The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1855-03-31

INAUGURATION OF NEW ROUTE TO BOSTON.
The new steamer Commo nwealth which has been
built by hessrs Lawrence & Fouikes OF this city for
the New York, New London and Norwich Steamboat
Company lying In the East river, at tho foot Of
Tenth street with all hands busily employed In making
her ready for her inauguration trip from New York
to Aiyn's Psnt In order TO connect with the Boston
and Norwich Railroad. This magnificent vessel was
launched Curing the fall Of tho past year. and win be
regularly placed on tho Sound Ia the after
noon Of Tuesday next, when she viii leave this port
with party Of invited guests for Norwich. On tho
Friday follow II Ia hoped, she will regularly take her
place the line, lin routine with the Connectcut and
connect with the New London, Norwich Worcester and
Boston railroads, and thus, via Worcester, open up
convenient travel with the interior OF the States OF Con
nectieut New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Maine
The Commonwealth ranks second TO none--and perhaps
exceeds all Of the floating river palace. which are
justly proud-in size build finish, ornament and ex.
tent Of accommodation for the travelling public Her
main deck is three hundred and thirty fset long, and
said to be the largest open deck saoat; and abe
seventy six feet in width and has depth OF thirteen
feet her forward deck Ia completely Ssnelossd mat
her deck passenger well the sailors board win
be as surely protected and comfortably located
II they placed inside. Elegant state
have been provided for the captain and pilots,
which are In connection with the wheelhouse,
so that the at the wheel immediate
ly summon each all OF thsm to his aid with.
out leaving his post for moment In addition TO this
aspeakng trumpet from the wheelhouss TO the
forecastle. This be also sounded n whistle, In
order that all the may be called deck in n
stant II necessary Twelve bells placed in different
parts Of the boat In order TO enable the captain
municate with the engineer from almost every promn
ent point Of this evAthAn vessel Ample and convent
ent stairs up all parts OF the hurricane deck
where men win ever be called upon 70 venture, and
these furnished with firm and strong balustradea
An immense nelf.sustaining dome, constructed
entirely principle, towers above the main saloon
All these improvements have been adopted In
order TO guard against danger sudden alarm
and In the same category II may be mentioned that
eight Of Francis large life boats already board
and that powerful FIRE engines arranged to be
used in different parts Of the boat at and the
moment.
The proprietors OF the Morgan Iron Works have fur
nshsd the engine which Is Of the most superior make
II has a seventy six inch cylinder with twelve foot
stroke. The wheel Ia thirty feet in diameter and
ten feet six inches ts face Four common
sized anchors have been supplied Of which IL for
binary use whilst three win be kept in She has
also sized anchor, furnished with heavy
IRON cable which Is adjusted PLAZA, "a 70 be
very easily worked.
COMMONWEALTH
state rooms OF ample size each having berths about
four feet wide These state furnished In hne
styls and well yentla,ed-eighteen OF the stats
are TO bs gorgeousy upholstered, with bedateads OF
rosewood, chairs stools, &c. 70 match. In connection
with all the state rooms waAh and water
closets There are several bridal chambers all fitted up
most sunptuousy The main saloon Is very grand, aud
Ia ornamentsd end with the arms Of ths Common
wealth OF Massachusetts When needed end Of tha
saloon DO patitioned OF for the exclusive uss Of
ladies cabin has bsep erected in the Of th'
main upper saloon which contains thirty large sofas,
that passengers eniey the magnificent prospect OF
all sides from thus position, without being exposed
the cold so frequently complained OF in some Of ou
| most commodlous steamers. Behind each berth IL
tho ladies' cabin airy state rooms, Arranged
| that each state can, II pleasing, be used
exclusively by the ladies In the cabin; the stat
rooms can be disconnected from tho ladies' cabin and
used by gentlemen, who viii n the moment be
tirely separate from ths ladies' apartments The main
stair case ans with two flights from the longer cabin
the upper saloon and thus affords access from tine
and cerEs Office TO the saoon and again from the
saloon 70 the cabin below, as well As the deck. Thi'
stairway Ia light beautiful and self supporting strue
ture The engineers room clerks ofes and Kitchen
fitted up In the most convenient manner, and with
every new improvement Of our naval architecture. IA
| pantrg gliding and decoration, both Of interior AM
exterior tho Commonwealth cannot be exceeded, an
she will be quite curiosity whsn floating down th'
| river.
Captain J. Williams, formerly Of the Connsc,eut, viii
| we are informed, command the Commonwealth, viii
| Mes,rs Waller and Pratt AZ assistants.
! An important contract has been lately made, In th
connection with tbs Eastern railroad lines. Tbs Nor
vieh and Boston Railroad companies have made con
trac, daily two eHpresas" from New York By tn
boat one express train the boat and drcc
10 Portland, by way Of Lowell and rsturn train dali
leaves Portland for the boat 70 connect Al Ayns Point
A. the time that the express leaves for Portland IN
Boston express train win leave for Boston The oorporA
tons have contracted to furnish and commoioa a
cars 10 BE- added to the road well Lok out for tn'
1 r..