The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-05-15
Ocean steam Navigation.

For how Ion time did terror peryade the minds OF
men when the thought would be presented OF cross
ing the wide and wild Atlantic in vessel propelled
by steam subjected TO the three fold danger of old
oceans storms the conagration of the ship, and the
explosion OF her fearful engines. But experience In
this, as in all things, is deemed safe guide, and
depart from their homes for any OF the ports OF
Europe with far less dread than is usually felt in
embarking upon journey ON any OF the noble
rivers of the west.
II is not, however, merely safe and speedy pas
sage to Europe that may now be enjoyed by every
traveller, but the beautiful vessels upon which he
may be borne have all the comforts, convenience,
and splendor that the most desirable Of homes can
present AS a sample of these, a favorable one it
may be we quote from the New York Tribune the fol-
lowing description of the Getty of Glasgow" which
not long since arrived at that port from the city
whose name she bears
'sThs steamer, the first of the New York and Glas-
gov line, built of iron, and is Of imposing dimen
sions, although her beauty and symmetry appa-
rently detract from her real magnitude. She Is a
three decker, of about 900 tons measurement over
all and is propelled by IL feet in diameter,
and Is feet pitch, which is to be worked by two
lever beam engines Of $50 se-power. The ma
chinery &C., is all placed low as to leave the
sweep OF the decks clear without incupbrance. The
spar deck forms magnificent promenade in fine
weather, and in foul weather the main deck affords
ample space for recreation, perfectly lighted and
ventilated, and protected from rain or spray. The
total length Of the main deck is 237 feet and the
breadth "a feet. On each side ranged the slate
rooms, leaving l6 feet clear in the centre. The
height between decks is 7 feet. The accommoda-
ton for each class of passengers Is admirable and
most complete She will carry 81 cabin or first
class passengers, So second Glass; and 400 Storage
emigrants The crew, including officers, engi-
neers, fremen, stewards, Sailors &C., probably
number about 10, that she will carry total liv
ing cargo OF upwards of 600. Two of the state
for the class passengers have four berths
in each, all the others have only two. The state
rooms for second class passengers have four and
eight berths in each. The state rooms for ladies
are SO capacious that they may be used as sitting
rooms, should they choose to retire from the main
cabin. The latter is an apartment of noble dimen-
sions and is elegantly fitted up, and furnished with
we'll assorted library. The walls decorated
with panelings representing views of places of in
terest on both sides of the Atlantic.
"One room is fitted up apothecary's shop,
from which the surgeon dispenses his medicine.
Near this is the bath room, with apparatus for
pumping up the salt water from the Atlantic. In
fact, nothing has been left undone which science
and ingenuity can suggest to add to the comfort
| and convenience Of the passengers Nor has their
safety been uncared for in the construction and
fittings of this noble ship. By means of five water
tight bukheads the vessel is divided into six
partments that she would float although several
of these divisions were filed. She is furnished
with six capacious lifeboats, having copper tanks
under the seats to render them buoyant. Danger
from fire has been likewise carefully guarded
against. The lamps which light the State cabin
can only be opened by the officers of the ship; and
powerful pumps, to be worked by the engines, are
supplied as TO extinguish at once any fire which
might break out In the bottom of the hold placed
iron tanks to contain thirteen thousand gallons of
fresh water. There is ample storage for twelve
hundred tons Of goods In addition to the screw
motive power, the City of Glasgow is bark rugged,
and will carry an enormous press OF canvass"