i£x ICtbrtja SEYMOUR DURST When you leave, please leave this book Because it has been said "Ever'tking comes t' him who waits Except a loaned book." Avery Architectural and Fine Arts Library Gift of Seymour b. Durst Old York Library 7 BOWLING GREEN, NEW YORK. TO THOMAS HENDERSON, Esq., OF GLASGOW, FOUNDER AND MANAGER OF THE ANCHOR LINE OF STEAM-PACKET SHIPS, AND MOST EFFICIENT PROMOTER OF THE COMMERCIAL INTERCOURSE BETWEEN SCOTLAND, THE MEDITERRANEAN, AND AMERICA, THIS SKETCH OF THE GROWTH OF THE ANCHOR LINE, AND OF MAN'S DAWNING MASTERY OVER THE INFINITELY USEFUL FORCES OF NATURE, IS APPROPRIATELY AND RESPECTFULLY D E D I C AT E D. -• PREFACE. This volume has no pretension to literary ability ; it is a compilation, " a thing of shreds and patches," the collated utterances of others ; and its design is simply to record an interesting event — the birth of agents' excursions — and which was the occasion of much delight and rejoicing among all those concerned. Solomon says, "There is no new thing under the sun;" but, certainly, it was a novel spectacle for six hundred of the active, indomitable, enterprising, and argus-eyed agents of The Anchor Li> t e, to take a day's coasting in one of the yachts of their own squadron. The American Press thought so, and said so much about it, that the compiler was con- strained to collect and print the articles in a compact form; and has also embraced the opportunity of adding a few papers on steam, the history of which is, in some aspects, the history of civilization, recognizing the steamboat, the railroad, and the telegraph, as ma- gicians heralding " the good time coming," when commercial intercourse between nations will be as free and unrestricted as it is now between the States of the Union. # CONTENTS. PAGE 1. — ANCHOR LINE AGENTS' EXOTJESION ON THE STEAMER "CALIFORNIA," 9 2. — WHAT THE AMERICAN PRESS SAID ABOUT THE EXCURSION TO THE ANCHOR LINE AGENTS, . . 17 3. — "GOOD WORDS " FROM THE AMERICAN PRESS ABOUT THE ANCHOR LINE, 44 4. — THE ANCHOR LINE, 73 5. — A CONDENSED HISTORY OF STEAM, 76 6. — APPLICATION OF STEAM TO NAVIGATION, "... 76 7. — HISTORY OF THE FIRST OCEAN-STEAMER, 82 8. — CONDENSED HISTORY OF ATLANTIC STEAM NAVIGATION 84 9. — CONDENSED HISTORY OF LOCOMOTION, 101 10. — ELECTRIC TELEGRAPHY, v 106 11. — THE ANCHOR LINE FLAG, 108 12. — THE CITY OF GLASGOW, Ill 13. — PROGRESS OF POPULATION, 113 14. — DIMENSIONS OF THE ANCHOR LINE ATLANTIC FLEET, 114 G/tf&l. ! (&09nfi-awM tzZ Z/te Ze> The favor of an early reply is respectfully requested. 7 Bowling Green, U0Vfe, VJtk July, 1872. The " life that now is " is so largely made up of con- trast, that our pleasures and recreations are in no small degree owing to it for their existence. Seamen who have heen on one, two, or three years' cruise feel the greatest re- lief in once more standing on terra firma, and we of the land think the highest pinnacle of enjoyment is, to have a sail, be it ever so short, on the blue salt sea, with a good ship under us, a bright sky above us, and the vast expanse of the ocean around us. It was with feelings akin to this that early in August I accepted the above invitation tendered by Messrs. Hender- son Brothers, of The Anchor Line, to join in the festivi- ties of a special fete to their numerous agents, who are found all over the country from the Hub to the Golden Gate, and from the Saguenay's banks to the prairies of fair Opelousas. The fete sur la mer comprised a breakfast on board the " Trinacria," one of the company's steamers, and an excursion down the Bay, with dinner on board their new floating palace the " California." The 14th of August was the day fixed, and the clerk of the weather gave his best efforts to the special gratification of the party. The air was soft, the breezes balmy, and the weather every thing that could be desired for such an excursion. Arriving in New York the day before, I had no trouble in finding the headquarters of The Anchor Line, whose grand sail for the following day was on everybody's lips. In order to make the reader thoroughly comprehend the nature of the event in honor of which to-day's enjoyment was planned, a narrative is necessary, which, as an evi- dence of what skilful management, combined with broad liberal ideas, can accomplish, is worthy the attention of Americans, especially those interested in shipping and com- mercial interests. Some thirty years since, four lads went to sea. In their calling they gradually acquired a sufficient nautical educa- tion to rise from man to mate, from mate to master, Fru- gal in their habits, they laid by their little savings year by year, till at length they were able to own a fleet of small craft, engaged in the fruit-trade with the Mediterranean ports. In 1856 the firm of Handysides & Henderson altered one of their sailing-vessels info an auxiliary screw-steamer. 10 THE ANCHOR LINE OF STEAMERS. From this The Anchor Line came into existence, and with- in the brief period of sixteen years have increased their fleet to thirty-six steamers, and also own the largest ship-building and engineering establishments in Scotland. The owners of the The Anchor Teste believe that the success of their line of steamers depends in a great meas- ure on having systematic, well-appointed, and properly-con- ducted agencies ; that their agents should be thoroughly posted and perfected in all matters pertaining to the duties of their agencies ; that they should feel that each one is not only a representative but that he is a co-worker, an ally, united with them by the strongest bonds of interest, in fact "a part and parcel" of The Anchor Teste, that each must act as if on his own undivided and individual exertions alone depended the welfare and continued existence of the line. To this end the agents of The Anchor LnsrE, espe- cially those living at a distance from ]Sew York, were in- vited to inspect the " Trinacria," a Wednesday steamer, and the " California," a Saturday steamer, and so that having on the latter " sampled a sea-voyage," they could in future inform intending travellers "what they knew about the Anchor Line." Having ascertained that the "California" was lying at her berth near the foot of Dey Street, I wended my way thither, and soon found Pier 20 North River, on which and adjacent pier and bulkheads the company have erected their large and spacious fire-proof warehouse-sheds. There lay the " Trinacria " and " California," both gayly and even grandly adorned and decorated in their holiday dress, presenting a most pleasing and right royal appearance, flags from the trucks to the rails, flags from taffrail to knight- heads, flags athwart-ship, flags fore and aft ship, the flags of all nations in peaceful array, lending their fluttering col- ors to heighten the joy of the occasion, and combined in their specific groups to form a language that is under- stood only by mariners. The scene on the pier was an intensely interesting and impressive one. There were the wharves, crowded with a large and enthusiastic as- semblage, whom the occasion, the distinguished visitors, the presence of the steamer " California " herself, the liberality of the proprietors, who spared neither labor, in- genuity, nor expense, in making the occasion an auspicious one, had collected, to render the scene one of great impor- tance to the participants, and a sight not soon to be for- gotten by the thousands who witnessed it. Promptly that morning were the excursionists on hand ; from early dawn until sailing-time were the railways and steamboats continually furnishing fresh contingents from the East, and from the West, from the North, and from the South. Representative men from nearly every leading city in the Union were there, and not a few ladies graced the occasion with their presence. On the 10th of August the following circular was issued : Dear Sir : Those of our agents who will arrive in New York on Wednesday morning, August 14th, to participate in the excursion on the "California," we request the pleasure of their company to break- fast, on board our steamship "Trinacria," at Pier 20 North Kiver, at 9 a. m. Eespectfully yours, Henderson Brothers. At 9 o'clock about one hundred and fifty guests partook of a sumptuous breakfast on board the "Trinacria," the Company's steamer to sail for Glasgow that day. Refresh- ments of every variety, and liquids of every hue, were dis- pensed with an open hand to all who felt inclined to par- take of the dainty viands offered. Many allayed the pangs of material Nemesis, and those who did gave in a unani- mous verdict of the excellent taste of the Company, by being thus considerate in such a substantial style of caring for the temporal welfare of their numerous agents. The vast concourse of people, that had been swelling and increasing all the forenoon, had at half-past ten o'clock received such numerous accessions that it was with no little difficulty that a path could be tunnelled through them and the steamer reached. The guests, to the number of, at least, six hundred, at length got safely on board, and, at 11 o'clock, the word was given, " Gangway ashore ! " A salute at the same time was fired from the cannon on board, on the piers, and on the " Trinacria." The band then struck up " The Star-Spangled Banner," and the " California " slowly swung out clear of Pier 20 into the stream, and, amid the booming of cannon, the shouts and cheers of the crowds on the wharves, the waving of handkerchiefs by those on board, th^ dipping of ensigns by the naval and mercantile steam- ers, the rush of the water, the swash and the wash of the waves, as they were lashed into a creamy flood, the " Cali- fornia " moved majestically down the river, with the motion of a giant conscious of power, yet unwilling to use it until time and occasion called for its action. The spacious and superbly-fitted-up steamer was entirely at the control and command of the guests who honored the excursion with their presence, and who had been honored by a most cordial invitation ; and they exercised their kingly prerogative by having the " California " go fast or slow, as they pleased. The ship steamed finely during the entire trip, working with but one engine, and that one the smallest. Those of the guests who had never sailed down New York Bay were en- raptured with the scenes as the " California " glided along, giving panoramic views of lower New York, Jersey City, Brooklyn, Governor's, Ellis's, and Bedloe's Islands, Com- munipaw, Long Island, Staten Island, and fine outlooks on TEE ANCEOR LINE OF STEAMERS. 11 the palatial residences clotted all along the shore. The old earth and stone forts could also be seen, -with their ominous mouths pointed seaward, ready at a moment's warning to open and demolish the intruder bold or bad enough to beard, as it were, the lion in his den ; the frowning for- tresses, bristling, with guns, that guard tbe Narrows, drew expressions of the peaceful disposition of both England and America. In their future intercourse with each other, the hope was expressed that naught would occur to cause those guns to send forth their crushing missiles to a craft bearing the scarlet ensign of Great Britain. "When abreast of the Quarantine grounds, a salute was fired in compliment to the popular and ever-vigilant na- tion's health-keeper at the sea-gate, Dr. Van der Poel, who also enlivened the occasion with his presence. The Quaran- tine grounds were rapidly passed, as were the Hospital isl- and and the floating hospitals ; then on we steamed beyond Sandy Hook, admiring, as we passed, the lovely scenery of the Jersey coast, as forming the laud view, while on the other side was the deep-blue water of the broad Atlantic, whitened with the sails of innumerable craft. The sea was " like a millpond," excepting the ground-swell that is al- ways perceptible on the ocean, as if Neptune desired to per- petually remind those who enter his dominions of his up- heaving power. Soon the steamer pushed out on " The raging ocean's billowy breast," and, with the " California " scudding along at a spanking rate, the whole company laughed and chaffed, and the merry hours danced merrily, merrily by ; the guests became more chatty, the entertainers more jovial; the jest went round the smiling circle, and all went merry as a marriage-bell. Terpsichore's votaries footed it to the stirring strathspey, jig, or reel notes of a couple of Scotch bagpipes, while oth- ers " tuned their pipes," and mingled their voices with the sweet strains of operatic airs from Grafulla's Seventh Regi- ment Band. In fact, every thing was there to please the most critical eye, to gratify the most fastidious taste, and to meet the wishes and wants of all whose privilege and pleas- ure it was to be present. There are few things which I really and thoroughly enjoyed when a boy better or more wholly than a good rattling coast down an unobstructed hill, especially when there was a thick crust of strong snow on the ground ; and now that my coasting-days are over, and attention is drawn to more serious business affairs, I can feel all the youthful enthusiasm come back at the idea of " sea-coasting," al- though so different from that enjoyed in earlier life. About three o'clock the " California " arrived opposite Long Branch ; but, as President Grant had left that morning for Washington, the services of the tug tender that had ac companied the " California " from the city were not required. A salute of twenty-one guns, however, was fired in honor of the President, which compliment was returned by the clipping of the flag on the President's charming cottage, and a cannonading by General Porter in his behalf. With the afternoon's wane the ship's steward put in his claim for the attention of the guests. As magnificent a feast as ever was set before royalty had been prepared. In letters of gold and sea-green, on delicately-tinted paper, was printed the bill of fare, most elaborate in a cuisine point of view, as well as unique — as all present will re- member — in a typographical point of view. Even to such minor details was shown the determination of the manager that every thing should blaze with splendor. The dinner was served up in the after 'tween-decks, which had been fitted up temporarily as a banqueting-hall, and elaborately decorated with flags, flowers, and evergreens. Two hours sufficed to do ample justice to the tempting banquet, when, according to the programme, which, even on this gala-day, was adhered to with the rigid discipline of shipboard, all assembled in the spacious salon and listened to the toasts and speeches. The chairman of the occasion was Mr. Francis MacDon- ald, the American manager of the Line, who was ably as- sisted by Mr. James Henderson, of Glasgow, as croupier. The proceedings were opened by the chairman giving the usual loyal toasts — the President of the United States and the Queen of Great Britain and Ireland — drank as usual by the company standing, while the bands played tbe " Star- Spangled Banner" and "God save the Queen. - ' After the loyal came the patriotic toast of " The Aemt and Navy : " The Nation's Invincible Sword — Never drawn without cause — never sheathed without honor. When the stirring and protracted applause which fol- lowed the reading of this toast had subsided, General Lewis Wallace, in his quiet, impressive, and, when warmed up, sub- lime style, spoke as follows : Me. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen : I would have been de- lighted if some gentleman more familiar with the responding business had led off and broken the ice for me; yet, I accept the situation, more particularly as I have a consolation which my successors may not have. However dull and pointless my remarks may be, still I am sure of attention from this audience ; for when the theme was fight- ing, never yet has it been that Englishmen, Scotchmen, or Americans, were indifferent (laughter and applause). I suppose, sir, the world will never be able to get along without its enthusiasts and dreamers, to whom, speaking justly, we are indebted for many if not most of our grand and beautiful ideas. As something not inappropriate to the subject and occasion, let me, for a moment, allude to a school of such men, by whom the twenty years last past have been wonderfully illustrated. From much thought about the wants of mankind; from much brooding over the ways and means of merging all the nations into one happy family; from much pondering 12 THE ANCHOR LINE OF STEAMEL's. the idea of the millennium, so tnystioally promised us in certain texts of Holy Writ, they came to believe it possible, by common consent, en- forced by popular opinion, to abolish war, its pomp and circumstance, even the rumors thereof. And as there were some actors among them as well as thinkers, they called for delegates from all the peoples, and organized a congress, and from it fulminated resolutions and proclama- tions. I am sure, no one who remembered the movement can ever forget the flowing periods and Arcadian utterances of Richard Cobdcn, representative from England, and Elilm Burritt, representative from America (applause). But, sir, the world has a spear, magical as Ithu- riel's, by which it tests the practicability of the projects of its children; we know it familiarly by the name of common-sense. One day, rudely touched by that infallible test, the bonny dream broke and went to pieces, like a sun-painted bubble. Napoleon quarrelled with the Hapsburger, and the two great battles that ensued shook the poetic fabric to its base ; then the invasion of the Crimea threw down its whole Eastern wall ; when we finished the rebellion, nothing was left of its Western wall; finally, amid the thunder of the Franco- Prussian struggle, the millennium went up so completely, that there remained of it, not so much even as a " castle in the air " (applause). Yet, ladies and gentlemen, the idea lives; and, now even as we sit here rocking in this splendid, gilded cradle of the deep, happy in the enjoyment of the magnificent hospitality for which we are so much indebted to the gentleman (Mr. Francis MacDonald) whose graceful presidency at the head of the table we may never forget (long and loud cheering) — even now we are witnessing yet another effort to abolish war, and its children, the Army and Navy. This time the at- tempt assumes the more plausible form of tribunals of arbitration for the settlement of international questions, and it has for sponsors Eng- land and America. Four courts of the kind have been in session during the year : two for England and the United States, one for Spain and the United States, and one for the United States and Mexico. Will the new attempt be more successful than the old one? (Cries of "Yes, yes — hear, hear " ). I am glad to be assured, sir, that there are in my audience those who, while their hope3 and wishes run current with mine, have also a greater faith in the result. When nations agree to refer the dis- pute to arbitration and umpirage, in a degree, at least, they surrender their sovereignty ("That'sso — hear, hear"). Now, what if the judgment prove disagreeable to one of them? We are not without light on the question. England came very near repudiating the Washington Treaty (great laughter) ; and that without waiting to hear from the court (renewed laughter). Fortunately, a way out of the trouble was found without either of the high parties going back to pick up the sovereignty so solemnly laid down ; still, it was made plain that such a resort was at one time in serious contemplation. Turn, now, if you please, to another illustration. The court for the United States and Mexico cannot bo said to be a healthy organization. The two commis- sioners are in a dead lock (" Hear, hear "). Upon a difference of opinion between them, the Mexican, by a doubtful ruse, obtained possession of the papers in the case under consideration, and then, with proverbial faithlessness, refused to refer the matter to the umpire, as the treaty provides. And now, after the ancient custom, the two governments arc writing notes, in which a soldier might detect the scent of sulphur, despite the high regard and distinguished consideration each professes for the other (great laughter). But, sir, imagine a judgment rendered by one of these romantic tribunals. If it be paid, well enough ; if pay- ment be refused ("Hear, hear"), then, not to multiply words, collection will require a bold constable and a big posse (laughter and cheers). In- deed, I should not bo surprised if the historian took notice of the affair, and called it by the old name — war (applause and laughter). So, sir, my conclusion is that the Army and Navy will survive the new effort to hasten millennium, and that, for many and many an age to come, tho sentiment I am speaking to will be honored by fair ladies and bravo men, even as it is now honored. A moment now in which to descend from generalities. I think I may say, without accusation of partiality, that the great conquering na- tions of to-day are tho English, Germans, and Americans (great ap- plause). A few months ago another name would have appeared sec- ond in the list. But the world waits on France! She has forgotten how to organize ; her discipline is a myth ; the little corporal is with- out a successor; all that remains to Frenchmen is the knowledge how to die for Franco. Take notice, however, that in that knowledge lies the promise and power of resurrection (cheers). Ten years ago the foundation of military discipline was supposed to be the maxim of the first great Prussian — " Tlie bayonets must not think." Now, sir, Waterloo was a great achievement; so were Shiloh and Gettysburg ; so were Gravelotte and Sedan. But greater than any of them, greater than all of them together, was the other victory, not to be identified by place or date, the victory over that infamous philosophy which taught that to be a hero the common soldier or sailor must first be a brute (great applause). After all, a battle of the present time is only a practical test of rival machinery ; and to operate the deadly en- ginery more is called for than muscle and automatic obedience. The higher elements, such as intelligence, judgment, and moral courage, are demanded. So it has come to pass that the fighting-man of the future must at least be master of the machine he serves, be it a Krupp or a Gatling, a torpedo-boat or an armored ship (applause). Praise be to the God of War as well as Peace. Never again will the conquering nations I have named venture to send their flags to the field in care of imbruted, unthinking battalions (applause). With these remarks in the way of preparation, I propose, sir, that we drink to the coming soldier and sailor — heralds of the later chivalry, which is to derive all its inspiration from that highest of human motives, duty tempered by education and conscience (applause, long continued, ending in three great cheers for the speaker). The chairman, on rising to propose the Toast of the Occasion, embraced the opportunity of thanking The Agents for the industrious zeal they had hitherto exhibited in promoting the interests of The Anchor Line, and which he felt certain would not be lessened by such reunions as the present, concluded by saying : Gentlemen : You are interested in one of the noblest works man can be engaged in. You are the educators of your race — the elevators of mankind. Every " prepaid " you sell brings to this country bone and muscle, worth at the least political calculation one thousand dollars ("Hear, hear"). You enrich your country in proportion as yon induce skilled labor to come from the old country to tho new, to build your railroads and other public works, your warehouses, stores, and dwell- ing-houses. You emancipate the European farmer from the thraldom of the landlord's grip, and you place him in the proud position of own- ing the virgin prairie soil he now tickles with his old hoe until it fairly laughs forth with bright, waving, golden grain (great cheering). You ferry across the miner who so industriously develops the wondrous min- eral resources of your equally wonderful country (great cheering from the Pennsylvania agents). You grant facilities to the American to as- certain that there are across the water other Hubs and other States than Boston and New England. Nay, more, you are the representatives of, and the co-workers with, the most extensivo line of Atlantic steamers in the world, representing a monetary value of ten millions of dol- lars, and with a destiny only dreamt of by the poet when he sang : " I dipped into the future, far as human eye could see, Saw the vision of the world, and all the wonders that could be ; Saw the heaTcns fill with commerce — argosies of magic sails, Pilots of the purplo twilight — dropping down with costly bales, Till the war-drum boomed no longer ; the battle-flag was furled," And tho Eed Anchor of the Clydo was universal o'er the world. After the enthusiastic and prolonged cheering had sub- sided, the chairman claimed a bumper to the toast — " Our Guests." The Representatives who have made " The Anchor Line " a house- bold word throughout the country : May they continue in perpetual alliance to uphold with us the Flag which is tho symbol of the Emi- grant's Hope, and the token of Security to all ! THE ANCHOR LINE OF STEAMERS. 13 Which was drank with great enthusiasm, and was re- sponded to by James Warrack, Esq., Agent of the Line in Chicago, and the popular British Consul at that port. Mr. "Warrack, having been introduced, was greeted with merited applause, and spoke as follows : Me. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen: With your permission I rise to return thanks to tlie proprietors of the Anchor Line of steamers, the fathers of this feast, for the invitations which emhody so much that is pleasant. This trip to sea will he enjoyed as a novelty by many of us; the sumptuous entertainment is one which we will remember for many years, and the interchange of thought and friendship will not be soon forgotten. In the name of the guests, therefore, I say, long may the Anchor Line continue to make crossing the ocean a path of roses to thousands, and each year may be christened twin-sisters like unto the good ship "California," continuing to carry the motto of "safety, speed, and comfort " at the masthead, and increasing the revenues of their generous and hospitable owners, whose guests, this day, we have the honor to be. A well-known writer of Oriental literature made the remark that the Chinese language is the greatest monument of human ingenuity extant. I do not think I shall be far wrong in speaking of the Anchor Line of Transatlantic Steamships as one of the greatest monuments we have of human energy, enterprise, indomitable persever- ance, and pluck. When we contemplate its rapid growth and the vast proportions it has attained within a few years, from a commencement with one small steamer running between Glasgow and New York ; that it has never received one penny of subsidy from any government ; and consider that it now numbers a fleet of forty of the most commodious ocean-steamers afloat and in process of construction, making several trips weekly between Great Britain, Ireland, the Continent of Europe, the Mediterranean, and New York; the loud" calls from the other side of the world to establish a line between Australia, New Zealand, and San Francisco ; that it carries thousands of your citizens yearly to the East- ern Hemisphere on business or for recreation, and tens of thousands every year from the Old World to their adopted homes in the New — we must come to the conclusion that there is very great merit inherent in the line, that the management must be of the highest order, and its nu- merous ramifications conducted with a large amount of intelligence and business tact. While on this subject, I believe I am expressing the feel- ings of the proprietors in saying that they highly value the exertions of their many agents in making the line so well known over this vast continent, in its most remote towns and villages, as far as the home of the setting sun; and I know that we gentlemen as highly appreciate the sound and liberal policy of the proprietors, which has made us in- strumental in planting our prairies and our forests with thousands of happy homes where peace and plenty reign ; of filling hundreds of rising towns with skilled and industrious artisans, who aid largely in develop- ing the agricultural, mineral, manufacturing, and commercial wealth of our great country. (Great and vehement cheering.) When we consider the amount of happiness this line has been the means of diffusing, by forwarding so many tens of thousands from all parts of Europe, where they were making a bare and precarious living, to a land flowing with milk and honey, where ordinary industry, if attended by reasonably good behavior, is certain to be rewarded with plenty, and frequently in a short time commands independence and even affluence, we must admit that the men through whose talents and energy such results have been accomplished are benefactors of their kind, and well deserve the rich reward they are now reaping. The large sums of money sent through you by immigrants of The Anchoe Line, to assist in bringing out additional members of their families, is at once a proof of their prosperity and contentment ; no doubt this is, in a great measure, due to the enlightened and liberal policy of the United States Government, in giving such facilities for the attainment of land at prices which give settlers a fair chance of making a comfort- able living and eventual independence. If immigrants could see the pol- icy of pushing out into the country, instead of hanging about the sea- board and other cities, and of accepting the terms offered them by the liberal homestead-law, it would not only benefit themselves and fami- lies, but it would be of the highest advantage to these cities, where many of this class often, through ignorance of the competency await- ing them, swell the ranks of criminals and indigent poor. To all such new arrivals, we trust our friends in the Atlantic ports will cordially and unhesitatingly, when they have the opportunity, say, " Go West." While all the proprietors of this flourishing concern are equally praise- worthy in their efforts to maintain its prosperity, it may, perhaps, ap- pear invidious to select one for special notice ; but I think I may be considered not out of order if I mention the name of Mr. Francis Mac- Donald, of New York, for many years its principal agent in this coun- try, but now the managing partner here, and to whom we are mainly indebted for this delightful reunion, as the gentleman to whom is due the chief credit of developing the American traffic to its now enormous proportions : long may he and his co-partners live to enjoy the results of their many years of labor! (Great and prolonged applause.) Several of you gentlemen have asked me, "How is Chicago flourish- ing? Are you getting over that fire ? " I am glad to say to you, repre- senting as you do nearly every State of the Union, and every province in the Dominion of Canada, that the wonderful restoration of that city by the unexampled energy displayed by her people, who, in the short space of ten months, including a long and severe winter, have rebuilt the greater part of the business district with a nobler class of build- ings than existed before the 9th day of last October, is unparalleled. For the four months ending July 31st, the Board of Public Works issued permits for the erection of nearly seven miles of brick, stone, and marble buildings ; and miles of streets, occupied less than a year ago by wooden shanties or private residences, are now covered by handsome stores and magnificent public buildings. I feel particularly gratified in being, on this occasion, enabled to say this much for the city of Chicago, knowing that the well-understood modesty and retiring dispo- sition of her citizens would never have allowed them to so publicly refer to her prosperity! The trade of the city this spring has been unpre- cedentedly great, showing the wonderful recuperative power of the American people doing business in and with her ; and now that there appears a general desire of the people of all parts of the Union to forget the late disagreement with Dixie and to bury the hatchet forever, there appears a still greater future opening for that wonderful city and for this great country which so securely reposes under the flag of the Union, the well-known banner of the stars and stripes. (The plaudits were re- peated for some time, and continued until the reading of the next toast : " The Poet of New Yoek." The Great Natural Sea-Gate of our Country — May its commercial interests continue to be developed by the energy of her merchants, and the fostering care of legislation.) And which was responded to by Dr. Van der Poel, who, in a well-considered and well-received speech, delivered in his usual felicitous style, said : Me. Chaieman: I could have wished that some other than a dis- ciple of iEsculapius had been invited to respond to this toast; em- bracing as it does topics of so wide a range, comprehending such varied and extensive interests, it should have as its expounder one whose studies had been more particularly directed to the topic. Not that it requires elaborate argument or display of figures to veri- fy the truth of the sentiment, for in the assemblage around me I see its full justification. Why should those merchants be gathered in such numbers from every part of the globe, why should there be such an increasing stream of floating palaces, or why should this beautiful bay be ever whitened with innumerable sails, were not its claim of being the natural sea-gate fully recognized ? The "fostering care of legislation" involves considerations of an- other character. If it involves questions of Federal jurisdiction, I must leave it for others to argue. Inasmuch, however, as it concerns the re- quirements of State legislation, I can safely say there is every disposi- tion on the part of the State authorities to foster in every way the de- velopment of the commercial interests of this port. 14 THE ANCnOR LINE OF STEAMERS. So far as tho department with which I am connected is concerned, I can safely assure you that hut the ono feeling of facilitating commerce, bo far as is compatible with tho public health, actuates it. It was with feelings of apprehension that I assumed the duties of the office. Wrongs I knew had grown up in connection with it; but I was at the same time assured that, no matter what concessions were made, there would be no satisfying the commercial interest. It gives me pleasure to bear witness that such has not been tho case ; that, in every instance, I have been met with open cordiality, and every effort to correct abuses most cheerfully seconded. It is my earnest wish to make my position a purely medical one; to allow every thiug which pertains to the commercial relations of the department to take the course of ordinary transactions, so long as I exercise proper sanitary control. This principle once established, it will be impossible for any future official to change the spirit of the office. It is my earnest wish to maintain the respect and esteem not, only of my professional brethren, but of the commercial community. I shall therefore strive to know no other course than such as my duty as a sanitarian directs. If, by so doing, I seem to run counter to the views and wishes of commercial men, I hope it will be attributed to no other motive than the responsibility to the important trust which has been confided to me. To such principles it will be my wish to add the "fos- tering care of legislation " (long-continued applause). The Chairman prefaced the next toast by remarking that twenty-five years ago the first screw-steamer crossed the Atlantic. Eight years later, a steamer entered our hay, flying at her mast-head a white flag, emblematic of peace. On it a red anchor, emblematic of hope, steadfastness, and security. Four links to the anchor, emblematic of friendship or fraternity of the four brothers .Henderson, then linked, now welded, together in the determination to excel in building and fitting up ocean ferry-boats, with all the appointments and appliances for use and luxury that the ingenuity of man could devise, and that the wisdom of two continents could furnish. How far they have succeeded, and as a proof of their combined skill, energy, and enter- prise, I have but to point you to the ocean-palace you are now on board of [great cheering], and beg to propose as the next toast — "The Steamship 1 California.' " May her career be as beneficial to the Anchor Line as her golden prototype has been to the Union! After the vehement applause which followed the reading of this toast had subsided, Hon. Henry Nicol spoke as fol- lows : Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen : The enthusiasm with which this toast has been received is an appropriate acknowledgment of the compliment paid to our country in giving to this splendid steam- er tho name of the golden star of our Union — the State of California. May her career be as prosperous as that of the young Commonwealth which has so successfully planted on the Pacific coast the vigorous civ- ilization of the great Teutonic race ! After the examination which you have made of this vessel, I doubt not you will agree with me that a nobler craft never entered our har- bor. She is the last contribution to that lino of steamers whose flag is Inli ne over tho seas of almost every clime, and whoso owners have, at all times, displayed an energy and capacity which must command success. As these new steamers cotne to our shores in rapid succession, each surpassing its predecessor, with every thing to secure the safety and comfort of their passengers, and to afford them all the conveniences and elegances of a refined life on shore, we are tempted to ask ourselves whether any limit can bo assigned to the creative genius of man. Look- ing at tho "California," we may well doubt whether a safer or finer vessel can be built or equipped; yet I presume that our enterprising friends of Glasgow will be scarcely willing to admit that this steamer, splendid as she is, is tho last and noblest of their efforts. Perhaps at some future and not distant day we may be invited to examino another vessel of theirs which, improbable as it may now appear, shall surpass even the "California." All hail to this gallant vessel ! May she long continne to perform her part in keeping up that communication which is day by day grow- ing closer and closer between ourselves and our brethren across the sea. Bound together as these two nations are by a thousand ties of consan- guinity and interest, who does not feel that the prosperity and progress of both are indissolubly united, and that, if ever, in an hour of mad- ness and folly, they should become foes, " chaos will be come again." The honorable gentleman sat clown amid the most deaf- ening cheering, which was again and again renewed, until the Chairman called the assemblage to order by proposing as the seventh toast — "The Kailroad Interest." The complement of the steamship; whose myriad tendrils are con- tinually weaving a net-work of highways, annihilating distances, redis- tributing populations, and bringing together the "ends of the earth." And which, in the absence of H. W. Gwinner, Esq., was re- sponded to by Hiram Dixon, Esq., of the Pennsylvania Rail- way, as follows : Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen: I regret exceedingly that there is no member of my fraternity here present who could, more fittingly than myself, grace 'this occasion and do greater justice to this very complimentary toast. ("Hear, hear.") The railroad system of this country, which during the past thirty years has attained such wonderful proportions, united with that mag- nificent fleet of Transatlantic Ocean-Steamers, which now ply between the Old World and the New, have become the real civilizers of modern times. These joint enterprises serve to take up the industrious but down-trodden laborer from the exhausted districts of the Old World and transplant him to the rich and inviting fields of the great West ; where, with the same enterprise and industry exerted fruitlessly in his native country, the immigrant is certain to surround himself with his own comfortable home (freed from the presence of the prowling bailiff to make distraint) ; with his own broad acres of tho virgin soil, and, in fine, to mould for himself such a career as will insure for him the respect of his fellow-men; and, what is just as good, the consola- tion of having passed his own manhood among freemen, and dying, to leave this best and noblest heritage to his children. (Applause.) Indeed, it is to the long lines of connecting railroads which traverse our expansive country in connection with the fleet of such magnificent steamships as this, whose beauties we are this day permitted to inspect by her enterprising agents, that we may attribute the unprecedented and wonderful prosperity of tins country; and I am gratified to find that this fact is becoming itself better and more generally understood by our people. Let us go on, therefore, unceasingly encouraging tho mutual rela- tions which should, and for so long a time have existed between the great Pvailway and Ocean Lines ; and for myself nothing will be for- gotten or neglected to cement those interests in general, and especially the very cordial relations now existing between tho Pennsylvania Eailroad and the Anchor Line of Steamships. (Cheers.) The next toast in order — ■ •"The Atlantic Cable:" That electric vein through which thrill the pulsations of the hearts of the two hemispheres — THE ANCHOR LINE OF STEAMERS. 15 was responded to by the Hon. Erastus Brooks, who, on rising, was repeatedly cheered. Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen : A fitting and impromptu response to the toast in honor of "the Ocean Cable" I confess is beyond my ability. As silence is often more expressive than speech, so a great work like this spanning continents, hemispheres, and oceans, best speaks for itself even when no eye can see its marvellous developments, and no ear hear its utterances. The simplest touch of the fingers, thousands of miles away, brings to out- doors, almost upon the instant, the revolutions of empires, news of the earthquake and the storm, of all that there is of change or stability in trade or politics. The humor of the imaginary Puck, who put his girdle round the earth in forty minutes, is so far excelled by the real result as to reduce the minutes to seconds of time, and even in the laws of geographical space to make tfiis day in one part of the earth the yesterday or to-morrow in another. The idea of Moscow or Vienna, of Berlin or Paris, of Madrid or London, whatever or wher- ever it is, threads its rapid way all throughout the morning, noon, or afternoon overland to Ireland, there to be flashed under the ocean and read on land at your homes, or in your counting-houses at an hour much earlier than the moment when the message first started upon its errand. The words started from Valentia convey cabalistic signs at Newfound- land, are changed again into letters and words, and soon speed their way- all along the United States, and on to California or Oregon. Wonderful, indeed, is this annihilation of time and distance! How it has changed the commerce, and customs, and thoughts of the world! No longer is even the fleet messenger of land or sea, or the post-coach necessary ; the simple order, advice, or command, takes the place of ships, mails, of land locomotives, and steam upon the ocean ; it is the tamed light- ning, wired to human thought and meeting the decrees of man. Mr. President, while I congratulate your company upon this most beautiful ship, the pioneer of half a dozen others soon to be built, and one of twoscore or more built within the few years past — while I see them covering the ocean from the old North Sea, the Baltic, and Medi- terranean of the Old World — to the seaports of Quebec, New York, and New Orleans in the New — taking every half week their hundreds of pas- sengers, and almost millions of freight, I must confess, even here under the British flag, around your hospitable board, and in the presence of so many Britons of thrift, capital, and industry, the deep regret I feel as an American that in this beautiful harbor of ours, year in and year out, I see no such ships built at home, none bearing the flag of my be- loved country, and engaged in the great and prosperous commerce of the world. This is not the time nor place to discuss or to state the cause, but there is a cause, and it ought to be removed. (Applause.) The world is big enough for all of us, as is proved by the hundreds of ships which make this port the focus of their European trade. We welcome them all, the tri-colors of France and Germany, of Hamburg and Bremen, and Havre; and the cross of St. George from London, Liverpool, and Glasgow ; but we would now and then, if for nothing but the novelty of the thing, be glad to see built on our waters by our own skilful mechanics, and with our own capital, ships equal to those launched on the Clyde. We wish you and yours, sir, no less prosper- ity; while we would be glad to share with you some of the common honors and benefits which belong to the whole commercial world. Once our ships circumnavigated the globe, and there was no land ac- cessible by water where they were not found. It was long ago the boast of the land whose thrift and success we celebrate to-day, that " the sun never sets upon the British dominions." While this is true, we claim our share in the discoveries of modern times. In Franklin-, who, "like Prometheus brought the fire from heaven;" in Morse, who gave thoughts and words to electrical fire and motion ; in Fulton, who led the way in practical stteam navigation ; and in a multitude of useful in- ventions in metals and woods, machines, and other discoveries, which have revolutionized the world; but it is yours both to invent for the land and encourage the freest trade and use of the seas. All honor, then, to your splendid ships and all her consorts! All honor to those who build, those who command, and those whose genius inspires the mastery of the ocean ; the world is all before them, "where to choose their place of orb," and may Providence be thus kind. The Chairman proposed as the next toast : "The Press." The High-Priest of those ministers of the service of Mankind, the Steamship, the Railroad, and the Telegraph. And which was eloquently responded to by John L. Wilson, Esq., of the New York Herald — Who said he was proud to represent the Press of New York on such an occasion as the present. After making some allusion to the enormous power of The Press in these latter days, its power for good, and its power for evil, its power to aid and its power to injure, Mr. Wilson made graceful reference to the growth and prosperity of The Anchor Line, a line which had become in every respect worthy of the Clyde, the great ship-building centre of the world. The steam- ship "California" is in itself a proof that the proprietors of The Anchor Line were determined not to rest satisfied with the past. That TnE Anchor Line might continue to prosper, and that it might more and more become an honor to Glasgow and the Clyde, was his earnest wish. (Cheers.) The applause having subsided, the Chairman then gave : "Orra Gallant Sailors." Whose devotion to duty demands our highest praise — To their skill and courage we confidently intrust Life and Treasure, and we commend them to Him who alone can keep them " Secure amid Perils." And which was responded to by Captain Osbon, editor of the Nautical Gazette. On rising to his feet, considerable applause took place, and, when it had subsided, Captain Osbon spoke in the following terms : Mr. Chairman, Ladies, and Gentlemen : I thank you for the honor you have conferred in allotting to me the pleasurable task of responding to the toast of "Our gallant sailors." A sailor from my boyhood, and as one who knows the history of Jack's innermost life, and of the perils he has to undergo, I speak on the subject willingly, and yet with a feeling of sorrow, for I regret to say that my friend Jack is not sufficiently appreciated. I began life as it were upon the sea, and, for over a quarter of a century, the sea has been my home. Naturally enough I began at the bottom rung of the ladder, for in those days, when I commenced navigating, it was considered that, to learn one's trade, it was right to begin low down, and to go through a thorough apprenticeship of all pertaining to ship-life. I feel thankful that I went through the ordeal, and did not commence as a full-blown officer, which custom, I regret to say, has prevailed greatly of late years. I will not weary you with telling you of my hardships as I then considered them — while on my first voyage, for instance, sand- papering the anchor when w T ork was slack, or going aloft in a hur- ricane; but I will simply say that I have been through the grades of cabin-boy, cook with its disagreeable reminiscences of greasy Dishes, steward, ordinary seaman, and through the various grades until I at- tained the rank of master, and found myself at the top of the sailor's social ladder. (Cheers.) So you see, ladies and gentlemen, that sailors are my friends, and, while engaged in quill-driving nowadays, I often lay my pen aside, and falling back in my chair, let memory run rife, while reminiscences flit before me of pleasant hours passed on the fore- castle-deck, on some fine moonlight night, while we were gliding past with a zephyr-breeze, some beautiful island, while a tropical sunset would lend an air of enchantment to the gorgeous scene. Meanwhile, pipes would be lighted, and our champion yarner Would tell us the history of his life. One choice and particular spirit of this type, named "Historical Joe," I remember well; 20 years in this navy, 30 years a prisoner of war, 22 years in charge of a light-house, 15 years a sail- 1G THE ANCHOR LINE OF STEAMERS. maker in tho Brooklyn Navy Yard, etc.; tlie aggregate of the years mentioned being over 212 I Peace to his ashes, for his bones now are bleaching at the bottom of the Atlantic, his ship having boen burnt off the Azores on the next voyage he went! llowevcr, to return to poor Jack again, as tho friend of common humanity, who brings those iri- descent silks, those fine broadcloths, you aro wearing, ladies and gentle- men, your tea from tho Orient, and countless other luxuries and neces- saries which you aro in the habit of daily enjoying? Why, nobody but my good friend Jack. Our President, Mr. MacDonald, who is our genial Commander to- day, can tell you what he owes to poor Jack collectively. He can speak of Jack's perils in mid-winter in the coarse Atlantic, when ice- bergs, that would break the stanchest ship like an egg-shell, are con- stantly met with, and how Jack peers the gloom and mist off the storm- ridden coast of Newfoundland, and who, when alarm is sounded, is always ready to come forward and do his duty manfully, and while life remains in his body. But let me ask you what reception does Jack get when he is ashore. The first thing done is to thrust a tract into his horny fist. I say this in no feeling of disrespect to the Christian religion, but I plead that my friend Jack, who is, physically speaking, a giant, but when ashore acts like a child, shall be kindly treated, not treated like a Cherry Street dog; that sailors' homes shall greet him, and that his brethren of the shore shall act a brotherly part to him, and not rob him like some benighted traveller ; that a friendly grasp of the hand, not that of a dastardly pirate, as many of our boarding-house runners are, shall meet him on his arrival, and that some good Samaritan shall indicate to him respectable quarters to lodge at. Is this asking too much for the men who carry commerce and good-will to the farthermost part of the earth ? It is not, and you feel I am saying what is right, I hope. There have been too much sentiment and too little real philanthropy exhibited toward our friend Jack, but I hope from the bottom of my heart that a new era is about to dawn in this respect. In conclusion, let me say a few words about the gentlemen who commenced life as sailors, and whose names are now as universally known they are respected; I allude to the Messrs. Henderson, the owners of The Anohoe Line. (Loud cheers.) Their honorable record is patent to you from the time they commenced their sea-life ; their energy, their fidelity step by step, lifted them till they stand in their present proud position, the owners of a fleet of magnificent steamers, which now are to be met constantly, stemming the broad Atlantic. The trade between the Mediterranean and this port direct was opened up to us by these enterprising Scotchmen, and their success in this respect has been simply wondrous. The whole story in a word is, they have built 46 steamers for TnE Anchor Line in 15 years, of which the present craft in which we are now sailing is the latest and most improved type, and one of the noblest craft that ever crossed the At- lantic. I have to apologize for having taken up so much of your time, Mr. President, ladies, and gentlemen, but hope that you will forgive me on the score of being an old Jack, and having a vested interest, in things pertaining to shipping and nautical matters generally. (Cheers.) The Chairman then called on Alfred Roe, Esq., to re- spond to the toast of " The Ladies." The ship on which they are forgotten is unworthy of her sex. After the prolonged applause elicited by this toast had ceased, Mr. Roe, in his more than usually happy manner, said : Ladies and Gentlemen : I do not know why an old married man, such as I am, should be honored by being selected to respond to this toast, and be the spokesman for so much beauty and grace as surround me, when I sec so many gay and gallant bachelors, basking in tho rays of bright eyes, whoso enthusiasm might be considered as much more likely to be excited to eloquence by the theme, and who could certainly do much better justice to the subject. It may be that the instincts of a married man, supremely happy in his own home, like our worthy host, had something to do with it. lie may have thought, judging from his own experience, that none but one who had partaken of tho joys of matrimony and knew all its blessings, could speak with proper appre- ciation of the ladies. Being a married man, you must expect me to speak from a matri- monial point of view. The days of my fervent adoration for bright eyes and smiling lips are gone, although I still can enjoy gazing at the one, and — well — looking at the other. But the days of my appreciation of the joys and comforts of a home arc, I hope, likely some time to con- tinue, and can there be a home without a wife? It has indeed been well said by a poet or author whose name I have forgotten : " She halves our sorrows, She doubles our joys." I have no sympathy with the would-be satirists who are perpetu- ally exhibiting their small wit by harping on and sneering at panniers, Dolly Vardens, chignons, etc., apd trying to frighten young men from matrimony. Such things, let me tell you, my bachelor friends, are but the husk of the kernel, the thorns, it may be, of the rose ; trans- plant the flower, and tend it properly, and the thorns will soon disap- pear, and you can lay the blossom with joy upon your hearts. Rather do I admire the answer of the stout champion of the sex, who, when reminded that Eve had tempted Adam, responded, " God bless her generous heart, she had but one apple and she gave Adam the half of it " (cheers and laughter). But I will detain you but a moment longer (" No, no ; go on !" ). It is too warm for a long speech. I will conclude by a reminiscence of my boyish days. Years ago, almost before the era of ocean-steamers, it was my lot to make a couple of voyages in an old-fashioned sailing ship, and well do I recollect the toast our jolly skipper used to drink on Saturday nights ; and although we are on board of an ocean-steamer, and the queen of ocean-steamers, I know you will all join heartily in drinking it to-day : " Here's to the wind that blows, The ship that goes, And the lass that loves a sailor." (Great cheering.) The toasts all given, the speeches all delivered, the for- mal exercises of the day closed, when the guests in a happy frame of mind adjourned to the main deck, and the rest of the time was given to fun and jollity ; the music from the Seventh Regiment band continually pealing out national and stirring strains into the still, cool, evening air. The pleasures of the day were enhanced by the presence of two young Highland pipers, who discoursed the sharp- toned, soul-inspiring notes of the thrilling music of the glen, the cairn, and the copse, to the interested listeners. The pipers were attired in national costume, and on the return home the playing of old Scottish reels, etc., was not an un- important part of the evening's programme. Those thus inclined whiled away the evening hours by dancing on the upper deck until at eight o'clock the " California " arrived at her dock. Altogether the entire occasion was such a one as to be long remembered by all those whose privilege it was to have accepted the invitation, and the virgin excursion-trip of the "California" to Long Branch and back will not soon be forgotten by its participants. SAID ABOUT THE The interest manifested in this excursion was not at all confined to the city of New York, but extended to almost every State in the Union, and every province in the Dominion of Canada, as will be seen from the following extracts ot notices which have appeared in the press ; and* as this book is intended to be a souvenir of that memorable event, I have considered this a fitting place to commemorate and insert what notices I have found in looking over files of country newspapers, culling out repeated and copied descriptions of the event, the steamer, or the line, as useless repetitions. There are doubtless many other notices which I have been unable to obtain. The omission has not been intentional ; and, should any of The Anchok LrNE agents feel aggrieved because the notice of the excursion that had appeared in *• their paper " is not preserved in a conspicuous niche here, it is because the compiler was not aware of its existence. By sending a copy of the omitted article to The Anchor Line Office, ISTew York, it will appear in the next edition. . „ IS the a yen on line of steamers. Anchor Line. The famous Anchor Line of steamers, that run between New York and Glas- gow, ure about to add an elegant new steamer, the " California," to their already large number of Bte&iners. This boat will make a trial trip from New York to Long Branch before going into regular service. An invitation to said trial trip this piper acknowledges. — St. Louis Journal, August 3, 1872. The Anchor Steamer Line— An Acceptable Invitation. \Vc arc indebted to Henderson Brothers, agents of The Anciiok Line of ocoau-steaiuers, 7 Bowling Green, New York, and 324 Wabash Avenue, Chicago, for an invitation to an excursion, August 14th, from New York to Long Branch, on their superb new steamer, the " California," recently built in Glasgow, which it gives us great pleasure to accept, and a page of the Journal will be devoted to chronicling the event. The " California" is one of a line of twelve steamers cross- ing the ocean twice a week, Wednesdays and Saturdays, between New York and Glasgow, and, for from $28 to $75 passage-money, furnishing unrivalled accom- modations to travellers across the briny deep, who enjoy thereon safety, luxury, elegance, and comfort. When we have seen for ourselves, we shall say more. — Wisconsin State Jjtornal, Auijust 5, 1872. Breakfast and a Ride in New York Harbor. Some forty years ago, four little Scotch boys began their sea-life ; starting out from the Clyde in little smacks, and gradually rising in the gradations of tonnage and rig until they had served schooners, brigs, barks, ships, and steam- ers, and were conversant with every detail in connection with these different types of vessels. Keadily acquiring knowledge, and practising economy and sterling integrity, these boys grow up to manhood imbued with all the intelli- gence necessary with which to build a lasting business structure, which year by year should increase in magnitude and power. They saw several attempts made to establish steam-traffic between the port of Glasgow and the rich and rapidly-developing marts of the New World, and as often saw them fail. In due time they banded together for the purpose of developing a business which has rapidly grown to be of enormous magnitude, and which is yet destined to out- rival their most sanguine expectations. These little Scotch boys rapidly rose to be the world-wide-known firm of Handyside & Henderson, of Glasgow, the own- ers of The Anoiiob Line of steamers, now the favorite passenger-line between New York and Glasgow. We have just received from the enterprising managers an invitation to breakfast on the 14th inst., on board their new steamer, the " California," and take a pleasure-excursion to Long Branch same day. This new steamer is said to be one of the finest in the world, and will sail on the 17th inst. as the regular weekly packet for Glasgow, connecting with every part of Europe. — Springfield (0.) Journal, August 8, 1872. Excursion on the " California." Messrs. Henderson, of The Anchor Line, have just issued invitations to their agents, and others, to go on an excursion to Long Branch on board their new steamer " California." The trip is to be made on the 14th iust. — Scottish-Ameri- can Journal, August 8, 1872. Off for Long Branch. Henderson Brothers, of the celebrated New York, Glasgow, and Londonderry Anchor Line rf steamers, are going to" wet" their new steamship " California" on the 14th of this month. The steamer will leave Pier 20 North Biver, New York, at 11 o'clock on that day, on an excursion to Long Branch, and, from what we know of The Anchor Line, we are sure the anchor will be weighed and not found wanting on the occasion. Invitations have been sent to all The Anchor Line agents throughout the country to take part in the excursion. 1). A. Brosnan, Esq., the Washington agent, will be of the company. We wish the " California" and her company on that day the fairest wind and the smoothest sea. For the rest we rely on Henderson Brothers. — Washington Irish Republican, August 10, 1872. A Pleasure Trip. Messrs. Henderson Brothers, of New York, have arranged for the agents of The Anchor Line of Steamships and invited friends a breakfast-excursion on the steam- ship " Trinaeria," in North Kiver, Wednesday, and a private excursion to Long Branch the same day, on the new steamer " California." Mr. J. M. Hanson and wife, and doubtless other St. Louisans, will join the party. — St. Louis Globe, August 12, 1872. A. Stewart Potter and Mrs. G. II. Walter leave to-day to join a large parly of excursionists to Long Branch, by the splendid new steamer " California," of The Anchor Line. — Seranton Republican, August 13, 1872. The Anchor Line. Wo are the honored recipient of a handsomely-printed descriptive circular and broad ticket, enclosed in a neat little uoto which thus explains itself: 824 Wabash Avenue, Chicago, July 29, 1872. Editor Gold Hill News: We request the pleasure of your company and ludies' to breakfast on board our steamship " Trinaearia," at pier No. 20 North Kiver, New York, on Wednes- day, August 14, at It A. m., and to a private excursion to .Long Brunei^ at 11 A. M., on our steamship " California " — the latest addition to our Atlantic fleet. Present enclosed card at our dock entrance, foot of JJey Street, New York. Respectfully yours, Henderson Brothers. We regret exceedingly that prcssuro of editorial duties will not allow of our company and ladies' being enjoyed on this occasion, yet hope the excursion will proceed all the same, with many thanks for the courtesy. Gold Hill {JYev.) Daily News, August 14, 1872. The "Jolly Anchorites." New York, August 14, 1S72. To the Editor of the Standard: The Messrs. Henderson Brothers, proprietors and managers of the popular Anchor Line of Steamships, gave a grand excursion yesterday in their new Clyde-built iron steamer " California," to their numerous agents, with their fam- ilies, and other invited guests. The company, which was composed largely of ladies, numbered some six hundred, and a jollier crowd never met on the deck of an ocean-steamer. The "California" is a new steamer, this being her sec- ond trip — and she is the finest vessel thus far put upon this famous line — is thor- oughly appointed with all the modern improvements, elegantly-fitted cabins and state-rooms, and every thing of the most fine and substantial character. Sho has accommodations for 180 cabin and 700 steerage passengers, and is commanded by Captain Craig, commodore of The Anchor Line, a gentleman and a sailor every inch of him. Captain Craig has been with this line from its inception, and by his professional ability and gentlemanly bearing has won the esteem and confidence of all. He is seconded by a very efficient corps of officers. The " California" runs between this port and Glasgow, and with her mate, the "Victoria," now receiving her machinery in Scotland, she will render this line even more popular and successful, if possible, than heretofore. By the kindness of Messrs. Hatch & Watson, of your city, agents of this line, your cor- respondent received an invitation to accompany the excursion, and presented himself duly on board at the appointed hour. At eleven o'clock the lines were cast off, and the big steamer, under the guidance of a tug, swung out into tho harbor, from pier No. 20, amid the booming of cannon and the cheers of the assembled crowd. She was gayly decorated with flags and streamers, and must have presented a fine appearance as she steamed down the bay. The day was beautiful, the fine breeze tempering the air, which on shore was sweltering, and the smooth waters giving no motion to the huge hull of the steamer calculated to produce unpleasant feelings. We passed several large steamers which dipped their colors respectfully in reply to the salute of the " California," and at Quarantine we saw the tremendous size of the Spanish rani " Nuinancia," with "Yellow Jack" aboard. Sho is a very powerful-looking craft, and is said to draw more water than any vessel, saving possibly tho " Great Eastern," that has ever been in the harbor. During the trip down, the time was occupied in inspecting the fine appointments of tho steamer, dancing to the music of Grafulla's band, social intercourse, and merry pleasant chat, till the "California" had passed the Narrows, rounded Sandy Hook, and reached a point nearly opposite Long Branch. Then the guests were summoned below to inspect and discuss a feast prepared by that excellent caterer, Mr. N. Stoekdale, the Commodore Steward of the line, and well was his enviable reputation sustained. In the steerage the berths had been removed, and five long tables, seating ninety each, were stretched the whole length of that compartment. The bill of fare was like that of a first-class hotel, only more so, and the tables were decorated with flowers and fruit in elegant profusion. There was little that could delight the eye or please the palate, that was wanting. Tho guests sat down as the guns on deck were thundering a salute to President Grant, and of the crowds which relieved each other at the tabic in the next two hours, if any went away dissatisfied it was his own fault. The viands were abundant and choice, and the waiters attentive and obliging, the liquid refreshments of tho best brands, and the supply inexhaustible. The entire management of this part of the affair added new lustie to the reputation of Mr. Stoekdale, the steward. From the table the guests adjourned to the grand saloon, where the toasts wcro read and responded to. Wo regret that wc have not time to report some of theso at length, but must content ourselves with a simple mention. The first two — the President and the Queen — were drunk standing, with appropriate music by the band. The very efficient master of ceremonies, Mr. Francis MacDonald, then announced "Tho Army and Navy," responded to in a very spirited speech by General Lew Wallace. " Our Guests," to which James Warrack, Esq., responded with an excellent speech. Then " The Port of New York," answered by T)r. Vandcrpoel, health-officer of tho port, in an excellently-worded speech. Next tho steamship "California," response by the lion. Henry Nicol. Then tho " Railroad Interest," responded to by Hiram Dixon, Esq., of the Pennsylvania Central Railroad. Then the " Atlantic Cable," to which, in the absence of Cyrus W. Field, Esq., Hon. Erastus Brooks eloquently replied. "The Press" was next toasted, and John L. Wilson, Esq., responded felicitously. Then " Our Gallant Sailors," to which Captain B. S. Osborn mado a most effective rcsponso, THE ANCHOR LINE OF STEAM EL'S. 19 pleading the cause of poor Jack with much eloquence and common-sense. Last but not least came " The Ladies," to which Alfred Koe, Esq., responded happily, after which the company repaired to the deck again, just as the steamer was passing up the bay on her return. At half-past seven the huge steamer was laid alongside her pier, and .the excursionists disembarked, with many thanks to the liberality and thoughtfulness of Messrs. Henderson Brothers and their represent- atives, as well as Captain Craig aud his gentlemanly officers, with the most pleasant memories of the elegant steamer, and best wishes for the continued suc- cess of The Ancuor Line. — Bridgeport Republican Standard, August 15, 1872. Excursion by the Anchor Steamship Company. An excursion was given yesterday on board the "California" by Messrs. Henderson, proprietors of Tue Anchor Line of steamships, to the American agents of the Company. The steamer left her dock, Pier No. 20 North Eiver, at 11 o'clock a. M., having on board about 500 persons. On leaving the dock, Gra- fulla's Seventh Eegimeut Band, which was on board, played the " Star-spangled Banner" and "God save the Queen," and when in the Bay several vessels dipped their flags in reply to the salute of the " California." Luring the trip Grafulla's Band performed several pieces, and Messrs. Clelland and Eankin, who were in Highland costume, favored the guests with music by the bagpipes. The " California " steamed down the Bay, and went as far as Long Branch, and, after firing several guns, returned to New York. On the return voyage, the guests were invited to partake of an excellent dinner, which the Company had provided. In consequence of the large number present, the second deck, amid- ships, was turned into a large dining-saloon, and here the guests did ample jus- tice to the bountiful supply of viands which loaded the tables. After dinner, the popping of champagne-corks announced that the festivities had not con- cluded. Mr. MacDonald the agent of Messrs. Henderson Brothers, then took the chair, and a number of toasts were drank amid great enthusiasm. By 7£ p. M., the steamer was safely docked, and the guests departed for their homes, well pleased with the excursion and the creditable manner in which the programme was carried out. Among the gentlemen present, who devoted their time to making the guests comfortable, were Mr. MacDonald, Mr. Lamont, Cap- tain Craig, and the officers of the ship. Not a single instance of any unpleasant- ness occurred during the day to mar the pleasure of the excursion. On leaving the steamship, the guests gave three ringing cheers for The Anchor Line and for the good steamship " California." — New York Times, August 15, 1872. The Jolly Anchorites. The agents of The Anchor Line of steamers, running between this port and Glasgow, had an excursion yesterday on the new steamer " California," which was tendered them by the Henderson Brothers, of this city. The invited guests were numerous, numbering in all about 3G5 persons, and as the vessel steamed away from her pier at the foot of Dey Street, with her decks crowded with people, her rigging gayly adorned with a multitude of flags and the band playing a lively air, she presented an animated and exhilarating scene. The start was made a few minutes after 11 o'clock, and at 7s p. m. the excursionists were again in the city. . The course sailed was through the Bay, outside of Sandy Hook, and as far as Long Branch. There was a delightful breeze all day, and this, together with the excellent music furnished by Mr. Grafulla, and the abundance of eat- ables and drinkables, kept everybody in the best of spirits. About 3 o'clock an elegant cold collation was served, which was attacked with ardor by the impatient crowd, and quickly disposed of, and then the company, or as many of them as could get in the place, were called to order in the main saloon, where, amid the continuous popping of champagne-corks, a number of toasts were drunk with much enthusiasm. The " California," is a remarkably fine vessel, and was built in Glasgow by Alexander Stephens & Sons. She is an iron screw-steamer of 3,287.08 gross tons, is 361.5 feet in length, 40.5 feet in beam, and 24.5 feet.frora tonnage deck to ceiling, and 31.5 feet from upper deck to ceiling. Her beam being so great, makes her a very safe and easy vessel at sea. She has two compound vertical direct-acting engines, with one cylinder 103 inches in diameter, with four feet stroke of piston, working up to 1,047 H. P., and built at the Finnieston Steam- ship Works, ner steam-power is generated in six boilers, tested to a pressure of 70 pounds, and a donkey-boiler for supplying steam to the windlass, winch, aud other labor-saving engines. The following is a list of the officers : Captain, James Craig ; Chief Officer, John Craig ; Second Officer, John C. Groat ; Third Officer, Hugh E. Brown ; Fourth Officer, George Cairney ; Chief Engineer, Parian McFarlane ; Second Engineer, Ebenezer Lowther ; Third Engineer, Joseph Gale; Fourth Engineer, Thomas Taylor; Fifth Engineer, Archibald Cranston; Sixth Engineer, James dimming ; Chief Steward, Nathaniel Stoekdale ; Doctor, Robert Murdoch ; Purser, William Bryce. The second of the new fleet, the " Victoria," a sister to the " California," has just been launched, and the "Bolivia" and " Ethiopia," of 4,500 tons each, are well forward. Three other steamers are in frames— viz., the "Ethiopia," " Castalia," and " Italia," making in all seven steamers, of over 23,000 tons in the aggregate, and valued at $500,000 each, which will be built for this firm with- in one year. — New Fori Mail, August 15, 1872. Another Palace afloat. The magnificent new steamer " California," recently added to The Anchor Line, between New York, Glasgow, Queenstown, and other European ports, and of which Henderson Brothers are proprietors, made a pleasure-trip to Long Branch and return on Wednesday, carrying about 700 passengers, who were de- lighted with the trip. Mr. MacDonald, the general agent, was on board, and per- sonally looked after the comfort and enjoyment of the gue>ts and passengers. The " California" was built in Glasgow during the present year .... The grand saloon is finished on a scale of magnificence which is carried out in every part of the floating palace, making a voyage on her safe, comfortable, and enjoy- able alike. The " California " will take rank among the cosiest and safest steam- ers in the trade. — New York Sun, August 15, 1S72. The Excursion of The Anchor Line Steamer "California." This was one of the events of the week, and was prepared on the grandest scalo of any thing of the kind for a long time. The " California " is the avant courrier of seven other Ancror Line steamers just like this one, of which the "Victoria" is launched, and the others all christened, as the " Bolivia" and " Utopia," of 4,500 tons each, and the "Castalia" and "Italia." The "California" has all the modern improvements, the grand saloon, the best ventilation, boudoirs for ladies, grand state-rooms, and every thing which is desirable, beautiful, and ef- fective. It is really a sight to behold one of these steamers, and to contrast them with those which started in the work of carrying passengers between Europe and America. Since 1S5G The Anchor Line have built seventeen steamers, of from 1,500 to 3,500 tons, and now another thousand tons are added to each vessel, and with all the strength and luxuries combined that human ingenuity could devise, or a cultivated taste desire ; aud all this the work of four bold-sailor-boys, who, forty years ago, started with literally nothing but good-will and indomitable pluck. Beginning with a little sailing-craft, engaged in the fruit-trade on the Mediter- ranean, they have now become the owners of $10,000,000 worth of some of the best property in port or on the ocean. The seven steamers now in hand are worth $3,500,000, and of 23,000 tons in all, and yet but a small part of the ton- nage of the forty-six steamers built for this line in fifteen years. The company on the " California" numbered some 400, and were entertained in a most mag- nificent manner by the company and their principal agent, Mr. MacDonald. The speaking in the afternoon was of the highest order, and the company delighted. At 7 the party were landed, after an absence from the city of eight hours. — New York Express, August 15, 1872. | The Anchor Line Excursion. Messrs. Henderson Brothers, the proprietors of The Anchor Line of steamers, devoted their elegant steamship " California" to the use of their agents and friends yesterday. At 11.15 the steamer sailed from Pier No. 20 North Eiver, having on board about 400 of the friends of the agents and the patrons of the line. The affair w r as a deserved testimonial to the employes, and, as an evi- dence of taste on the part of the proprietors, was one of liberal magnificence. The vessel steamed down the bay, and off Long Branch took a turn to sea- ward, accompanied by the steamer " Seth Low," and returned to her dock about 8 o'clock last evening. The excursion was, throughout, a complete success. The best of music was given by a full band, the entire ship was thrown open to the guests, and not the least pleasing feature of the day was the attendance of two bag-pipers, in full Highland costume, who gave the old Scotch airs at inter- vals, with great skill. The entertainment provided was superb — such as is sel- dom given upon any vessel — every delicacy that the market could afford, all prepared upon the ship, by the ship's cook and steward, was placed upon the board, and the whole number of guests were seated at one time at tables spread between-decks. The toasts were responded to by General Lew Wallace, James Warrack, Esq., Hon. Henry Nicol, Alfred Eoe, Esq., aud others. The ship steamed beautifully, working only with one engine, and the rate of speed was alternately increased or decreased as the guests desired — the entire vessel being at the service of those invited. The " California" is a new ship — her sailing on Saturday next being on her second voyage — and is completely and elegantly fitted in every respect, with all modern conveniences, and an attention to detail in the furnishing which is seldom found in the sea-going steamers. Her sister vessel, the " Victoria," one of a fleet of six new steamers now nearly completed, will be here in a few weeks, as the patronage extended to The Anchor Like is rapidly increasing, and the suc- cess of Mr. MacDonald's management here is one which he not only deserves, but which the Messrs. Henderson Brothers appreciate. — New York Commercial Ad- vertiser, August 15, 1872. The Jolly Anchorites— Excursion on board the New Steamer " California." Henderson Brothers, the agents of the popular Anchor Line of steamships plying between this port and the Old World, yesterday gave an excursion to their agents throughout the United States and Canadas. After a breakfast on board the new steamer " California," the line was cast oft' and the band on board struck up " God save the Queen." Accompanied by the tug " Seth Low," the excursionists took their way seaward. Every thing conspired to make the day one of unalloyed pleasure. Awnings and a cool breeze from the ocean kept the 20 THE ANCHOR LINE OF STEAMERS. dauccrs from Peeling the heat of the sun, and the agents and officers in every way contributed to their guests' enjoyment. At Long Branch dinner was served. The "California" is one of the finest passenger vessels sailing out of this port, and the object of the excursion was to show the guests of the Company what class of vessels the Company intends to place upon the line. — Ntw York World, August 15, 1872. The steamship " California" of The ANonoit Line took tho local agents and n few of their friends about thirty miles to sea yesterday, and returned about 7 p. M. — New York Tribune, August 15, 1872. Excursion of the Steamship "California." On Wednesday morning last the Messrs. Henderson Brothers, of The Anchor Line of steamers, gave an excursion to their agents on their new steamship " California." We availed ourselves of the opportunity to go, having received an invitation through Mr. B. W. Reiuson, who is agent of that line for this place. We left here on the early train on that morning for New York, where we met Mr. Rcmson, who had gone the evening before. The " California " lay at Pier 20 North River, splendidly decorated with the flags of the nations, and long before the time for starting the guests began to ar- rive, and at fifteen minutes after eleven the huge steamer left the pier, with the band playing, and a salute was fired from the bow of the boat. We went at the rate of nine miles an hour, one engine only being in operation, and proceeded down the bay as far as Long Branch ; she ran within a mile of the shore, an- other salute was then fired. We reached this point a little before 3 o'clock, and passed over the bar at Sandy Hook at 1.20 p. M., which is the mouth of the channel, and 14 miles from the Branch, and is six and a half miles from the lightship. At 3 o'clock the word for dinner was given, and a general'rush was made for the tables, which were set in the steerage-cabin, loaded with good things for the inner man. After dinner several toasts were drank and responded to in happy style, and a general good time was had by all on board. There were about 400 persons on the excursion, many of whom were ladies. Grafulla's band was on board, and discoursed excellent music during the day. On our return we arrived in New York at 7i p. m. A pilot-boat accompanied the ship on the entire occasion ; this was done in case of accident. Among the notabilities on board, we noticed Gen- eral Lew Wallace, Hon. Erastus Brooks, Dr. Vanderpoel, of the Quarantine, Edward Martin and lady, and others. The " California " is a splendid specimen of naval architecture, being strong, stanch, and Well adapted to the Transatlantic trade. She has accommodations for 150 first-class, and 900 steerage passengers. The Anchor Line possesses one of the finest fleets of steamers in the world ; is one of the most important of the steamship lines, in point of numbers of vessels, and ports sailed from, and has, by its energy and enterprise, merited the confidence of the public, until the line has grown from three steamers to thirty-six magnificent vessels. — Fish- kill Daily Gazette, August 15, 1872. Sampling a Sea-Voyage. " Build me swift, O worthy master, Stanch and strong, a goodly vessel, That shall laugh at all disaster. And with wave and whirlwind wrestle." I had the good fortune yesterday to make one of a party who sampled a sea- voyage. As a general thing, you know, such an experience is not among the privileges vouchsafed to mortals. I believe no one of the great steamship lines which so closely connect the Old with the New World indulge in the practice of allowing the public to go sailing in their vessels " for one day only" — returning them at the end of that time to the port from which they passed from gang-plank to deck. As a rule, if you are desirous of finding out, by way of ocean-steamer, whether or not the ever-rolling, dark and deep-blue Atlantic is to your taste, you will have to experiment upon no loss than three thousand miles of salt salubrious sea. " Wholesale only," so to speak. Hence, those who yesterday were made the shining exceptions to the general rule, who wore allowed to sample a sea voyage under the most charming circum- stances, were quite right in felicitating themselves and one another on the ex- ceptional luck which was their portion at that time. The luek in question crowned some six hundred ladies and gentlemen, and was brought about by the larged-heartedness and liberality of the proprietors and managers of The Anchor Line of steamers. By way of celebrating the dibut of a new and magnificent steamer just added to their fleot, the jolly Anchorites gave an excursion-party, at which the new candidate for favor, the " California," came out and exhibited her many charms. The party was made up of tho agents of the line from all parts of the country, many prominent New-Yorkers, and a number of representatives of the press. By eleven o'clock A. M. the entire six hundred were on board, whereupon the magnificent steamer glided from its dock and took its way down the beautiful bay, to the sound of spirited music from Grafulla's famous band. A more perfect day for holding high holiday could scarcely havp been secured, had " Old Probabilities" been the obedient sluve of The Anchor Line people. The sky was ono stretch of unclouded blue, while the fervor of tho genial sun was delightfully set off by an ever-playing sea-breeze. The " situation," of course, compelled the presence of gayety, and that intoxicating atmosphere gen- crated by what is known as " the best of good feeling." There were joking and laughing, and singing and dancing, and all went merry as eight bells— eight mar- riage ones. Francis MacDonald, Esq., of New York, manager of The Anchor Line for the United States, a gentlemen as rich in social ■gifts as he is in business tact and ability, had the general supervision of the excursion, and I am sure he must have been entirely satisfied with the perfect obedience which all his guests rendered to his oft-repeated injunction — " Ladies and gentlemen, make your- selves perfectly at home, and endeavor to enjoy the occasion to the utmost." Accompanying the great steamer — much as a mosquito might follow in the steps of an ox — an energetic little tug puffed its way along. As part of the pro- gramme of the day, this tug was to have run in at Long Branch and brought to the deck of the " California " no less distinguished a guest than President Grant. But, unfortunately, official business summoned the President to Washington, so his presence could not be secured as the feature of the occasion. As it was, the steamer fired a salute on passing Long Branch, to which General POrler re- sponded with cannonading, on behalf of the Chief Magistrate of the Republic. At four o'clock dinner was served — a dinner so superb that, had the tables which held the great weight of good cheer taken to " groaning " to express their feelings, the sound must certainly have reached Liverpool, if at all adequate to the requirements of the occasion. Every delicacy that the market affords, prepared by the ship's cook and steward, was placed upon the board, and the whole num- ber of guests were seated and served at one time, at tables spread betwecn-decks. The eating and drinking being conscientiously attended to, a feast of reason and flow of soul followed. The regular toasts proposed by Mr. MacDonald were eloquently responded to. General Lew Wallace spoke for " The Army and Navy ; " Dr. S. Oakley Vanderpoel for " The Port of New York ; " and Hon. Erastus Brooks for " The Atlantic Cable." I believe that Dr. Vanderpoel still regards himself as an Albanian, and I am sure that Albanians w ill be glad to read what he had to say for " The Port of New York." He appears to have al- ready sucoeeded in winning the confidence and regard of all those with whom he is brought in official contact, and to have redeemed the fame of the health-office. On rising to speak, he was greeted with hearty applause. In conclusion, let me give you some facts and figures about the " California." She was built and finished at Glasgow, Scotland, during the present year, by Alexander Stephens & Sons, and is an iron screw-steamer. She is strong and solid, as well as beautiful and symmetrical. The grand saloon extends across the vessel from side to side, is 40 feet in width and 45 feet long, and is an imposing apartment, not equalled by the saloon of any foreign steamer coming to the port of New York. The main dome of tho saloon is entirely novel in design, beautifully colored and tinted, and the tie-beams are boxed, and filled with choice exotic plants, giv- ing it the appearance of an Oriental court. A fine piano and well-filled library add to the attractions of this charming place, which is well lighted, and exceed- ingly well ventilated. Heavy mirrors on all sides reflect and re-reflect the beau- ties and adornments of this palace of saloons. There are eight large tables in the saloon, which, when not filled with the 150 passengers, are so closed as to give plenty of room. The table-service is chaste and massive, and even in the ordi- nary table-ware the owners have shown excellent taste. Electric bell-knobs jut out at every convenient place, and will be appreciated by both passengers and servants. Each state-room contains two berths, the lower one being transformed into a double one at the will of the occupant of the room. The doors are sliding, and move as easily as can bo imagined, and, by this plan, passengers will not be annoyed by slamming doors. The finish of the state-rooms is equally as rich as that of the grand saloon, being fitted out with every comfort and luxury. Porce- lain wash-stand tops and bowls, swinging mirrors, highly-polished brush and tumbler racks, and chaste and heavy upholstery on every hand. We have not space to describe every part of the " California" as it deserves; let it suffice to add that the good ship is good, and true, and handsome, from stem to stern. She has accommodations for 150 first-class and 9C0 steerage passengers. As a last word, I cannot do better than to echo the sentiment proposed by the after-dinner speakers : " Here's to the ' California' on the Atlantic ; may her ca- reer be as glorious as the State on the Pacific whose name she bears; and The Anchor Line, long may it wave and continue to make the path across the ocean a way of roses ! " — Albany Evening Journal, August 16, 1872. Anchor Line Excursion. The agents of TnE Anchor Line of Ocean steamers were invited by the New York agents, Messrs. Henderson Brothers, to participate in an excursion on the steamship " California" to Long Branch, and accordingly last week they gath- ered from all quarters of the United States, with other invited guests, and took passage on the new steamer for the blue waters of the Atlantic. A dinner, for which ocean-steamers are famous, was served, after which the cloth was removed and champagne and toasts flowed as free as water. Oswego was represented by Mr. J. D. Hammond, the popular agent of the line in this city. — Oswego IWla- dium, August 10, 1872. Our Trip to Long Branch. By a special iuvitation from Messrs. Henderson Brothers, General Managers in the United States for The Anchor Line of Steamers, we, in company with a THE ANCHOR LIXE OF STEAMERS. 