The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1877-07-11
EDITORIAL CORRESPONDENCE.
STEAMER BOLIVIA, June 25th, 1877


it is probably the case now that in every great YES
sci sailing away on distant voyage, there are some
partings which are expected 10 be final for this
world In most, however, the farewell among
friends is taken with the hope Of joyful meeting
again in the flesh. But, be this as it may, it is
| now as it was with Paul aud his friends of old,
when "they accompanied him unto the ship"
So it was on the morning of June 10th, when
the steamer Bolivia, bearing large number of
delegates to the Presbyterian Council at Edin-
burgh, was about to depart. By eight o'clock
an hour before the time designated--the scene at
the dock Of the Anchor Line in New York had
become one full of animation. Soon it was almost
jam of carriages and people, Of trunks and va
Uses, and steamer chairs provided by passengers
for their comfort. Here old friends who had not
seen each other for long years are meeting; new
lntroduchons are going on, some are In hurry to
inspect the rooms they are to OCCUPY; the ladies
are already beginning to fix their thing" and
how much that gum elastic word will accommo-
date Some are writing the last words to be sent
home, and few, specially careful about being
we'll fed, are even now making timely arrangements
with the steward abousghe best place at the table,
| By this time o cI ~ di.ving nigh more
subdued tone is observed over the crowd tender
farewes are given the last exit being made, the
gang-way is withdrawn, the signal given, and the
great ship begins to move for the other side OF the
ocean. As we pass down at the end Of the dock,
great multitude have gathered and with waving
| flags and other signals bid us all god-speed. 1t
was comfort to the delegation to know that their
departure was followed by the prayers Of SO many
not only OF those who we're assembled there, but
in so many households and churches also through
out the land.
Now word about our ship. The Bolivia is con-
sidered one of the best-if not the very best be-
longing to the Anchor Line-a line which runs d.
rectly between New York and Glasgow. 1t has a
length Of 400 feet; its tonnage is 4 900 tons gross
its engine has propeling force equal to the power
of LOO horses. 1t has cargo of $4,000 bushels
of corn; 1900 cheeses, 1000 packages of butter,
5000 boxes Of bacon, 800 terces of beef, $50 bar
rels of pork, (both packed in refrigerators,) 800
tierces of lard, 100 boxes of clocks, 2S2 cases of
sewing machines, 60 bundles of doors, 200 tons of
/
be put into single great ship. Besides this it
consumes daily 65 tons of COAL Ii has three masts,
and all the apparatus of sailing vessel. When
the wind is favorable this is brought in as an addi-
tiona force, and should anything disable the form.
er, the latter could be used by itself. To one who
has never inspected one of these great floating pal
aces, it is matter of much interest to observe how
complete they are in all their appointments, and
what perfection has been attained in the economy
of space, every part Of it being put to some USE.
| In this particular at least, some useful lessons
might be taken in domestic arrangements on land.
The dining saloon is about so by 40 feet, and above
it is the saloon of the same dimensions, except that
in the middle is an open space of about 20 feet by
9, and above it on the deck, is sky light which
with side windows, gives an abundance of sunshine
and ventilation into both stories. In this open
space between them is q beautiful little hanging
garden with choice assortment of plants, budding
or blooming, and all giving one more of the ap-
pearance of home psSor than would have been
I thought possible at sea- s5 oRe-ez,i OF the
saloon is first rate Mason and Hamlin organ, and
at the other first rate piano. from which ladies
and gentlemen of the company give us great deal
of delightful song. Other fxings might be de-
scrbed, but it would occupy two much room.
We have on board 2l2 passengers of whom go
are in the storage. These with the 100 sailors
and attendants give about 800 souls in all. Of the
passengers there are II delegates to the Council
from the Northern Presbyterian Church, from
| the Southern, l from the Covenanter Church.
from the United Presbyterian, and / from the Re-
formed Dutch Church. Other delegates have
gone on other ships.
But, now as to the voyage: The morning of the
10th was gusty and lowering, and soon after pass
ing Sandy Hook, which brought us out of the Bay,
the roughneSS of the sea began to have its usual
effects. 1t never seemed to me entirely polite or
edifying to go into minute description of the euo
lutioaS of sea sick people; 50 beg leave only to
say in general that we soon had goodly company
of what might be called retired gentlemen. Both
they and some of the ladies grew suddenly serious
and taciturn. l sm obliged to own myself of the
number, and was not able to put in an appearance
at the table until Monday evening, and remained
in very subdued condition for some days But
after it was fairly over, the tonic influence of sea
air began to be felt in an increased and daily in
Creasing appetite, and in developing marvellous
talent for sleep.
And how could whole voyage of ten days be
proftably filled up2 In various ways. First in a
real rest Not few on board had been fairly run
down by overwork. Under such circumstances it
is real relief to do nothing, for few days. espe
cially where there are good many agreeable PEG
pie to help you. Then you can read-some, but
not great DEAL Above all, our ten days are filed
up with conversation. In company such as this,
where there are SO many interesting topics in CON-
mon, and where so many are old friends, it is de-
lightful to dwell upon things pertaining to that
only kingdom which shall never be moved. D
Nothing has occurred to interfere with the enjoy
ment thus received. The decks are walked, and
groups are formed vi.h chairs, and the ireest In
tercourse is interchanged. We have goodly
company of ladies-about twenty in all-and this
Of course adds much to the interest of the Journey
The history of day is about this. At in the
morning you hear man passing along the aisle
between the rows of rooms, and calling in low
voice, "ponidge" which is distributed in plates
to such as want it. AT s, we have breakfast, and
prayers in the saloon Immediately after AT II the
bell rings for lunch, and at we have dinner, and
at P. NJ, we have tea. Some of the brethren
seem to neglect none of these opportunities of do
ing good. At half past ten all the lights in the
sleeping apartments are put out and "balmy Sleep
casts her leaden sceptre over the kingdom of 30
livia.
l must not omit some notice Of our religious ser.
vices. Evening and morning prayers have been
referred to, and they have been conducted with
great propriety, and have been seasons of refresh
ing to all. Besides this we have had, Of course,
more special worship on the two Sabbaths past