The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1860-08-26
The Ttoabics OF the Great Eastern.
TIE CoRPoRAftOH or PORTLAND AND THE GREAT SIR


From Mtchels Steam shipping Journal, August ]
The troubles of the Great Eastern seem 70 have no end
are plunged into another fatality awaits the company
at every stage Of their proceedings But OF the
difficulties are TO be traced to ndecsion at the Board
sprngng from difference OF opinion az TO the equipment
Of the ship and her destination Perhaps there Is less
Of these views prevailing among the present
than the late Board OF Directors but there
is not entire freedom from dissension. 10 the
ment OF such expensive ship well matured plans
should be at adopted to keep faith with the
public Want OF capital may very probably upset all the
calculations Of the managers but in the instance Of the
OF views and not monetary ghtnes has led to the pros
pect OF litigation.
We published in back number, OF what had been done,
doing, in anticipation Of the arrival of the Great
Eastern at Portland in the United States The town
commenced q mar BILE building intended for first class
hotel, which to have been OF the finest in the
world Its unfinished condition reminds a spsctatr of
the ruins Of ancient structure Of magnitude New
York, Boston and Halifax had sent large quota Of ship
brokers and others interested IN the new trade that
TO spring up there aad to add TO the outlay, the Cor
porstion Of Portland raised money TO improve the
chorage. AL the visions Of wealth and prosperity
at Portland blighted by the directors of the
ship-amost at the last moment-agreeing to send
her TO New York. The ackle character OF the state
ments circulated as 10 the ships final port of
arrival in America caused the fortanies to chrsten her
the 'Great Uncertain" But, however uncertain may
have been the movements of the Ship the losses incurred
by those who specuated on her making Portland the har
Dor of departure have been certain enough The many
who embarked their TO meet the demands likely
to arise by the ships presence and who invested their
cash without guarantee victims without redress
law How lar the Corporation OF Portland may be enabled
TO sustain their claim will depend upon the nature OF their
contract with the great ship company IL II was i'm
piled or expressed condition Of agreement that pier
should be carried out alongside which the Great Eastern
could discharge her passengers aud cargo on the CON-
pany undertaking to send her Portland the Corpora
tion will have a clear for damages but If there
has been no authorized sanction TO the expenditure
at Portland, the company a matter of course, will
escape scot free From the particulars Of the case
published we take II that the action will lie bet the
Corporation and the Grand Trunk Rail way OF Canada in
the nrst instance The Corporation Portland II said
advanced 800 000 or fl2 0o0 to the Grand Trunk Rail
way Company towards makiag wharf pier, nd the
Grand Trunk Railway Company laid out also, fl2 900
on their side The pier was therefore, made oy the
in Portland harbor and though IL has ga 00o II Is
available for the loading aud dschargng OF produce in
to be called upon to pay for the erection
OF this pier, IL would be their property: but IL
the action Is in reality proceeded with, II will have
been brought about by the discordant elements within
the Board OF Directors aud the vexaton excited BY the
ships going 10 New York.
The Corporation OF Portland, report says, lays the
damages at 100000 II all to be reimbursed for
their sacrifices fear would be f6o0 900 than
the former figure let the damages claimed be large or
small, the action will be novel OF kind. IL the
agreement bet the Grand Trunk Railway Company OF
Canada and the Great ship Company has not been sub
mited 10 writing, the evidence viii b. OF crcumstAn-
ia nature, and viii be interesting than If there
was contract signed and sealed II will partake some
VIM ol refnunefatOn lOr gOod tnn{s PROVIDED
by host whose friends, though accepting his Invitation,
bad declined TO favor him with their company, man
who should order dinner at hotel would have 70 pay
for II whether he ate II not but Il the landlord
repast on the chances OF customers coming ho
likely to visit his establishment, but who gave no
thorty 10 prepare entertainment for them be would
have 70 bear the loss with the best temper he could
command
Portland boasts Of the roatstead ia the States
and IA open Oil the year round. The Montreal Ocean
line have been compelled 10 make Portland their port of
sailing during the closing OF the ST. swrence cy the frost
and commodious pier, with branch line TO IT, must
enhance the value Of the port and the property Of the
Grand Trunk Railway Company As the gold Of Australia
and California led - Immigration TO those countries and
opened up their lands 10 cultivation aud settlement, 50
the expected arrival OF the Great Eastern Portland has
been the Of making the authories earlier than
was perhaps demanded, provide splendid pier for
steamers.
Foreign Miscellany.
One OF Boscos couriers has been taken the Sican
and be found % be the bearer Of the following letter