21 large number of the other local agents in the United States had the pleasure to take a trip from New York City to Long Branch and back on Wednesday of this week iu the magnificent new steamer " California." The trip was a delightful one, and highly appreciated by the large number of ladies and gentlemen on board. It is not our purpose to speak so much of our pleasant " trip " as it is to de- scribe this magnificent steamship, the " California." . . . — Ashland Record, August 7, 1872. The new ocean-steamer "California" passed along the Branch yesterday afternoon and fired seventeen salutes on her way. Arriving in front of the President's cottage, she fired three more salutes, dipped her colors and turned round, taking her course toward New York. — Sew York Herald, August 1G, 1872. There were a series of Anchor-Line excursions throughout the United States and Canada, Wednesday. — St. John Telegraph, August 17, 1872. Excursion of the New Steamer " California." On Wednesday morning one of the largest and most novel excursions we have ever participated in left Pier 20 N. R., New York. By invitation of Messrs. Henderson Brothers, we went on board the new and magnificent Clyde-built steamer of Tue AxcnoR Like, the " California," one of the largest passenger steamers sailing between New York and Europe. Every spare rope was gayly clothed with flags and streamers; the 7th Eegiment band discoursed sweet music ; two pipers dressed in Highland costume sounded their pibrochs to tunes associated with the u Land of brown heath and shaggy wood, Land of the mountain and the flood ; " and, apparently responsive to these native airs, the clans bad gathered from all parts of the United States, and we found ourselves presently amid a company of 750 Scotchmen, representing every clan and shire in the "land o' cakes." At eleven o'clock the noble vessel swung out into the stream, and headed down the bay, amid the congratulations of the numerous shipping in port. Passing Sandy Hook, we became aware of the presence of representatives of ou»noble village, and heard our friend E. B S shouting lustily for lccog- nition. We recognized, and permit us to say, when the " California " saluted the "Com. Duryea " and her party of piscatorial Passaicites, we felt proud of Pas- saic thus represented on the briny deep, and sainted by one of the largest steam- ers afloat, and had high imaginings of her future destiny. The fleeting hours floated away on angels' wings, and between inspection and commodious arrange- ments for passengers' comfort on board the vessel, listening to the merry music, viewing the lively dance, or hearing the pawky joke, Long Branch was reached ere we knew it. The dinner-bell now rang, and the gay party repaired 'tween-decks, where about 500 guests sat down to a repast of regal magnificence. This was a sight seldom or never seen on shipboard, and many were the jokes " cracked " about the remaining 250 waiting their turn. The 250 came and fared like their prede- cessors, and there was yet enough left for 250 more. While all this feasting was going on, the vessel was quietly on its way to New York, which was reached shortly after seven o'clock, and we arrived at Passaic shortly after 9 p. m., pleased with a day well spent, and impressed with the enterprise of The Anchor Line in thus providing for the convenience and luxury of the thousands of immi- grants they bring to our shores, furnishing bone, sinew, muscle, and capital, to help our free and independent Eepublic along in her glorious career of universal liberty, blessing, and benevolence. Fatigued with the unusual pleasures of the day, we were soon wrapped in the soothing arms of " tired Nature's sweet re- storer," and dreamed of blue rolling billows, ocean-breezes, and sunny skies through which wheeled in airy flight the sea-gull and the stormy petrel, till ex- hausted fancy waned to deep oblivion.— -Suffcd. — Passaic Item, August 17, 1872. Excursion. An excursion was given on board the " California," by Messrs. Henderson, proprietors of The Anchor Line of steamships, to the American agents of the company. The steamer left her dock, Pier No. 20 N. E., New York, at eleven o'clock a. M., having on board about 500 persons. On leaving the dock, Grafulla's Seventh Eegiment Band, which was on board, played the " Star- spangled Banner" and "God save the Queen," and when in the bay several vessels dipped their flags in reply to the salute of the " California.*' During the trip Grafulla's Band performed several pieces, and Messrs. Clelland and Ban- kin, who were in Highland costume, favored the guests with music by the bag- pipes. The "California" steamed down the bay and went as far as Long Branch, and, after firing several guns, returned to New York. On the return voyage the guests were invited to partake of an excellent dinner which the company had provided. In consequence of the large number present, the second deck amid- ship was turned into a large dining-saloon, and here the guests did ample jus- tice to the bountiful supply of viands which loaded the tables. By 7.30 p. h., the steamer was safely docked, and the guests departed for their homes, well pleased with the excursion and the creditable manner in which the programme was carried out. Mr. John Williams was among the number of invited guests, he being the agent of the company iu this place. — Catasauqua Dispatch, August 17, 1872. Excursion of the Anchorites. Having received, through the kindness of George Biehards & Co., an invita- tion to participate in an excursion given by The Anchor Line of steamers to their agents, we, duly armed and equipped as the law directs and without the fear oi sea-sickness before our eyes, took the first train on Wednesday morning for New York City, and after a pleasant and quick trip landed at Pier No. 20 at 9 o'clock, promptly. Here the party was increased by the addition of Dr. J. F. Tuttlc and Hon. Columbus Beach. At 11 o'clock the ropes were east off and in a short space of time We were smoothly gliding out of the harbor. The magnificent steamer " California," which carried as upon this pleasant excursion, has but recently been added to The Anchor Line, and is one of the 40 well-officered, stoutly-built, and commodious floating palaces which ply between the port ot New York and Glasgow, Queenstown, and other European ports. On this pleas- ure-trip nearly 700 people were amply provided for and hospitably received. The whole vessel was thrown open to our inspection, and every thing that one's appetite could desire was to be had on application. Mr. MaeDonald, the general agent of Henderson Brothers, was on board, and, by his genial manners and pleas- ant ways, contributed greatly to the pleasure of the guests. The trip was down the bay, through the Narrows, past Forts Lafayette and Hamilton, on to Long Branch. Irtimerous pretty villas and sea-side resorts were to be seen on the route, and the gay bunting which decked the spars and masts of the "Cali- fornia " made us the observed of every passing vessel. At last the gong sounded, and all rushed to the place of dining. Here is a sight seldom seen on the ocean, fully 500 people comfortably seated at tables loaded with every thing in the shape of eatables, and prepared in every conceivable shape. A visit to the same spot two hours after fully convinced your correspondent that the eaters had fully appreciated the feast. The dinner disposed of, all retired to the grand saloon, where the toasts were read. General Lew Wallace and others responded to the sentiments proposed. At Long Branch, in full view of the celebrated resort, we turned about with- out the least trouble, and steamed homeward, and landed at the clock at 8 o'clock in the evening, and the cheers that were given upon landing clearly exhibited the feelings of the guests, for this the first excursion of the age. We would like, if time and space would permit, to give a full description of this transatlantic palace, the " California," but a \iew of this splendid specimen of naval architec- ture will be far better, so we can safely say that any one that will go to Pier No. 20 North Eiver, and state his desire to any of the courteous and gentlemanly offi- cers of The Anchor Line, will be amply repaid for his trouble, and any one contemplating a passage across the ocean can be accommodated with home com- forts seldom if ever found upon other lines, and, with the many new conveni- ences and luxuries which the Henderson Brothers are continually adding to their steamers, combined with the cheapness of the passage, the time cannot be far distant when The Anchor Line will be the line of ocean passenger- trade. — Duier Iron Era, August 17, 1872. The Jolly Anchorites. THE EXCURSION OF THE AGENTS OF THE ANCOOE LINE. On Board the Anchor Line i Steamer " California," August 14, 1S72. | The lowering clouds and rain of yesterday had passed away, and day dawned bright and clear, but Warm, and the prospect of leaving the city, with its atmos- phere up in the nineties, was one to be envied. At 10.50 we embarked, and found a host of people domiciled under the awnings, awaiting the departure of the vessel. At 11.15, with about 400 guests on board, the lines were cast off, aud, amid gun-salutes from the " Trinacria," to which the " California" replied gun for gun, we shot out into the river, and turned our head down the bay. Salutes by flag-dipping were exchanged with the " Frolic," flag-ship of Vice- Admiral S. C. Eowan, commanding at this station. Two Highland pipers, in kilts, played their pipes, and were succeeded by Grafulla's band, so that we were favored with music all the day long. The trip down the bay was full of interest, and when we passed the Spanish iron-clad ram " Numancia," our guns again belched forth their salute, to be returned by the war monster by a graceful dip- ping of colors. When entering the.Narrows, ginger-ale, lemonade, and " sun- thin' else" were served out, and a general popping of corks in the saloon remind- ed one of a skirmish line of an army cracking away at their foe. Through the lower bay and out to sea, all hands enjoyed themselves in in- specting the vessel and spinning yarns, and straining their eyes to see Long Branch. At a little past 2 o'clock the " California" arrived off the Branch, and saluted the hotels with a broadside of guns and by dipping hercolors, which was responded to generally along the beach. The bell now sounded the dinner- call, and everybody passed to the after main steerage deck, where long rows of tables were spread with every good thing the market afforded and the caterers could think of. The bill of fare was nearly as large as two pages of the jVautical Gazette, printed in gold and green, and embellished with an engraving of the "California." This impromptu dining-saloon was handsomely decorated with bunting, flags of all nations, flowers, and evergreens, and presented a very im- posing appearance. Ample justice was done to the dinner, after which the guests 22 THE ANCHOR LINE OF STEAMERS. adjourned to tho magnificent saloon, where Mr. Francis MacDonald, tho Now York agent of the line, read THE TOASTS, which were appropriately responded to, and, in some instances, with extreme good taste and vigor. After toasting and drinking, all hands adjourned to tho promenade-deck, to enjoy the fleeting moments of a delightfully-spent day. Mr. Henderson, son and nephew of tho Glasgow owners, was also on board, and rendered himself very useful and attentive to the guests, proving himself a worthy scion of a noble house. We have neither time nor space to dwell upon tlie enjoyments of the day, but tho whole affair was a success, and long to be remembered by those who enjoyed the hospitality of The Anchor Line, whose signal bears the emblem of Hope, and whose motto is " Secure amidst Perils." — Tlce Nautical Gazette, August 17, 1872. Excursions. Everybody who can get away goes upon excursions, if only for a single day, and every steamboat which can carry passengers is actively engaged in taking people to places where they can breathe the country air. Railway-trains arc also well filled, and on Saturdays the crush is absolutely inconvenient. A great many persons on boats and cars are unable to obtain seats, and some of the un- fortunate ones reach their destination in an unhappy state of. mind and body. Last Saturday, for example, the boat to Long Branch was so densely filled that not more than half of those on board were able to obtain seats, and the same was the case with a dozen other boats and trains. On Sundays the city is half deserted ; it is estimated that at noon, last Sunday, at least three hundred thou- sand of New York inhabitants were absent. Most of them returned that evening or the following morning, but there were at least fifty thousand away for a week or more. The clubs are vacant, many private residences are closed, and the mer- chants are transacting very little business. Day before yesterday The Anchor Line of steamers sent one of its new ships, the " California," on an excursion twenty miles at sea, and carried half a thousand or so of invited guests. The breath of pure air of the ocean was greatly enjoyed, and the excursionists were loud in their praise of Mr. Francis MacDonald, who managed the affair — gave them plenty to eat, drink, and breathe, and exhibited one of the finest passenger steamships afloat. — Boston Times, August 18, 1872. From New York to Long Branch and Eeturn. Captain C. F. Glover, a day or two since, narrated to us a delightful trip which he had on tho 14th inst., on board the new steamship " California," of The Anchor Line, the occasion being an excursion given by Messrs. Henderson Brothers, of No. 7 Bowling Green, New York, to their agents in the United States and Canada. The captain says that, after breakfasting on board the steamship " Trinacria," the guests, to the number of some eight hundred, ad- journed to the " California," and, at 11 A. M., the gallant ship was unmoored, towed out from the dock, and headed seaward for Long Branch. Grafulla's Seventh Regiment Band was on board for the occasion, and played the " Star- spangled Banner," " God save the Queen," etc. During the day the band played much excellent music, which put life and mettle into the feet of the dancers, who enjoyed themselves under the shade of the awnings, and inhaled the cool sea-breeze. Arriving off Long Branch, a salute was fired and ensign dipped, which was acknowledged on shore by dipping of flags. Dinner was then announced, and, when the guests reached the dining-room, they found the tables arranged with all the taste, and loaded with all tho luxuries, which could be found in a first-class hotel. The dinner closed with wine and wit, toasts and Bpeeches, from some able speakers, who were among the guests. Captain Glover says that the excursion was a great success, and will long bo remembered by tho participants, who feel under obligations to Messrs. Henderson Brothers, Mr. F. MacDonald, their agent, Mr. Lamont, and to Captain Craig, and the officors and crew of tho " California," for their kind treatment on the occasion. At 7.30 p. m., the ship arrived at her dock again, after a pleasant trip up the bay. Before the guests separated, the captain says that the guests gave three hearty cheers for the " California." — The vessel is one of the finest of the noble vessels which arc owned by the popular Anchor Line of Steamers. — Pottsville Miners' Journal, August lfl, 1872. From TJtica to New York— An Ocean-Steamer Excursion. EDITORIAL CORRESPONDENCE OF TUE STATE JOURNAL. New York, August 15, 1872. On Monday, the 12th, we bade good-by to the kind friends at Utica. The cars of the New York Central Railroad bore us swiftly away. The beautiful Mo- hawk and the Erie Canal, with some of its thousands of boats, almost constantly in sight; through well-tilled farms, smiling with plenty; through cities whero great manufacturing establishments showed what was the chief element of their prosperity; through thriving villages, witli charming homes, till we reached Albany. Getting but a poor idea of tho capital of New York from the railroad, wo crossed the river, without change of ears, and were soon rattling along the banks of the Hudson, whoso stream, laden with commerce, in boats of every de- scription ; its banks showing charming natural scenery, rendered still more | beautiful by wealth and work of man, make it the most interesting river in America. Six o'clock found us sweltered and tired, but, owing to recent fra- grant rains, not dusty, at Tivoli. A tortuous ferriage across to Saugerties, and two or three milos riding through streets, for the most part, any thing but delec- table in appearance, brought us to the pleasant farm-house of Mr. Brink, on the brink of tho river, where friends from Chicago and Brooklyn were spending tho summer, with ample opportunities to fish, bathe, row, sail, or otherwise enjoy themselves, having charming prospects of the river and its opposite banks, with the oft-passing trains, and of the Catskill Mountains, a cordial welcome from friends, and the joyous romps of a flock of children made us happy. Morning brought disappointment. Heat and over-exertion had prostrated our better half, so that she was seriously ill, and unablo to travel. Reluctant to lose the ocean-steamer excursion to Long Branch, to which we had been invited, I took a night-boat, the " New Champion," just as a violent storm, with most vivid lightning, was raging below, and, securing comfortable quarters, enjoyed a good night's rest, despite the extreme heat, reaching New York about 6 a. m., landing at Franklin Street. Going down-town, a pleasant chat w as enjoyed with Mr. Melville Eggleston, the bearded young man, greatly changed from the pale- faced lad whom wo used to know in Madison, but cherishing ^-till a warm attach- ment for the scenes and friends of his boyhood. He has one of the most pleas- antly and eligibly looated offices in the city, looking out on the City Hull Park, convenient to the Court-House, principal newspaper-offices, etc. He is doing a good business, as he deserves to. Walking down Broadway to Fulton Street, near its foot, I found Pier No. 20, whence the steamers of TnE Anchor Line sail, and soon made one of a crowd pressing up a gangway decorated with American and English flags, to the deck of the "California," tho newest of some forty steamships belonging to The Anchor Line, to a Long Branch excursion, on which some 2,000 invitations had been issued to agents of the line, members of the press and friends, in different parts of the country. Somewhat more than a quarter of the invitations were ac- cepted, and gentlemen and ladies were present from Chicago, St. Louis, Cincin- nati, Indianapolis, Savannah, and many points less remote, the subscriber having, perhaps, come farther than any editor to participate. There were nearly 600 guests on board, including representatives of many nations and professions, many ladies, and quite a number of children. A few minutes after 11 a. M., # tho appointed hour, the signal for departure was given, the gangway closed, Gra- fulla's Seventh Regiment Band, which accompanied us, struck up " God save tho Queen " and the " Star-spangled Banner," and a salute was fired from the threo or four cannon on board as we moved out into tho stream, towed at the start by the large tug " Seth Low," which went with us throughout the voyage. The ship was gayly decorated with the English and American flags, and, from mast-head to deck, with the various flags and pennants of Marryat's code of signals, red, white, blue, and yellow. The guests were invited to make themselves perfectly at home, and given free range of the steamer from hold to upper deck. An ele- gant breakfast had been provided, at 9 o'clock, for those who were there in time, on board the "Trinacria," a companion-vessel of the line, which sailed for Eu- rope that day. All sorts of drinks could be had freely for the asking, and were in great demand, and crackers and bread were in reach to stay the stomachs of the hungry. The sail down the bay was highly enjoyed, giving splendid views of the lower part of New York, of Brooklyn, the East River, and its shipping; past Governor's Island, Long Island, Coney Island, Staten Island, with its many handsome residences; past tho many forts of stone and earth by which, with their many guns, ranging in calibre up to 20 inches, the harbor of New York is thoroughly defended ; past Quarantine station, where, on anchored hulks and in hospitals on a little rocky island, passengers arriving from other ports, with in- fectious diseases, are isolated and treated, and where the Spanish iron-clad "Nu- mancia," with yellow fever on board, is now detained; past Sandy Hook, off which in-coming vessels take on pilots from their jaunty little yachts, of which we saw several ; and then we were fairly " out on the ocean sailing," with our eastward and southward view limited only by the horizon, formed by tlie wasto of waters, bearing on their bosom many ships whose appearance, near or remote, practically illustrated one of our childhood's geography-proofs, that the world is round. Between two and three o'clock, we wero off Long Branch, and, steaming down in front of its famous beach, its great hotels and charming cottages, fired a salute when off President Grant's, which was acknowledged by the dipping of the flag on his house, and, having had a sail of nearly forty miles, with water no rougher than Lake Mendota often is, and, of course, no sea-sickness. While off Long Branch, the passengers were invited to a dinner on the lower deck amidships, which was fitted up temporarily for a dining-saloon, as the cabin was inadequate to accommodato tho largo crowd on board. A superbly got-up bill of fare, printed on extra large letter-paper, embraced a great variety of meats, vegetables, fruits, and delicacies, with which the handsomely- spread tables wero crowded, and from which tho demands of appotite, sharpened by a bracing sea- breeze, could bo abundantly satisfied. It was a couplo of hours before tho wbolo company, including the ship's officers, had eaten and drunk their fill, and then a part of tho company assembled in the spacious cabin, and listened to toasts and speeches, which were warmly applauded, and tho frequent popping of champagne-corks showed lively drinking by some. With renowed enjoyment of the views afforded, with music of the band, to which there was gay dancing on tho upper deck, tho playing of tho bagpipes by a oouplo of fine-looking THE ANCHOR LINE OF STEAMERS. 23 Scotchmen, clad in the national costume, singing, and social intercourse, the return-voyage was made pleasant, and, at 7 o'clock p. it., we were again at our pier, the hearty cheers for all concerned in arranging the excursion testifying to the appreciation of those who had participated in what has never been attempted but once before, and that on a much smaller scale by another line — Wisconsin. State Journal, August 20, 1872. The Excursion of the " California." Some of our citizens were present on board the celebrated steamer " Califor- nia," of The Anchor Line, on the occasion of her recent trip down New York Bay on the 14th inst. It -was a complimentary excursion given to the agents of the line, of whom about five hundred were present from different States of the Union. This magnificent steamer Such is a short description of the vessel upon which a few of our townsmen took a trip down Mew York Bay on the 14th inst., by special im itation, and they describe in the warmest terms the pleasure they experienced from the views of the scenery along the shores of the bay, from the kindness and courtesy of the officers of the vessel, and from the representatives of the company to whom she belongs. There was a band of music on board, and the ship was gayly dressed in the flags of all nations, fluttering from every point, from her bowsprit to her main- top ; and when passing Long Branch, where the President's summer cottage is situated, she dipped her colors and fired a salute of twenty-one guns, which were diuly acknowledged from the beach. The dinner was a grand affair : soups, fish, entries, joints roast and boiled, fowls, salads, vegetables, sweets and fruits of a hundred species and flavor; and champagne, claret, port, sherry, hock, and ma- deira, with all kiuds of ales, and spirits for those who chose to partake of them. A select series of toasts were drank with appropriate music for each The trip lasted from 11 a. it. to 7 p. si., and not a hitch or unpleasant circum- stance occurred to mar the pleasure of the excursion. The 14th of August, 1872, will be a red-letter day in the memory of those who were on board the " Cali- fornia" on her trip down New York Bay. — Xorristown (JVi J.) Register, August 20, 1872. Media, August 1", 1ST2. Messrs. Editors : I purpose to give your readers a brief description of an excursion given by The Anchor Line agents, New York, on August 14th. C. D. M. Broomhall, Esq., and myself, having received invitations to accompany the excursionists, left Philadelphia on the 12.30 p. m. train, August 13th, passiug over Pennsylvania United Railroads of New Jersey Division, under charge of A. J. Cassett, Esq., General Manager, F. Woolcott Jackson, Esq., General Superintendent, and J). M. Boyd, Jr., Esq., General Passenger Agent. This division, formerly comprising what was once celebrated as the Camden rd had made so beautiful. Now above the clouds, and again looking up at them wreathing themselves about the mountain-tops, until we fancied ourselves in " auld Scotia" watching tall Ben Nevis put on his night- op, then passing through them as they lifted themselves in cloudy, misty purity from the bosom of the valley below. Another great charm was " the blue Juniata," which rolled along so quietly and peacefully, turning in and out of sheltered nooks, and insinuating its blue waters under lovely trees whose branches bent to kiss her as she passed. We would fain dwell on Crcsson's height, where the air is always cool and hay-fever is unknown. But we must hasten on to the great metropolis. Jersey City was reached, and New York loomed up so immense, and the heat was so intense, that the mere remembrance of it makes a fan a necessity. Of course Broadway was packed, but everybody looked sweltered in as few clothes as decency would allow, and the very houses seemed as though they would melt with fervent heat. The poor stage-drivers had even abandoned hats, in the hope of catching any stray breeze which might accident- ally be wafted toward New York. We joined the parboiled crew for a day, and then some ministering spirit brought us an invitation from the Messrs. Henderson Brothers, of The Anchor Link of ocean-steamers, to take a sail to Long Branch on their new steamer the " California." Accordingly, Wednesday, the 14th of August, we wended our way to the steamer, whose immensity surprised us, as we had not thought of seeing a vessel so much larger than those of the Cunard or Inman lines. The size, however, was not the only thing which caused us aston- ishment. Her beautiful dining-saloon, large state-rooms, each with a lookout to sea — in fact, every thing about the ship seemed perfect, and almost tempted even those who see no beauty in a " life on the ocean-wave," on account of the horrid, self-disgustiug ailment, sea-sickness — tempted every one, indeed, to say. "I wish the captain would keep right on across." The " California" had on board about 400 guests, all of whom were radiant at the prospect of a cool breeze — for, mind you, wo bad none of us even heard of one for weeks— so it was to be a new sensation. We left the dock accompa- nied by the steamer " Seth Low," and sailed majestically down the bay, with the flags of all nations flying from the rigging, and the British emblem floating from the stern. The baud of the Seventh Regiment discoursed strains of music sweet enough to have charmed the sirens, and twa braw Hieland laddies in kilts and plaids walked the deck with bagpipes, which, doubtless, they played finely, and probably it was very soul-inspiring, but really we have always failed to ap- preciate the music of the bagpipes. Ilowevcr, they filled the place arranged for them in the programme admirably, as both pipes and dress were a novelty to many. We passed the Spanish ram "Numancia," but instead of holding our breath and looking another way for fear of yellow fever — which, of course, was proper — with the curiosity of a strong-minded woman wc took a good look at her. We ascertained that she was a largo ship with three masts, her hull painted black, and her funnel a sort of cream-color bordering on white. Her decks were covered with white awnings, which, combined with the black hull, easily sug- gested to one with vivid imagination a hearse and a shroud. Thoughts were busy and sympathy all alive for the poor creatures confined on board with so terrible a scourge. Gazing at their country's flag which floated over them, the sad reminder of home, friends, and all the love which clusters round one's native land, whose shores they may never reach, those hearts must be heavy indeed. May the ship soon be cleared of the fell disease, was the silent prayer of many a heart that day. We have wandered sadly, but a woman always does, so will make no apology. Many joined in the mazes of the dance, and the variety of scene, face, dress, and occupation, made the scene one for study. One little by- play interested us exceedingly. Two mortals, in oblivion as to the existence of others, sat side by side in a sheltered spot, where the tender glances and linger- ing pressure of a little hand told volumes. We people who have almost forgot- ten how such things can be, sat and pondered upon how sufficient the two were for each other's comfort, and how long it would last. Well, maybe when we all get our affinities (as Mrs. Woodhull means to emancipate us, you know), wo will learn the lessons over agiin, and understand the art better after the sixteenth or or twentieth time. Practice makes perfect. It has taken us much longer to reach Long Branch than it did the steamer. General Grant being there, our steamer gave liira a royal salute, which was responded to by cannon " on the beach at Long Branch'," and tho dipping of mauy flags. After the salute, the "California" turned her stately bow and we were homeward bound. Then came the groat event of the day — to some of the guests — for there are people in the world who always look hungry, and act it, too, so the table was speedily filled. The Americans have the reputation of being a fast people, and wc are sure you would all believe it could you have seen some of the party hurry down to dinner. The tables fairly groaned under the weight of good things. Meats of all descriptions, fruit from every clime, and pastry which melted like snow- flakes in one's mouth. Every thing was decorated with flowers and evergreens, flags draped the sides of the saloon, and a goodly company sat down to enjoy the blessings of this life, aided in keeping up their cheerfulness, not to say hilarity, by tho wine that sparkles in the cup. Contrary to most entertainments of the kind, every one had enough to eat. and there was plenty left, as it was conducted in a liberal, generous, whole-souled manner, which is an index to the hearts and minds of the owners of tho line. The toasts were gracefully given and beautifully responded to. Coming home, the enjoyment never ceased for a moment; indeed, the cool sea-breezo and the calm, quiet ocean so lovely in its rest, combined to make us regret our nearness to the dock. Wc have, however, trespassed too long on your good-nature, and will condense in a few words our pleasure. The day was lovely, the sea calm, the ship magnificent, the owners generous, Mr. MacDonald, the New York member of the house, everywhere at the right moment, and entirely successful in his management of the excursion. We all came home quite satisfied that when wo want to get cool and not be sea- sick we will go to Europe on one of The Anchor Line boats, where wc are sure of meeting gentlemen in the officers, and sufety and comfort in the ship. Pauline. — Inler-ocean, August 23, 1872. The " Calif:rnia " of the Anchor Line. In a former number of the Time Table wc gave an account of the construction and appointments of this magnificent vessel on her first arrival on this side of tho Atlantic. On Wednesday last Messrs. Henderson Brothers, her proprietors, devoted her to the use of their employes and friends, for an excursion on the open sea. At 11 i the " California," accompanied by the steamer " Scth Low," and having on board about 400 persons, sailed from Pier No. 20 North River, and proceeded down the bay. After a turn to seaward off Long Branch, she re- turned to The Anchor Line Pier, about 8 o'clock in the evening, the excur- sion having proved a complete success. Through the liberality of the Messrs. Henderson Brothers, every delicacy of the season was supplied to their guests in profusion. The best of music was given by a full brass band, while the richest strains of the bagpipe added spirit to the party. The " California" sailed on Saturday last on her second voyage from this harbor. 'Her sister vessel, the " Victoria," one of a fleet of six new vessels now nearly completed will arrive here in a few weeks. — N. Y. Time Table, August 24, 1872. Doing a New Steamer. New York, August 15, 1872. Dear A. : Very strange it certainly was to see such a party doing up tho sights to be seen on the latest addition to the Atlantic fleet of ccean-stcamers. John Cabot, Drake, Cavendish, Magellan, Captain Cook, Americus Vespucius, Christopher Columbus, Ilendrick Hudson, Henry Bell, Robert Fulton, Mungo Park, Malte-Brun, Captain Parry, Dr. Bowditeh, James Watt, and ancient mariners and navigators I know not of, how did that enterprising manager, Mr. Francis MacDonald, bring them all together at this excursion trip of The Anchor Line's new "California." But verily mine eyes see them in their strange, quaint garbs as they wonderingly parade the decks. I shall follow with them, that I may grow wise, seeing a steamer of this year of our Lord 1872 through the eyes of the navigators of the good old times, aud what I learn I faithfully report. They were a merry party. Columbus and Vespucius, "clasping hands over the bloody chasm," hobnobbed and forgot the theft of the name of a continent. They talked of their plans of reaching Hindostan by crossing tho Atlantic, talked of Madeira, and the Canary Islands, and of Spanish and Portuguese navi- gators, their old comrades of whom I never had heard. Mungo Park, Drake, and Captain Tarry, listened to the theories of Dr. Bowditeh, with much talk of sextants, compass, quadrant, and logarithms, evidently more puzzled thereby than Napier would have been. And Captain Cook evidently told Ilendrick Hudson all about the scuffle with the wild folk of that South Sea Island, Owhy- hce, which put an end to his voyaging. James Watt modestly talked of his earliest thoughts of the use of steam in 1700, and of his first ventures in Glasgow while pursuing the avqeation of making mathematical instruments. Fulton aud Bell chatted eagerly of their first experi- ments in steam navigation. Fuiton pathetically described disarrangements that came to him in 1807, from the whole progeny of " Walter the Doubter ; " and Bell appreciating it all as part of his experiences of five years later in the " Comet," on the Clyde. These three old worthies talked enthusiastically of atmospheric and marine engines, high-pressure, condensers, crank, beam, vacuum-cylinder, valves and piston, as though they wcro tho loves of other days. And all tho time Burgomaster Woutcr Van Twillcr, and Olofle the Dreamer, puffed out clouds of dense tobacco-smoke, and thought graciously of the good old times when Dutch navigators took in sail at night, put tho helm aport, and turned in — by which precaution they had a good night's rest, were sure of knowing where they were next morning, and stood but little chance of running down a continent in the dark. But there comes the chief officer of (his new steamer of The Anchor Line, the " California," which the party have gathered to inspect, and, with a genial " ancient mariners, will you kindly fall in oftar me, while I show my steamer to you \ "ho proceeds to the main-deck, and the venerable party wonderingly follow. First, then, he took them to the engine-room, and showed the two com- pound, vertical, direct-acting engines, with cylinders 103 by 57 inches in diame- ter. Her ponderous anchor is handled with a great windlass, worked by steam, and the steering apparatus is a double-hand wheel, at which four men can work, and a small steam steering-wheel, so beautifully arranged that a child could handlo the rudder, even when the vessel was at full speed. As the party started to leave this examination of the motive department of the steamer, Kobert Bell threw the laugh of the company upon Fulton, by asking THE ANCHOR LINE OF STEAMERS. 