The Daily bulletin. [volume] (Honolulu [Hawaii]) 1882-1895, 1884-03-15

Tor new line III contemplation by
the company, of which he is presi-
dent, to run between California and
the principal ports in China via Ho-
nolulu.
1t was reported that the object of
Mr.. Spreckels' visit to this city had
reference to the purchase of the four
American line steamships, and
another report was to the effect that
the gentleman had already entered
into a contract with the Cramps for
two new steamers of G000 tons regis
ter, to be finished in one year. They
were to have accommodations for n
large number of saloon and steerage
passengers, besides every facility for
carrying freight, particularly sugar,
which will be the principal return
freight. 1t appears, however, that
these reports have been made with
out any authority. Mr.. Spreckels
was seen by a representative of The
INQUIRER at the Continental Hotel
last evening upon his return from
visit to Cramps shipyard, where he
had spent most of the afternoon.
The yard presents an unusual scene
of activity, and the large number of
contracts recently received by this
firm have severely tried the capacity
of the place. Mr.. Spreckels made Il
thorough inspection of the yard, and
manifested much interest in the seve-
raj new steamships under way.
Captain Joseph Steele, the repre-
sentative of the Oceanic Steamship
line in the building of the steamships
Mariposa and Alameda, but who is
not now in the employ of the com
pany, has been in this city for seve-
raj days. He is resident of Bos
ton, but has come here to assist Mr..
Spreckels in making his purchase.
At the conference at Cramps ship
yard yesterday the plans for the
proposed new steamships were dis
cussed, and in case the contract
should be awarded, arrangements
were contemplated for carrying them
out as soon as possible.
In speaking of his intended pur-
chases, Mr.. Spreckels said that he
had not MS yet entered into any ne
gotiations, nor would he until he had
become acquainted with the vessels
in the market, and had made a visit
to New York. He had long con-
ference with Mr.. Charles ii. Cramp
on the subject, but no conclusion had
been arrived at, although the firm
will furnish estimates for two new
steamships costing about $3.50, 900
each. ''You are perhaps aware" :"
he continued, "that we already own
two fine steamers, the Mariposa and
Alameda, built by this firm, and as
these have given us satisfaction, it is
but natural that, if any more new
vessels are to be built, the Cramps
will get the preference. These
steamers are Undoubtedly the finest
of the kind sailing under the Ameri-
can flag, being the fastest vessels in
our merchant marine. They have
been found suitable for our trade,
both for passenger and freight SER
vice, and | believe that no other
firm could have suited us as well.
The only obstacle that may prevent
us from again giving contract to
the Cramps is the fact that our busi-
ness is increasing so rapidly that we
are sorely pressed for time, and, if
possible, would like to obtain the
vessels at once. 1t is probable that
| may on that account be compelled
to secure some old vessels, although
must confess that it will be with
reluctance that this will be done.
We have been so well pleased with
our two Philadelphia-built steamers
that we would like to have them on
our next route. AS it is, however,
we will have to do the best we car
under the circumstances.
sit has been said that you came
here with the express purpose Of
buying the four American line
steamers" broke in the reporter.
''Then that statement was made
without the least foundation. AS
have said before, | came to see what
there was to be had already built
| and if there was nOtlin0 in that linz