The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-10-12

would be quite safe TO say that in all these qualities
she has never been equalled But the testimony Of
her passengers upon this point is OF more value than
the solitary opinion of an individual; and to that
would refer those who are anxious upon this sub
ect.
"When we left Liverpool the new steamer Africa
OF the Cunard line was lying in the stream, and
may very shortly be expected at this port. She is
about seven hundred tons smaller than the Atlantic
and yet has at least one-sixth more power-her
cylinders being one hundred inches in diameter
In heavy weather this will not give her any adyan-
tage, because neither she the Atlantic can use
more than one third of their power against a head
sea. Bnt in smooth water, her greater power with
smaller hull, and of course, less displacement must
give her greater speed than has yet been OBJ
tanned by an ocean steamer. sincerely hope abe
may make the passage in eight days; because,
whatever be her speed, shall certainly excel it
in the next steamers built for this trade. The
model of the Atlantic is believed to be per-
lection possible; and were her power great in
proportion to her tonnage as that of the Africa, she
would in smooth weather make the passage in less
time than any thing that floats AS it is she has
three times much power as she can use in rough
weather; and therefore, for winters passage will
probably never have superior, even when addi-
tional science and skill shall have reduced the sum-
mer passage to eight days.
"The reputation OF Captain West as an expert
enced navigator ID too well established and apprc-
clated, to render necessary on this occasion any
reference TO his merits as a commander. And his
first officer and his associates gentlemen whose
selection from the navy for their responsible sta
tons is in itself prima acie evidence Of their mer
ting the confidence OF the public; while the Chief
Engineer, Mr.. Rogers, demonstrated by his man
agelnent Of the engines during the bosterous
weather we encountered, that he IS discreet az
he Is known 10 be capable. DR.. Grayson, the sur
geon, is equally we'll known in his profession, and
when called upon in his official capacity will no
doubt meet the expectations OF the passengers; but
will be excused for wishing him the iewest possi-
bic opportunities of exhibiting his skill. II affords
me pleasure, however, to say for myself and in be-
hall OF fellow DassDnpeTs. pep,rally that we
appreciate most highly the kindness and attention
of Captain West and his officers during passage
OF no ordinary character, pending which our con-
hdence IN our commander and the demonstrated
good qualities of noble ship, and a firm rel-
ance upon Him whose way is in the sea- averted
from apprehension Of danger which, under other
circumstances, nAght have rendered our position
exceedingly uncomfortable
accompanying this you will receive a copy of
the ships log, showing the character of the weather
we have met with, and also the proceedings of
meeting OF the passengers in reference her per-
lormances during struggle with the elements
which abundantly tested the strength and bouy-
ancy OF her hull and the perfection of her machn-
cry" The Atlantic has now been tried in every
way that the greatest sceptc in her success could
desire, and she has demonstrated, beyond all cayii
not only her superiority over all smaller craft but
she has at the same time satisiac tory proved that
the strength Of ship may be increased with her
increased size. In 1888 | predicted that in ten
years there would be teauers Of three thousand
tons plying between New York and Liverpool and
that they would be found safer faster and more
comfortable than the Great Western. The idea
was laughed at and ridiculed, as will be the pre-
dlctlon that within the next fifteen years there will
DC steamers OF i've thousand tons plying between
the two cities j w w
From our departure from Liverpool until we
stopped to sound of Cape Canso-cleven DAYS and
a hali-the machinery was never stopped for an
instant nor did 1t require any screwing up or re-
pairs.