21 him how these engines compared with those he used going up to Albany in 1S07, which joke Fulton deftly turned by rallying Columbus on the three " tubs " in which he sailed out of Palos — and into immortal fame. Captain Cook said he had been only a navigator for many years, but had he ever had such engines at his disposal, it would have taken him but a brief few months to gain the prefix circum to his achievements. The chief officer next led them to the entrance to the saloon, a cosy, beautiful room, down which runs a staircase, broad and inviting, to the state-rooms, and the grand-s.iloou, below. The party scattered about, examining the fine work, the carvings, mirrors, upholstering, the electric bells in each state-room, the bath-rooms, the porcelain-topped lavatories, and all the many novel contri- vances, unknown in their day and generation, unknown in their barks, feluccas, and brigs. Wonderingly they gazed, and great was their rapture. The Amster- dam burgomaster puffed hard at his pipe, thought solemnly of his staunch Dutch craft, and was filled with whispering awe in realizing the proportions of this giant steamer, as the bueolie mind is with the mystery of the oceau itself. The present wonders were increased in their charms by remembrance of the plain, simple marine-toys, that were. Every little group formed has its own bit of private astonishment. This one swells with the story of fifty million people dwelling on the continent of Columbus, and this one joins Hendrick Hudson in wonder that so many millions populate the region around the bay of New York, which he found almost uninhabited when, on the 3d of September, 1G09, he anchored the " Half Moon " iuside of Sandy Hook. Cook swells indignantly at a revolu- tion of ungrateful colonics against the succession of his patron, George III., and is only pacified in looking at the stars and stripes, a new flag to him, and in having that consolation of an EntjlUh mind, of no such flag waving over a single Atlantic steamer. Maltc-Brun felicitates himself on some limit to the old-time geography in his day, before the "star of empire westward took its flight." And the old sea-dogs and learned supercargoes of the seventeenth century stoutly refuse to believe in any safe use of such a mass of iron formed in the shape of a ship, its inside furnaces of fire, and its means of propelling strong enough to make ten knots an hour progress against an adverse headwind. Nor will they believe that the '• Great Western,'- called then a 11 leviathan," which left Bristol, England, on the Tth of April, 1838, and reached New York on the 23d, had capacity to carry 1,3-10 tons, eclipsed since then by leviathans of improved breed carrying up to 0,000 tons, with 1,100 tons' provision alone for steamer's coals ! They won't believe it, although Eulton says : " Jolly tars, all this but sixty-five years since I moved the first boat by steamer." And the response was murmured, " Tell that to the marines, but the sailors won't believe it." And there was hitching up of trousers, and shifting of cuds, shiv- ing of timbers, and general infidelity. And now the party in the saloon began to grow hilarious. A cheery steward brings forth of his goodly store. Ancient mariners gather at the tables, and drink to sovereigns of Spain and Portugal, Signoi of Genoa, Doge of Venice, Dutch India company, and the Britannia which " rules the wave." The cabin of the "California" rings with strange mirth, and Neptune, with his trident, presiding at the feast, as jolly as any gay Anchorite afloat. Cabot and Parry, Cork and Magellan, are brewing whiskey-punch, and Dr. Bowditch forgets about abstruse theories, and gayly sings an old-time ditty. But in rushes the captain of the " Goede Vrouw," charged w ell with schnapps, but full also of anxiety. He declares that he has been inspecting the steamer's architec- ture for three hours, and he has at last come to the conclusion that she is of dif- ferent model from the good boat in which he sailed from Amsterdam, and in any such departure there must be great danger. When called on by the goodly company for the dimensions of the " Gocde Vrouw," he said: "Mr. Irving claims truthfully that the ship-carpenters of Holland model their ships after the fair form of their countrymen, and his gallant vessel accordingly had 100 feet in the beam, 100 feet in the keel, and 100 feet from the bottom of the stern-post to the taffrail. The brawny Dutch captain swung his cocked-hat, and warned the Hendersons of their danger in experimenting on their new model. But his voice is drowned by the inventor of steam, and Watt of Greenock, filling a flowing bowl and calling upon the goodly company to give hearty cheers for the success and good fortune of these Scotch mariners of the nineteenth century, w ho pro- vide such worthy craft for the navigators of their day. But this roar of cheers seems to come from the full throats of the jubilant six hundred, instead of from a select party of ancients. And so they do. The ringing out of them wakens me from a slumber. The quaint, strange party have vanished into thin air. The perfume of the docks of New York is about me. Scotch bagpipes are in my ear, Grafulla's band are playing " Home again," and, rising from the cushion in the smoking-room, 1 realize that the "California's" excursion is over, and that tbe guests are cheering wildly their thanks to the generous company, while I have been dreaming that which is not all a dream. J. E. McE. — Auburn (V. T.) Advertiser, August 24, 1S72. Luxury on the Wave. On the 11th of the present month, the agents of the well-known Axcnort LrxE of steamers enjoyed an excursion, with a banquet, in New York Bay, on board the new and elegant steamer " California," of that line. Wc acknowl- edged the receipt of a card of invitation from Messrs. Henderson Brothers, of tins city, agents for The Anchor Line, but a pressure of office duties rendered it impossible for us to improve the opportunity to enjoy one of the most no- table and pleasant entertainments ever gotten up. Wc deeply regret the fact of our inability to participate in a celebration in which so much real enjoyment was found; but regrets are of no avail, and we will now proceed to give our readers a few interesting items concerning The Anchor Line and the new " California." The Anchor Line of o:ean-stea:ncrs — so popular with the travelling public wherever known, and known almost everywhere throughout Christendom- comprises seventeen steamers ranging from 1,500 to 3,500 tons, constructed ex- pressly for the Atlantic service. Twenty-nine steamers have also been con- structed for the Mediterranean fleet, thus making in all forty-six vessels built and used in this line. The " California" is the latest accession to the list, and is of an improved type. She is a model of marine architecture, and in strength, elegance, speed, safety, and perfection in all her appointments, nothing seems to be lacking. . . . Her saloons, state-rooms, promenade-decks, library, bath- rooms, ventilators, beating apparatus, in fact everything pertaining to the beautiful craft, is a model feature, and nothing in the shape of a steamship could be more completely adapted to the comfort, safety, and enjoyment of passengers. Lack of space, and not of inclination, prevents us from giving, at this time, a more detailed description of this wonderful floating palace. The " California" is commanded by Captain James Craig, an experienced and skilful mariner, whose efforts to please all who are so fortunate as to make a voyage on his noble craft, will be seconded by as efficient and gentlemanly a corps of subordinate officers as ever smelled salt-water. The "California" sailed from New York for Glasgow, Scotland, on the 17th, filled with happy passengers. We will add that the second steamer of the new fleet, the " Victoria," a sis- ter ship to the "California," has just been launched, and the "Bolivia" and "Ethiopia," of 4,500 tons each, are well forward. Three other steamers are in frames, viz., the "Utopia," " Castalia," and "Italia," making in all seven steamers, of over 23,000 tons in the aggregate, and valued at half a million dollars each, which will be built for this firm within one year. Such enterprise challenges the admiration of Christendom. — Chicago Sun, August 27, 1872. The Excursion Trip of the Hew Anchor Line Steamship " California." The New York newspaper men had a delightful time on the 14th instant. The occasion was the excursion-trip of the splendid new steamship " Califor- nia." The proprietors of The Anchor Line, so widely and favorably known, have given another evidence of their enterprise and unceasing efforts to gratify Hie taste of the travelling public, regardless of expense. The best vessels that naval architects could construct, officered by the most skilled and experienced seamen, have characterized this line from the beginning, and earned for it the enviable reputation that it enjoys. The "California," that made the excursion- trip on the 14th iust., with so much eclat, is the latest acquisition of The Anchor Line. She is said to be the most elegantly-furnished and fitted-up vessel that sails from the port of New York. Indeed, it is a perfect floating palace, and, if it had been expressly constructed for the use of royalty, a more lavish expenditure of money could hardly have been made for its adornment. . . . Those who have the good fortune to cross the ocean-ferry in this peerless specimen of naval archi- tecture will be quite excusable if they fancy that Aladdin and his lamp have some- thing to do with the manufacture of the " California." We see from the New York journals that the excursion and banquet of the 14th instant were among the noticeable events of the searon. All of the great metropolitan dailies were represented, and of course there was " a feast of rea- son and flow of soul " The banquet was worthy of the occasion ; in other words, a most elegant affair We wish the new steamship many a bon voyage. — Lafayette (Inel.) Courier, August 27, 1S72. To and from Europe— The Anchor Line. Shakespeare in his oracular wisdom has said, " Some men are born creat, some achieve greatness, and others have greatness thrust upon them." Of these three, those who achieve greatness are unquestionably the most honorable. And the same may be said of companies of men as of single individuals. Among the celebrated and honorable achievements of man, those upon the ocean are not less illustrious than those upon the land. From the days of Jason, whose daring enterprise enabled him to tame bulls that breathed flame, and plough the plains with them, and to sow the dragon's teeth from which arose a hostile army as a harvest, down to the latest novel enterprise of our day, the annals are every way illustrious. The " latest novel enterprise." Yes : Let us dwell a little on that. Some enterprises set out full fledged and equipped for success, others work up to greatness from small beginnings, and outstrip their more favored com- petitors. Of this last is the remarkable line of steamships cf which we arc now about to speak. This is the origin of the firm of Handyside & Henderson, Glasgow, of world- wide fame, owners of The AxcnoR Line of stearnsi-lps. '28 THE ANCHOR LINK OF STEAMERS. Whether these lour boys fell upon this great movement by accident or design, we hold that this is tho true way of Originating an enterprise — by persons prac- tically acquainted with nil the working details, who can provide for and antici- pate the necessities of such a service — who know what and who is wanted, and have enterprise enough to make liberal and intelligent outlays for tho public safety and convenience. "Whatever theories the firm may have had, they wero not so rash as to set out on a vast scale at first, but let tho enterprise "grow." And while it grew they noted, and improved, and remedied defects and mis- takes, till the Line has become one of colossal magnitude. We may here be permitted to indulge in a few statistics, etc., which will pre- sent to the reader a better view of The Anchor Line than we could in any other way : The Line of 18G3 has grown from three steamers in that year to thirty-six large and powerful steamers in 1871. In the construction of each new ship, the latest modifications and conveniences for the navigation of the ship and the comfort and safety of passengers have been steadily adopted. The excellence and reliability of Clyde-built steamers are now so well estab- lished and acknowledged, that it is unnecessary for us to do more than refer to them. Tho travel for business or pleasure between America and Europe is in- creasing every year, and the great stroatn of immigration knows no cessation. All are, therefore, interested in tho assurance that the great ocean-ferry is furnished with ships whose excellence in structure and management is remarkable. Our lives, health, and happiness, and that of our friends and relations, are implicated in this matter, and we cannot be indifferent to the subject. To give our readers a nearer view of the subject, wo will here present a de- scription of tho " California," the latest-built ship of The Anchor Line: In every particular the " California" is unsurpassed as an ocean-steamer. A grand excursion down New York Bay came off on tho 14th inst., which gave entire satisfaction. Prominent citizens from all parts of the Union wero present. A grand banquet was given, and, judging from the bill of fare and toasts presented on the occasion, wc conclude that the treat was no whit inferior to the ship in its liberal features. Such, then, is The Ancuor Line, an enterprise in every way worthy of tho patronage of the travelling public. — Peoria {III.) National Democrat, August 27, 1872. The Anchor Line Agsnts' Excursion. The Anchor Line of occau-steamcrs, which is regularly advertised in our columns, gave a grand excursion to their agents on board of their new and great steamship " California," on the 14th inst., steaming down New York Bay in the morning, thence to Long Branch, and returning to her pier on North liivcr again at 7 p. M.'samo day. The bill of faro was of the most sumptuous character on this occasion, and was enjoyed by the largo number who participated in it with n happiness entirely indescribable. The "California" sailed from New York with a large list of passengers, on the 17th inst. Mr. D. Nisbet, Southern Wharf, is the agent of The Anchor Line in this city. — Charleston, (S. C.) Courkr, August 27, 1872. The Anchor Line of European Steamers. The Anchor Line of ocean-steamers, which is regularly advertised in our columns, gave a grand excursion to their agents on board their new and monster steamship " California " on tho 14th inst., steaming down New York Bay in the morning, thence to Long Branch, and returning, to her pier on North Kiver, at 7 r. M. same day. The bill of fare was of the most elaborate character and the banquet a sumptuous affair, enjoyed by all who participated — and the company was a very largo one— to the fullest extent. The " California" Bailed from New York on an excursion to Europe on the 17th inst., with a large list of passengers. Solomon Brothers are the agents for this line of steamers in this city. — i-avannah Advertiser, August 28, 1872. Ocsan Steamships.— That Excursion. The agents of The Anchor Line Steamship Company will long remember the princely entertainment provided for them on the 14th inst., when the "California" made her novel trip down the bay from New York to Long Branch, where the big ship saluted the President, and then returned to her dock. We are assured by Captain Whyte, whose experience in all matters nautical entitles him to speak authoritatively on the subject, that the ship is the finest, in all respects, that can be found on any line, and that tho excursion was tho great- est affair of tho kind on record. The tables fairly groaned under their burden, which was of the choicest character, and comprised all the luxuries and delica- cies which both continents could afford. Such liberality on the part of the company reflects the highest credit on them, and we can safely say that they aro nt present the owners of one of the finest and best, as well as tho most numerous fleets of steamships afl. — Wilkesbarre Daily, August 28, 1872. Excursion of The Anchor Steamship Company. The Messrs. Henderson, proprietors of The Anchor Line of ocean-steamers, recently gave an excursion to the American agents of the company, down the bay at New York. Grafulla's Seventh Kegimcnt Band accompanied the party, and added greatly to tho pleasure of tho occasion. The " California," the boat on which the party embarked, steamed down as far as Long Branch, and on tho return the guests were invited to partake of an ample collation provided by tho company. The " California" is the pioneer of seven new and magnificent steam- ers which will run in the European service of the line. Tho Boston agents of the line are tho well-known firm of C. L. Bartlett & Co., of 10 Broad Street. — Boston. Traveller, August 28, 1872. The Anchor Line has added to its list of excellent steamers one of tho staunehest and best passenger-boats ever formed by naval architects. This new ocean queen is called tho " California," and is so perfect in all her departments — being constructed with an especial view to the comfort and health of passengers — that visitors leaving New York for Europe are only too anxious to make the trip on her. On the 14th inst., an excursion and banquet were given on the "California" to The Anchor Line agents of New York, at which the repre- sentatives of the daily press were present. All tho newspaper men spoke in terms of praise of the beautiful steamer. — Dubuque {Iowa) Herald, August 28, 1872. New Steamship. A few days ago I was one of a party which made a day's excursion to sea on the new iron screw-steamship " California," built on the Clyde for The Anchor Line between New York and Glasgow. The "California" is one of the handsomest and finest passenger-vessels on the Atlantic Ocean. Every thing about her indicates the best material, tho most skilful workmanship, and capable management. The cabins are of the most elegant and comfortable kind, yet there is no unnecessary show about them, and no folly whatever ; and tho whole furnishing of the vessel indicates an attention to de- tail which is seldom found in sea-going steamers. I never in any vessel saw such admirable arrangements for the comfort and health of steerage passengers. Not only aro the arrangements for sleeping and cooking of the most approved kind, but the ventilation of the ship is provided for by an ingenious device. This is among tho best of the new ideas introduced into this vessel. It consists of a small engine connecting with a centrifugal pump placed in the starboard wing, which is a powerful spare bilge-pump, and also acts as a vcntilating-fan, driving a strong, fresh current of air through all the passenger-spaces, as well as tho cargo-holds, thereby adding to the comfort and sanitary condition of all on board. After examining this vessel throughout, and observing the scientific ap- pliances in all its departments, under the guidance of Mr. Francis MacDonald, tho courteous and energetic manager of the line, I am not surprised at the ex- traordinary growth of tho popularity of the Glasgow line within the last few years. The officers are trained and experienced men, who are at the same time affable gentlemen. In examining tho ship, its appointments, and its management, I could not hut contrast them with what I remember of the old " Collins Lino " of American steamships, with their tinsel and frippery, and pretence and discomfort, and the insolence and assumption of their officials. If we ever build vessels for the At- lantic service again, wo must learn every thing from tho Scotchmen of the Clyde, who are now tho leading ship-builders of the world. The growth of this Anchor Line has been remarkable. It came into exist- ence in 185G, and since then seventeen steamers have been constructed for its Atlantic service between New York and Glasgow, besides thirty steamers for its service in the Mediterranean. In addition to the vessels I am now speaking of, another has just been launched for this lino on the Clyde for the American trade ; two others are well forward, and three others arc in frames — making seven steam- ers, valued at $500,000 each, and of over 23,000 tons in the aggregate, which will be built for this line within one year. The development of the commerce between New York and Glasgow during the last ten years has been enormous. Glasgow is gaining rapidly upon Liver- pool, and it looks as though some years-hence there would be a greater commer- cial and passage traffic between New York and Glasgow than between New York and Liverpool or any other European port. Our consumption of Scotch manu- factures is becoming more varied and extensive every year. Oh ! when shall wc have American iron screw-steamships covering the sens and carrying on the commercial and passenger traffic of tho country ? To-day more than half of the tonnage of all the world is in British hands. — Galaxy. Cincinnati Commercial, August 28, 1872. The Anchor Line— It3 Origin— The "California," her Commander, and the Agents of the Line. About a dozen years ago an enterprising shipping firm in the city of Glasgow, Scotland, Messrs. Ilandysidc & Henderson, organized what is now known tho world o'er ns The Anchor Line of steamers, for tho puqioso of securing a direct steam communication between tho city of Saint MungO and New York. Several previous attempts had been made by other parties to establish a line of steamers between Glasgow and the New World ; but nfter a few trips the enter- prise was generally given up, and the " guid folk of auld Scotia," who wished to visit tho United States, were obliged to go to Liverpool and there tako shipping for this country. The firm above mentioned, however, thoroughly knew their THE ANCHOR LINE OE STEAMERS. business, and the result is, that they have now a fleet of steamers crossing the Atlantic that will compare most favorably with, if it does not excel that of, any other in the trade. The latest acquisition is the splendid steamship " California," which was built by Alexander Stephens & Sons, Glasgow, during the present year Iler commander is Captain James Craig, than whom a better sailor never trod a quarter deck, while his officers, like himself, are all natives of the land of Scotia. On the 14th of the present month the "California" made an oxcursion-trip down New York Bay, to which the editors of the Appeal were invited, but, owing to circumstances, were unable to accept the invitation. From the account in the New York papers of the following day, and the bill of fare provided, it must have been a grand arlair. li AH success to the jolly Anchor-itcs," say we. Henderson Brothers are the Agents at No. 321 Wabash Avenue, Chicago. — Memphis Appeal, August 23, 1872. '• The Jolly Anchorites." We have had submitted to our inspection two elegant specimens of typo- graphical art, issued from the press of the Messrs. Appletons. But far more attractive to our eye was the subject-matter. A breakfast and dinner bill of fare, which placed under contribution the four quarters of the globe — a menu that would excite envy in the breast of a Blot or a Delmonico. The occasion calling this forth was an excursion given by the Messrs. Henderson Brothers, Agents for Tue AxcnoR Lixe of Transatlantic Steamships, to the numerous agents of the company in the United States and Canadas. From our New York exchanges we condense a brief account of this most royal festivity. After the sumptuous breakfast on board the fine steamer " Trinacria," the compauy embarked upon the pride of The Axchor Lixe — the 11 California." The lines were cast otf, the band struck up " God save the Queen," as the steamer headed seaward, accompanied by the tug " Seth Low." Fvcry thing conspired to make the day one of unalloyed pleasure. Awnings and a cool breeze from the ocean kept the dancers from feeling the heat of the sun. The agents and officers contributed in every way to their guests' enjoyment. At Long Branch — the Brighton of America — the dinner was served, then adjourning to the main saloon of the "California" — which is not excelled for beauty upon any vessel afloat — the following toasts were drunk : all of which were appropriately responded to by the distinguished guests present. The object of this excursion was to familiarize the company's ageutswith the class of vessels the/ sail from the port of New York — excsHcd by none and equalled but by few for elegance, convenience, speed, and safety — that they might speak advisedly upon their return home to intending European travellers. The " California" is the first of seven steamers, aggregating twenty-three thou- sand tons, now completing, ready for next season's service. — Augusta Chronicle and Sentinel, August 23, 1S72. Anchor Line. Messrs. Henderson Brothers, the owners of TnE Axchor Lixe, gave an ex- cursion to their agents throughout the United States, on their new and magnifi- cent steamship " California," August 14th. Leaving pier 20 at 11 o'clock in the morning, they steamed through the bay with Grafulla's Band on board, which gave flue music for dancing. Salutes were exchanged with the different steamers lying in port, and, when Long Branch was reached, the guns on the coast made the air ring with their welcome. A most bountiful dinner was served to the excursionists in their elegant dining-saloon at three o'clock ; after which a most enjoyable hour was spent in offering toasts. The "California" is one of five new Express Passenger Steamers placed upon the line this summer, which are acknowledged to be the fastest and most luxuriously fltted-up steamers afloat. Parties contemplating a trip to Europe would do well to examine these steamers before purchasing tickets. The enterprise and liberality of Messrs. Henderson Brothers deserve the growing popularity which this line is receiving. The ex- cursion of August 14th will long be remembered as the most enjoyable one of the season. — Rockland County Messenger, August 29, 1872. Ocean-Steamers. The past few years have witnessed a very remarkable improvement in the construction of transatlantic steamships. New lines have been started, claiming superiority over the old ones, in speed and comfort. The old Axchor Lixe, determined to be up to the times, gave an order some time ago for the construc- tion of seven large and powerful steamers, to be equal if not superior to any thing afloat ; and, in order that their agents throughout the country might know from observation what elegant accommodations they represented, the managers extended an invitation to all to take an excursion occanward on board the new steamship " California," the first of these new boats. The excursion came off on Wednesday, the 14th inst., and was a sumptuous affair throughout, and reflected great credit upon the company. Among the guests from this section of the country were Messrs. Jermyn, of Carbondalc ; Eaton "r.w Tons, August:2(i, 1S>72. [Cor.F.F.SrOXDEXCE OF TUT. DAILY EAGLE.] My time has been so occupied with pressing business since my stay in New York, that I have neglected, until now, to mention an arlair at which, as repre- sentative of the Eagle, I had a supremely enjoyable part, as did each of the la- dies and gentlemen of the large party I was among. It was the grand banquet excursion of the magnificent new steamship '■ California," of The Anchor Lixe, which for so many years has been running its fine steamers between New York and Glasgow, with unerring safety and speed. A new career now opens to the fortunes of The Axchor Lixe, with a fleet of new steamships, of new and improved type and superior construction. The first of these is the " California," which sailed from this port to Glasgow on the 17th instant, on her first return-passage. Three days previous to her departure, this steamship made an excursion down New York Bay, and thirty miles out to sea besides, and return, carrying as goodly a number of ladies and gentlemen, as could be well got together, on invitation from the New York agents of the line. This gathering was composed of representatives of the Custom-House, the Post-Offiec, City Government, State Government, the Press, members of great publishing houses, artists, noted musical stars, famous hotel proprietors, cap- tains of several steamships and other vessels in port, and two or three eminent retired shipmasters, with several merchants and others. These, with their wives, daughters, or other ladies, about equal in number with the gentlemen, made a party of nearly four hundred. The festivities commenceel with a superb breakfast on boarel the " Trina- cria," another steamer of The AxcnoR Lixe, at a fashionably late hour of the morning. The "Trinacria," though nothing so fine a vessel as the " Califor- nia," was said, by the many present who were accustomed to voyages on ocean- stearaships (myself among these), to ba unsurpassed for beauty, comfort, or luxury of the table, by any steamship between here and Europe that we had ever known. And here I will add a few words in regard to the other steamers of The An- chor Lixe, prospectively. The second one of the new fleet, the " Victoria," has just been launched at Glasgow, where the " California " was built. These are each 3,2S8 tons. The " Bolivia " and " Ethiopia," of 4,500 tons each, arc well along toward completion. Three others are on the stocks, called the " Utopia," " Castalia " and " Italia," making seven steamers, valued at half a mill- ion dollars each, which will constitute what may be called a palace ferry across the Atlantic, quite superior to any line of vessels that has yet connected Europe and America. We steamed down the bay on this gorgeous ocean-barge, the " California," saluted by guns from vessels of other lines lying at their respective piers, ami returning their compliments with our own ringing brass howitzers — twenty-four pounders. Scarcely a vessel, at the piers or at anchor, failed to " dip " its colors to us as we sped past them, which kept our own profusion of bunting bobbing up and down at the trucks until we had passed out at the Narrows. And the officers and sailors of the men-of-war peered through the ports, leaned over the taffrail, and crowded up on the hammock netting, to see this figure of beauty part the smooth waters of the bay on that mild, azure morning. And now we shot out over the open sea. The white light-house on Fire Island head became a speck behind us ; the grim headland of Navesink van- ished in the thin haze of the horizon astern. The peeple on board were as a company that had always been acquainted; vigorous conversations and woman's pleasant babbling, gay promenades on the long sweep of deck, music by an orchestral band from one of the theatres, romping fun and innocent hilarity, were the prevalent influences throughout the vast vessel ; and prominent among the moving spirits of all this social enjoyment were the agent himself, Mr. Hen- derson, the gallant Captain Craig, in command, and his estimable first officer, whose name also is Craig, Chief-Engineer McFarland, Dr. Murdoch, the ship's surgeon, the purser, Mr. Brycc, and other officers whose names I do not recall. The surface of the sea was smooth as glass ; but a long, undulating swell was lazily rising and falling. I leaned over the bow and watched these enor- mous glassy hills of liquid, as they rose against the stately ship, up, up, up, the sharp cut-water swiftly parting them into a fine, champagne effervescence that rushed along'the sides of the ship ; then the water shrank away from before the prow, which still shot steadily on through a vast, dizzying hollow, and you could look down the cut-water to where it curved to the keel. There was not the least rolling movement of the vessel discernible, ner re- markable breadth of beam, 40i feet, makes her as steady a vessel as floats. Fore and aft, that is, lengthwise, there was some little deck slant, changing slowly from one direction to the other; it could not be otherwise, even though the ship were a mile long, running at a right angle with such immense swells. But the bearings of this vessel arc so true and symmetrical, that she is a wonder- fully easy ship, conforming to the unevenness of the sea with such deliberate ease as to keep every one's stomach " on even keel " — unless the stomach has to contend with too many indiscretions on the part of its owner. When the ladies and gentlemen were summoned to the grand saloon, to sit 30 THE A Xcilon LINE OF STEAMERS. at such tables ami such a feast as mortal eyes seldom behold, not a person of tho party was reported absent. But to describe the richness and abundance of this dinner, tho taste with which the tables were spread and decorated, the per- fect order and dispatch of the serving, tho hypornectarious delicacy of tho w ines, tho graceful geniality of Captain Craig and his officers, and tho w ild Hashes of meteoric wit in toasts and impromptu talks, all so perfectly satisfying to soul and body— to tell of all this, I say, so as to represent it in the color and tone of its enjoyment, would almost need the pen of a Dickens. It seemed as if we had left tho world and were floating toward realms of pantbeonic sensi- bilities. The steward of that ship — or the chief cook (I "forget" the French for it) — or whoever was tho gastronoinical master-spirit of that banquet, might have been a Soycr on Mount Olympus, and must have gathered his viands from the very land of Cocain. The grand saloon of tho " California" is of lordly dimensions, and finished with such delicate elegance as my eyes never before rested upon in any steamer. The panelling is in polished teak, inlaid with rich and rare while woods, adorned with choice carving and gold. . . . But again I must cut short an attempt at description. The beauty of the interior of tho vessel throughout matches it well. Tho state-rooms are spacious and airy, each possessing every convenience known to the rooms of a first-class hotel — electric bell and all. Two large bath- rooms are on each side of tho vessel. In short, tho passenger accommodations of tlie " California" leave nothing to be desired or thought of. .... We returned to the pier at 1 o'clock in the afternoon, and all on board marked down in their memories one more perfect day in addition to those they may have already recorded. — A. C. — Grand Rapids ( Wis.) Eagle, Avgust 29, 1872. The Anchor Line Excursion.- One of the events of the season was the lato agents' excursion on board the fine new steamship "California," of The Anciioii Line, which took place down New York Bay on the 14th inst. The "California" is the latest addition to this popular lino of ocean-steamers, and she was comfortably crowded with a select party of invited guests, all of whom united in praise of the new steamer, her perfect appointments for the comfort of passengers, the able manner in which she is officered, etc. The affair, from beginning to end, passed off pleas- antly, and was voted a very complete succcbs. After dinner, which consisted of ten courses, toasts were in order, and re- sponses were given, among others, by General Lew Wallace, James Warrack, Esq., Dr. Van dor Pool, etc. As above stated, the "California" is the latest addition, and we might add the crowning glory of The Anchor Line. She is the newest of a fleet of forty- six steamers now owned by the line, and probably there is no finer vessel afloat She is a splendid specimen of naval architecture, strong, staunch, and in every particular adapted to the Transatlantic trade. At tho banquet given on board, a gentleman remarked: " The 1 California' is, I be- lieve, tho eureka of the Atlantic fleet." — Chicago Advance, August 29, 1872. The Anchor Line of steamships, between New York and Glasgow, has been so successful that it has been enabled this year to add three new steamers to its fleet. On the arrival of the last addition, the " California," at New York, she was in- spected by a company of invited guests, including the agents for the line through- out the United States. An excursion was had to Long Branch and return. A Cincinnatian, who was one of the party, writing to Messrs. Bcpler & Co., the agents in this city, expressed his strong admiration of the arrangements of the vessel, and especially of the finishing of the cabin. — Cincinnati GazettCf August 29, 1872. The Anchor Line. On the 29th day of July wc received an invitation to bo present at an excur- sion down New York Bay, on the new steamship of The Anchor Line, " Cali- fornia." The excursion came off on the 14th day of August, and, from what wo can learn of the affair, it was the grandest that ever American genius conceived and executed. Tho bill of fare shows that nothing was omitted that could cater to the most epicurean taste, while the list of toasts show a flow of soul worthy the occasion. The " California " is a new ship, of the famous Anchor Line, of Ilandysidc & Henderson, of Glasgow. It is put down as the finest ship that ever touched American waters, and, in fact, tho line of which it is a member is conceded to be ahead, in point of accommodations for passengers, and in point also of safety, of all the lines of foreign steamers. The Anchor Line has agen- cies in all the prominent cities, though wo have not the name of tho Apploton agent. To those who contemplate trips to Europe, wc by all means advise a counsel with Henderson Brothers, agents, 324 Wabash Avenue, Chicago, who will furnish all data and circulars of intelligence, regarding passage, etc. — Apple- ton City ( Wis.) Times, August 29, 1S72. The New Anchor Line Steamer "California." On the 14th inst. The Anchor Line Steamship Company celebrated the completion of their magnificent steamship " California" by an excursion on the samo down the bay. W o received an invitation to attend, but the distance being so groat wo were obliged to forego the pleasure. The affair proved a grand success Tho " California" is well proportioned in its entire make-up. It has a great many conveniences on deck, both for the benefit of the seamen and comfort of the passengers, which are entirely new. The grand saloon extends across tho vessel from side to side, and is an imposing apartment, not equalled by the saloon of any foreign steamer coming to the port of Now York Tho second cabin is remarkably neat also, but it would take a small volume to go over ia details all the points connected with this clef d' 'autre. The Anchor Line Company arc justly proud of their new steamship. — Lawrence {Kansas) Tri- bune, Avgust 29, 1872. Probably the most complete and sumptuous in its appointments and equipage, alike in repect to speed, convenience, and safety, of all the ocean-steamers now afloat, is the new steamship " California," of tho famous Anchor Line. The ac- commodations and sailing qualities of the great steamer were tested recently by a grand excursion down New York Bay, winding up with a banquet given by tho agents of The Anchor Line. Judging from the reports of parties who partici- pated in it, tho affair must have been cnjoyablo iu tho highest degree. Tho " California" plies between New York and Glasgow, is a Scotch-built vessel, the last of the forty-six which have been built for The Anchor Line in fifteen years, and is designed as the avant courrier of a fleet of vessels for this line of a new and improved typo, and is finished throughout in the most elegant and substantial manner. Her two principal engines are of 1,047 horse-power, and, while her beautiful model renders her capable of great speed, her unusual breadth of beam makes her a very safe and easy vessel at sea. It is a remark- able fact that no serious accident has ever befallen any of the great steamers of The Anchor Line ; and tho skill and watchfulness of their captains have be- come well known among all who " go down to the sea in ships and do business upon the great deep." — Winona (Minn.) Republican, August 30, 1872. The Jolly Anchorite3. The agents of The Anchor Line of steamships, the Messrs. Henderson Brothers, of New York, are to be congratulated on the success which their active energy battled for and gained. In 18G3 the line consisted of only three steamers, and now it comprises thirty-six of the finest vessels that ply the Atlantic. In their circulars to their agents they always speak as though those who are acting for them throughout the country were of one family. No orders are issued, al- ways suggestions. So, loo, of the almost countless stream of passengers who yearly cross the Atlantic for business or pleasure. They are taken on board The Anchor Line ocean palaces, and cared for by the officers of each vessel as a kind protector cares for those placed in his charge. None but the best men that can be obtained are allowed to have a voice in controlling an Anchor Line steamship, and conse- quently passengers arc assured of receiving kindness and courtesy from the officers and men. The steamship "California" is one of the newest vessels built for this line, and if our space permitted wc would give a description of this magnificent vessel. Some three or four weeks ago we received an invitation from the Messrs. Henderson Brothers to be among the gentlemen w ho were invited to take an ex- cursion on this vessel, from the company's wharf in New York, down the bay as far as Long Branch. The " California," with its teeming complement of smiling pleasure-seekers, started as announced, on the 14th of this month, but, "lack-a-day," we were not there. Wc are on a treadmill, so to speak, and must of necessity take a certain number of steps daily, in order that our little Journal may regularly be presented to its readers in an interesting form, as to its reading matter. So of course wc were compelled to forego our share of the pleasure that was so kindly tendered to us. We have, however, received all the particulars of the trip, together with the bills of fare, which are a model of typography, and do credit alike to the work- men and the Messrs. Henderson Brothers. — New Britain Journal, AuguslSO, 1872. The Anchor Line Steamers. The new Anchor Line steamer "California" took a large party of invited guests on a delightful trip down New York Harbor last week. The entertain- ment was given for the purpose of showing a model steamer of The Anchor Line, and it will be difficult to find a vessel in the European service with more comforts and luxuries than this new steamer. She is the first of a fleet of seven new vessels intended for the Atlantic trade, all of which will soon be in service. Tho Boston agents of The Anchor Line are Messrs. C. L. Bartlctt & Co., of 1G Broad Street, who will furnish full information and pamphlets of The European Tour at their office.— Boston Tost, August 29, 1S72. The Anchor Lin3 Excursion. Friend Hicks: Yours truly, with about five hundred other agents of The Anchor Line, accepted the invitation of Messrs. Henderson Brothers, to par- ticipate in an excursion to Long Branch on the 14th inst., on tho steamer " Cali- fornia ; " and I will give you a short description of the trip, the steamer, and the Line. After partaking of a substantial breakfast on the " Trinacria," at Pier £0, wc went on board the " California," and wore soon under way down tho harbor, exchanging salutes with steamers and forts, attracting the attention of thousands by the report of the cannon, the music of Grafulla's Seventh Regiment Band, THE AN C 110 It LINE OF STEAMERS. 31 the flags anil streamers with which the "California" was literally covered, and the mass of ladies and gentlemen seated under an awning covering the spacious deck. Ample arrangmeiits had been made to quench the thirst of the guests, and it is sufficient to say that they were not slighted. At tw o o'clock (oft' Long Branch) five hundred people gathered around the tables in the main saloon, and did ample justice to the most sumptuous dinner I ever sat down to. After the tables were cleared, toasts and speeches were the order of the day, till amid cheers and music we reached the wharf at 8 p. sr., feeling that wc had enjoyed the day hugely, and the hospitality of as noble-hearted gentlemen as ever trod a ship's deck. Not only was every thing lavishly bestowed, including ices and fruits of all kinds, but expenses of the guests from home and return are gener- ously refunded. Tho " California " is the first of seven Clyde-built iron steamers of about 4,000 tons, neaily 400 feet in length, 40 feet beam, and has accommodation for over 1,000 passengers. The grand saloon is spacious and attractive, being fin- ished in polished teak, relieved with rich white wood mouldings. The ctFect is beautiful ; upholstery adds to the Wut-ensemlle ; mirrors grace the side ; silver chandeliers drop from the frescoed ceiling ; the panelling is in teak, adorned with choice carving and gold. The state-rooms are large, light, and airy, with sliding doors, and provided with porcelain-stand tops, and bowls, swinging mir- rors, brush and tumbler racks, bell, and rich carpet. She has two Compound vertical engines, and together send her through the water very rapidly. Their rates of passage are moderate, their steamers equal at least to those of any other line. And as they are gentlemen, they have none but gentlemen officers on their ships. Now, all that remains to be said is, that if you want any more evi- dence of the superiority of The Anchor Line, just apply to me for dead-head excursion ticket from New York to any part in Europe and back. Yours truly, P. D. Penny. — Putnam Count)/ Monitor, August 30, 1872. The " California's " Excursion. The Messrs. Henderson Brothers' invitation to their agents, for an excursion to Long Branch on the 14th inst., in their new and magnificent steamship " Cali- fornia," was availed of by neaily every one invited. The press of this city was largely represented, and many ladies graced the occasion with their "smiling presence. After leaving TnE Anchor Line dock, at 11 a. m., Grafulla's band struck up the international airs, and at the same time the " Trinacria," of the same line, which was just about starting with a large number of passengers, fired a salute, which was returned by the " California." Dancing was then commenced, and was kept up till 3 p. m., when dinner was served in the steerage compartment, which was tastefully decorated for the oc- casion, after which the company retired to the main saloon, where the gentle- manly manager of the line, Mr. Francis MacDonald, took the chair and an- nounced a series of toasts, which were ably responded to amid the tumult of snapping champagne-corks. Mr. Lamont, the polite manager of the passenger department, called atten- tion to the fact that there was just the same number cf guests present, as there were days in the year, and Mr. Henderson informed your reporter that his atten- tion had just been called to the fact that they had the same number of steamers plying between this and the ports of Ireland and Scotland, as there were States in the Union. The party returned to the city about 8 p. si., all well pleased with the trip, and the more so because nothing transpired to mar the harmony of the most novel and greatest excursion (with the exception of one of the " Great Eastern" some time ago) that ever took place from New York. Wo have already given a full and accurate description of this splendid steam- ship. The appointments, both in the cabin and steerage, are all as perfect as possible. Nothing seems to be wanting, and we wish the " California " a hearty God-speed, and her enterprising owners a long and prosperous career. — Irish People, August 31, 1S72. The Anshor Line. "We have before us the bill of fare, programme of toasts and several other items concerning the great excursion given to the agents of The Anchor Line, on the splendid steamship " California," which took place on the 14th instant. Five hundred persons were on board, among whom were our friends Mr. James McDermott, of the Irish People, Mr. John Locke, of the Celtic Weekly, and Mr. Stephen Hays, of the N'ew Yorh Herald. Messrs. Locke and McDer- mott, we are informed, were the jolliest fellows on board— real Irishmen, but the most Scotch on board, for they sang Scotch songs and danced more Scot- tishly than all the Anchorites. A clerk in the house of Henderson Brothers spske to our reporter thus, in relation to the jolly pair : " You see they are Scotchmen, anH like Scotchmen they will be merry." We arc glad of the honors won by our two friends, and we are especially obliged to them for their kind expressions regarding ourselves. Our New York friends will accept our thankful acknowledgements for the good wishes expressed to our friend D. A. Brosnan, Esq., of us.