The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1873-05-19
The Reported Change I'm the Cunard
Transatlantic Steamer Route.

The Reported Change I'm the Cunard
Transatlantic Steamer Route.
Ithas recently been reported that the Cunard
Transatlantic Steamship Company has de-
cided to adopt new and lone route to avoid
the danger Of collisions. The announcement if
of the public in the safety of the Cunard ves-
sells and reassure those who are about to Cross
the ocean for the Summer tours Of pleasure on
the Continent. The steamer route chart Of
the North Atlantic now exhibits so many
routes parallel with each other and SO close
that the vessels of the many different lines do
not collide The precaution proposed by the
Cunard line commends itself very strongly
upon several grounds, and suggests similar
and conventional action on the part Of its
rivals. There need be no apprehension that
York to the principal ports Of Western Europe
will be in SO deserted position as not to fall
in with vessels crossing her path. But while
this seeming objection to the choice of
clone" route amounts to nothing, the coun-
terbalancing advantages are greatly in favor
ers had ''lone" route, besides avoiding the
perils of collision, they would in case of dis
tress be more certainly recognized by passing
vessels, and information leading to their re-
lief could more easily be forwarded and saga
ciously used.
T., &o1xo - e. Iol
that the Cunard Company, if it is to make q
change of route, will select one on lower
parallels of latitude than those now traversed.
This would be eminently desirable during the
iceberg season, when not only the ice, but
also the fog it engenders, besets the path and
often defes the skill of the most wary and ex-
pert mariner. These floating terrors of navi-
cation cover the whole sea off Newfoundland
from the forty-frst to the fiftieth parallel, and
continue from February to May, and some
years Gas in 1842) descend to latitude thirty
seven degrees thirty minutes north and con-
tinue till June.
By taking the more southerly line Of transit
q vessel can lose nothing, and in the long run
will be the winner. 1t was an idea first ad-
vanced by Mr.. William G. Redfeld and since
practically used by many navigators, to employ
the storms of the ocean as their locomotive
power. The cyclonic gales which sweep the
commercial belt of the North Atlantic
along the axial bands of the Gulf Stream
may undoubtedly be utilized instead of coal,
to great extent, by all skilful masters of
last May, in his splendid run across the
Atlantic in one day Of which he made three
hundred and eighteen miles, did this very
thing by taking advantage of the south
westerly winds, which always blowing on the
southern quadrant of the gale and served to
fill his canvas. The best English and Dutch
sailors, when in the ATTITUDES Of the southern
capes or on the Australian routes, have often
done the same, and sometimes have made
greater speed than the steamship unaided by
a strong breeze. 1t is not uncommon for
ships making the voyage from Europe to
America, in the Spring, finding succession
of westerly gales too much for them, to stand
down to more southern passage and expert
ence finer weather and moderate winds. By
adopting an outward and homeward route
the Cunard line would probably shorten its
average passage, while increasing its COM
fort and safety. The trip from Liverpool to
this port would be on the most southerly
parallels, and avoid the head winds and south
westerly gales of the roaring fortes,' while
the return trip would be in a higher latitude,
enabling the vessel to utilize them.
The travelling public are deeply interested
in safe transit over the great watery highways
of the Atlantic, and especially during the
coming Summer and Fall.