The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1852-05-06
The Collins Steamers.


In the Senate yesterday Mr.. HUNTER spoke
at length and with ability in opposition 10 the
amendment 10 the Deficiency bill contemplating
an increased service by the Collins steamers
and additional compensation. The honorable
Senator seems TO have taken up the subject
| with good deal Of interest, and we apprehend
that he has exhausted all the topics of objection
that can be urged against the amendment.
They may be thus stated The first objection
is that the Collins line does not pay for
itself by its hostages, but constitutes in
fact a charge, to some extent, on the trea-
sury The second objection is that the steam.
ers have not been economically built, aud
therefore cannot be economically managed and
run; that a line equally good might be kept
afeat fer less money. Objection the third is
that paddle wheel steamers are not adapted for
war-steamers, and that screw propeller ships
must ultimately supersede them. Objection
the fourth is that the maintenance of these At
laniic lines by governmental aid interferes
with private enterprise, and dsturbs the trade
ofthe sailing ships. The fifth objection grows
out of Mr.. HUNTER's peculiar views on the
subject of protection. lie thinks that all in
terests will thrive better upon unaided ind-
vidual competition.
We have intended TO state Mr.. HUSTER's
objections fairly, though we have been com
PEELED 10 condense them into a narrow com
pass. With regard TO the question whether
the steamers collect hostages enough TO pay for
themselves, there seems to be difference Of
opinion. Some Senators state that they have
paid over to the treasury more money than they
have drawn out Of it. Mr.. HuNrER. from
the same figures, argues that they have been
an actual charge on the treasury TO a consider
able amount Now, we apprehend that it is
not necessary to show that the Government can
keep the four largest. swiftest, and strongest
steamships in the world in perpetual commits
sion, in instant readiness for the public service
at nothing year-in order TO demonstrate the
wisdom Of thus keeping them afloat. The
Government INT well enough pay little
something for sach an advantage. The steamer
Mississippi is about one-half the size Of Col
Inns steamer, and to keep her in commission and
in repair costs about Sl75, 200 a year; or, to
state it more explicitly. on an average Of her
annual expenses and repairs for nine years, it
is found that the expense of keeping the Mis-
sissippi in commission is 1897 900 year, Eek
elusive Of coal at 500 day. } and the annual
cost Of her repairs is t37 900. To keep in
available commission four ships-each twice
the size Of the Mississippi, and Of much in
creased speed. at so small an expense as to
| leave it question whether or not it amounts
to any thing--we contend is a very great i'm
| provement on the old mode Of providing for
naval defence. II is 50 great an improvement
in our judgment, as to justify the solicltude
with which Great Britain is now watching the
action Of the American Legislature in regard
to the maintenance Of the only line which has
wrested from her the palm Of maritime do
minion.
| With regard 10 the expenses Of constructing
the steamers, it is very likely that the same
steamers could now be built for less money.
But they could not have been built at the time
Of their construction for any less money. This
| is not pretended. II is well known that in
building larger machinery than was ever be-
fore built. something experimental must be nu-
dertaken; patterns and models must be made
some failures must occur, the whole enterprise
becomes ia measure experimental; and we
can all appreciate the fact that the pioneer
must submit 10 vast trouble and expense, which
are spared TO those who come after him, and
have only TO follow in his footsteps.
Again, with regard to the advantages d
screw propelIers over paddle-wheel steamers
Mr. HUETER discussed this point as if it wcr,
novelty. IL has been before the British Ad
miraiy for tie LAST seventeen years. All In,
arguments that Mr.. HUsrER urged in Thu
behalf were urged before the Admiralty il
1885 by Captain ERicssos. tho practical in