The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1853-07-28
THE GREAT ATLANTIC RACE OouRsp-AL-

contained, yesterday, somewhat remarkable
communication from Captain Luce, of the
steamship Arctic, in reference to an excit-
ing trial of speed between that vessel and the
Cunard steamer Arabia The Captain seems to
consider that Q misstatement or misapprehen-
sion may have gone abroad in reference to the
victor in the contest and to the details OF the
matter, and he claims and proves by facts and
figures that the Arctic won the race, if not by
twenty, certainly by two minutes. Prodigious!
Two minutes gain over a course Of three
thousand miles, or difference of forty seconds
in favor of his racer in each thousand miles
Sun! That beats out the greatest and most
closely contested feats ever witnessed at Epson
or Derby No neck and neck race could be
more exciting or give rise to such disputations
as to whether the stakes were won by Chaser
or Faugh-a-ballagh. And now it is that we
see the absolute necessity-so popular becomes
the sport-of some such establishment as Tat
tersall's, both in Liverpool and New York,
where bets may be decided on this weekly race
over the Atlantic, and where betting books may
be regularly opened for the accommodation Of
those inclined to risk their dollars on the issue
of it.
But seriously, we begin to fear that this rae
ing will eventuate mischievously and unhappily,
and we think the practice cannot too soon be
put an end to. A year or two ago when the
exciting sport was initiated, and when the storm
tossed Atlantic was converted into steeple-
chase course for the splendid steamers of the
rival Rrif;Sh md merriam limos "a try thar
mettle on, thore might have been and was great
excuse for the interest which the contest aWak-
ened in the public mind on both sides Of the
Atlantic, and for the share which the public
press of England and the United States took in
ministering to that excitement; but now that
we have been so fortunate to escape up to this
time without the occurrence Of any of those
appalling scenes which might have attended
the dangerous contest and now that the public
interest has so far tagged in the matter that
the superiority of the Collins steamers is re-
garded almost as an indisputable fact. only to
be challenged now and again, we think that
the commanders OF those vessels would exhibit
more discretion, and be entitled to more credit,
if they would altogether desist from the highly
perilous contest, and simply content themselves
with the due performance Of their duties to-
wards the passengers committed to their care,
as well as towards the companies whose vessels
they command. Let an interdict be immedi-
ately and effectually placed on this misuse Of
the great highway Of nations.
MASSACHUSETTS UNION PARTY - IMPORTANT
VI Itch III -,
per, an important call for State Convention at
Newburyport Massachusetts,, for the organize
ton of a Union party in that State. We think
the time has at length arrived when such an
organization will stick, take root and spread
its branches all over the country, if the move
ment is only properly begun and properly fol-
lowed up, Georgia is already organized-Mis-
sissippi and Alabama have nearly shulled off
the last remnants Of their old party distinctions
North Carolina is in condition of most
promising fervescence-Virginia having, with
all the required formalities killed off and buried
the old wing party, offers a fine opening for
something new, and better adapted to the spirit
of the age The delightful harmonious reunion
Of the New York democracy offers. also.
magnificent invitation to new party upon the
Union platform. straight and square. The old
Castle Garden Union Safety Committee was
simply humbug But a real, bona .tfde Union
organization, about these times, in New York,
would make terrible work with the estimates of
the trimmers Of Tammany Hall and the Seward
school of political philosophers. AT all events,
we recommend to the Union men of Massachu-
sets vigorous prosecution of their work. Let
them work first to get up a strong convention.
That accomplished, the rest of the business ne
cessary to the organization of formidable
party will be comparatively easy. We shall be
disappointed if the forthcoming Georgia cleo
ton does not give the project OF a general Union
movement q good lift. The present state of
things cannot last
OLD WINES AND THE MAINE LIQUOR Law
The Boston Courier calls the attention of con-