New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1866-12-13
TRANSATLANTIC STEAMSHIPS.

Since the war ended there have been two, and only
two American passenger steamers plying regularly
between New.YOrk and any European port. Those
two were the Arago and Fulton, which this morning
are advertised for sale on the 22d As these vessels
are put up at auction for the avowed reason
that the line does not pay, We presume they
are not likely to be again started for Havre With
their sale, the American flag, far as it covered
any passenger traffic between Europe and America,
will have disappeared from the ocean nation which
claims TO be almost the first in its mercantile marine
seems about TO withdraw from all competition for the
very large and profitable business which steamers
under other flags are doing between the two con-
tinents. The Germans, who are not great maritime
people, have two lines the French one, the British
four America contents herself with coasting trade
in steam, and with sailing vessels on the ocean.
We don't think it necessary to 60 deep for the
of this foreign monopoly OF American trade. If
American commerce generally had not been hunted
on every sea by Ango-Rebe cruisers through four
wears of recent war it is needless to say we should
to-day have had much larger tunnage II is
possible we might have reckoned also one American
among the transatlantic steamship lines. We will
not deny to Great Britain the credit Of foresight
in her neutral policy. Her shipbuilders and
owners who backed up the treacherous diplomacy
of Earl Russell with material support to the naval in
terests Of his Confederate clients well understood the
value of the marine monopoly they intended to
create Nor need we recall the disastrous history Of
the Collins line, although we presume its i'll fortune
has done much to discourage efforts that otherwise
would have been cheerfully made. What We desire
to direct attention TO is the great opportunity still
open 10 American capital, enterprise, and skill.
OF the seven lines Of steamships now running be-
tween New.York and various European ports the Gu.
nsrd has long bad the preference among American
passengers. Years ago il attained such preemi-
nence that it believed itself able defy competition
| The successful establishment Of other lines has
| not destroyed its prestige here any more
than in England, where the Cunard feet
divides with the royal navy that reverent admiration
which your true John Bnll delights to cultivate for
British oak and iron. Yet We think il might be easy
| 70 show that the Cunsrd line, unless thoroughly
reformed, would not long remain formidable
rival Of o well organized American line. II 10
not even necessary to take il for granted that
| Americans would az q matter Of patriotic pride,
prefer to sail in an American ship. Other things
being equal, they might, but other things being
unequal they probably would not. sea voyage, at
the best 10 90 rksome to most people that they will
naturally choose the least uncomfortable ship, and,
while they may prefer to see the stars and stripes
hosted at the mizEen when sail is in sight they will
hardly rate that enjoyment so high Is tho daily
and hourly comfort Of tedious voyage