— Washington Irish R--puhlic, August, 1872. Wc have received a very interesting litlle pamphlet, containing a sketch of a short trip to Europe, entitled " A Twelve Days' Tour in Scotland," giving a list of the principal places tourists should visit when making the trip, and furnish- ing many valuable suggestions to those contemplating the "European Tour." The low price of passage tickets by The Anchor Line, viz., §120 currency for the round trip, giving many an opportunity of visiting the Old World that has never beforo been presented by any other line of ocean-stcamcrs. This line is continually adding new steamers to its already extensive fleet. Our townsman, W. B. Bcnsinger, Esq., who is agent for the company, has just returned, with Mrs. Bcnsinger, from a trip in the steamer " California." This is a beautiful steamship, the arrangements in the interior of the vessel be- ing very fine. The state-rooms are light and airy, large lavatories arc provided for both ladies and gentlemen ; the ladies' boudoir is a perfect gem of a place, decorated in sea-green tints, dotted and striped with gold, with delicate little birds perched in the centre of each broad panel. A rich buffet and mirror, and silvered trimmings on every side, make it a charming retreat for the gentle sex. The vessel is a fine specimen of naval architecture, strong, staunch, and well .fitted for the Transatlantic passenger trade. She has accommodations forlSOfirst- class and 900 steerage passengers. Mr. Bcnsinger is enthusiastic in his praise of this steamer, the excellent management and the generous liberality of the company. — Tcmaqua (ita.) Courier, August 31, 1872. Anchor Line of Transatlantic Steamships. The trade between America and Europe is more important than that between any other two continents. Of this trade the United States has by far the largest share. Her ships plough every sea in the world, and upon the Atlantic her sails ale more frequent than those of any other nation except England. Lines of ocean-steamers ply regularly between the United States and England, carryiug the richest merchandise, England selling us the products of her manufactories in exchange for the products of our fertile land. From the different sections of the Union, grain is shipped to supply the teeming millions of Europe, and from no city is there more shipped than Chicago. Her enterprising merchants send out their own ships upon the broad ocean to convey their merchandise. Of these none are more enterprising than the firm owning the magnificent line of steam- ships known as The Anchor Line. The number has been continually increased . as the exigencies of the trade required, until now The Anchor Line is one of the most important in the country. Only lately they have added to their list of steam-packet ships a first-class vessel, named the " California." She made her trial-trip recently down the New York Bay, having on board a very pleasant company, who enjoyed themselves as pleasantly as if on shore. A magnificent diuuer was served in the main cabin, toasts were proposed and drunk, and every thing passed off as agreeably and pleasantly as could be desired by the most sanguine friends of the company. The most satisfactory result of the trip, however, was the test of tho vessel's sea-going qualities, which were found to be fully up to what had been expected of her by her owners, and promised by her makers. Her performance during the trip left nothing more to be desired, and impressed all with the belief that she is a thoroughly safe ocean-ship. Wc congratulate Henderson Brothers upon their new acquisition, and bust that TnE ANcnoR Line of Transatlantic steam-paeket ships will bring abradant success to their owners. — Lixington {Ky.) Press, August 31, 1872. The Anchor Line Excursion. On one of the most delightful days of the present month, Wednesday, tho 14th instant, the Messrs. Henderson, of The Anchor Line, gave an excursion in honor of the representatives of that line in the United States. After a sump- tuous breakfast given to the guests on the steamer " Trinacria," at The Anchor Lixe pier, No. 20 North Kiver, and an inspection of that vessel, we were es- corted to the- splendid steamer " California," the latest addition to their fleet, and which at her sister pier looked down kindly on the first-named steamer, already heavily laden and so soon to sail for Glasgow. A large company of guests, among whom we recognized ladies and gentlemen from distant cities, had already arrived, and a few moments later we were moving down the Bay, saluting and being saluted by the various vessels in port and in full enjoyment of a sail oceanward, the route being a trip to Long Branch and return. The voyage down the bay was delightfully pleasant, and the fine music of Grafulla's Seventh Eegiment Band highly entertaining. A splendid lunch was served ad libitum in the saloons of the steamer, to which the company paid spe- cial attention. At 2 o'clock p. it., Long Branch was reached, and, after saluting the residents thereof, our good vessel started on the homeward course. Dinner was then served in the saloon " between-decks," which had been especially decorated for the occasion." The steward, Mr. Nathl. Stockdalc, and his assistants, are entitled to great praise for their very handsome decoration of the tables, which literally groaned beneath the weight of the delicacies displayed to tempt the palates of " the jolly Anchorites," who to the number of nearly six hundred w ere thus enter- tained. Dinner ended, the party returned to the cabin, where speeches appropriate 32 THE ANCHOR LINK OF STEAMERS. to the occasion wi re made by gentlemen of prominence connected with the proas, the legal fraternity, and the shipping interest The resident manager, Francis MacDonald, Esq., presided on this occasion in his usual felicitous man- ner, and to his excellent management, ably seconded by Messrs. Henderson, Lamont, nnd Lucas, the success of the trip was due in large measure. Captain Craig und the other officers were zealous iu their efforts to make all feci " at home " while on hoard, and all interested in the management of the excursion have our thanks for courtesies. The "California" is one of the handsomest vessels sailing from this port. Built staunch and strong, her every detail in perfection of seaworthiness has been carefully looked after, while in model and artistic finish she is almost unrivalled. The saloon and cabin accommodations of this splendid steamer arc really su- perb. Fitted throughout with the most elaborate appliances that art suggests, or that mechanical skill can contrive, there seems absolutely nothing wanting cither in this department or in other portions of the ship. All of the quarters devoted to officers and crew arc especially arranged witli regard to their com- fort, while in the mechanical details nothing has been left undone to render the vessel as safe as any that crosses the Atlantic. We regret that lack of space will not admit of a more general description of the vessel, but, from special inspection of every department of the steamer, we can speak in the highest terms of all that has been written in regard thereto. No accident occurred to mar the pleasure of the voyage, and shortly after 7 p. M., the good ship landed us safely at her New York pier, where with ring- ing cheers for Captain Craig and his associate officers, for the ship " California," nnd The Anchor Line, the guests departed, highly gratified with the day's pleasure. — [Ed. Chronicle.] — Neioburg (A 7 ". Y) Chronicle, August 31, 1872. Anchor Line Steamers. The Anchor Line Steamship Co. gave an excursion to about six hundred of their agents with their friends on the 14th inst., on their new steamer " Cali- fornia." The " California " is a very finely-built vessel, about four hundred feet long, and fitted up with all the convenience of a first-class hotel. The vessel sailed from their wharf at 11 a. it., and went as far as Long Branch, and returned about 7 p. ir. The day was delightful and the breeze pleasant, and was a rich treat to all on board. The guests we're provided with breakfast on the steamer •" Trinneria" at 9 o'clock, and with dinner on the "California." The dining- saloon, which was about one hundred feet long, was furnished with five tables the entire length, which were loaded with all the luxuries the market affords — in fact, the guests fared sumptuously. It was a rich treat to all, and the kindness of the Messrs. Henderson Brothers, the proprietors of the line, and of Messrs. MacDonald and Lamont, their agents, will never be forgotten. No pains or expense wore spared to make the trip comfortable and pleasant. These vessels sail twice a week between New York and Glasgow and carry passengers to and from all parts of England, Ireland, Wales, Scotland, and the Continent, at less cost than any other first-class line of steamers. Mr. David Phillips, of this place, is their agent, and will give any information concerning them, and will be pleased to book passengers to or from any of the • above-named places. — Mahanoy Valley (Pa.) Record, August 31, 1872. An Elegant Trip— The Anchor Line. We regret that press of business precluded us from joining the excursion party given by the celebrated Anchor Steamship Line, in New York Bay, on the 14th inst. The trip was made on board the " California," one of the finest iron screw-steamers ever built. She is said to be the best fitted and furnished vessel that sails from New York. Among the other luxuries to be found in the cabins of this magnificent specimen of naval architecture, there may be found splendid mirrors, a well-selected library, and a fine piano. The excursionists were elegantly entertained, and among the guests were ' All the New York dailies sent representatives. During the trip a sumptuous banquet was spread, and the following toasts proposed and responded to : We wish the new steamship many a hon voyage. — Quincy (III.) Whig, August 31, 1872. A Day on a Ship. The recant excursion on the " California," the newest of the forty steamships belonging to The Anchor Line, was ono of the pleasantest trips ever made out of New York harbor. A friend who was present says nothing like it lias been known there for many years. Some two thousand invitations had been issued to agents of the line, journalists, and friends, in different parts of the country, and about six hundred persons participated. Tho Gazette was represented by proxy, nnd prox. says a life on the ocean wave, on such a ship, nnd with such a party, would be the best thing imaginable for nn indefinite period. Mr. Francis MacDonald, the resident partner in New York of tho Chicago firm of Henderson Brothers, was the chief manager of the excursion — and he made just the success of it he makes with every thing he has charge of. Well, the cannon thundered ns the grand ship, decorated from masthead to deck with English and American flags and signal-pennants, moved down the bay. The guests had free range of the steamer from hold to upper duck, and free access to viands, too. T ie steamer went ns far as Long Branch, and fired a salute when off President Grant's cottage. Tho dinner came — and it was the perfection of victualling. General Lew Wallace, Francis MacDonald, Vice-Consul Warraek, Dr. Van dcr Poel, Erastus Brooks, nnd others, responded to toasts. It was a gay dinner-party. After dinner there was a ball on the upper deck. The voyage back to New York was as pleasant as the "out" trip. The " California" is a model steamer, is very staunchly built and finely fin- ished ; has most elegant high and airy cabins nnd saloons, luxuriously fitted up ; commodious nnd well-appointed state-rooms ; has admirable arrangements for ventilation and for steering. She is under the command of Captain James Craig, a thorough officer and a true gentleman, nnd we commend her to per- sons crossing the oeenn. The Anchor Line is the line for Atlantic voyagers — there is no doubt of it. — Davenport (Iowa) Gazette, August 31, 1872. Anchor Line Steamers. Messrs. Henderson Brothers, of The Anchor Line of Steamships, sailing between New York and Glasgow, invited thoir agents to nn excursion on their new nnd beautiful steamer " California," on the 14th inst. The invitation was accepted by nbout six hundred of their agents and friends. Mr. David Phillips, who is their agent here, was among the guests. He informs us that the excursion was a most delightful one. They left New York at 11 o'clock a. m., and pro- ceeded as far as Long Branch, about 40 miles, nnd returned at 7 P. sr. The sea was calm, the breeze delightful, and was enjoyed by all on board. The " California" is a new first-class steamer, about 400 feet long, admirably fitted, with all the comforts and conveniences that can be imagined. The party fared sumptuously, being provided with all the luxuries the market afforded. The dining-saloon was arranged with five tables nearly 100 feet long ench, yet all could not be accommodated at once. The guests were treated with n cordiality and kindness that will never bo forgotten by tho many agents, with their friends, who were on board. The Anchor Line Company have about 1,300 agents in this country. They carry passengers from all parts of England, Wales, Ireland, Scotland, und the Conti- nent, at less cost than any other first-class line of steamers, and yet their com- fort and accommodation for passengers arc second to no other line. Much credit is due the agents of Messrs. Henderson Bros., for their hospitality and gener- osity, and those enjoying the excursion before landing, gave three rousing cheers for all engaged in the management of the excursion. — Mahanoy (Pa.) Gazette, August 31, 1872. An Elegant Ocean-Steamer. One of the most memorable excursions of this season of " dcad-hend" rides wns thnt given on tho 14th inst., down New York Bay by Messrs. Henderson Bros., proprietors of The Anchor Line of Ocean Steamships. Mr. Francis MacDonald, the resident partner of the firm above mentioned in New York City, was the moving spirit in the happy affair. He placed at the disposal of tho excursionists, about COO in number, the elegant new steamer "California," the latest of some 40 now owned by that line. The excursionists included among their number, James Warraek, Esq., British vice-consul of this city, General Lew Wallace, Hon. Erastus Brooks, Hon. Henry Nicol, Captain B. S. Osbon, Dr. Van der Poel, and other distinguished gentlemen and ladies. Off Long Branch tho party was treated to a superb dinner on the lower deck, the bill of faro embracing all the delicacies of the season. This elegant repast wns followed by the usual happy toasts and response's. The return home before a stiff gale was not less enjoyable than the outward-bound trip, and the day will be marked down as a red-letter one on the tablets of memory of all who were present. The " California" is an iron screw-steamer, with high decks, and most luxuriously- fitted cabins. It is now, and will henceforth be, kept in the Atlantic carrying- trade by the popular Anchor Line. Its cost was about $700,000. — Chicago Times, August 31, 1872. The Anchor Line Excursion. We acknowledge the receipt of an invitation to the excursion recently given by The Anchor Line from New York, on their new iron steamship " Cali- fornia." The pressure of other duties prevented our acceptance of the invita- tion, which we regret exceedingly, ns we learn from friends that the occasion wns one of rare interest. The Anchor Line is one of the most popular plying between this country and Europe, and the steamship " California " is the first of a new fleet of superior excellence building for the American trade ; ami her nppearancc in New York attracted so much attention, that the proprietors of the line thought it advisable to give her a formal introduction to the public in the shape of nn excursion to the prominent points around New York She is finished in nn elegant manner, nnd every thing provided which can increase the comfort nnd insure the Safety of passengers ; including smoking-rooms, a grand saloon, of tho whole width of the vessel, 40 by 45 feet, piano, library, electric bells, etc. She has a capacity of 150 first-class and 900 steerage-passengers. Her great breadth of beam makes her an unusually safe and easy vessel at sea. The " Victoria," another steamer of similar pattern, has already been launched, the "Bolivia" and "Ethiopia" are well advanced in eoi struction, and the " Utopia," "Castilia" and "Italia" urc on the frames, so THE ANCnOR LINE OF STEAMERS. 33 that shortly The Anchor Line will have seven of these fine steamers in this trade, caeh one costing about half a million dollars. The excursion was numerously attended, and proved a grand success. And it could not have well been otherwise with such an elegant steamer, select com- pany, fine music, and gorgeous banquet, with its toasts and good cheer.— Ra- tional Line Stock Journal, September, 1872. The New Ocean-Steamer " California." A breakfast on board the "Trinacria," and an excursion down New York Bay, with dinner aboard the " California"— to both of which The Diocese was favored with complimentary invitations — were given by Messrs. Henderson Brothers, the proprietors of The Anchor Line, to their agent3 and invited guests, on the 14th of August last. The occasion was a most enjoyable one, and the banquet every thing that the most fastidious taste could desire. It is of the ship herself rather than of the banquet that we must speak. The dinner i3 eaten, and the trip down New York Bay safely and pleasantly ended, but the noble vessel remains, a floating palace ready to carry thousands of pas- sengers in safety and comfort across the sea. Before doing bo, however, we must not forget to say that the prime mover of the excursion, Mr. Francis MacDouald, the New York manager of the Com- pany, still retains the popularity he has so many years enjoyed as a pioneer in attending to the necessities of Atlantic passenger and goods traffic, and that on this occasion he proved himself to be, as usual, " the right man in the right place." A3 a sample of the luxury and elegance of her appointments, we give the dimensions, etc., of her grand saloon. It extends across the vessel from side to side, is 45 ft. in length by 40 ft. in width, and is finished with polished teak, inlaid with white-wood, carved and ornamented with gold. The rich carpets, the furniture in maroon-colored Russia leather, grand piano, immense plate- glass mirrors, and a well-selected library, make it a very palace of taste, luxury, and comfort. The state-rooms are large and airy, with two berths in each, and finished in the same elegant and costly style as the saloon. There are accommodations for 153 first-class, and 900 steerage passengers. The " California" is the first of a new fleet of seven large vessels now build- ing for The Anchor Line. The " Victoria," twin sister of the " California," is already launched. Two others, the " Bolivia" and " Ethiopia," of 4,500 tons each, are also well forward. When these vessels are all completed, the Line will consist of over forty first-class steamships, and demonstrate not only the energy and enterprise of the owners, but the esteem in which they are held by the travelling public as well, and their appreciation of the efforts to provide for their comfort and safety. There is no steamship line that has grown faster and more surely in public favor than The Anchor. The " California" sailed for Glasgow, on Saturday, August 17th, with a large lis.t of passengers, aui a full cargo. Success attend her !— Diocese of Illinois, September, 1872. The Anchor Line. On the 17th of August, the " California," a new ship of The Anchor Line plying between the City of Glasgow, Scotland, and New York, sailed from the latter city on her first voyage. The vessel is one of the largest, finest, and most complete steamships ever built, and her inauguration as one of The Anchor Line has been the subject of much comment by the press in all parts of the country. On the 14th, a banquet to the agents of the line, and to the press of New York City and others, was given on board the " California," while she sailed to Long Branch and back to New York Harbor. Eleven toasts were read, among them " The Army and the Navy," the other toasts and respondents being equally felicitously chosen. The " California" is the seventeenth addition to the Atlantic service of The Anchor Line, inaugurated in the year 1856, by the firm of Handyside & Hender- son, of Glasgow, Scotland. The " California" was built at Glasgow during this year, and is one of the most perfect, well-finished, and safest steamships plying the waters. The grand saloon of the " California" is described as a marvel of beauty and luxury Some of its features and furniture are entirely novel. The carpet is a rich green, the pattern being the coat-of-arms of Great Britain in- tertwined in wreaths of flowers. The tie-beams of the main dome are boxed and filled with choice exotic plants, giving it the appearance of an Oriental court. A piano and a library are part of the luxurious furniture, all of which is reflected again and again by heavy mirrors on all sides. Electric bell-knobs are placed at every convenient place. Sliding doors afford entrance to all the state-rooms, which are roomy, and provided with every convenience and luxury. The second cabin and state-rooms are handsomely and comfortably furnished, and pas- sengers of this class are carried across the water in the "California" for a reduction of ten dollars from first-class price. Third-class passengers, whose accommodations are also perfectly neat and comfortable, are carried at a still further reduction of fare. The vessel will accommodate, in all, 1,050 passengers besides the crew — 150 first-class and 900 steerage passengers, all of whom can cross tho waters of the Atlantic in the " California" in ease, comfort, and lux- ury, and with few of the discomforts of an O32an-voyage. — Cliro (III-) Bulletin, September 1, 1872. The Anchor Line. Messrs. Henderson Brothers, the proprietors of The Anchor Line of Steam- ers, devoted their elegant steamship " California" to the use of their agents and friends for an excursion to Long Branch and return, on Wednesday, August 14th. The excursion was a complete success. The vessel steamed down the bay, and off Long Branch took a turn to sea- ward, returning to her dock about eight o'clock in the evening. The entire ship was thrown open to the guests, and not the least pleasing feature of the day was the attendance of an excellent band of music. The entertainment provided was superb. Every delicacy that the market could afford, all prepared upon the ship by the ship's cook and steward, was placed upon the board, and the whole number of guests, upward of six hundred, were seated at one time at tables spread between-decks. The " California" is a new ship, her sailing on Saturday, August 17th, being her second voyage. She is completely and elegantly fitted in every respect with all modern conveniences, and an attention to detail in the furnishing which is not always found in sea-going steamers. Her sister vessel, the "Victoria," one of a fleet of six new steamers, now nearly completed, will bo here in a few weeks. The." California" has her main saloon in the midship section, where least motion is felt; it occupies the entire width of the ship. All the steamers now building for the Company will have the same arrangement. During the busy season (three months) just past, this Line carried from the port of New York 1,700 cabin-passengers. This number, for a company only fifteen years engaged in the Transatlantic trade, is an excellent record. — N. Y. Slipping Gazette, September 1, 1872. The Anchor Line. On the 14th of August the agents of The Anchor Line of Steamers, running between New York and Glasgow, in honor of the Line, and especially of the new steamer " California," which has recently been put upon that route, made an excursion on that vessel from New York. The steamer, from the description sent us, must be considered a triumph of marine architecture and engineering, and one of which the company has reason to be proud, and for which the travel- ler may be thankful. The excursion party included a large number of ladies and gentlemen, and the breakfast and dinner bills of fare for the occasion show a catership that ought to satisfy even that old grumbler, " the most fastidious gourmand," while the toasts were neither dry nor incompatible with the harmony of the banquet. The Anchor Line is determined to maintain the excellence and popularity which it has striven to achieve. — Cliicago Journal, Stptemler 2, 1872. " The California Excursion." A very kind invitation was sent us some weeks ago to participate in an ex- cursion down the New York Boy given on board the steamship " California," on the 14th of August, to the agents of The Anchor Line and to members of the Press. We were unable to be one of the party, but have read its history, and know it must have been good to be there. There were nearly six hundred guests, gathered from the East and West, North and South, and there were also a num- ber of representatives of foreign nations. Many pleasant acquaintances must have been formed, and we venture to say that no one of the party will ever forget the occasion which passed off so satisfactorily. The object of this excursion was to "show off" the "California," the new addition to the old reliable Axcnon Line of Transatlantic Steam-packet Ships. The steamer was gayly decorated with English and American flags, and with the various pieces of bunting of Marryat's code of signals. Judging frr.m the unan- imous verdict of the newspaper correspondents, who have inspected her, the *' California" must be a very floating palace, and a vessel as safe as she is beautiful. The sail was a charming one, the bay being uncommonly placid. At dinner, which the bill of fare shows to have been a sumptuous repast, there were toasts and responses. In looking over the toasts we were struck with their freshness and appropriateness. They were evidently prepared by one who comprehended tho situation, and who has a mind above the ordinary " run " of such sentiments. When the next excursion is given by the managers of this favorite packet-line, may we be there to enjoy it ! — Cleveland (d ho were sub- sequently honored, when off Long Branch, with one of the finest dinners that was ever served aboard ship. A long time was devoted to the table, and appropriate toasts with sprightly responses served to lend additional interest. Mr. Francis MaeDonald, the chief agent of The Anchor Line at New York, made an eloquent speech, and was followed by James Warraek, Esq., Brit- ish vice-consul at Chicago, who responded to the toast " Our guests, tho rep- resentatives who have made The Anchor Line a household word through- out the country — may they continue in perpetual alliance to uphold with U3 the flag which is the symbol of the immigrant's hope and the token of security to all." After more toasting and speech-making the party returned to New York City, arriving at the pier of tho steamer about 7 o'clock. All were thoroughly pleased with their day's trip, and all felt convinced that no better craft is upon the ocean than the " California." Punning between Glasgow, Scot- land, and New York, the steamers of The Anchor Line have become favorites with the public, being staunch, comfortable, and fleet. The "California" was finished at Glasgow during the present year, and is able to accommodate one hundred and fifty cabin and six hundred steerage passengers. She is commanded by Captain James Craig, a skilful and experienced navigator. This ship and all others of the samo line have much to commend them to public favor, and from the extended patronage which is given them, both ways,. it is evident that the company has the confidence of tho travelling communities of both Europe and America. — Denver (Col.) Rocky Movntain Neics, September 4, 1872. THE ANCHOR LINE OF STEAMERS. 35 A Gala Day with the Anchor Line.— Grand Excursion on the New Steamer " California." New Tore, August 15, 1S72. Yesterday formed an epoch in the history of about five hundred of the citi- zens of this and many of her sister States. There was something in the event so novel, so interesting, so unique, that one must have supposed its conception to have sprung from the brain of a Yankee, which is not only really fertile, but is so egotistic as to claim an unrivalled monopoly in every thing new, especially if it combines business with pleasure, money with utility. But this affair, which I have raised by the unanimous acclaim of five hundred citizens to the dignity of an epoch, and which I expect yet to describe, if my readers will but patiently wade through this introduction, did not originate in the mind of a Yankee ; if it had, I would have been saved any further trouble than just referring tbcm to the next Patent-Office report for a full and minute detail of the affair, for no Yankee would let the opportunity pass without getting out a patent right for it. But, as I believe I have said, it did not thus originate. The fact is, it was the happy conception of two Scotchmen — Mr. James Ilenderson and Mr. Francis MacDon- ald, of The Ancuor Line of Steamers. And the event, concerning which you have been waiting so patiently to read or hear, was a voyage to sea given by these gentlemen to the agents of the line and their wives and daughters, and to the representatives of the press and their wives and daughters. The voyage was given on board their new steamship " California," a ship worthy of the name of the "land of gold," and decidedly the brightest gem of the ocean that enters this port. A great majority of the guests had never before been outside or out 6ight of land ; to thjse the sjene was magnificently thrilling. "While a steam- tug, which accompanied the expedition as a tender, was surging, plunging, and bunting through and at the not very large or turbulent waves like a huge por- poise, the " California" rode as quiet and tranquil as upon the bosom of the Hudson; for this blessing it is very probable that those who had never been at sea before were not sufficiently thankful, for they could not realize exactly what they had escaped. The sail was continued just long enough to give to all that exhilaration of spirit peculiarly incident to a voyage at sea; and to those who had never been on the ocean before, a slight appreciation of that beautiful senti- ment of Israel's sweet singer, "Those that go down to the sea in ships, and do business in great waters, these see the works of the Lord and His wonders in the deep." As the bow of the steamer swept round in its are turning toward the city, many of the guests stood on the deck gazing, still gazing steadfastly toward the east, as if the Mecca of their souls lay in that direction. To the heart that can be raised from Nature up to Nature's God there is some- thing peculiarly sublime in viewing the ocean. A long train of thoughts rush upon the mind, but high and above them all is the contemplation of our own in- significance and inipoteuce. We view ourselves as the " least of Nature's little- ness," changing, decaying, and gone — " Be not so thou ; Unchangeable save in thy wave's play, Time writes no wrinkles on thy azure brow, Such as Creation's dawn beheld thou rollest now." Standing in the presence of those giant trees of California, with their thirty and thirty-five feet diameter, and their altitude reaching six or seven hundred feet, we feel that we are in the presence of the early handiwork of the Almighty, connected by them to the primeval verdure with which He adorned the lawns of Paradise and the world. But when we behold the ocean, we feel that we are in the presence of the Almighty Himself, and we appreciate with intense fervor the beautiful sentiment of England's poet : " Thou glorious mirror where the Almighty's form Glasses itself in tempest, in all time — Calm or convulsed, in breeze, or gale, or storm, Dark-heaving, boundless, endless, and sublime, The image of Eternity— the throne Of the Invisible — thou goest forth, dread, fathomless, alone." But I must not forget that I left a large number of my fellow-passengers on deck gazing eastward as though they would see the shore beyond ; human vision is straightened for home, the enchantment is broken, and, with Byron's invoca- tion to the ocean — " Eoll on thou deep and dark-blue ocoan — roll ! " this scene closes. "We sweep down toward Long Branch, on the Jersey coast, as near as pru- dence will warrant, to give all an opportunity of seeing the metropolis of metro- politan fashion during the hot weather. The villas of wealth could easily be defined with the naked eye, in the distance, studding, for a mile or more, the white-sanded beach, but, as we had a spy-glass in our company which we alter- nated, the strain was not so great. "When opposite the President's cottage, a national salute was fired from our steamer. I soon became satisfied with Long Branch. For two important reasons " distance " had ceased to "lend enchant- ment to the view." 1. We had just left the ocean with its glory and grandeur behind us,-and who would banish its reflections and lessons " to batten on this moor?" 2. A scene of greater interest was being enacted below. The bell of the second steward had already announced that dinner was ready, and the way that the guests piled down those stairways would have satisfied the most skepti- cal that they were ready for it. The great steerage had for the occasion been converted into a saloon, carpeted, fumigated, and perfumed. Five tables, each a hundred feet in length, graced it. The flags of all nations surrounded it, so that no timber or beam was visible. Such taste had been displayed in adorning the room with flags, tapestry, and flowers, that one would rather have supposed he was entering the bauqueting-hall of some mansion of wealth than the steerage of an ocean-steamer. And then such tables. To say that " they groaned with the luxuries and delicacies of the season," is a hackneyed draft on the imagina- tion. But to say that no tables of Long Branch surpassed them that day, is not. The known liberality of the owners of tl/e line is a sufficient guarantee for the bounty and luxury of the occasion. There was only one mishap which marred the absolute success of the occasion, and against which Mr. MacDonald had made ample provision. But I hope he will not grieve too much over it, for it will always happen where a large majority of the guests are Yankees or Ameri- can Scotchmen, especially if they are very hungry. The mishap was this, no blessing was asked, a great drawback to a Scotchman's dinner. Though the voracity of the guests disappointed Mr. MacDonald and the minister, the loss was probably not so great as they apprehended, for, to have made it a success, the reverend gentleman would have had to deliver through a speaking-trumpet, and, unless he had been accustomed to the use of that instrument, the effort would probably have been a failure. The room was too large for any single hu- man unaided voice. After dinner, an adjournment was made to the grand saloon of the ship. This was for the intellectual part of the occasion. Mr. James Henderson took one end of the first table, and Mr. MacDonald the other. Upon Mr. MacDonald devolved the duty of announcing the toasts, which duty he prefaced by a well-considered and well-received speech The occasion was graced by Grafulla's full Seventh Begiment Band, and Clcl- land and Kankin, pipers, who were dressed in Highland costume. Sufficient space on the main deck was appropriated to the use of the dancers. Great credit is due to Captain Craig, Mr. Lamont, and the chief steward, Mr. Stock- dale, and the other officers of the ship, for the devotion they bestowed on the guests in their efforts to make them comfortable. They were not neglected in the parting cheers that were given. Three cheers to Mr. Henderson, three to Mr. MacDonald, and three to the noble ship, closed the joyous occasion. In reference to the noble steamer, I will add that she is acknowledged by all to be one of the finest, if not the finest, passenger vessel sailing out of this port; and one object of the excursion was to show the guests of the company what class of vessels they are putting on the line — Delhi (IV. T.) Dela- ware Express, Stptember 4, 1ST2. The Anchor Line. In connection with'the excursion given by The Anchor Like of ocean-steam- ers to their agents, we have to add a graceful act on their part. Th'ey have paid the travelling expenses of the agents who took part in the excursion to and from New York. Such generosity on the part of the proprietors of the line is worthy of notice. Mrs. Warnock is their agent in Goderich. — Huron (Ont.) Signal, Sep- tember 4, 1872. Ocean Steamers— Excursion of the Anchor Line. On the 14th of last month an excursion down New York Bay and thirty miles out to sea, in front of Long Branch, was given to a party of editors and news- paper folks by Messrs. Henderson Brothers, of New York, owners of the famous Anchor Line of ocean-steamers. The occasion was the initial trip of the " Cal- ifornia," a new steamship of an improved class, and the first of six of her kind wdiioh Messrs. Ilenderson Brothers propose placing on their line. Over two thou- sand invitations had been issued for the occasion, and ladies and gentlemen were present from far Western cities, as well as from other points less remote, including representatives from many nations and professions. The sail down the bay was highly enjoyed, giving splendid views of the lowest part of New York, of Brook- lyn, the East Kiver and its shipping ; past Governor's Island, Coney Island, Staten Island, with its many handsome residences ; past the many forts of stone and earth, by which, with their many guns, ranging in calibre up to twenty inches, the harbor of New York is thoroughly defended ; past Quarantine station, past Sandy Hook, out to sea, and down to opposite Long Branch, a sail of nearly forty miles. When off Long Branch, dinner was served, which embraced in its courses substantial and delicacies from all parts of the world. After the table was cleared, toasts were in order, and the trip back was enlivened by the pop- ping of champagne-corks and witty speeches. The "California" is a model ocean-steamer; .... is very strongly built, and finely finished; has most elegant, high, and airy cabins and saloons, luxuri- ously fitted up ; commodious and well-appointed state-rooms ; has admirable ar- rangements for ventilation and for steering, and, altogether, is able to accommo- date one hundred and fifty cabin and six hundred steerage passengers in a manner that leaves little to be desired, except immunity from sea-sickness (of which there will be the least possible on the ship). She is under the command of Cap- tain James Craig, a thorough officer and true gentleman, and we commend her to persons crossing the ocean, and most heartily wish success to The Anchor Line, of which she is the pride. — Knoxville (Tenn.) Press and Herald. September 5, 1S72. SG THE ANCHOR LINE OF STEAMERS. That Trip down the Bay. Wo vrcceivcd, a whilo ago, an invitation from Messrs. Henderson Brothers, of the celebrated Anchor Steamship Line, to participate in a trip given by tho agents of that line down New York Bay as far as Long Branch, on hoard of their new steamer " California." We were not able to avail ourselves of the tendered politeness, but, from those who were, wo have highly-eulogistic accounts of the delightful trip of the line, and of ths " California." She is described as a model Steamship in every respect Her cabins are high and airy, and her fur- nishings and appointments are all elegant and luxurious. On the whole, the " California " is regarded as the best representative of the numerous Atlantic fleet of steamships now afloat. Six others, of a like character, are to be added to The Anchor Line, one of which, tho " Victoria," has been launched, and the other five are in tho courso of construction. Forty-six steamers have been built for this line within the past fifteen years, seventeen of which have been put into the Atlantic trade. These are now to be followed by the express passenger steamers, consisting of tho "California" and her six associates, which are to be larger, costlier, and more thoroughly and elegantly equipped than any of their prede- cessors, themselves noblo ships, which have given the " Anchor " a universal popularity with the Europe-going public. To the chief agent in New York, Mr. Francis MacDonald, for many years the representative of this popular line, much praise is due. His exertions in raising The Anchor Line to its now proud posi- tion are well known and fully appreciated by the American travelling public. The history of the career of the Henderson Brothers, which involves also a history of The Anchor Line, as given by the Nautical Gazette, is an interesting one. It shows what pluck, energy, and well-directed enterprise, can accomplish. From boys, starting out of the Clyde, they have gone on, rising through all the gradations of nautical life, until they stand at tho head of the most formidable steamship lines in the world, having under their control a greater tonnage than most of the nations of the earth. And tho travelling public, which is every year growing more and more numerous, is reaping the benefit of their success in greatly-improved facilities and accommodations for crossing the ocean. — Chi- cago Standard, September 5, 1872. Tha Anchor Line.