The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1855-01-07


mail service Is one Of the most important SUBJ
jects which will be brought before Congress
during this session. Since the establishment
of the Collins line of steamships we have en-
joyed the advantages Of speedy and frequent
communication with all parts Of Europe, at
reasonable rates Of postage. Previous to that
time we had no postal treaty with England.
Each enclosure was counted as . separate let
ter-thus, q bill Of exchange enclosed in let
ter made 1t double, and forty-ei cents post
age was charged. By the treaty the mail was
divided between the Collins and Cunard
steamers, and the rule Of weight as the stand
ard Of postal charges was adopted. Now, we
may send half o dozen enclosures under one
envelope, and if it does not exceed the stan
dard weight, the letter is charged only single
postage. This immense advantage is solely
owing to the Collins steamships The bust
ness 10 an immense item in commercial affairs.
The Pacific, on her last trip, took out sixty
seven thousand letters. Had the old postage
rules been in force, the account would have
probably reached fifty thousand dollars.
Thus it is apparent that the Collins line has
saved our merchants great deal of expense.
The Albany Journal has an excellent article
on this subject, which we quote
THE COLLINS STEAMERS.
The question OF enabling this magnificent line OF Anne.
rican steamers to continue their weekly voyages
the Atlantic, with regularity which almost dedes the
elements before Congress- Some desire that the
government should terminate contract with Mr. Col
Inns for carrying the United State mails. Without pay
ment for this servicea service performed by
British steamers-there could have been no American
hne for the scheme was too formidable for unaided
terprse.
The steamers themselves are noble s,ecimens Of naval
architecture In speed and accommodations they
unrvalled. So far though these steamers have been
performing constantly for five years, not dollar of
thei earnings has yet been returned to
But though cash dividends have been realized their
proprieors have enjoyed the distinction Of seeing their
vessels bridging the Atlantic Ocean gracefully as to
challenge the worlds admiration The PRIDE II not the
pockets Of stockholders has been compensated.
While no enterprise is more worthy OF support or
joys more largely the popular favor oppo
bepefcent In results failed to occasion eaouses
20 far the has aided In sustaining the best
line Of steamers IL the world for which aid the line has
ing to the Post Office Department nearly as much money
as II draws from the treasury.
The opposition TO the Collins line is based on
some feelings Of petty jealousy Of the glory
and prosperity Of New York; but there should
be enough patriotism in Congress to put down
such meanness The Collins steamers are Justly
considered a. one Of the proudest examples of
American progress and Improvement; and IS
such the line is entitled to the support Of the
government, even II 1t returned nothing. But
when 1t is clearly proved that the line has
really been Of the greatest advantage to our
merchants and others interested In cheap ocean
postage and rapid communication, Congress
should not hesitate o moment in the course to
be pursued.