Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1841-1853, 1849-08-30

MAIL AND WAR Observation-Disclosures appears
to be paying considerable attention to the building of
mail steamships to combine with this, their
more peaceful purpose their capabity of conversion
into steamers, If occasion shall call for such
change. This is proper precaution on the part of
Government. The great and growing commerce of
the United States Its vast possessions and extensive
coast, oil indicate what its maritime power is des
tined 10 be, and how exposed the interests of the
country would be in this branch Of its trade unless
with Its increase there should be corresponding means
of protection, which will be found in steam, the new
element of naval power and superiority Great Brit
ain has set example in this respect which the Uni
ted States has not been slow to follow. the only
power which can ever successfully compete with the
assumed supremacy of tie former upon the seas.
These steamships, as built under Government direc-
TONS will be formidable rivals in trade with
the English steamers. They are to be commanded
the English steamers, by naval officers, who will OBJ
tain in this mode that experience which may be used
with advantage in the naval service. We see by
paragraph in the New York Post that two of the
West India mail steamships, adapted to purpos-
es. and for carrying the United States mails between
New York, Charleston, Havana, New Orleans and
Chagres, nearly completed. The OHIO, the first
of the line, will be ready by the first of next month;
the Georgia. by the first Of October. The Post gives
the following interesting particulars respecting their
capacity and power:
1t will be recollccted that some months after the
contract closed for building these steamers, and
the necessary arrangements made for commencing the
work, government decided to increase their size to
nearly double that stipulated in the original contract,
it having decidided that vessels adapted to pur-
poses in the Atlantic, should be Of the largest class.
Hence the delay beyond what first anticipated.
The original proposition for 1900 tons burthen,
but subsequently,, at the request of government, their
size increased to nearly double that capacity.
Three more of larger dimensions are to be ready by
the LIST of January, 1852, forming a semi-monthly
line between the places above mentioned. The Ohio
is 5000 tons burtheD 265 feet long, 46 feet BEAM 80
feet depth of hold, and draws II feet water when
loaded for She has four decks, two of which
capable Of carrying guns Of the largest sze In
of war will carry three Paixhan guns Of 40 lbs.
shot, and eight of 120, three miles range. She has
two powerful side lever marine engines, of 600 horse
power each. Capacity of boilers 100 tons; diameter
Of cylinder "a feet, with feet stroke of piston. Dr.
nmeter Of water wheels SO feet, paddesl0 feet face.
She has state accommodations for &c., and tenn
porary births for many All her interior
engagements calculated insure comfort and safe
ty to her passengers. There is probably steam
ahoat in any country, that equals In all respects
this noble vessel. When add that George Law is
the contractor and builder Of this splendid specimen
Of naval architecture, bear the most conclusive
testimony to its perfection. The Ohio is to be CON-
manded by Lieut.. Schenck. 1t may not be out of
place to add, that this system of carrying the marine
mails originated with Col. A. G.. Sloo, Of Ohio, in
honor of which State The first ship is named.