— Their Latest Triumph in Naval Architecture. In 1S3C, The Anchor Line of steamers, which has since grown to such propor- tions in the carrying-trade, was started by Ilandyside & Henderson, of Glasgow, with a single steamer. The projectors were men of shrewdness and sagacity, having a thorough knowledge of tho shipping-trade, and tneir enterprise was entered into with a full understanding of its needs. Before them it had seemed im- possible to establish steam-traffic between Glasgow and New York. Their first venture was crowned with success, and another and another steamer was added to their list, until the line had forty-six steamers in their employ, seventeen of which, ranging from 1,500 to 3,500 tons, were built for the Atlantic service. Even this large number was found to be insufficient to accommodate the traffic, and now seven new steamers, whoso aggregate tonnage will be over 23,000 tons, are to be constructed for it. These, when completed, will be valued at half a million dollars each, and will be the finest fleet of vessels afloat. They are being constructed at Glasgow, by Messrs. Alexander Stephens & Sons On the 14th of August, through the kindness of the resident partner of the firm, Mr. Francis MacDonald, of New York, a grand excursion down the bay was participated in by members of the press and invited guests. Down to Long Branch they steamed, and then about and returned to New York. A dinner, under whose weight of sumptuous delicacies tho tables fairly groaned, was given on board, which was participated in by the six hundred guests with a relish that only sea-air can give. Grafulla's famous band accompanied the excursion. Mr. MacDonald, to whose careful management the affair owed its brilliant success, is the resident partner of the house, and to his business sagacity is to be placed a great part of the credit of tho rapid growth in the American business of tho line. The excursionists returned more than pleased with their journey, and the vessel sailed, a day or two afterward, for Glasgow with a full list of passengers and freight. — Kansas City {Mo.) Bulletin, September 5, 1872. The Anchor Line Excursion. To tho Messrs. Henderson Bros., through their agents in the United States, must be given the credit of inaugurating something entirely new in the way of editorial or journalistic excursions. About the 5th of August the editors of the more prominent journals, throughout tho country, received tho compliments of Messrs. Henderson, and were requested to partake of their hospitality in a trip down New York harbor, and out to sea, on the latest addition to the ships of their line, the " California." Accordingly, on August 14th, a company of from 500 to GOO, largely composed of newspaper men and their lady friends, met on board the steamer and were treated in a right royal way, as a statement of the facts will warrant us in affirming. Tho steamer left her dock at 11 A. m., gayly decorated with tho flags of all nations, and steamed down the harbor of New York and out to sea some 40 miles, then down to tho beach at Long Branch, where a royul saluto was fired in honor of President Grant, after Which the 6teamcr was turned homeward, and the guests invited to the saloon on the lower deck, where a most sumptuous banquet was served, embracing a great variety of meats, vegetables, fruits, and delicacies. After all demands of appetite were satisfied, toasts and speeches were in order. General Lew Wallace, Mr. Francis MacDonald, chief agent of The Anchor Line at New York, Mr. James Warrack, British vice-consul at Chicago, were among those who responded with eloquent speeches to some of the toasts. The steamer arrived at her dock at 1 o'clock i>. M., when all pronounced tho excursion a grand success, which was largely duo to the untiring energy and efforts of Mr. MacDonald, who had the entire manage- ment of the affair. The published descriptions of the " California" give many noteworthy details of public interest. To sum up, the new boat is probably to-day tho best representative of the Atlaulic carrying-trade now afloat. Six other steamers of like build are to fol- low, the second of which, the " Victoria," has just been launched, and the other five arc in course of construction. — Chicago Interior, September 5, lb"2. The Anchor Line Excursion. Wo acknowledged the receipt a few weeks ago of a special invitation from Henderson Brothers, proprietors of The Anchor Line of transatlantic steam paekct-ships, to attend an excursion down New York Bay, on board tho " Cali- fornia," a new ship recently added to the line. From our youth up we have always been an ardent admirer of a fine ship, or, in fact, any thing of nautical beauty and grace which skims the blue surface of the ocean, or dashingly ploughs its way through the ever-restless billows. Aside, however, from tho name, "California," so peculiarly attractive and interesting to people of the Pacific coast, the description of this new traverser of the broad Atlantic indicated a noble, effective, commodious, safe, and comfortable ship, such as American or European travellers always delight in making themselves at home on board of when crossing the broad ocean. We could not help feeling disappointed in being unable to join the excursion, and can appreciate the glowing accounts of those who did. Invitations had been sent out by the liberal, public-spirited proprietors to all parts of tho country; consequently there were present people from various sections, representing divers professions and nationalities, and the guests, including ladies and children, numbered nearly 600. Tho day was propitious, tho ship splendidly decorated with flags, signals, etc., a fine brass band was on board, and the spirits of all the guests were high with pleasing anticipations of the joys and novelties of the ocean-trip in so large and fine a ship. A correspondent gives a very pleasing description of the occa- sion, from which we extract the following : The sail down tho bay was highly enjoyed, giving splendid views of the lowest part of New York, of Brooklyn, the East river and its shipping, past Governor's Island, Coney Island, Staten Island, with its many handsome resi- dences ; past the many forts of stone and earth, by which, with many guns, ' ranging in calibre up to twenty inches, the harbor of New York is thoroughly defended ; past Quarantine station, where on anchored hulks, and in hospitals on a little rocky island, passengers arriving from other ports with infectious dis- eases are isolated and treated, and where the Spanish iron-clad, " Numancia," with yellow fever on board, is now detained ; past Sandy Hook, off which in- coming vessels take on pilots from their jaunty little yachts, of w hich we saw several; and then we were fairly "out on the ocean sailing," with our eastward and southward view limited only by the horizon, formed by the waste of waters, bearing on their bosom many ships whose appearance, near or remote, practically illustrated one of our childhood's geography proofs, that the world is round. Between 2 and 3 o'clock we were off Long Branch, and, steaming down in front of its famous beach, with its great hotels and charming cottages, fired a saluto when off President Grant's, which was acknowledged by the dipping of the flag on his house, and having had a sail of nearly forty miles, with water no rougher than Lake Mcndota often is, and of course no sea-sickness. While off Long Branch the passengers were invited to a dinner on the lower deck amidships, which was fitted up temporarily for a dining-saloon, as tho cabin was inadequate to accommodate tho large crowd on hoard. A superbly- got-up bill of fare, printed on extra large letter-paper, embraced a great variety of meats, vegetables, fruits, and delicacies, with which the handsomely-spread tables were crowded, and from which tho demands of appetite, sharpened by a bracing sea-breeze, could bo abundantly satisfied. It was a couple of hours before the whole company, including the ship's officers, had eaten and drunk their fill, and then apart of the company assembled in the spacious cabin and listened to toasts and speeches. The toasts were all suitably responded to and heartily cheered, with appropriate music following. Everybody enjoyed, appre- ciated, and applauded, and the frequent popping of champagne-corks showed lively drinking by some. With renewed enjoyment of tho views afforded, with music of the band, to which there was dancing on the upper deck, the playing of the bagpipes by a couple of fine-looking Scotchmen, clad in the national costume, singing, and social intercourse, tho return-voyage was made pleasant, and at 1 o'clock p. K. they were again at their pier, the hearty cheers of all con- cerned in arranging the excursion testifying to the appreciation of those who had participated in what has never been attempted but once before, and that on a much smaller scale by another line.— Gold Hill {Nevada) Netcs, September 0, 1S72. • Anchor Line. Having received an invitation from Henderson & Brothers to go on an ex- cursion from New York to Long Branch in their new ocean-steamer " Cali- THE ANCHOR LINE OF STEAMERS. 37 tbrtlia," I availed myself of the opportunity, and Lave no regrets for so doing, as I had a fine sail and a chance of examining an elegant steamer, 'well fitted for comfort and pleasure for an ocean-voyage, with spleudid state-rooms for cabin passengers ; and for intermediate and stecrago passengers the accommodations arc nice. While we were at dinner wo arrived opposite Long Branch. They saluted President Grant by firing several guns, and then turned the steamer's course toward home, arriving at pier No. 20 about 8 o'clock p. m. All were well pleased with the excursion. Having seen the vessel and sailed in her, I can with confidence solicit the patronage of the community, feeling assured that they would be pleased with the accommodations and with the officers and crew, who do every thing reasonable to make a sea-voyage pleasant. For any further information desired, please apply to George W. Collins, Agent. — Rhode Island rendulum, September 6, 1872. Ocean-Steamships, One of the most enterprising of our ocean-steamship companies appears to be The Anchor Line, of New York, of which Mr. Frank Steele is agent at Kouse- villo. This company recently sent invitations to all their agents throughout the United States to come to New York and enjoy an excursion to Long Branch on their elegant new steamer " California." Not content with this, they paid all the expenses their agents incurred on the occasion. The company had reduced their rates of fares so low that an impression pre- vailed that The Anchor Line steamers were second class ; and their agents were invited on this excursion to enable them to inspect the steamers and thereafter speak of their merits from personal knowledge. Their faith in the popularity of low prices is now being so well rewarded by an increasing traffic that they are compelled to keep adding to their line new and still larger vessels. The excursion took place on the 14th ult., and judging by the printed bills of fare, programme of toasts, and the accounts given by those who participated, these " Jolly Anchorites" must have had a jolly time indeed. — Iiouseville Penn- si/lvanian, September 7, 1S72. An Excursion we have missed. We have received the following printed circular . Anchor Line of the Transatlantic, Peninsular, and Mediterranean Steam- ships, 324 Wabash Avenue. Chicago, August 2G, 1872. Dear Sir: Not having heard from you in reply to the invitation of the 29th ult., and card of admission to the trip down New York Bay to Long Branch, and the entertainment given on our steamships "California" and " Trinacria," we were disappointed in not being favored with your company. We enclose a pro- gramme of the proceedings, etc., and hope that on our next simliar excursion you may be able to form one of the party. Yours, respectfully, Henderson Brothers. Is that so? Didn't hear from us ? Sho ! That is too bad. But then, come to recollect, the invitation didn't reach us. Perhaps that might remotely account for your not hearing from us. Disappointed, were you? Well, we feared you would be. Don't see how the excursion even got along without us. Thank you for the programme of the proceedings, and Williams of Fare, etc. Wc see now what wo have missed. We felt all along wc were an excursion out somewhere. Wc would wake up in the night and say "Here, why ain't we out on the ex- curse?" Now we see it all. " Hope that on our next similar excursion you will be able to form one of the party?" Guess notl May bo we won't be there! And, say, make us out a season pass on The Anchor Line while you are about it. We 'anker for it. Wc might not bo able to attend your regular excursions, but could organize a little independent excursion of our own some off day. " We'll stand the storm, it won't be long — We'll Anchor by-and-by." — Cincinnati, Fat Contributor's Saturday Rigid, September 7, 1872. How the Anchor Line contributss to the Comfort of those who travel. m , T7,. y _ ,. Feeoay, August 16, 1872. To the Editor of the Workingmaw s Advocate: Intercourse between people of different nationalities creates a state of affairs, whose natural tendency is to a condition of universal peace. During the past decade this mutual intercourse has greatly increased. Formerly a trip to Europe was something beyond the hopes of many thousands who are now, thanks to the spread of liberalism, in a position to enjoy the trip. Kailroads in Europe, although to a less degree than in the United States, have brought travel in the Old World within the means of moderate incomes. A flying trip through Europe can now be made by one line of steamers, enabling the traveller to visit Eome and Paris as well as London, at a cost of about $250, American currency. The line afford- ing an opportunity to make a foreign tour at such a small cost is known as The Anchor Line. It has recently added five steamers of the largest class, and equipped in a superb style. The arrival of the first of these new steamers (the "California") was made an occasion of an excursion to Long Branch. Many guests were invited from all over the United States. It is a little singular that when other lines have had to be kept up by heavy subsidies, The Anchor Line, at its low rates of passage, should meet with such success. It was started by a firm who commenced a natural course together in an humble manner till, finally, they have become the owners of the present mammoth fleet. The new boat on which this excursion was made was built and finished at Glasgow It is little wonder that the managers of the line should be proud of such a ship, or that they should have made its visit to New York the occasion of the trip above referred to. The idea, we believe, originated with Francis MacDonald, Esq., the resident agent of the lino and one of its spirited proprietors. The time fixed was the 14th of August, and on that day the merriest company that ever rode out of New York Bay were assembled. There were music and dancing, and all the auxiliary comforts so prized on such an occasion. Mr. MacDonald was host for tho day, and bravely he filled the position. Arrived off Long Branch a sumptuous dinner was served, and after dinner came the "feast of rea- son and flow of soul." Among the orators were Jame3 Warrack, Esq., who responded to the toast of " the Agents" — in whose honor the excursion was given — General Lew Wallace, who spoke about " tho Army and Navy," Hon. Erastus Brooks, who told what he knew about the advantages of the telegraph, Hon. Henry Nicol, who expressed the wishes of all on board in wishing that tho career of the " California" might be as beneficial to The Anchor Line as her prototype had been to the Union, and Captain B. S. Osbon, who said a good word for poor Jack. The trip throughout was a decided success, and cannot fail to be remembered with pleasure by all who were so fortunate as to participate. It served a two- fold purpose — it showed to tho agents of the lino how the proprietors appreciate their services, and it showed to the public that the lino possesses boats second to those of no other. — Workingmari's Advocate, September 7, 1872. The Anchor Line Excursion. The Messrs. Henderson Brothers, the well-known projectors and proprietors of the celebrated Anchor Line, are gentlemen of world-wide experience in their particular calling, and, consequently, when they do any thing they do it well. The excursion given by them on board the magnificent steamship " California," on the 14th ult., was beyond any doubt the most successful and creditable one ever earned out by any company. It afforded unbounded satisfaction to the large but very select party which had the good fortune to be invited, and all con- ceded it to be the most enjoyable excursion of the season. The history of the Henderson Brothers affords a bright example of what indomitable perseverance combined with integrity can accomplish. Starting out from the Clyde in a little smack, some forty years ago, the brothers, then mere youths, began their sea-life, gradually acquiring knowledge and experience, until they became conversant with every detail in connection with vessels, from tho small smack to the large ocean-steamer. Practising economy and sterling integ- rity, these boys grew up to manhood, imbued with all the intelligence necessary to build a lasting business-structure, which has increased iu magnitude and power year by year, and is yet destined to outrival even their most sanguine ex- pectations. During the last fifteen rears they have had a fleet of forty-six, steamers specially built for them. The " California," the latest addition to The ANcnoR Line, is the first of a fleet of vessels, of a new and improved type, six of which will soon follow, at a cost of §3,000,000. The " California" was built and finished at Glasgow The banquet given on board was a most brilliant affair. The dinner con- sisted of ten courses, and embraced every thing which the most epicurean taste could desire. After the removal of the cloth numerous toasts were given, and ably responded to by Hon. Erastus Brooks, General Lew Wallace, and other well-known gentlemen. At a late hour the guests left the ship at LongBranch, and returned to the city in the steamship " California," highly gratified with the generous man- ner in which they had been received and feted. Great credit is due to Mr. Francis MacDonald, the resident partner of the firm, for the excellent way in which he carried out the whole programme. The " California" sailed the fol- lowing morning with a full passenger-list and a good cargo, and, in the words of one of the toasts, we can only hope that "her career may be as beneficial to The Anchor Line as her golden prototype has been to the Union." Henderson Brothers, 324 Wabash Avenue, arc the Chicago representatives of the firm. Our best thanks are due them for favors received in connection with the excursion. — Western Catholic, September 7, 1872. Grand Excursion of the Anchor Line— 9n Board the Steamship 11 California." To the Editor of the Union Sentinel : Enterprise without liberality must ever confine itself within a narrowed sphere, but, when in a company these two admirable qualities are combined, success and wide-spread influence are sure to follow. During the present month The Anchor Line of Transatlantic Steamships issued cards of invitation to all its agents throughout the United States, as well as to its numerous friends, with their ladies, for a grand excursion and banquet on board the steamship " California," the latest triumph of the Clyde, and one of the noblest vessels afloat. The expenses of every guest to and from New York were paid, and every facility given those who had never beheld the great commercial centre, or gazed upon an ocean-steamer, to enjoy a brief holiday to the top of 3S THE AS Cll 'OR LINE OF STEAMERS. their bent. Being one of Uie lucky ones myself, and convinced that tlie descrip- tion of such a vessel must prove of interest to some of your readers, I shall lay before them an account of the trip. Clear and sunny broko the morning over the myriads of sails, and the busy world of life which swarms, and jostles, and bargains upon the margin of the great city of New York. Upon pier No. 20, the headquarters cf tho line, all was animation and gayety. On one side lay tho " Trinacria," all ready for tho outward-bound passage; on tho other, tho "California," bedecked in all the bridal colors of a sailor's fancy. From stem to stern the bunting fluttered, and the stars and stripes of the New World waved a peaceful and friendly greeting to tlie union jack of old England. Tho gangway, adorned with flags, stood ready- to receive the goodly company. About 9 o'clock, a party of guests from a dis- tance sat down to a sumptuous breakfast on the " Trinacria," and to many of them it proved a novelty indeed. Breakfast ashore, unless it be perhaps a wed- ding-breakfast, or a breakfast previous to a fellow's execution, is a prosaic enough affair ; but breakfast upon an ocean-steamer to one who has never, perhaps, even snuffed a breath of the glorious sea, is something to awaken the greatest interest and appetite. The Scotch salmon and various delicacies soon vanished, and having taken in ballast we proceeded on deck, and amused our- selves by inspecting the vessel which that night should be rocking in the cradle of the deep, and examining with many feelings of interest the faces of the out- ward-bound wanderers. As the hour of sailing approached, guests from all quarters began to arrive, and, as wo had a few moments left before going on board, we had time to take an outside view of the " California." This magnifi- cent ship was built at Glasgow. . . . The model and symmetry of the "Califor- nia" are beautiful, and her engines and the numerous improvements in marine machinery have been the wonder and admiration of all New York mechanical men, and are really a w r ondcrful advance in the history of marine engineering. The gangway now presented a gay appearance. At the foot thereof stood Captain Lucas, who received the various gentlemen and their ladies with that grace and nonchalance only acquired in the army and in large companies. At the head of the gangway the tickets were checked by Mr. Lamont and assistant ; the black whiskers and gorgeous raiment of the former affording the ladies a faint idea of the eastern splendor and southern-Scottish hospitality awaiting them on board. Once on deck, they were formally received by Mr. Francis MaeDonald, the guiding spirit of the day, and one of the most original and energetic of the business-men of New York, whose hearty Scotch welcome and honest shake of tho hand placed one and all, at once, at their ease. In this pleasant duty he was admirably assisted by Mr. Henderson, one of the firm, whose quiet and gentlemanly manners won for him golden opinions from all sorts of people. All being in readiness, the ladies seated, and the captain on the bridge, the word was given, and the gangway drawn on shore. So, amid the strains of the English national anthem, played by the band of the Seventh New York militia, the great ship moved slowly from her resting-place, the guns gave forth their thunder, and the air trembled with the returning salutes. It was a gay and beautiful sight, and overcome with the emotion necessarily produced, and the affectionate feelings naturally engendered by the presenco of so many friends, we betook om-selves to the grand saloon to drink a pledge to the pleas- ure of the day and the fortunes of The Ancuoe Line. We had now an oppor- tunity of surveying the spacious decks and numerous conveniences presented for the use of the passengers. Here a smoking-room, with its green-and-goldcn walls, marooti-colorei cushions, and silver-plated chandeliers, invites the travel- ler to his siesta; here, upon tho wide ocean, could one revel in luxury and smoke the calumet in peaceful resignation "o'er a' the ills of life victorious." Above the entrance to tho saloon is situated a delightful lookout and prom- enade, where, beneath the awning, one might sit and enjoy the cooling breezes and the grandest of all sights — the boundless sea. The entrance to the grand saloon is very imposing. Beautifully inlaid with costly trimmings, lofty and elegant mirrors, silver chandeliers, make up a picture of comfort scarcely to be conceived in connection with life at sea. The grand saloon is 40 feet wide by 45 long. The panelling is polished teak, inlaid with rare woods, and carved with gold. The ceiling is painted a delicate sea-green; the sofas are of maroon- eolored Russia leather; costly luffets, marble-topped and silver-trimmed, gave an air of luxury and grace. The carpet is of rich green, and the dome of the saloon is richly tinted and adorned with rare and exotic plants. Heavy mirrors reflect on all sides this fairy palace, and a fine piano and well-filled library add to the comfort and home feeling of this floating hotel. In fact, any man who could feci dull, surrounded by such luxury, and the good company always to be met with in crossing the ocean, is a fellow who ought to have a cell at Sing- Sing, or be compelled to ride, every day of his life, on the Eiio road. The state- rooms aro commodious, and every comfort, in the way of bath-rooms and lava- tories, has been provided for the use of the guests. It was a wonderful sight to the thirsty Westerner, or, for the matter of that, to the drouthy Washingtonian, accustomed to the mild charge of $1 per drink for adulterated brandy, to behold bottles of magnificent " Martel" drawn, as if by magic, and the willing Mercuries ready at the clapping of hands to disappear, and return laden with Bass ale, London porter, ginger-pop, soda-water, and all the exhilarating accompaniments to enjoyment and long life. Having refreshed the inner consciousness, we returned on deck and mingled with the gay groups who promenaded, or sat within tho sheltered nooks. There were men from every State in the Union, clear-headed, business-looking men; and sprinkled among them here and there were editors, lawyers, doctors, divines, literary men, merchants, all sorts and conditions of human toilers, all glad of a breathing-spell from the crank of every-day life. The nationalities were well represented, Scot- land being of course at the helm. Two brawny Highlanders, clad in the warlike kilt of former days, now rapidly giving way, before tho march of " Sartor Sar- torus." to the more Sassenach and modern appendages called " brccks," played the pipes, and sent the wild music of the Scottish mountains to woo the echoes of the golden West. Strange to think that the garb of ancient chivalry and tho warlike melodies of the Scottish Highlander should stand upon the deck of one of the triumphs of modern art, looked down upon by a sky that was not dreamt of, and guarded by a shore that was a terra incognita in the days of feudal glory. Strange, also, that where we now steamed, among the w hite sails of every clime, and past the marble palaces of wealth and civilization, the war-cry of the Indian has sounded amid the forest, and the canoe raised the only ripple upon these virgin waters. To the cheering strains of the band, and tho occasional sound of the pipes, wc glided down the bay, past the forts and the plague-ship, and the villa-studded hills of Staten Island, over the sunny waters of the matchless boy of New York, through the Narrows, and out to the margin of the open. sea. Every pulse felt the inspiration of tho breeze, and it was not to be wondered at when the band gave out the opening notes of " The Beautiful Blue Danube," that the decks were cleared for action, and the spirit of the dance came over us. Captain Lucas was equally at home as master of ceremonies on deck as he had been on shore, and under his skilful management hearts that had been in the habit of beating several thousand miles away from each other were happily united for the brief period of a waltz or quadrille — perhaps longer. Who knows? The ocean is a dreadful place for love-making. Affection and sea- sickness go hand in hand. I begin to understand why the rosy goddess made her entrance upon the stage of human life and commenced her attacks upon the hearts of men out of the sea. I cannot say that my personal experience upon that occasion savored of romance, perhaps I am past that sort of thing, but anyhow I got badly jilted, and, bedad ! it isn't the first time aither, and it happened after this wise: The set was formed, " The Landers ; " my partner stood beside me all smiles, my conversation was of a spasmodic and briny cast. " Bum te turn," we crossed hands, but it was for the last time, she was gone, left me to dangle my bonnet and plume alone. Ah ! why did she leave me to the cold gaze of the bleak world? In vain did I peer through the assembled crowd. Alas ! the truth dawned upon me — she was united in wedlock to an agent of The Akciiou Line, and her spouse had lost a button, and so I danced ignomini- ously with a youth, and the bell sounded for dinner. We were now in front of Long Branch, and we fired a salute to attract the attention of the Executive, but the Ex. was far from tho land where his young horses sleep ; he was in tho White House. We gave one fond look at the Ocean Hotel, and tried to catch the eye of the mermaids who strew the beach at Long Branch, then went below to dinner. As I threaded my way, as best I might, down the companion-way, I reached what might be called, from its size and magnificence, the banqueting-hall. Hero the arrangements were admirable. The whole steerage part of the ship had been cleared, the roof and walls gayly decorated with flags, four long tables stretching from end to end positively groaned beneath the profusion of viands, wines, and delicacies ; and when tho company, numbering about five hundred and fifty per- sons, were all seated, tho effect was really fine. Every thing that the taste could desire was furnished the guests, and the ehampagno flowed as water. Amid the clatter of plates, the jingling of glasses, the popping of corks, the laughter of silvery voices, the rushing in hot haste of stewards, and the general hilarity, the good ship must have felt considerably astonished, accustomed as she had been, since her christening, to the less cheerful wailings of the sea, and no doubt the recollection of this gay scene will serve to soothe her depressed feelings as she tosses restlessly some winter night upon her stormy pillow. No need for the salutation of the Scottish king, " May good digestion wait on appetite, and health on both," the rapidity with which the viands disappeared, and the admirable justice done to the various wines, showed tho "jolly Anchorites" to be any thing but hermits in their enjoyment of social pleasure. Dinner over, the sound of the pipes again stirred the slumbering emotions of the Celt. Ladies and- gentlemen promenaded the spacious decks, awaiting the second part of tl>e feast, in the shape of toasts, in the grand saloon. Most of tho party being seated, and the champagne bottles being within range, Mr. MaeDonald rose to his feet and, in a clear and sonorous voice, gave out the first toast — " The President of the United States." From the vestibule above, the strains of" The Star-spangled Banner" floated on the summer-sea, and into tho hearts of tho goodly company there assembled, and, as they drained t heir draughts of Rhenish down, three rousing cheers went up for Grant or Greeley, according to the G's most in favor with the toaster. Again the well-defined and honest accents of tho chairman gave forth " The Queen,"- a toast as dear to the hearts of the old coun- trymen present as the memory of their native hills. Again the strains of the band broke forth in the national psalm of England, tho more loyal of the party rising to their feet, and those to whom kings and queens aro liko other folk sternly keeping their seats. Next came the " Army and Navy," responded to in a logical and finished manner by General Lew Wallace, one whose record in tho late war well entitles him to stand up at all seasons and in every company for thfl THE ANCHOR LINE OF STEAMERS. 39 gallant defenders of the land. " Our guests" brought forth a well-told talc of the history of The Anchor Line, its present position, management, and history, from Mr. James Warrack, her Majesty's consul at Chicago. lie bestowed a warm culogium upon the character and able business management of Mr. MacDonakl, for whom three rousing cheers were now given. " The Port of New York " was responded to by Dr. Vander Poel, in a speech replete with common-sense and interesting statistics. "The good ship California," responded toby Mr. Henry Nicol. "The Eailroad Interest," by Iliram Dixon, Esq. "The Press," re- sponded to by John L. Wilson, Esq., of the New York Herald. " Our gallant sailors," by Captain B. S. Osbon ; and " The Ladies," by Alfred Eoe, Esq., were the remaining toasts, of all which it may be remarked, that they were distin- guished by those rarest of qualities in speech-making, tact and good-humor. The shadows were falling on the beautiful villas of Staten Island as the noble ship steamed her way into port. The invincible band still channed the ear with the music of Strauss, the pipes held their own, and the mirth and fun grew fast and furious. As the band struck up " Saint Patrick's Day," a party of rollick- ing broths of boys stepped forth, and footed it in regular old style; and as the pipes tuned up a Scotch reel or strathspey, the spirit of the Highlander awoke to the dance, and a reel was immediately started. On all sides there was but one expression of opinion, unqualified satisfaction with the magnificent success of the day ; the first attempt of the kind ever made from the port of New York. Not- withstanding the lavish hospitality displayed, there was scarcely an evidence of intoxication on board, and the united exertions of Mr. MacDonald and Mr. Hen- derson to render all happy met with their reward in the happy faces and warm shakings of the hand which greeted them on all sides. To the strains of the " Queen's anthem," amid rounds of hearty cheers, again and again repeated, the jolly Anchorites bade adieu to the " California," and to one of the most successful excursions ever undertaken on this or the other side of the Atlantic. E. N. L. — Washington {D. C.) Sentinel, September 7, 1872. A Pleasure-Trip on the Anchor Line Steamship " California." N Chicago, August 31, 1S72. Me. Editor: Allow me in your paper to give a description of a very suc- cessful and agreeable excursion, in which I took part by invitation of Messrs. Henderson Brothers, the Chicago agents of The Anchor Line, on board the new steamship " California," from New York to Long Branch and return, on the 14th of August. The guests numbered about 500, the majority of whom came from the vicinity of New York ; but many distant and Western cities, among which latter St. Louis and Madison, were represented. The " California " is one of the finest and most elegant steamers of The Anchor Line, is 3,2S7 tons measurement, and is propelled by machinery of 1,047 horse- power. The main saloon, which can accommodate over 150 passengers, is fitted up with every modern luxury. The steerage has room for at least POO passengers. This is the eighteenth steamer belonging to the Anchor Line, on the Glasgow and New York trade, and will, if possible, increase the favor which this Line already deservedly enjoys on the part of the travelling public in America, and emigrants from Europe, for the solidity and spaciousness of its steamships, the excellent provisions supplied to passengers, and the ability and attentiveness shown by all its officers and employe's to all passengers who intrust themselves to their care. Before going on board the " California," we were entertained to a sumptuous breakfast on board the steamship " Trinacria," another steamer belonging to The Anchor Line. The " California" left her dock about eleven o'clock, and steamed down the bay. The weather was beautiful, and the surface of the sea so smooth that we might have imagined ourselves transported to a lake, had not the enormous giant on which we were aboard reminded us that we were on the ocean. On arrival oft' Long Branch, we were treated to a most splendid dinner, which I shall never forget. Toasts were then proposed by many speakers, and received with loud applause. Among the speakers we par- ticularly mention Mr. James Warrack, British consul at Chicago, and manager there of The Anchor Line Agency. The return to New York was as pleasant and animated as the commencement of the trip — and all arrived thoroughly pleased. While inspecting this magnificent vessel, we could not help thinking of the gigantic progress of this favorite Line. Some 40 years ago, four Scotch boys left Glasgow as sailors, and now they are the members of the firm of Handyside & Henderson, known all over the world, and owners of more than 40 large iron steamships, which they keep running between Europe and America, and from Glasgow to all the principal seaports on the Continent of Europe. Six steamers, of even larger size than the " California," are now building, and will be placed on the trade as soon as finished. When remembering the tremendous amount of money yearly passing through the hands of such a company, the large number of families who receive their support from it, and the thousands of lives yearly trusted to their care and ability, one will certainly feel satisfied when he has seen with his eyes that every thing is done that human ability, wealth, and honest intention, are able to do. — Translated from the Chicago Norwegian, Jfbrden, September 7, 1S72. The Anchor Line Excursion. Some time since, the editors of this paper received an invitation to a magnifi- cent excursion that the managers of The Anchor Line at New York gave to the press, the agents of the company, and their friends, on board their large, new steamship the " California." Want of time prevented us from going to New York, even to enjoy the most sumptuous banquet, so we therefore sent the invita- tion to our correspondent in New York, who now sends us the following account of the trip, with many excuses for its coming somewhat post festum. As he has a great liking for fine dinners, we suppose that the delay on his part maj be ac- cepted as the best recommendation, of the excellence of the table provided, which can be given. The AxcnoR Line ! Is there anybody who, when wishing to cross the wild and rolling Atlantic, will not feel complete security and pleasure in giving him- self into the charge of such an excellent company as The Anchor Line ? If there is any one who has not felt this, 1 would only wish that he had been a par- taker of the feast, onboard the new and very elegant steamer " California" of The Anchor Line, on the 14th of August, and he would be convinced that he could never trust himself in safer or more agreeable hands than those that re- ceived him so politely and friendly as on TnE Anchor Line steamers. But let us come to the feast. It was 11 o'clock before all guests were on board the " California," and, with flags waving in profusion over our heads, the noble vessel slowly and majestically steamed across the harbor of New York. Of course, the first matter was to thoroughly examine the vessel from stem to stern, which I easily accomplished through the kind assistance of Mr. James Warrack, the Chicago agent of the line, and am satisfied that the "California" is a masterpiece in all its parts. Not only is the saloon fitted like a little floating royal palace, but the steerage and every part of the vessel are so comfortably and intelligently arranged that I cannot imagine the possibility of any other ocean- steamer now afloat being able to equal her in any respect. On arrival off Long Branch a thundering salute of cannon was given in honor of President Grant on passing by his cottage, which was replied to by lowering the " Stars and stripes" which waved over it. After which came the important portion of the festival, at least it was so to me, as the tables were completely covered with every description of delicacies. When 1 went to America, I went in an Anchor Line steamer, and I have vowed never to put my foot again on the deck of a steamer belonging to any other line. I knew of old what the cooks of The Anchor Line were able to put on the table, but the fare produced by these sons of the culinary art on the 14th of August surpassed all my most san- guine anticipations. I am not mistaken, when I state that we had the choice of nearly one hundred of the rarest and most exquisite dishes. Along with this, the champagne-corks were popping every half-minute, the Ehine-wine of the purest quality sparkled as fire, in green glasses, and seemed to be inexhaustible ; the glasses were kept constantly full by a ministering angel, and port-wine, sherry, and red-wine, flowed like water out of a fire-engine. Thus you will un- derstand that things went on splendidly. We were also well supplied with intellectual food, as speech succeeded speech. "The President of the United Slates," " The Queen of England," "The Press," " The Anchor Line," " The Sailor Boy," " The Atlantic Cable," "The Eailroad Interest," the steamship " California," and " The Ladies," were all toasted in eloquent terms. On our arrival in New York, we were all in the best of humor, and no one felt inclined to go ashore ; on the contrary, many expressed the wish to Captain Craig, the excellent commander, that he would steam directly away to England with them. We would gladly sail round the world under his care, and in such a splendid steamer as the " California." On separating, there was certainly none who was not sincere in heartily thanking Mr. MacDonald, the governing genius of the excursion, and the representative of the New York firm. Hail and success to the "California," and TnE ANcnoR Line! — Translated from the Chicago {III.) Norwegian Ameriia, of September 10, 1872. An Excursion on the Atlantic. Some time ago, Mr. Francis MacDonald, the New York representative of The Anchor Line, honored us with an invitation to an excursion from New York to Long Branch, and return, on board their new steamship " California," made on the 14th of August. Press of business at the time prevented us from personally enjoying and joining this pleasure-trip, but it, however, does not prevent us from giving a description of it, as it has been described by the New York papers. On the 14th of August, at 11 a. m., the deck of the " California " presented a lively appearance. Some 600 guests were to be seen promenading the deck, flags were waving from the masts and rigging, an exquisite band discoursed beau- tiful music on the quarter-deck, and, amid the thundering of cannon, the immense anchor was lifted, and the noble vessel majestically turned its prows toward the Atlantic. The world-renowned entrance to New York was soon passed ; tho weather was splendid, and a fresh breeze filled the sails. In the course of a short time, the thunder of the cannon announced that the " California" was opposite the cottage of the President at Long Branch. The salute was responded to by the residents at the cottage lowering the flag, which waved on the piazza. ' On the return to New York, a splendid dinner was served up in one of the saloons of the " California," after which numerous toasts were proposed, including "The President of the United States," "Queen Victoria," "The Invited Guests," "The Ladies," etc. The afternoon was spent in the most agreeable manner by the guests, who viewed the beautiful scenery which the viciuity of New York offers to the eye. 40 THE ANCHOR LINE OF STEAMERS. On the open sen those present had every opportunity to admire the excellent construction and splendid equipment of the " California," and which is a promi- nent characteristic of all Anchor Line steamers. The steamer arrived at her dock about 1 v. it., when all guests lauded, thoroughly pleased, with the day's entertainment. The " California " is an iron steamship of 3,287 tons burden, 302 feet long, and 41 feet breadth of beam with high decks. Her arrangements for passengers arc of tlio most elegant, costly, aud modern description. Site carries over 150 cabin and 900 steerage passengers. The steerage sleeping accommodations leave noth- ing to bo desired. The " California" has two engines of 1,047 nominal horse- power, and is commanded by Captain James Craig, who is an experienced sea- man, aud very attentive to his passengers. TnE Anchor Line are now build- ing six vessels of even larger dimensions than the "California," which will cost at least $3,000,000. The Anchor Line is now able to compete with any other steamship company. It is astonishing to trace the enormous increase of this line. Some forty year3 ago, four Scotch boys went to sea, and by energy and industry they be- came twenty years afterward the owners of the steamer " Inez do Castro." In the year 1856 the foundation was laid by them of Tue Anchor Line, and in 1861 communication was commenced between Glasgow and New York. Since then 18 steamers have been constructed, of from 1,500 to 3,500 tons burden each. In fifteen years 4G vessels have been built for the line. The four sailor boys now represent a solid well-known steamship company. Behold what labor and attention can accomplish ! — Translated from the Swedish Jfemlandet, of Chicago, September 10, 1872. Excursion of the Agents of the Anchor Line. The press all over the country are noticing in detail the recent excursion given from New York by the proprietors of The Anchor Line of Steamships to their agents residing in all the chief towns. The excursion was given on the " California," a new and splendid steamer, and a sample of some others just ooming out to go into the line between Europe and America. It was, we pre- saiue, to give the agents who sell the tickets an opportunity to knowby observa- tion and experience what kind of vessels they were offering travellers over the sea, and what conveniences and luxuries they could guarantee. Some 400 or more of these agents participated. The " California," like her consorts, is a vessel of 3,500 tons burden, with all the modern improvements and conveniences to make her a floating palace indeed. With great power and speed, and all the safeguards against the dangers of the elements, there can be no better ship made. The Anchor Line has been very successful by its good management and honorable dealing with the public. In fifteen years the company has built forty-six steamers, and is still building. The line is a modol in all respects, and presents a fine example of successful marine enterprise. E. G. Billings, of this city, is agent for The Anchor Line, and was one of the participants in the excursion on the " California." — Rochester Union and Advertiser, September 11, 1872. European Travel.