Washington sentinel., 1854-03-11
The Cunard and Collin. Lines.

The Cunard and Collins Lines.
Some of our English friends who have dis.
sented from our views respecting the relative
superiority of these lines, will find profit in an
attentive perusal of the following extract from
work which has just appeared in London,
from the pen of Captain McKinnen, of the royal
navy, entitled The Resources and Settlements
OF America" The word of an old loyal and
experienced sailor like him, we think carries
weight with it.
The Resources and Settlements Of Ameriea J;
By Captain McKinnen, Il. N.
The Atlantic is now so completely bridged
by the magnificent steamers of Cunard and
Collins, that voyage across the ocean has be-
come mere pleasure trip. AS / have never
seen popular account contrasting the per-
formances of these great lines, propose to give
sailors experience of q voyage to New York
by Cunard steamship, the America, and
return voyage to Liverpool by the Collins yes-
sol, the Baltic.
At II a. M, on the 10th July, 1852, l found
myself and luggage on board the steam.tug at
the place of embarkation at Liverpool, and in
a few minutes was conveyed alongside the
Cunard vessel America. The passengers who
ShoNhSu LAC oSSh VI luc ultlc tug were uUAl-
ously scanning everything about them, and no
doubt specnlating on the characters of those
with whom they were to be 80 closely packed
up for the next ten days.
The passengers by transatlantic mail
steamer are of a mixed character. CONNER
cial travellers are the most numerous class, as
the great manufacturing houses in England
have discovered that Brother Jonathan is, after
all, one of our best customers
Although every arrangementin the America
was substantial and good, and the captain an
experienced and able officer there was de-
gree of pompous mystery in the arrangements
of the vessel very much in contrast with the
Yankee steamers. For instance, it was impos-
sble to get the ships daily run, or any informa-
ton of her position. If passenger ventured
to ask question from one Of the officers, he
met with sulen reply. A part of the upper
deck was denied to the passengers, unless es-
pecial friends of the officers. These tri1es
caused a certain degree of restraint, and form
ed topic of conversation amongst the Ameri-
can passengers, who could not fail to see the
contrast thus afforded to the universal and cor
dial civility and attention in Yankee vessels
The America, although one Of the oldest and
slowest of the Cunard line, is very good ves-
sci. Upon starting from Liverpool, deeply
laden with cargo and Goals, her speed did not
exceed eight and half knots per hour, which
gradually increased to neraly ten, rs in proper.
ton to the consumption Of her fuel, her weight
was diminished. Nothing could exceed the
smoothness and beauty with which the engines
performed their work. Fortunately the ocean
was as smooth rs glass, and the passengers,
after meeting twice at the dinner-table became
socable and friendly. Some Canadians were
OH orI ,vbn sd tbo,,
ions, particularly as to the treatment they had
met in England. One gentleman, to the great
edifcation of our Yankee felow-voyagers, dc.
scribed his attempt to visit Portsmouth dock.
yard. Il went down." says he, "with two
American friends, with whom ] had been stop.
ping in London, to see the dock-yard at Ports
mouth. On giving our names at the gate, my
American friends put down their residences in
certain American towns which bore English
names, and we're allowed to proceed without
further question whilst /, unfortunately, stated
Canada to be my place Of residence. Immedi-
ately the official pronounced me foreigner,
adding that my admission could not be per-
mitted"
Several intelligent American shipmasters
and builders were likewise on board, and the
celebrated constructor Of the Marco Polo,
from New Brunswick. The conversation after
dinner turned upon the various modes of naval
architecture, and the general opinion appeared
to be that if fifty feet bow was added to the
America, her speed would be prodigiously in
creased, even with her present engines.
And pray" said one to the builder of the
Marco Polo, "what price did you get for your
fine ] 400 ton ship?"
"Very little" replied he; "not half what she
is worth; only $4,000"
What sort Of 6gure-head did you give her?"
asked another "What does New Brunswick
consider the apropos device?''
"Oh!'' replied our friend from New Bruins
wick, I'VE thought man with top boots and
Knee brceches would be the proper and classic
costume for SO celebrated traveller"
Only imagine! the Venetian traveller of the
18th century, dressed like on English country
squire Of the 18th!
Since 1852, the value of ships has risen so
much, there is little doubt that the Marco Polo
Is Just worth at the present time ut least double
her irst cost. Such are the chances of specu.
lation in shipping,
NeVer had steamer better chance for
crossing the Atlantic, as the sea was as smooth
as a sylvan lake. In eight days the usual fog
indicated the approach to the banks of New.
ioundiand, and on the tenth day the rugged
coast OF Nova Scotia announced our vicinity
70 Halifax. From this town the voyage Is
snort to Boston; but the weather still con-
lnued cold. and foggy. On entering Boston
Day the chill atmosphere rendered warm cloth |