The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1860-07-09
Ocean steam Nsvigation-Thc Galway
TO THE EDITOR OF THE HERALD.
New YORK, July 4, lsG0


New YORK, July A, lsG0.
For the past two years regular line Of ocean
steamships have been running between this port
and the most popular and commodicus western
port of Ireland with astonishing success This fact
is the more remarkable when II is remembered
that the enterprise was undertaken at first as an ex.
pertinent, without cent Of government support,
and in the face of the most formidable and consol-
dated opposition that ever ruled the travel Of the
North Atlantic. No more striking proof Of what
may be accomplished by energy and perseverance,
when directed in the proper channel can be afforded
than the history Of the establishment Of the Galway
and New York steamship line. The first Of lis
steamers sailed from Europe on the 10th Of June
almost Immediately after the meanness Of cur go.
vernment enabled the Cunard company to enjoy
temporary triumph over our noble Collins line
which was the pride Of the country and the admi-
ration of the world The first voyage would have
been sufficient 70 have discouraged many comma
MES, when il is borne in mind that seventeen ras-
sengers, a very light mail bag, and no specie or
cargo Of any kind, were all that could be OBJ
tanned for the westward trip. and that
even with these tie pioneer shin was so unfortu.
nate as to break down on the passage and take
fifteen days 10 complete the trip. Besides this, she
had but sixty third class passengers on the east
ward passage without pound Of either cargo
mails or specie, and returned 10 convey the news
that $40 900 had been sunk by the first voyage to
America and back. But the man who had under
taken the experiment was not 10 be defeated by
the breaking down Of an engine or the loss which
had been partially expected. He knew tiat tie
travel OF the Atlantic was increasing every year
aud that If the merits and advantages Of an Irish
port were fairly shown 70 the travelling and com.
mercia' world, he would soon command fair and
remuneraiye share OF traffic 10 maintain the pro-
iect.
To accomplish this Tie Prince Albert. which was
reported to be the fastest steamer that could be
procured ~ reasonable price was purchased at n
cost o. $500 600. end on her second homeward pas.
age she fully bore ont her reputation by running
from St Johns % Galway in 1856 hours bringing
with her a summary Of the President message and
other important news entire week in advance
Of all her competitors. From this time forward
the Galway liue was established, and though
several accidents be!t it, vessels the succeed
ing winter. il had ever after the lions share
Of passengers when IT, steamers sailed, aud no ina.
considerable amount Of freight The ir.t of it,
new steamers built % carry out the mail contract
for the British government was TO have left Gal
way on the 26th ult., aud is now probably dashnr
oven Tie Atlantic on her way to our port. Thus il
rance have compelled the British government 10 al.
nit the claims Of Ireland and her ports 10 a share
OF the public money annually expended in support
~ ocean steam navigation. The effects Of the Cal
way line have also been beneficial TO our own city
by afording additional facilities q tourists. and
contributing 20 expand the commerce o. our citv
II has benefited Ireland bv obligng an the English
lines 70 touch az poI, IN tie north and south Of the
island. and il has illly confirmed the truth o! the
adace that competition Is the life Of trade.
p The mteres; IN the steam traffic az the Atlantic
hike the traffic itself, Increases every YEAR Inst
now the Great Eastern Is added with the Con
nouEht and the Adriatic. o. the numerous feet "
ocean racers which traverse regularly H. brny and
boistcrous waters. aud continually convey thou.
sands CT human beings. immense quantities OF trca-
sure and valuable goods back and forward over IL
surging bosom. II l. remarkable that while New
1ofk y tie centre Of all the ocean steamship lines
on this side, with one exception. none hut those
originally elected make Liverpool their European
terminus
Nothing reflects more credit On individual enter.
prise. aud more disgrace on the mean pusillanimty
OF our government, than the history Of Atlantic
steam navigation. let US hope that the experience
CT The past vii. be Tie monitor Of the future. c.