitals of the
world.
set out the other afternoon on tour of observa-
ton in this region of steam engines and ship-build-
ing. The first place which visited was the ex-
tensive establishment Of Secor Il Co., whose iron
and brass foundres are so well known throughout
the country. 1t consists of a number of buildings
occupying an entire s.block." As crossed the
yard in the centre of the block, the gentleman who
politely escorted pointed out the ''bed" Of the
engines destined for the Georgia" steamship
This is of the largest castings ever made, weigh
ing no less than thrty-three tons. Two unsuccessful
attempts had been made the cylinder for this
shin, owing to the badness of the COAL Passing
into the iron foundry, where about one hundred
men are constantly engaged in the various opera
tons conducted here, the ''cupolas'' four in num-
Der, in which the iron is melted, and the stupendous
"ovens'' in which the "moulds" are dried, were
pointed out to me. The process of casting is one
Of great interest," but that was not SO fortunate as
to have an opportunity Of witnessing on this occa-
sion. About fifteen tons Of coal are consumed here
every week. The "brass foundry" of course on
a much smaller scale, was next inspected Here
the bells, and all the brass work employed in ships
and steamers are manufactured. The blacksmith
shop is an immense apartment, with upwards of
thirty FORCES all in full blast. Sixty sons of Vulcan,
stalwart chaps with the muscles of Hercules, were
here hammering and laundering away, scattering
the glowing sparks in all directions, and by thou
sand blows moulding the red-hot metal to their will
This was most picturesque scene-better to be
seen, however, in the evening of winters day,
when, amid the glare of the FORCES, as you behold
the dusky forms of these sturdy arti6cers, umined
by the blood-red light, you might well fancy your
self in the classic regions of the Latin poet Then
we passed to the engine-room, in which the potent
agent that keeps in ceaseless motion ''the ve-long
day" all the complicated machinery of this estab
lishment, was work. II is beautiful engine, of
about seventy-fve horse power, and constructed
according to the most approved model. The
finishing shop was the next object of attention.
Here found great number Of workmen busiy
engaged in performing all the hundred operations
necessary to complete the work after it has come
from the other departments. Besides these there
are several other "shops," in which minor pro-
cesses are conducted-the whole establishment en-
ploying the services of about four hundred men.
Immediately adjacent to Mr. Secor's foundry,
three of the finest steamships which have been
built in this city were lying-the Georgia" the
"Ohio," and the "Empire"-and, as was told that
the latter almost finished, determined first to
pay her visit Captain J. Dayton Wilson, the
gentleman who is to command the Empire ac-
companied me on board We first entered the
reception room" on the main deck an elegant
apartment, furnished with sofas, lounges, and
couches; next we passed through the ladies' cabin,
one of the most tastefuly fitted up saloons which
have ever seen. The panels of the doors which
open into the stats-rooms are decorated by two
series of well-executed paintngs-,he designs in
the ono case being taken for Washington Irvings
"Sketch Book" and in the other from Mrs. s. C.
Halls beautiful fairy tale. These designs are ex-
quslte, and the painting reflects great credit Mr.
Hamilton, the artist The woodwork is done in
the most elaborate style; and the gliding, orna-
mental work, Mirrors sofas, and all the rest Of the
decoration and useful part of the affair." are as tas,e-
ful and luxurious money and genius could make
them. Immediately underneath this cabin are the
berths for female servants, very comfortable, and
indeed elegant On each side Of the ladies' cabin
there is a promenade covered in by the promenade
deck, and protected by high bulwarks. Here tables
and lounges will be placed and in all weathers the
fair passengers may enjoy the air and the sea-vicw
On the same deck, proceeding forward, are the
captains state room and his Office. The dining
saloon is very spacious and elegant II is eighty
feet in length, and has double row of tables. The
gentleman s state-rooms are extremely commodious
can only enumente many of the departments Of
this splendid vessel--such as the smoking and con-
versation saloon for the gentlemen one of the snug
gcst little affairs you magined-the ice-hoases,
capable Of containing fifty of the delicious ar
ticle--the pantries--the wine lockers--the water
tanks, containing eleven thousand gallons--the
cooks apartment, admirably arrangcd-the accom-
modauons for the engineers, and 6rer,en, and
steerage, spacious end well ventilated
and many other points on which | might I'LL