— The Anchor Line. The great increase in the number of European tourists during the last few years has called considerable attention to the different lines of ocean-steamers. It seems to be generally acknowledged that no expenditure of capital or exercise of skill and care is too great to provide for the comfort and safety of travellers. The old "Anchor Line " of steamships stands preeminent as combining not only cheapness of rates, but unsurpassed speed, comfort, and security. It has now been in successful operation since 185G, and consists of seventeen Atlantic steamers plying between New York and Glasgow, and thirty for service in the Mediterranean. The value of these vessels is estimated at §10,000,000. Another new steamship built on the Clyde has just been added, called the " Cali- fornia." She is a model of her kind, which is that of first-class vessels. She is 3G0 feet in length, 40 feet beam, and 3,300 tons burthen, and fitted up with all the luxuries and conveniences of modern life. On her arrival in New York re- cently, the agent of the line, Francis MacDonald, Esq., invited a number of gentle- men to take a pleasure-trip down the bay. The " California" was gayly adorned for the holiday occasion, and behaved in a way to win the admiration of all the passengers. She is said to be a craft that may be safely intrusted with the most precious freight on the broad sou.— Rochester Y.) Democrat and Chronicle, Sep- tember 11, 1872. The Anchor Line of Steamships. The magniaeent steamship " California," built by Alexander Stephens & Son, Glasgow, Scotland, has recently been added to Tue Anchor Line of packet- ships plying between New York and the principal ports of Europe. On the 14th ult., the company gave a grand excursion to their agents, in the new vessel, taking Long Branch in the trip. A number of gentlemen connected with the press accompanied the excursion-party, and, from their description of the vessel and its internal appointments, it must certainly be one of the finest ships afloat. A correspondent of the Cincinnati Commercial gives this description : "The 'California' is one of the handsomest and finest vessels on the At- lantic Ocean. She is 3,300 gross tons burden, 300 feet in length, and 40 feet in beam. Every thing about her indicates the best material, the most skilful work- manship, and capablo management. The cabins arc of the most elegant and comfortablo kind, yet there is no unnecessary show about them, and no folly whatever, and the whole furnishing of the vessel indicates an attention to detail which is seldom found in sea-going steamers. I never in any vessel saw such admirable arrangements for the comfort and health of steerage passengers. Not only arc the arrangements for sleeping and cooking of the most approved kind, but the ventilation of the ship is provided for by an ingenious device. This is among the best of the new ideas introduced into this vessel. It consists of a small engine connecting with a centrifugal pump placed in the starboard wing, which is a powerful spare bilge-pump, and also acts as a ventilating fan, driving a strong, fresh current of air through all the passengcr-spaecs as well as the cargo- holds, thereby adding to the comfort and sanitary condition of all on board." The "Victoria," a sister ship to the "California," has just been launched, and the "Bolivia" and the "Ethiopia" are nearly finished. Three other first- class vessels, namely, the "Utopia," "Castalia," and "Italia," are in the pro- cess of construction. When these vessels are completed, the company will have added seven new steam-packets to their line within the year. Mr. B. W. Janowitz, 143 West Baltimore Street, is the Baltimore agent of The Anchor Line. — Baltimore American and Commercial Advertiser, September 12, 1872. An Ocean Excursion— The Anchor Line of Steamships. The publisher of the Western Rural and ladies were gratified to be able to participate in the memorable excursion given in August, by the proprietors of The Anchor Line of European steamships, on their new and magnificent ves- sel, the "California," which was recently added to the list of fine steamers of that line. The development of the agriculture of America is indebted, in vast measure, to the enterprise that has so encouragod and facilitated the transfer of the overcrowded population of the Old World to our fertile and vast continent. We were very glad of the opportunity afforded on this occasion to see how this work is accomplished, and to examine the appliances which are making ocean- travel so luxurious, that people seek foreign shores by tens of thousands for rest and relaxation, and are abandoning the summer resorts of our own land. A sumptuous breakfast was served on the morning of August 14th, in the fine steamship " Trinacria," and at 11 A. M. the party of over 400 invited guests em- barked on the " California," for the ocean-trip. The " California " was built and finished at Glasgow. The kitchens, bakery, meat-shop, and all the appointments of a well-regu- lated ocean-steamer, have been arranged in a manner which will give all her employes facilities to carry on their labors with celerity and comfort. The "California" is pronounced a splendid specimen of naval architecture by the best judges. The accommodations are sufficient for 150 first-class and 900 steerage passengers. The excursion and accompanying banquet were grand affairs, both in conception and execution. The officers and managers of The Anchor Line are gentlemen of the highest tone, as well as of wonderful enter- prise, and they well deserve the fame and wealth they are gaining. — The Western Rural, September 14, 1872. The Jolly Anchorites. The growth and results of judicious enterprise, aided by proper knowlcdgo and industry on the part of those promoting it, are sometimes astonishing. Look- ing back into the history of one of the most successful steamship companies of the present day, we find that somo forty years ago four Scotch lads, in little Clyde smacks, began their sea-life, and adopting industry, knowledge, and prog- ress, as their watchwords, passed months of service in the different grades of vessels, from the homely craft in which their first experience had been gained, until they were masters of overy detail connected with the best steamers their great steamboating country afforded. They soon struck out for themselves, and with small sailing-vessels entered the Mediterranean fruit-trade, and were suc- cessful. Then they purchased a small steamer, and in a few months another craft of the same kind was added to their little fleet. ESTABLISHING a line. The future of transatlantic trade was seen by them in 1850, when they pur- chased a sailing-vessel, and wcro successful in making a steamer of her, and, encouraged by the realization of their plans at every step, they took another ship, and, after a few months spent in making the necessary changes, they had an auxiliary steamer. The two latter vessels were the pioneers of a line, whose owners, in fifteen years, have built forty-six steamers, and are now engaged in the construction of seven others, which alono aggregate 23,000 tons, and will cost over $3,000,000. SAMPLING A VOYAGE. The agents of these steamers number well up in the hundreds, and their prin- cipals determined to give them a breakfast, sea-voyage, and dinner, in order to furnish them with the means of ascertaining, by personal inspection, what they represented, and the class of vessels which they were expected to induce trav- ellers and the mercantile community to patronize. It was a departure from the THE ANCHOR LINE OF STEAMERS. 41 usual mode of communicating information to agents, but, nevertheless, one as effective as it was new, and, like all other ideas of management originating with Tue Anchor Line Company, it could not but be a practical success. Accord- ingly, on the 14th of last month, a large number of the agent-guests of the line assembled on board the " Trinacria," at New York, where a breakfast .that would have graced a prince's wedding was served. Of that ship we need say little, as she is well known in St. John. The greater features of the day, how- ever, were presented on board the new steamer " California," fresh from the builders at Glasgow. Some 400 guests made their way on board this vessel about half-past ten, and at eleven the fasts were let go and the steamer made out of New York harbor, returning gun for gun in reply to a salute from the " Trinacria." A LARGE SHIP. ■ As the excursionists proceeded seaward, they were shown all through the ship, which is one of the largest and best appointed that runs between Europe and New York. She was built by Alexander Stephens & Son, and is an iron screw-propeller of 3,288 tons. Her length is 361 feet 6 in., or 36 feet more than the ''.Great Republic," which, when cut down and renamed the "Denmark," was by far the largest ship that ever entered St. John. Her engines, two in number, are compound vertical direct-acting, with four-foot stroke of piston, working up to 1,047 horse-power. Steam is generated in six boilers. She has also a separate boiler for generating and supplying steam to the donkey-engine, which works the windlass, capstan, pumps, and other gear, including that of a ventilating fan, which, in warm weather, sends a current of air through the cabins and saloons, as well as the cargo in the hold. Leaving the portion of the deck devoted more especially to the working of the ship and the apparatus for facilitating it, the visitor comes to THE SMOKINO-SALOON, one of the cosiest and most attractive on any steamer in the trade. It is fitted up luxuriously, painted in a delicate tint of sea-green, and relieved with gold ; the cushions are maroon-colored leather, and the carpet of a neat and rich pat- tern. Silver-plated chandeliers droop from the ceiling, and even mirrors adorn its walls. THE GRAND SALOON. The entrance to the grand saloon is very imposing, and has no equal in any of the Transatlantic lines. A large iron house covers it, the top of which is de- voted to a promenade, and is a lofty lookout, and will be a favorite resort. The saloon-entrance is spacious and delightfully attractive, and is finished in polished teak, relieved with rich white-wood mouldings and trimmings. The effect is beautiful; rich upholstery adds to the tout-ensemble ; mirrors grace the sides; silver chandeliers droop from the ceiling, and throughout the effect is charming and decidedly novel on an ocean-steamer. The staircese leading to the grand saloon is American, only a little Anglicised. The saloon extends across the vessel from side to side, is 40 feet in width and 45 feet long, and is an imposing apartment, not equalled by the saloon of any foreign steamer going into New York. The panelling is in polished teak, inlaid with rich and rare white-woods, adorned with choice carving and gold. The ceiling is painted in a delicate hue of sea-green. Costly buffets, marble- topped and silver-trimmed, give an air of luxuriousness seldom seen on ship- board. The sofas are covered with maroon-colored Russia leather, while the frames are handsomely bronzed and silvered. The carpet is a rich green, with the coat-of-arms of Great Britain intertwined in tasty wreaths. The main dome of the saloon is entirely novel in design, beautifully colored and tinted, and the tie-beams are boxed and filled with choice exotic plants, giving to it the appear- ance of an Oriental court. A fine piano and well-filled library add to the at- tractions of this charming place, which is well lighted and exceedingly well ven- tilated. Heavy mirrors are on all sides. There are eight large tables which, when not filled with the 150 passengers, are so closed as to give plenty of room. The table-service is chaste and massive, and even in the ordinary table-ware the owners have shown excellent taste. Electric bell-knobs jut out at every con- venient place. Each state-room has two berths, the lower one being transformed into a double one at the will of the occupants of the room. The doors are slid- ing, and move as easily as can be imagined; and, by this plan, passengers will not be annoyed by " slamming doors." Porcelain washstand tops and bowls, swinging mirrors, highly-polished brush and tumbler racks, and chaste uphol- stery, are on every hand in the state-rooms. THE LADIES' BOUDOIR is a perfect gem of a place, decorated in sea-green tints, dotted and striped with' gold, with delicate little birds perched in the centre of each broad panel. A rich buffet and mirror, and silvered trimmings on all hands, make it a charm- ing retreat for the gentler sex. Two large bath-rooms are on each side, a luxury to be appreciated on shipboard. And away aft is a large transom-room, ad- mirably adapted for a nursery and children's play-room. When lit up at night, the saloon and state-room halls present a beautiful sight. Taken as a whole, the passenger accommodations of the "California" leave nothing to be desired or thought of. THE SECOND CABIN is also fitted up in magnificent style, and the accommodation for intermediate passengers is arranged with due regard to comfort and convenience. 6 officers' and men's quarters. Interspersed through the passage-ways are the quarters for the officers, and right cozy ones they are. Still farther forward are the accommodations for the crew ; and the owners have not forgotten that Jack can appreciate comfort, and they have provided for him liberally also. The kitchens, bakery, meat-shop, and the appiontments of a well-regulated ocean-steamer, have been arranged in a manner which will give all her employes facilities to carry on their labors w ith celerity and comfort. She has accommodations for 150 first-class and 900 other passengers. LONG BRANCH — THE DINNER. The excursionists, during their inspection of the vessel, were regaled with music by Grafulla's band and two Highland pipers. On reaching Long Brancli at 2 o'clock, a broadside was fired and two flags were dipped. The after main steerage-deck was fitted up as a dining-saloon, and was handsomely decorated with flags of all nations, flowers, wreaths, and evergreens. The bill of fare was printed in gold and green, embellished with an engraving of the " California." The spread embraced every thing that could be thought of by the caterer and purchased with money, and the excursionists discussed the viands with a zest acquired by the voyage and its splendid surroundings. " The Queen," "The President," "The Army and Navy," " Our Guests," "The Port of New York," "The California," " The Railroad Interest," "The Atlantic Cable," "The Press," " Our Gallant Sailors," and " The Ladies," were toasted in the grand saloon, after the substantial part of the dinner was disposed of, and speeches were made in response by gentlemen present. The return-trip was made to New York by sunset, the whole excursion being a grand success, and tending to place The Anchor Line steamers before the public in a manner calculated to render them more than ever popular. St. John is fortunate in having secured, as an auxiliary to her growing commerce, the service of the steamers of this line, which so often bring freight to the port, and which also offer facilities so superior to those who wish to take Atlantic voyages. It is true we have not yet such vessels as the " California" brought to our doors, but the company are building ship after ship just like her, and our people can always secure safe passages over the sea in one of them by going to New York to do so. The agents here, Messrs. Scammell Bros., have done every thing to increase the trade and the popularity of the line, and their success is seen in the improved size and capabilities of the steamers sent out each year by their principals. Who, therefore, will say that in a few years St. John shall not offer inducements to a steamer such as that on which the agents' excursion to LoDg Branch was made 1—St. John (N. B.) Telegraph, September 16, 1872. The Steamer " California" of the Anchor Line. The excursion given by the managers of The Anchor Line on their splendid steamship " California," on the 14th of August, is another evidence of their effort to maintain the well-merited prosperity the vessels of their line have attained. The " California" is one of the finest passenger-boats now sailing out of the port of New York (of about 3,000 tons burden), and is the pioneer of a class of vessels now in course of construction, to be placed on this line. One has only to go on board of her to be convinced that she was built with a view to strength and safety combined with luxury and comfort, every thing about her being plain and substantial, yet elegantly fitted in every respect. The cabins are not only elegant — they are spacious and comfortable ; but the comforts are not for the cabin passengers alone, as the arrangements for the health and comfort of steerage passengers are complete ; not only in the arrangements for sleeping and cooking of the most approved plans, but the ventilation is perfect. The second of the new fleet, the "Victoria," has just been launched, and the "Bo- livia" and "Ethiopia" of 4,500 tons each are well advanced. Three others, viz., the "Utopia," "Castalia," and "Italia," are in frames; in all, seven steamers, of over 23,000 tons in the aggregate, and valued at about $500,000 each. With such an addition to their fleet The Anchor Line must continue to gain favor with the travelling public. Parties contemplating a trip to Europe would do well to examine the steamers of this line before purchasing tickets. — New Lon- don (Conn.) Star, September 17, 1872. The Anchor Line of Steamers. The rise and progress of The Anchor Line is something remarkable. Com- mencing their Transatlantic trade by converting, in 1856, two sail-vessels into auxiliary screw-steamers, year after year added larger and finer vessels, until, in 1872, The Anchor Line was composed of 36 first-class ocean-steamships. A new series of steamers, of still larger size and finer appointments, have just made their appearance. The "California" — the first of this class — has made two trips across the ocean. The " Victoria," a sister-ship, is expected in two or three weeks, to be followed by the "Italia," launched about two months ago. The " Castalia," "Utopia," "Bolivia," and "Ethiopia," are all on the stocks and well forward, and will be ready for service next spring. The " California" is a type of the lot — only the "Ethiopia" and "Bolivia" are still larger vessels. This magnificent steamer was built by A. Stephens & Sons, Glasgow The New York Commercial Advertiser says : " The ' California' is a new ship and is completely and elegantly fitted in every respect, with all the modern con- veniences, and an attention to detail in the finishing which is seldom found in sea-going steamers." 42 THE ANCHOR LINE OF STEAMERS. Tho Now York Express says : "The 1 California' has all the modern improve- ments, the grand saloon, the best ventilation, boudoirs for ladies, grand state- rooms, and every thing which is desirable, beautiful, and effective. It is really a sight to behold one of these steamers, and to contrast it with those which started in tho work of carrying passengers between Europe and America. Since 1856 The Anchor Line have built IT steamers, of from 1,500 to 3,500 tons, and now another thousand tons are added to each vessel, and with all the strength and luxuries combined that human ingenuity could devise, or a cultivated taste desire ; and all this the work of four bold sailor-boys, who, 40 years ago, started with literally nothing but good-will and indomitable pluck. Beginning with a little sailing-craft, engaged in the fruit-trade on the Mediterranean, they have now become the owners of $10,000,000 worth of some of the best property in port or on tho ocean. The seven steamers now in hand are worth $3,500,000, and of 23,000 tons in all, and yet but a small part of the tonnage of the 46 steamers built for this line in 15 years." Mr. George McKeand, No. 5 James Street, is the agent for this city. — Hamil- ton (Ont.) Times, September, 1872. The Anchor Line. The rise and progress of The Anchor Line is something rsmarkable, com- mencing their Transatlantic trade by converting in 1850 two sail-vessels into auxiliary screw-steamers. Year after year added larger and finer vessels, until in 1S72 The Anchor Line was composed of 3G first-class ocean-steamships. A new scries of steamers of still larger size and finer appointments have just made their appearance. The "California," the finest of this class, has made two trips across the ocean. The " Victoria," a sister ship, is expected on her first trip in about two or three weeks, to be followed by the " Italia," launched about two months ago. The " Castalia," " Utopia," "Bolivia," and "Ethio- pia," are all on the stocks and well forward, and will be ready for service next spring. The " California" is a type of the lot, only the "Ethiopia" and "Bolivia" are about 1,000 tons larger. This magnificent steamer was built by A. Stephens & Sons, Glasgow. The Nautical Gazette (New York) says : " The grand saloon extends across the vessel, and is an imposing apartment not equalled by the saloon of any foreign steamer coming to this port." The Cincinnati Commercial says: "The 'California' is one of the hand- somest and finest vessels on the Atlantic Ocean. She is 3,300 gross tons burden, 300 feet in length, and 40 feet in beam. Every thing about her indicates the best material, the most skilful workmanship, and capable management. The cabins are of the most elegant and comfortable kind, yet there is no unnecessary show about them, and no folly whatever, and the whole furnishing of the vessel in- dicates an attention to detail which is seldom found in sea-going steamers. I never in any vessel saw such admirable arrangements for the comfort and health of steerage passengers. Not only are the arrangements for sleeping and cooking of the most approved kind, but the ventilation of the ship is provided for by an ingenious device. This is among the best of the new ideas introduced into this vessel. It consists of a small engine connecting with a centrifugal pump placed in the starboard wing, which is a powerful spare bilge-pump, and also acts as a ventilating fan, driving a strong, fresh current of air through all the passenger- spaces as well as the cargo-holds, thereby adding to the comfort and sanitary condition of all on board. After examining this vessel throughout, and observ- ing the scientific appliances in all its departments, under the guidance of Mr. Francis MacDonald, the courteous and energetic manager of the line, I am not surprised at the extraordinary growth of the popularity of The Anchor Line within the last few years. The officers are trained and experienced men, who are at the same time affable gentlemen. — Hamilton (Ont.) Spectator, September 18, 1872. The Anchor Line Steamship " California." While it is of but little use talking of the reason why the steamboat-traffic that exists between our country and Europe is in the hands of foreigners, it is a pleasant fact, known to Americans, that the English, Scotch, French, and Ger- man companies, that carry most of our travellers on the ocean, treat them well, and to their perfect satisfaction. The Cunard Line, the Inman Line, and others, are well known to Americans travelling abroad, and to emigrants from Europe to America ; but no Line has so rapidly got into public favor as the one which is the subject of the following remarks. For the past 16 years Messrs. Ilandyside & Henderson, owners of the Anchor Line Steamers have, by their energy and skilful management, achieved an un- equalled success in the steamship-traffic on the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, so great indeed, that the 46 steamships that they now have engaged in this trade prove insufficient. Since 1865, not less than 17 steamships, of from 1,500 to 3,500 tons burden, have been added to their fleet by the owners, who have just had a steamship constructed, larger, costlier, and better fitted up, than any of its fore- runners, and is the precursor of a new fleet of sea going vessels. This first ves- sel of the new series is the "California," whose appearance in New York aston- ished and pleased the thousands who paid her a visit ; and when she sailed for Glasgow, she had more passengers and freight than any new steamer ever carried from America. The day previous to this vessel's sailing from New York, the agents, Messrs. Hunderson Brothers gave a grand banquet on board the steamer. The " California" is an iron screw-steamship of 3,300 tons burden, is 360 feet long, and 40 breadth of beam. The cabins arc fitted up in the most luxurious manner, and the saloon is the most beautiful that is to be seen on any steamship that rides upon the waves of the Atlantic. The saloon is 40 feet wide by 45 feet long. The walls are of polished woods, dark and light alternately, and beauti- fully carved and gilded. A piano and a library render it still more attractive. Electric bells are placed at every suitable place, for the use of passengers when they wish to summon the stewards. Each state-room has two berths, the lower of which can be made double if so required, and also elegant washing-stands, mirrors, and comfortable sofas; and, altogether, it is undoubtedly the most roomy and commodious lodging that could be desired for a voyage of nine days across the Atlantic. There are two large bath-rooms for use of the cabin-passen- gers, private cabins for ladies, and also a play-room for children. The forward cabin, where the fare is $10 cheaper than in the after one, is nice, light, and airy, and equally as comfortable as the others. The intermediate passengers have their berths in the fore-part of the ship. Taken as a whole, this new steamship is undoubtedly in every respect the finest of any that sails between America and Europe. Six more vessels of the same Construction, and even larger size, will follow the " California," the second of which, the Victoria, is already afloat, while the others are now being built. Within one year, Messrs. Handyside & Henderson will have the whole fleet ready, at an expense of $3,000,000. To the travelling public, for passage to aud from Europe, whether for business or pleasure, The Anchor Line offers the best accommodations and the greatest comfort at a moderate price. — TranslUed from the Minneapolis (Minn.) JS'ordish Folksblad , of September 18, 1S72. The Anchor Line Agents' Excursion. Some time ago, was placed on our desk an account of the excursion given to the agents of the celebrated Anchor Line of Steamships, also the bill of fare, and a programme of the toasts drunk on the occasion. We have now before us a se- lection of newspaper articles and communications from editors and correspond- ents who were recipients of the joy and hospitality afforded them on that 14th day of August trip to Long Branch, which reminds us of the promise we made to the Washington representative of Henderson Brothers that we w ould return to the subject in a future issue of our journal. The glowing description given to us of the new steamship " California," and of the entertainment of the guests, which numbered about 500, by the owners, did not surprise us in the least, for we know something of the spirit which ani- mates our Scottish friends. They leave nothing untried to satisfy the patrons of their splendid line of steamships. Mr. Francis MacDonald, the gentlemanly manager of the line, acquitted himself splendidly at the magnificent dinner set before the guests. He must be an acquisition of no little value to the company. One of the Henderson Brothers was also on board, and was most untiring in his attention to all. Owners, managers, officials, and officers of the ship, acted hand- somely, and have anchored themselves pleasantly in the hearts of the excursion- ists. — Washington (D. C.) Irish Republican, September 21, 1872. The Anchor Line Steamers. " About forty years ago, according to authentic report, four Scotch boys be- gan a seafaring life, which has culminated in the ownership, by the Henderson Brothers, of The Anchor Line of steamers. . . . The copartnership now own about 40 splendid, powerful ocean-steamers, while six others of anew and im- proved style, like the " California" are being constructed — one, the " Victoria," having just been launched In the construction of their boats the firm aim at safety, speed, and comfort. The consequence of such enterprise could scarcely be doubtful. It has been a marked, brilliant, and almost exceptional success ; and from small beginnings a triumphant point has been reached. Unlike most of Fortune's favorites, the partners are as liberal and whole-souled in expending as in acquiring wealth. They fit* their friends with princely prodi- gality and an unsparing lavishment of means in their entertainments. The im- mediate occasion of these remarks was an excursion given by The Anchor Line on the 14th of August. About 2,000 invitations were issued to their agents, influential persons in all sections of the Union, but owing to the distance from this and other cities to New York, only about 600 of the invitations were accepted. From an elaborate report of the festivities, we have room for only the following extracts We were favored with a very flattering invitation to join the excursion, w,hich compliment we did not so much appropriate to ourselves as consider it an en- couraging acknowledgment that the Celt exercises a potent influence at such a distant point as New York. We aim to make our paper cosmopolitan, and it would appear that our efforts are not futile. We have reason to know that The Anchor Line is inferior to none of tho kind on either side of the Atlantic. This company is based on principles which are bound to insure success. Owned by liberal proprietors, officered by men of large experience, and thoroughly trained in their calling; and every captain and other employe being selcoted for complete fitness for his position, the concern bids de- fiance to opposition, and with a large profit sail their splendid argosies from port to port. We noed scarcely say that we rejoice at the grand success of the enter- THE ANCHOR LINE OF STEAMERS. 43 prise, and only hope that we may be able to be present at the next excursion in honor of the great undertaking.— The Western Celt, September 21, 1872. The Anchor Line. New Yobk, September 15, 1ST2. As a representative of the Swedish American, I had the pleasure of being present at the excursion from New York to Long Branch, which was made some time ago by the " California," the latest of the forty steamers belonging to the well-known Anchor Line of Messrs. Handyside compasses, viz., one bridge-compass forward, one standard compass, one cabin or tell-tale compass, and two compasses in her wheel-house. The deck is perforated for ventilators for supplying the interior of the ship with air, of which there are eleven. Seven boats are also made fast to the deck, all of which are fully equipped, and four of which are life-boats, that cannot be made to sink in the roughest sea. Her steering-gear is on the improved plan of double tiller-wheels and disconnecting shaft, and capable of being worked separately or together. She has six anchors, three large movable patent anchors, and three small. Two large iron tanks are placed in the forward part of the ship, and two aft, capable of holding 18,000 gallons of water. The saloon of the " Europa " is a model of taste, elegance, and comfort, the whole interior is of solid teak-wood, polished, resembling our black-walnut, panelled and inlaid with plane-tree wood, resembling satin-wood — the outer panel raised and grooved. Sofas, also made of solid teak, covered with maroon-eol- ored morocco, with stuffed cushions and back, occupy the whole length of the saloon on either side. Double rows of dining-tables, also of solid teak, are made to fold in the centre, so as to give ample room to passengers between meals for dancing, music, or extempore theatricals. A very elegant 7-octave piano, said to have cost £150, occupies the upper end of the saloon, and rotatory teak arm- chairs, with maroon-plush covering, are promiscuously distributed. At either side of the entrance are elegant sideboards, elaborately ornamented with marble tops of serpentine form, surmounted with French plate mirrors. At the ex- treme right and left of these sideboards are library-cases stored with miscella- neous reading for the amusement and edification of passengers. On the star- board and larboard sides of the saloon are steam-pipes, some 18 inches in front of the sofas, for heating in cold weather. At night the saloon is lighted with eighteen wax-candles, in silver swinging candlesticks, as being cleaner than whale or petroleum oil. On the same deck is a gentlemen's smoking- room and a ladies' private sitting-room, both neatly furnished. The state-rooms contain two berths, each of which can be drawn out to accommodate two per- sons. The floors are carpeted, and each apartment provided with sofa, marble- top wash-stand, and mirror, life-preservers, and other necessary articles. The price of these berths, inclusive of passage, is from eleven to fifteen guineas. The "Europa" is fitted for 540 steerage and 80 cabin passengers. — New York Herald, October 11, 1867. Anchor Line— The new Steamship Europa. The new screw-steamship " Enropa," of The Anchor Line, arrived at New York on Wednesday of last week. The "Europa" left Glasgow on September 26th, and touched at Moville on the same day. This was her first voyage across the Atlantic. All her arrangements for extinguishing fires, for escape in case of accident, for receiving and discharging cargo, for steering, for the comfort of passengers and crew, etc., are of the latest and most improved patterns. There are three engines which can be used in the case of fire, and one of these, a donkey-engine, near the middle of the vessel, is also used for distilling water (it is capable of distilling 1,000 gallons a day), and for working the machinery for receiving and discharging cargo, etc. There are seven boats on board, four of them life-bonts. The steering-gear is of the im- proved plan of double tiller- wheels and disconnecting shaft, and may be worked separately or together. But the most noticeable arrangements in the vessel are those for the convenience of passengers. The saloon is the most comfortable we have seen on board any Atlantic steamer. The interior is of solid teak inlaid with plane-tree, and is a model in every respect. The sofas are made of solid teak, are constructed so that they can be folded in the centre and drawn up at the ends, thus giving ample room to passengers between meals. A very elegant seven-octave piano occupies the upper end of the saloon. There are several ro- tatory arm-chairs, two elegant sideboards with marble tops, surmounted by French-plate mirrors, book-cases, glass racks, which may be lowered and raised at will, some beautiful flowers in a recess of the sky-light overhead, etc. \Vhile there is no useless ornament, every thing is provided that can contribute to com- fort. In the state-rooms the arrangements for passengers are equally good. Each apartment is carpeted, and is provided with sofa, mirror, washstand, life- preserver, and other necessary articles. There is a gentlemen's smoking-room, and a ladies' private sitting-room, both furnished very neatly. The forward cabins and state-rooms arc very well arranged, and are about as comfortable as the first cabin in several other lines of steamers. The steerage is clean and comfortable, and there is no . chance of overcrowding. Throughout the whole vessel the ventilation is excellent, and there is fresh air at all times in abundance, so that all parts of the ship are perfectly sweet and healthy. The arrangements made for warming the saloons and state-rooms in cold weather are perfect. But we have not space to refer to all the improvements which have been introduced. We understand that the vessel will be open to visitors for one or two days previous to her departure, and all who go on board may be assured that they will be gratified, no less by the perfection of every arrangement for passengers and freight, than by the courtesy of all the officers. — Scottish.- Ameri- can Journal, October 19, 1867. European Travel. It is not generally known that by far the most beautiful entrance from the sea into Great Britain is on the route from New York to Glasgow, along the northern coast of Ireland, and through the romantic islands that, on the map, appear to bar the mouth of the beautiful river Clyde. Americans have gen- erally availed themselves of the route to Liverpool, but, in doing so, they have missed an experience in coast-scenery seldom gained on sea-voyages. For two days before the arrival of the Scotch steamers in Glasgow, each successive stroke of the screw reveals new beauties. About the first point reached is the northern coast of Ireland, which, for a hundred miles, presents one of the most wild and picturesque sights that can be imagined. Black, stern, rugged rocks rise per- pendicularly out of the sea. Among these the wild sea-gull finds a home high up beyond the reach of the gun of the hunter. These precipices are broken here and there, showing delightful bits of rustic scenery and Irish agriculture. After Londonderry, come Portrush and the Giant's Causeway. Many people do not know that this can be seen distinctly from the ship, yet such is the case, even without the aid of a glass. The Giant, the presiding genius of the place, as well as his cave, is also shown. Kathlin Island, the Mull of Cantyre, Sanda Island, the isles of Arran and Bute, most of which are places of historical interest, are passed within hail. The blue peak of the far-famed Ben Lomond is seen at the distance of about twenty miles. Next comes Ailsa Craig, rising like a sugar-loaf a thousand feet above the level of the sea. Then passing the Kyles of Bute, the beautiful river Clyde is entered and Glasgow reached. Too much space would be occupied in adequately describing the many other places of interest to be seen on this route, but a voyage is well repaid, not only in its beautiful scenery, but for the kindness shown by the officers of these Scotch boats. The Scotch char- acter is genuine, honest, and obliging, and full 'of that home spirit which makes every one feel comfortable. This is shown in the willingness of the ship's offi- cers, when off duty, to show and describe every feature of interest on the route, and to weave in with ils mention the legends of a place. The pleasant experi- ence of a sea-trip is worth remembering, and the conduct of the captain and his officers on board conduces materially to that end. — New York Phrenological Jour- nal, November, 1867. The New Steamship "Europa." The fleet of The Anchor Line of Transatlantic steamships has been increased to seven by the addition of a new screw-steamer, the "Europa." Since her arrival at pier No. 20 North Eiver, she has been open to the visits of the public. In point of beauty and luxury, her internal fittings are all that could be desired. Handsome walnut lounges and settees, upholstered in crimson velvet, with large pier-glasses, arranged so as to magnify space, charm the eye, and deceive the senses. Her officers speak well of her bearing during the rough weather she encountered in her voyage hither, which was accomplished in eleven days. — New York Sun, December 3, 1867. The New Steamship " India."— The Latest Addition to The Anchor Line.— Her Dimensions, Machinery, Accommodations, and Appointments. The new steamship " India," the latest addition to the ocean fleet of The Anchor Line, hence to Glasgow, arrived at this port yesterday, and is now discharging her large cargo at the company's dock, pier No. 20 North River. This superb vessel, one of the largest of the line, has strength, plenty of room, and appointments of elegance and refinement pervading it throughout. It is a naval architectural creation reflecting credit on all connected with her erection, from those who laid down the lines of its mcdel, even to the plastic hand that firished its decorations. The "India" is of iron, bark-rigged, and THE ANCHOR LINE OF STEAMERS. 47 built by Messrs. William Simons & Co., of Renfrew, last year, being launched the 2d of July, 1868. Her length on deck is 315 feet 6 inches, and over all 330 feet 2 inches. She has a breadth of beam of 36 feet, a depth of hold of 22 feet 4 inches, a load-draught of 2() feet 6 inches, and is 2,500 tons burden, British measurement. She has three decks, the depths between them respectively being 7 feet 6 inches. Upon each of these decks are iron-plate stringers, of large size and thickness, tending to materially strengthen thein. The hull of this vessel is of wrought-iron plates, \\ inch in thickness on her bottom, which decreases but three-eighths of an inch in any portion of her. Her floors are of double angle- iron, of more than ordinary width and thickness, and her plates are to a great extent double-riveted. She is fitted with six water-tight bulkheads, which are of iron, one-half and five-eighths of an inch in thickness, from engine-room to after-hold. Water-tanks of more than usual size are placed in this vessel, there being five capable of containing 4,C00 gallons each, and the apparatus for the condensation of this has a capacity of 300 gallons and upward every 24 hours. The steering-gear of this vessel has all the modern improvements, and possesses the great strength that should be given to apparatus of this character. Properly rigged, one-half being provided with improved lowering apparatus, are six life-boats hanging ovcr.the upper deck. The machinery of the " India," in both character and construction, is worthy of commendation. She is fitted with compound direct-acting engines, having four cylinders, two being of 72 inches in diameter, and two 36 inches in diam- eter, with a stroke of piston of three feet. These engines, during the voyage just ended, worked admirably; but, as soon as the journals and other parts are smoothly worn, as with all new machinery, an improvement will readily be ob- served. Her propeller, of iron, has four blades, a diameter of 19 feet, and a pitch of 22 feet 6 inches. Her boilers are two in number, and of the tubular descrip- tion. They are placed fore-and-aft in the vessel, are fitted with twelve fur- naces, and their shells are of five-eighths-inch iron. In the generation of steam they have given great satisfaction. Besides these facts of importance regarding machinery, there are steam-pumps, fire -pumps, steam-hoisting apparatus, and all else that vessels of this character and service require, in abundance. The "India" has accommodations for 120 cabin and about 575 steerage pas- sengers. The state-rooms of the former are indeed roomy, comfortable, and almost luxurious. Convenience and comfort are everywhere. These rooms open into each other, and can be used en suite if necessary, and opening from the saloon the arrangement cannot easily be surpassed. In each of these apartments are sofas, covered with claret-velvet plush, berths of large size, and velvet car- pets of excellent design. Between each, is situated a toilet-stand — another arrangement of utility and good taste. The saloon, fully ninety feet in length, is fitted with all the conveniences that could be easily thought of, and in the mat- ter of richness and splendor is seldom surpassed in ocean-steamships. Its sides are of maple, painted white, with a gold bead running at top and bottom, and along the panels. In the matter of upholstery ; beauty, comfort, and luxury, also abound. Large mirrors, marble-top sideboards, lounges, sofas, and arm-chairs, are in profusion. The after-part of the saloon is provided with an elegant piano, of exquisite tone, and when the lady-passengers cannot pass the hours merrily away with music, they can repair to the library, and in the perusal of choice booUs as pleasant companions be contented. This portion of the vessel is, as indeed are all others, noted for its excellent ventilation and appearance of cheer- fulness. The conveniences for the comfort and safety of steerage-passengers are also worthy of especial mention. The steerage is large, airy, easily reached, and is fitted with all that not only the stringent laws of the United States and Great Britain require, but with an abundance of every thing that can decrease the an- noyances to this class of passengers on an ocean-voyage. The "India," in a word, is a good sea-going vessel, a model of naval archi- tecture, and a credit to Tue Anchor Line. — New York Herald, February 25, 1869. The New Steamship " India," of the Anchor Line. This new steamship arrived at New York on Wednesday of last week. It has already been stated in these columns that the " India" is one of the largest, and, in every respect, finest vessels belonging to The Anchor Line. There are accommodations on board for 120 cabin and about 575 steerage passengers. The state-rooms arc roomy, well ventilated, and comfortable. The steerage is large, airy, easily reached, cheerful in appearance, and provided with all the conven- iences required by the passengers. The saloon is handsomely furnished ; has large mirrors, sofas, lounges, marble-top sideboards in abundance ; a piano is placed at the after-part ; a select library is provided, and every thing in this part of the vessel, both below and on deck, wears a cheerful, pleasant appearance. All the latest improvements in construction, in machinery, and in arrangements for the safety and comfort of passengers, have been adopted, and we can confi- dently assert that the "India" is one of the strongest, safest, speediest, and most comfortable steamships on the ocean.