The New York herald., 1850-01-29
Ocean Steam Navigation.

Our readers will find, in another part of this
days paper, detailed account of the magnificent
spectacle which was presented in this city yes
erday, at the launching of the beautiful steamship
Arctic, and also of two smaller steamships, the
Boston and the New World, the latter of which is
intended to ply on the California waters. The
Arctic is the third of Mr.. Collins's new line of
steamships, which are intended to run between
this city and Liverpool, and compete with the
Cunard vessels for the carrying and passenger
trade between those ports, which is becoming
more extensive every year. Two of those beau
iiful vessels, the Atlantic and Pacific, are rapidly
approaching comp letion, and advertised to
leave here for Liverpool, the one the sixth, and
the other ON the twenty-seventh OF April next.
1t may now be said that the United States have
fairly entered the lists of competition with the
British in the matter of steamships. Since the
solution of the problem Of ocean steam navigation
"a period Of thirteen years-the British have
celled us, and have had no opposition of any I'M
Iortance to contend against. But new face will
soon be put upon the matter. Instead Of having
the field TO themselves, they will meet with
formidable rival in these new American steam
ships, and IN others which will no doubt be built
hereafter, as fast as the growing wants of our
commerce will justify their construction. Already
we have fleet OF steamships engaged IN the Cali
fornia trade, which, for speed, elegance, sym
metry, and convenience, will compare favorably
with any in the English service; and the pros
pect that before long we shall number as
many more than there are under the Eng
lish flag The right spirit has been awakened
In this matter, and in few years It is almost
certain that we shall be as far ahead of all
other nations in steamships, we have heretofore
been in sailing vessels The determination to do
has been formed, and all that remains is to car
ny that determination into effect Nor will We be
content with establishing lines merely between this
country and England. AS soon as the great inter-
oceanic canal shall have been completed, which
will connect the Atlantic and Pacific, we shall
avail ourselves Of that great work, and under the
recent change In the navigation laws Of England
and the United States, establish lines OF steam
ships between London and China, and compete
with England for the trade of which she has for
ages enjoyed monopoly. We shall likewise es-
fsblIsh lines that will embrace all of the West In
dies. Already the English are becoming dissats
fed with their steamship arrangements IN that
quarter and admit that they will be Of little as
soon as American competition has fairly CON-
menced. This can he easily accomplished, and
when il is effected, the great revolution IN the
commerce OF the world, of which we now have
glimpse, will be carried out. New York will
thenceforth be the great centre of the commercial
world-the seat of the moneyed power, the metro
polls Of the world, and occupy the position towards
the nations which London has heretofore held.
Such Is an indistinct glance at the commercial
greatness in store for the United States and Of the
boundless wealth and riches which will soon be
within our grasp. That brilliant destiny U.S.
unless this government should be severed and torn
apart by the fanaucism which is now rampant in
the land threatening consequences that are dread
ful TO contemplate.