The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1851-02-27
The Collins Liao Of Steamers.


The cloud that seemed for time to hang over this
line appears be clearing away The fact that Of
them (lhe Arctc) was obliged to put into Halifax. and
another uhe Baltic) into Proyncetownb being short
of coaogether with the uncertainty which rested
the fate Of the Atlantic caused serious apprehension
the mind of the public that we not yet prepared
to maintain equality, much less superiority
ma cation upon the western Atlantic. Our capacity 10
equal the Cunad line in speed during the mder seasons
and surpass them beauty OF model, ventilation. and
general interior accommodation had been demonstrated
but the serner trial OF safety and certainty in winter pas
sages seemed likely TO result in favor Of the British
steamers.
Recent events however have given different aspect to
this competition. The Atlantic has arrived safely in port
her delay having been occasioned by breaking her shaft
during furious gale-an accident that may happen to
any vessel, and which has actually happened
of the Cunard line, shall presently show. After this
accident she made most extraordinary passage back to
Europe, running with sails about 400 miles in twelve
days. The vessel thus subjected 10 most
trial. out OF which she has ex,ricated herself IN
rather TO increase than diminish the confidence OF the
public her safety fair estimate OF the facts certainly
leads 10 the conclusion that the Atlantic vessel com
binng Arkable degree OF strength with frstate
sailing qualities.
pool in the emergency occasoned by the accident OF The
Atlantic is highly creditable and entities them to the
public favor and confidence. We see it stated in Cork
paper that for the Cambria, chartered TO bring the val
uabe freight Of the Atlantic to this country, the Cunard
line received $4,000, leaving the freight OF $4,000 TO
the Collins line This is mistake the Cunard line
received the whole avails OF the freight and El600 be-
side-they gaining the large OF $4,000. The mails
OF the Atlantic were brought out by the Cunard steamer
Africa, Tree OF charge with an understanding that IN
OF similar accident the Collins line will return this
act OF comfy
Since The safety of the Atlantic has been ascerained
the Baltic, OF the Collins line. has come on from Liver
pool in twelve days-thus beating the Africa by and
a,haf days, and making the shortest western winter
passage record. II we take all the facts together
shall that there is the greatest reason to look upon
the Collins steamers likely to fulfil the hopes OF the
public. We happy to see that these are the views
ente rtained at New York The delay of two OF them,
from running short OF COAL proceeded as is now ascer
taned from want of experience the par of the
recur.
/ As of correct judgment Of the Collins line.
with care, and handed us by friend II is an interest
ing record in the history OF steam navigation
! Disasters to Ocean Steamers.
Tho royal mail for the West Indies, running
of the Cunard steamers, commenced their trips ia Decem
ber S4i, aud within three monhs from that time tour
breaking of their machinery breaking previous 1919
| Eight Of them broke their shafts
In addition 10 the above there many others which
not put downhe record necessary to secure accuracy
being at hand, ..
rocks between Boston and Halifax that, being four
days her voyage she leaked badly DO obliged
in New York
The America, her passage from Liverpool broke
The Gambia Eve bs,lsve /, was also broke one of he
The Clyde, OF the West India line. broke her pump
few days leaving New York. and oil ged pu
back and the Tweed went into some southern port being
out coal.
i The President OCCASION put back for coal and
\ the next trip was lost. ...-
The British Queen put into Halifax for coal and pa
damages.
i The Great Britain was wrecked IN Dandrum bay
Abou the Niagara, her passage from
Halifax New York, broke of side levers.
came in with engine.
This list only includes the noted disasters
thorough Iation would bring light many others
less i'm portsnce. II may be noted however tina
very lives have been lost in steamers.