— Scottish- American Journal, March 6, 1869. The Anchor Line. It must be gratifying to all our readers to learn that the steamers plying be- tween New York and Glasgow are equal, in respect to safety and comfort, to those of other Transatlantic lines, and that the improvements which are con- stantly being made in the former encourage us to hope that the trade between this country and the Clyde will eventually as far surpass the trade between this country and any other European port, as Clyde-built steamers surpass the steam- ers of every other ship-building place in the world. The Anchor Line is, in- deed, one of the youngest of the kind in existence. It was started and has prospered without Government aid. It seems to be the ambition of the ownerB of The Anchor Line to obtain the highest reputation, for their attention to all the wants of the public they were destined to serve. The additions which they are constantly making to their splendid fleet show that they are fully aware ot the advantages of their position, and are determined, as far as practicable, to maintain in their own department the high reputation of Clyde ship-builders and Clyde ship-owners for enterprise and success in business. We have no hesi- tation in saying that every Scotsman has good reason to be proud of The Anchor Line, and should lend his aid in promoting its efficiency and popular- ity. — Seoltisli-American Journal, May 29, 1869. On the Ocean— Trip to Europe- The Anchor Line of Steamers. The writer says he has crossed on the Cunard, French, and Inman Lines, but that he was never on a boat that pleased him better than the " India," nor where the passengers were better cared for; and this is the universal opinion of all the passengers. The captain is a most agreeable gentleman, as well as all the other officers associated with him. The table is excellent in variety as well as quality and quantity — the latter no mean consideration, as the ocean-air is a great appetizer. The charges of The Anchor Line are so moderate, and the accom- modations so excellent, that man}- of those who formerly crossed by the Cunard or Inman boats are this season taking passage in the steamships of The Anchor Line. One of our best European guide-books says of The Anchor Line : " The courtesy of the officers of this line is proverbial, and as the ships make the 1 north about,' avoiding St. George's Channel, securing the most splendid of ap- proaches to land, and booking passengers to Liverpool at the same price as to Glasgow, it is not strange that hundreds of those wishing to include Scotland in their tours are bending in that direction." — Evening Wisconsin, June 19, 1869. Ho! for Scotland. We cannot too warmly commend The Anchor Line to persons contempla- ting a foreign tour, or who purpose sending for friends, for we are well assured that in every point of view it is just the line to meet all their wants and desires for travel. We repeat the assurance, that all, who may have in view a voyage across the ocean, will find in The Anchor Line a safe, comfortable, quick, and pleasant means of transit. — Delaware Express, June 30, 1869. The Anchor Line of Steam Packet-Ships. Passage to Europe, or round-trip tickets, can be had by The Anchor Line steamships, at such a rate as hardly to prevent any one from making the trip ; and when it is understood that these vessels, in point of sleeping and table accommodations, are fully equal to many of the high-priced lines, the efforts of the owners to accommodate travellers will be appreciated. It has always been the policy of this line to furnish good accommodation at low rates, and, as a consequence, it is daily growing in favor, as every passenger carried is an advertisement for the Line. — Pittsburg Chronicle, July 27, 1869. The Anchor Line. The steamers of this line are large and commodious, commanded by capable and experienced seamen ; the price of passage moderate, and no exertion spared for the comfort of passengers. They should be liberally patronized. — New York Tablet, July 31, 1869. Ocean steam lines are being multiplied and extended, but, we regret to writo it, almost exclusively by foreign companies. We observe that Henderson Brothers, the New York agents of The Anchor Line of steamers plying be- tween New York and Glasgow, and touching at Londonderry, Ireland, give notice that they purpose commencing in October next a regular line of first-class powerful steamers between the Italian and Sicilian ports and New York. This line is intended to take the fruit and wine trade between the Mediterranean ports and the United States, which is now done altogether by sailing-vessels. The new steamers to reinforce the line are now building on the Clyde, in Scotland. — Chicago Eij>ublican, August 15, 1869. The Suez Canal. The Glasgow Herald of November 18th says : " Our townsmen, Messrs. Handy- side & Henderson, have this forenoon received a telegram from Mr. Fleming, their agent in Egypt, dated Ismailia, this morning, at 20 minutes from 7 o'clock, advising that their screw-steamer 'Dido' had just arrived there, en route for Suez, being the first British merchant-steamer to enter the Suez Canal." We understand that Messrs. Handyside & Henderson have all along mani- fested a lively interest in the undertaking, and have watched the progress of the 48 THE ANCHOR LINE OF STEAMERS. work and its approach to a termination with an intelligent appreciation of its importance, wi ll knowing the revolution in the mode of transit to the East which the successful completion of the canal will undoubtedly produce. Mr. Thomas Henderson, the senior member of the firm, visited and inspected the canal throughout its whole length, about 18 months ago, and was then strongly im- pressed, from all lie heard and saw on the spot, that the undertaking would certainly prove an engineering success, and soon be an accomplished fact. It must be gratifying to the local pride of our citizens, as it is highly creditable to the energy and enterprise of the owners of the "Dido," that the first British merchant-vessel that passes through the canal should hail from Ghisgow and fly the well-known Anchor flag. — New York Herald, November 30, 18G9. The Catholic Hierarchy and " The Anchor Line." We have had occasion, more than once, to call the attention of our readers to the courtesy and generous treatment experienced at the hands of Messrs. Hen- derson Brothers, proprietors of The Anchor Line of Atlantic steamships, by such of our friends or countrymen as business or pleasure induced to visit the Old World. Wo are glad to be able to add to our own testimony that of eighteen archbishops and bishops, who have just had an opportunity of testing the excellence of The Anchor Line in the ocean-voyage on their way to the (Ecumenical Council at the Vatican. We copy the following from the Glasgow Herald of the 25th ultimo : •Gibraltar, December 11, 1869. " Mr dear Sir : In the name of the Catholic clergy and people of Gibraltar, may I beg to thank you most cordially for all your very kind and exquisite attention to our bishop and the other Catholic prelates and clergy who went hence on the 23d ult. in your good ship the ' Dorian' to Civita Vecchia? Please also to convey our united grateful acknowledgments to each and all under your command for their goodness throughout the voyage. " Our bishop writes in terms of the utmost satisfaction with the vessel, and of deepest gratitude to yourself, and states he is joined therein by all the party. " Wishing yourself, your vessel, and the whole Anchor Line every bljssing and happiness, in preparation for our united anchorage above, " I beg to remain, my dear sir, yours very faithfully, (Signed) Thomas MaoAcliffe, D. D., Catholic Priest. "To Captain Small, commanding steamship 'Dorian.' " — Irish Ripublic, January 15, 1S70. A New Ocean-Steamer. The new steamer " Anglia," of The Anchor (Glasgow) Line, is in every respect a first-class vessel. She is of iron, brig-rigged, and was built last year. The "Anglia" is fitted with six water-tight bulkheads of iron. She has ac- commodations for 100 first-class passengers, 80 intermediate or second class, and 700 steerage. The conveniences and comforts of the vessel are second to none that sail from the port. — New York Commercial Advertiser, February 15, 1870. The New Stamship "Anglia"— The Anchor Line's Latest Addition— Her Dimensions, Machinery, and Appointments— List of her Officers. The new steamship " Anglia," the latest addition to The Anchor Line, hence to Glasgow, arrived at this port late Sunday evening, and is now lying at the dock of the company, pier No. 20 North River, where her cargo is being discharged. The " Anglia" is one of the largest and most elegantly- equipped vessels of the line, being complete in all her fittings and appointments. This vessel is of iron, brig-rigged, and was built last year, being launched in the first week in Decem- ber. She has a length of keel and fore rake of 335 feet, on deck 340 feet, a breadth of beam ( moulded) of 35 feet, and a depth of hold of 25 feet. She is pro- vided with three decks, the height between the first and second being eight feet, and that between the second and third, or lower deck, 18 feet, clear of beams. Tier tonnage is of 2,250 tons, old measurement, and she draws, when loaded, 21 feet six inches of water. Her plates are 3J-, I and i inch in thickness, and her outer and inner stern-ports, also of hammered iron, are of the usual dimensions commensurate with efficiency and safety. The " Anglia" is fitted with six water- tight bulkheads of iron, and her steering-apparatus is remarkably strong, the rudder being provided with a hammered iron stock, bound with plates of the same material. The gear of this arrangement is worked witli a screw, and pro- visions are made by means of which tillers can he rigged on the lower decks should any thing happen to the apparatus above. Water-tanks, two forward and two aft, capable of holding 30,000 gallons, are provided, while a fresh-water con- denser furnishes in addition thereto 80 gallons per hour. The vessel has six large life-boats, and one of smaller size for general work, that would each carry, in case of extreme noccssity, fully fifty persons safely. They are supplied with im- proved lowering apparatus, which insures, whatever the nature of an alarm should bo, perfect working. The " Anglia" has accommodations for 100 first-class passengers, 80 interme- diate or second-class, and 700 steerage. The conveniences and comforts of the vessel are second to none that sail from the port. The ladies' saloon, on the main deck, is fully 80 feet long, luxuriantly appointed and finished. The sides are of maple inlaid with teak, surmounted with elegant cornices, and relieved with pillars artistically executed. On cither side runs a series of tables, over which racks are placed for glasses, decanters, and other articles desired at every meal. At the forward end are large gilt mirrors hanging over a piano of exqui- site tone and finish, while the arm-chairs, lounges, and Brussels carpets, give the whole a charming and substantial appearance. The second-class saloon is also large and comfortable, differing but little from the first. The steerage is very commodious and convenient, water closets and wash-rooms being in abundance, while the ventilation at all times is in every re- spect almost perfect. The ladies of the first cabin have more than the usual number of retiring-rooms at their disposal, inasmuch as there is a private saloon on the promenade deck for their exclusive use, in addition to their saloon below, where none of the "lords of creation" can enter except by their invitation or assent. The cooking-apparatus is also quite perfect. Life- belts are provided for every passenger. The motive power of the "Anglia" consists of two direct-acting engines of 50 inches diameter and three feet six inch stroke of piston, the nominal power of which is 400 horse, while the effective power that can be reached, if necessary, is 1,500 horse. Steam is generated from two horizontal tubular boilers, 21 feet long, 14 feet wide, and 21 feet in height. The engines are fitted with a surface condenser. The propeller (of iron) is 15 feet in diameter, pitch 20 feet, and of four blades. The " Anglia" is, in fact, fitted up with all the recent improvements in naval architecture, and is a finely-finished and appointed craft. She has already proved herself a capital sea-going craft, as in the recent trip — her first — she came out un- scathed from weather terrible in its severity, beating to this port some of the European steamships thought to be unsurpassed in speed. — New York Herald, February 15, 1870. The New Anchor Line Steamship "Anglia." The new steamship " Anglia," of The Anchor Line, whose departure from Glasgow we noticed last week, arrived at this port on Sunday evening. The "Anglia" has been already several times referred to in our news items under the heading of Glasgow. From her performances at her trial-trip and during her passage across the Atlantic, it is expected that she will prove one of the fastest, safest, and most attractive vessels on the line between Glasgow and New York. There are accommodations on board for about 700 steerage and 80 cabin passengers. The main saloon and the state-rooms are provided with every convenience, and are handsomely decorated. Special accommodations are provided for ladies, while the comfort of gentlemen is consulted in the fitting up of the smoking-room on the spar-deck. There are seven life-boats and an ample stock of life-saving apparatus on board. On her late trip, the "Anglia" expe- rienced very strong westerly gales the entire passage, but proved an excellent sea-boat. — Scottish- American Journal, February 17, 1870. The Fruit-Trade— Twelve Ocean-Steamers, measuring 15,000 tons, employed. A London line of fruit-steamers, in connection with The Anchor Line (Med- iterranean branch) steamers, are landing at this port an average of 36,000 boxes of oranges and lemons weekly, each line alternating in their loading at Sicilian ports. The season opens in November and closes in May, and the average pas- sage of the fruit-laden steamer is 20 days from Gibraltar. The London line employs the steamers " Northumbria" (now in port), " Camillia," "Bosana," " Satira," "Palmyra," and "Electra;" while The Anchor Line have the "Dorian" (now in port), "Dacian," " Tyrian," "Britannia," "Caledonia," and " Acadia," aggregating 7,500 tons, the tonnage of the other line being about the same ; so that about 15,000 tons of steam-shipping is employed in this trade alone. — The route of the Scotch steam-fruiters is from Glasgow, laden with gen- eral merchandise, which is landed at Lisbon, Gibraltar, Genoa, Leghorn, Naples, Messina, and Palermo. By the time the outward cargo is discharged, and often before, the lading of fruit begins, the steamers touching, after leaving Naples, at Messina and Palermo, and completing their cargo and taking on passengers. At Gibraltar, on the outward voyage, the vessels are coaled, and before they leave for the ocean-voyage their bunkers are replenished at this their final port of departure. Since these steamers have commenced making stated trips, large numbers of passengers who have bceu travelling through Southern Europe have availed themselves of this route to visit the Mediterranean ports and proceed to the United States, without returning over the routes taken to reach the south- ern limits of their travel. The steamer "Caledonia," now en rovle to this port, has noarly 100 passengers on board, who would, had it not been for this line of steamers, have been obliged to return to Havre or Liverpool, to take passage to the United States. These Anchor Line steamers fill up at this port with flour and sail for Glasgow direct, while the London Line proceeds to English Channel ports, laden with what the market offers. The steamship "Dorian," Captain Small, commenced discharging her cargo at pier No. 21 North River, yesterday. She is a fine screw-steamer of 1,000 tons. This is the second cargo she has delivered during the present season.— New York Tribune, March 30, 1870. THE ANCHOR LINE OF STEAMER*. 49 The New Steamship "Australia." The fine new steamship "Australia," of The Anchor Line, readied this port from Glasgow on Thursday morning last. The " Australia " was built by Messrs. Robert Duncan & Co., of Port-Glasgow, and is a sister-steamer to the " Anglia." She is supplied with engines of the latest improvements, and of sufficient power to enable her to make rapid passages across the Atlantic. Every consideration has been given to the comfort of passengers. The saloon is beautifully fitted up ; the sides are of rosewood and maple ; the upholstery is neat, but not gaudy ; the carpets are first class, and comprising designs pleasing and appropriate ; and there is an elegant rosewood piano, from the establishment of Collard & Collard of London. The state-rooms arc commodious and well ventilated. The " Aus- tralia " is complete in every particular for the Atlantic trade, and will be a great favorite for tourists and others going to and from Europe. The "Australia" wili be open to visitors up to Saturday noon. — Scottish- American Journal, March SI, 1870. The New Steamship "Australia"— The Latest Addition to the Anchor Line —The Vessel's Dimensions, Appointments, and Motive Power— List of Her Officers. The new steamship " Australia," belonging to TnE Anchor Line, which ar- rived at this port six or seven days since, is now lying at the dock of the com- pany, foot of Dey Street, receiving a large cargo for her outward-bound voyage of Saturday, hence to Glasgow. The " Australia," w ithout exception, is one of the finest steamships, not only of the line, but that enters this port, being very complete in all her fittings, and elegant in her appointments. She is of iron, of full brig-rig, and was built in Glasgow last year by Messrs. Kobert Duncan & Co., being launched in the month of January last. She has a length of keel and fore-rake of 3G0 feet, a length on deck of 317 feet, is of 3S feet breadth of beam, 27 feet depth of hold, has three decks, and of 2,1S8 tons, British measurement. The height between-decks is seven feet six inches, clear of beams, and when loaded she draws 22 feet of water. Her keel and stem are of hammered iron, as are also her outer and inner sternposts. She is provided with seven water-tight bulkheads, the divisions cf which are of iron several inches in thickness. The steering-apparatus of the vessel is remarkably strong, the rudder being pro- vided with iron stocks, and additionally bound with iron plates, half an inch in thickness. Water-tanks arc provided in great abundance, and, when necessary, can carry fully 30,000 gallons of fresh water for drinking and cooking purposes. She has six large life-boats, built in the most improved manner, with apparatus of a nature that they can be lowered at a second's notice. The "Australia" has accommodations for 128 cabin-passengers and will berth about GOO in the steerage. The conveniences of the vessel, as a passenger-car- rying craft, are not surpassed by any that enters this port. The main saloon is really magnificent, the sides of which are of satin-wood and teak, and sur- mounted with cornice-work of gilt, and relieved by pillars with elaborate gilded capitals. Along the centre runs a series of tables, over 'which are racks for glasses, and at the after end is a handsome piano, of beautiful tone, that the ladies en voyage may, when so inclined, pass hours amid mirth and music. Mir- rors and clocks, with elegant lounges and carpets of a costly and unique pattern, give the whole cabin an appearance substantial and beautiful. The state-rooms are large and airy, fitted with teak and marble-top wash-stands, containing all the conveniences of a bedroom, while the ladies' private cabins are pleasant, convenient, and handsomely furnished. The second-class saloon is also large and comfortable, not differing much from the first saloon, above described, save in the matter of fittings. The steer- age is ample and more convenient than in the majority of the ships that enter this port. There are several water-closets and wash-rooms, and these are of more than usual dimensions and convenience. The cooking-apparatus and steam tables are very perfect, and have the latest improvements. The officers' quarters may be termed pleasant and ample. The motive power of the " Australia" consists of two vertical, direct-acting engines, with two cylinders, fifty inches in diameter, and a stroke of piston of three feet six inches. Her propeller is of iron, with four blades and 16 feet in diameter. There are bilge injections to all her openings in bottom. Steam is furnished from two boilers, with ten furnaces, and independent steam fire and bilge pumps are provided in abundance. The provisions against fire are first class, and in like respect the same care and attention have been bestowed by her builders in the construction of her hull. The " Australia " is, in fact, an achievement in naval architecture that cannot be passed by lightly, and in fittings ranks among the first. She has in her initial voyage proved herself possessed of sea-going qualities of a rare nature. The 11 Australia" will be thrown open to-day to receive such lady and gentlemen visitors as arc desirous of seeing an elegant ocean-steamship. — New York Herald, April 1, 1870. The Anchor Line. The excellences of this line are so well known to our people, and particularly to those who have taken trips in its steamers, that encomiums upon those vessels and their officers, though just and merited, would seem to be superfluous. — Delaware Express, April 2, 1870. The Anchor Line. We desire to call the attention of our readers to the increasing prosperity of this line so long and favorably known. Mr. Elliott informs us that during the year 1SG9 the steamers of The A>xhor Line landed at New York 24,766 passen- gers, against 15,533 in 186S, showing a greater increased average per trip than any other line crossing the ocean, thus proving the growing popularity and merited estimation of The Anchor Line. Our fellow-citizens who have crossed the Atlantic speak in high terms of these steamers. The state-rooms arc all on the upper deck, and on this account thoroughly ventilated.— Detroit Union, May 21, 1870. Interesting Incident on hoard an Anchor-Line Steamer. Wc give to-day an interesting account of the departure from New York, on a trip to Scotland, of George Mitchell, Esq., who, from his position as chief of the New York Caledonian Club, is well known to many of our Scotch readers. We welcome the account to our columns, as it exhibits a spirit of mutual friend- ship which is plainly manifested by the proprietors of The Anchor Line of steamers — the only Scottish line sailing from New York. We have on former occasions commended this line to the travelling public; and we are very glad to have our opinions corroborated by parties who of course have better opportuni- ties of judging from experience and personal observation of the superior merits of the steamers, officers, etc., connected with it. — Delaware Express, July 6, 1870. Correspondence.— Letters from Europe. The "Europa" is one of the best sea-going vessels on the Atlantic, is a per- fectly safe and smooth-sailing steamship, and in charge of a gentlemanly, intelli- gent, vigilant, and correct crew. She is a Clyde-built steamer, w ith an estab- lished reputation for safety and smoothness of gait unsurpassed. All travellers say they never saw a vessel like her for a heavy sea. The view of Ireland is beautiful in the extreme. We pass the Giant's Causeway. We leave Ireland, and, passing the Mull of Cantyre, sail in and up the Firth to the Clyde. The sail up the river Clyde is worth a voyage over the Atlantic. — Norristovm Herald, Au- gust 4, 1870. How shall we get to Europe ^ One of the best and most prominent of the British lines is the well-known Anchor Line, plying between New York and Glasgow, with connections at all convenient seaports. This gigantic undertaking was started in 1S56 with but two steamers. Like all enterprises of grandeur and vital power^TiiE Anchor Line, with its present fleet of thirty-two Clyde-built iron steamers, has grown out of such small beginnings, to its present enormous proportions. The money earned with the first two steamers, wisely employed, has laid the foundation for the present prosperity of this, the most popular of all British steamship lines. The Messrs. Henderson are among the greatest ship-owners in the world ; up- ward of 900 men are constantly employed at their works near Glasgow, en- gaged in fitting up their steamers ; engines, cabins, painting, plumbing, car- pentering, upholstering, etc., all being done under the personal supervision of the Messrs. Henderson. The officers of The Anchor Line steamers, as we have often observed, are well instructed in regard to civility to passengers ; the com- pany certainly deserve great credit for enforcing strict civility on the part of their officers. We believe it to be to the interest of our readers to direct their especial attention to this line of steamships. The company have ever been de- sirous of rendering the trip to Europe as pleasant as possible in every respect. Many of our personal friends have crossed the Atlantic on steamers of this line, and all express themselves highly gratified with the speed, safety, and accommoda- tions, particularly with the pleasant treatment by its officers. — Chicago Standard, August 11, 1870. New York to Paris, by way of the Scotch Highlands. We coasted along quite close to the Giant's Causeway, so near, that we could see its formation rising in terraces of beauty. It is certainly appropriately named, for there is so much grandeur in those basaltic columns, compared to which the art of man seems the work of pigmies— no wonder that in an age of barbarism it should seem the work of a greater race, as all history points back, in beautiful brevity, " For there were giants in those days." Passing Bathlin Island, we get our first view of Ailsa Craig, and now on our left Arran, with its mountains, and on our right the land of poetry, Ayrshire, the birthplace of Burns. Now up the Firth of Clyde, passing the old town of Largs, where the Scots repulsed the Danes, almost one thousand years ago, and directly opposite, the country residence of the Marquis of Bute, the well-known hero of " Lothair." We take occasion to say that every one who visits Europe should go to Scotland. It is universally admitted the day's sail from the Giant's Causeway through the Firth of Clyde makes Glasgow the finest point of approach in all Europe, and we feel grateful to a friend in New York, who recently published a hand-book of Europe, because he advised us The Anchor Line. We found the steamer " Europa " complete in all its appointments, and 1 can never forget the beauty of the Clyde.— Republican, September 13, 1870. 50 THE ANCHOR LINE OF STEAMERS. The Anchor Line of steamors lias steadily worked itself into the highest favor among the travelling publio, on the ground of merit alono. — Nine York Free Fress, September 86, 1870. New Steamship. The Messrs. Henderson Brothers, agents of The Anchor Line of steamships, have added a new vessel to their popular line, the " Ismnilia," which arrived at this port on Saturday, with a very valuable cargo of Mediterranean goods, and which will sail on Saturday for Glasgow. This vessel was built at Glasgow about four months ago for this company, and was originally intended for the East India trade via the Suez Canal, but has been put into this branch of their line for a short time. The appointments of this vessel are in genuine Oriental style, being fitted in every thing magnificently, that gives comfort to passengers ; her cabins are light, roomy, and well ventilated ; are all on deck, and are superbly finished in gilt and bird's-eye maple. The state-rooms are also on deck, and are commodious and admirably suited to those who are subject to sea-sickness, being well ventilated and airy. The " Ismailia," which is built of iron in the strongest manner, is 320 feet long, has 33 feet beam, and 21% feet depth of hold. Her tonnage is 1,G29 tons, American measurement. She has two decks, three masts, and is bark-rigged. The Clyde-built vessels, of which this is a fine specimen, have a world-wide reputation, and are to be found in all quarters of the globe. The engines of this vessel are on the new compound prin- ciple, of about 500 horse-power, and are immensely strong. Every thing about the decks is worked by steam, such as making sail, getting up anchors, mooring the ship at the docks, etc., thereby rendering her very easy to handle. She is also heated by steam throughout, thereby insuring the comfort of passengers. Her carrying capacity is about 2,500 tons, and lias accommodations for 50 cabin and 450 steerage passengers. The consumption of coal in the use of the new compound engines is very small, amounting in this vessel to only about 16 tons per day ; while with the common engines it would be fioni35 to 40 tons. The officers are all of long experience in the business, and, during the term of her temporary employment in the Transatlantic traffic, the "Ismailia" will doubt- less be one of the most popular steamers crossing the ocean. — New York Daily Bulletin, November 2, 1870. Ocean Travel— Atlantic Steamship Line3— Vessels of the Anchor Line— Elegant Saloons and Spacious State-rooms. This is one of the most important of the steamship lines, and the most import- ant in points of number of vessels and ports. It comprises the enormous number of 34 powerful Clyde-built iron serew-steamcra. Their names are — "Acadia," " Alexandria," " Anglia," "Assyria," "Australia," "Bolivia," "Britannia," " Caledonia," " California," " Castalia," " Columbia," " Doni Pedro," " Dorian," "Ethiopia," " Europa," " India," " Iowa," "Ismailia," "Italia," " Napoli," "Olympia," " Roma," "Scandinavia," "Scotia," " Shamrock," " Sidonian," "Trinacria," "Trojan," " Tyrian," "Utopia," " Valetta," " Venezia," and " Victoria." These steamers were built especially for the Atlantic trade, and are fitted up with every comfort and luxury that long experience and an earnest desire to please their patrons could suggest. The line has now been established 15 years. The Atlantic steamers are from 1,500 to 3,500 tons burden, and provide accommodations for 50 to 100 cabin and from 300 to 000 steerage passengers. The latter are looked after with more care than usual, and the sanitary arrangements for'the health of emigrants are rigidly looked after by those in charge. That this is the case is evinced by the fact that the smallest percentage of death among the steerage-passengers of any line is found in this one, and in all the voyages of their numerous vessels, not one instance of an epidemic has occurred. The route of these steamers is from New York to Glasgow, in Scotland, calling at London- derry, Ireland, to land and embark passengers. In connection with the Glasgow traffic, they have several lines to various parts of Europe. On one, the Northern or Scandinavian Line, they employ two or three steamers between the ports of Copenhagen, Christiansand, Christiania, Gothenburg, and the port of Leith, in Scotland, only 40 miles from Glasgow, where the passengers make close connec- tions both ways with the Atlantic steamers to and from New York. Another, and one of the most important, is the Mediterranean Line, between Glasgow, Portugal, Spain, Italy, Sicily, Egypt, and the Adriatic. It is by this beautiful route that we receive a great deal of the rich fruits and productions of Southern Europe. Besides this, now that a journey through France or Germany is neither pleasant nor safe, a trip by this line to all these places offers all the inducements to the summer tourist, who will find this a cheap as well as comfortable mode of travel- ling. Among the places of interest that they touch at are Lisbon, Genoa, Leg- horn, Naples, Messina, and Palermo. From these points the whole of Southern Europe is easily accessible to the traveller. The round voyage of these steamers presents a route of unequalled interest — Londonderry, Giant's Causeway, Glas- gow, Edinburgh, river Clyde, Lisbon, Gibraltar, Genoa, Leghorn, Pisa, Flor- ence, Rome, Naples, Catania, Venice, Alexandria, Trieste, being all embraced within the circle of their sailings; and travellers visiting the Holy Land will find this route, via Egypt, to be the cheapest and most expeditious. The steamers sail from New York regularly every Saturday and Wednesday. The rates of passage are, on the average, lower than by the other lines, and the accommodations are in every way first chss. The cabins and state-rooms are all on tho upper deck, a fact which renders the ventilation far superior to that usually found in ocean-steamers. — New York Free Frees, January 8, 1871. The New Steamship "Alexandria"— Still another Addition to the Glasgow- Mediterranean Service — Her Dimensions, Accommodations, and Character of Construction. The Anchor Line havo added another superb steamship to their Glasgow and Mediterranean service, tho " Alexandria," which arrived at this port on Sunday, and is now discharging her cargo at pier No. 20 North River. Although the first voyage across the Atlantic of this vessel has been somewhat longer than usual, owing to her new machinery and frequent adverse winds, she has demon- strated her perfect sea-worthiness, proving to be an excellent ocean-boat, and when called upon can exhibit a fleet pair of heels. This vessel was launched in November last from the yard of Messrs. Robert Duncan & Sons, Port-Glasgow. She is 310 feet in length over all, 30 feet breadth of beam, 22 feet 6 inches depth of hold, has two full decks and poop-deek, draws 20 feet of water at load- draught, and is of 1,055 tons burden, British measurement. Her hull is con- structed of wrought-iron plates, one inch at the bottom, running up to seven- eighths and three-fourths of an inch at the sides. These are double-riveted, and the plate-stringers on each deck, being of large dimensions, add greatly to the vessel's strength. Her tanks have a capacity for 7,500 gallons of water, and the fresh-water condenser is capable of supplying over CO gallons per hour. THE MOTIVE POWER of the "Alexandria" consists of two vertical direct-acting engines, of the com- pound principle, at a working pressure of 00 pounds. These were constructed by the Finnieston Steamship-Works Company, the cylinders being 38 and CS inches in diameter, with a stroke of piston 3 feet 6 inches. The boilers, two in number, are of the round tubular description, with four furnaces in each, and the propeller, which is of cast-iron, is 15 feet in diameter, with a pitch of 25 feet. In all other particulars, such as steam-hoisting appara- tus, independent steam, fire, and bilge pumps, affording great security against fire, this vessel is well supplied. Her rig is that of a bark. She has six life- boats. the accommodations for both first-class and steerage passengers on board the "Alexandria" are of the same comfortable and cosy description observable upon all vessels of The Anchor Line. There is plenty of room in large and pleasant state-rooms for 71 passengers, and in the steerage for about 000. The state-rooms are prettily furnished in red, with velvet-covered sofas, and all conveniences of toilet which long experience could suggest. THE MAIN SALOON is exquisitely appointed, and, upon entering it, the eye is struck pleasantly and favorably. Large mirrors are at the forward end, and the panels, finished with teak and white-wood, set off the rich surroundings wonderfully. There aro general cabins, or rather " lounging-rooms," on the main-deck aft of the state- rooms, one for ladies and the other for gentlemen, where the luxurious sofas invite rest after a promenade on deck. The intermediate -saloon is also full of con- veniences and comfort, while the quarters for steerage passengers are large, and exceedingly well ventilated. the mediterranean trade of The ANcnoR Line has become of great importance. Their vessels leave Glasgow for the ports of the Mediterranean, and hence to New York, every week, or as the trade warrants. The "Alexandria" has a valuable cargo, besides her fruits, consisting of silks and velvets from Marseilles. — New York Herald, Janu- ary 17, 1871. The Anchor Line. This line, in a few years, has become one of the most important running from this port. During the twelve months just passed there have been in constant employment, twenty-eight oecan-steamships, all finely constructed, and fitted up with every comfort and luxury that long experience could suggest. The Anchor Line are still increasing the number of their magnificent steamers, as there aro at present in the course of construction on the Clyde six other vessels, in every respect as luxurious, safe, and comfortable as any on the ocean. The health of all emigrants carried by this lino is rigorously looked after, and it is quite n pleasant fact to note that tho percentage of deaths among the steerage passen- gers on The Anchor-Line vessels is less than on any other crossing the Atlantic. — New York Herald, January 29, 1871. The New Steamship "Assyria"— Another Addition to The Anchor Line's Glas- gow Service— Her Dimensions, Character of Construction, and Accommoda- tion. Tho new steamship " Assyria," the latest addition to TnE Anchor Line, arrived at this port on Wednesday from Glasgow, after a very excellent trip, and is now discharging her large and valuable cargo in good condition at tho company's wharf, No. 20 North River. In this, her initial voyage, the " As- syria" has proved herself a capital sea-boat, and more than exceeded the most I sanguine expectations of the builders of her machinery in the matter of speed. THE ANCHOR LINE OF STEAMERS. 51 This vessel was launched frpm tlie yard of Messrs. Eobcrt Duncan & Sons, Port-Glasgow. She is 300 feet in length on deck, 33 feet breadth of beam, 22 feet 6 inches depth of hold ; has two decks, a load-draught of 20 feet, is bark- rigged, and of 1,700 tons burden. Her hull is of wrought-iron plates, one inch iu thickness at the bottom, and three-quarters of an inch at the sides. These are double-riveted, and plate-stringers of large dimensions on cither deck add greatly to her strength. Her tanks have a capacity for 6,000 gallons of water, and the fresh-water condenser will average 05 gallons per hour. The motive power of the " Assyria" consists of two vertical direct-acting engines on the compound principle, at a working pressure of CO pounds, con- structed by the Finnieston Steamship-Works Co. The cylinders are 38 and 68 inches in diameter, w ith a stroke of piston of three feet six inches. The boilers, two in number, are of the " double-ender" description, being fired at both ends, and the propeller, which is of cast-iron, is 16 feet in diameter, and has a pitch of 21 feet. In all other particulars the department of machinery is well provided — ■ steam-hoisting apparatus, donkey boiler, and independent steam-fire and bilge- pumps being supplied in abundance. The accommodations for passengers on board the " Assyria" are of the most comfortable nature. The state-rooms are fitted in the neatest manner, and are very roomy. In the first and intermediate-cabins, nearly one hundred can find a pleasant home during a voyage, and in the steerage there is space enough for over five hundred. The main saloon is quite elegantly furnished, and, upon en- tering it, comfort is suggested by the luxurious sofas that are liberally provided; then there are the ladies' and gentlemen's cabins on the main-deck, that bespeak the same case and pleasure to the voyageur as noted in the other departments of the vessel. The ventilation of the vessel in every particular is excellent. — Few Yorh Herald, February 24, 1871. Going to Europe. Be sure and cross the raging Atlantic on one of the forty steamers of The Anchor Line. Experienced marines, gentlemen of the cabin and quarter-deck, who regulate their ship even and firm as a cottage, command these steamers. Ladies and children will find the state-room and the deck of an Anciior steamer just as secure and enjoyable as a hotel in New York or at Long Branch. — Day- ton {Ohio) Journal, May, 1871. Ocean Navigation. Among the different lines that traverse the Atlantic, The Anciior Line stands preeminent — proof of which we have in the enormous patronage extended to this old and reliable line of steamers. A trip once taken on one of these steam- ers will prove good what we have said, as nothing has been left undone in their construction to secure both safety and every comfort. — Chicago Republican, July 1, 1871. Ocean-Travel. The sanitary arrangements for the health of emigrants on Anchor Line steam- ers are rigidly carried out by those in charge. That this is the case, is evinced by the fact that, in all the voyages of their numerous vessels, not one instance of an epidemic disease has occurred. — Detroit Tribune, August 1, 1871. Experiences in Europe. After reading the advertisements of all the steamship lines, I selected The Anchor Line. Before taking passage, I went to see the vessel, the " Australia." This company is comparatively new, but has fixed itself so well in public favor, that every vessel bears out its full complement of passengers. Fifty more would have gone in the "Australia" if state-rooms could have been had. A careful look through the steamer, with the assistance of an officer, showed me sufficient to decide me to go on the vessel. Before I left Indianapolis, I learned that I might have saved myself much trouble, by putting mj r case in the hands of the local agent of this steamship line. After I came to New York I was further con- vinced of this. I could have made every arrangement with the agent. He could have selected and secured my state-room, and arranged for my letters of credit. It is better to arrange at home, because it is easier, more expeditious, and you know upon what you can depend before leaving. Belying upon the local a<*ent, and following his advice, going to Europe is as easy as going to Chicago and back. If you don't believe me, try it. — Indianapolis Sentinel, August 2, 1871. The Question of Ocean-Steamers. Those of our readers who crossed with Mr. A. Groot last year will be pleased to hear of his safe return. Gus came back on one of the Cunarders, but for comfort, fare, and a good time generally, he says, " In future, let me tread the deck of the 'India' with the noble, genial, warm-hearted Captain B. D. Munro." — Schenectady Union, August 12, 1871. A Fine Line of Steamships. It was our lot, a short time ago, to cross the Atlantic. We did so in a steam- ship of The Anchor Line, and we are in a position to speak in the highest terms of the manner in whiih proprietors and agents treat their passengers. We cordially recommend The Anchor Line to any of our readers about to visit their Transatlantic friends. The rates of passage arc low, the accommodations are excellent, and the company's agents, officers, and employes, are unwearying in their efforts to promote the comfort and convenience of passengers. — Canadian Post, September 1, 1871. Transatlantic Travel. TnE Anchor Line of steamers, through having to compete with other power- ful lines, have, by the systematic management displayed in all the details at- tending such a charge, established a name w ith the travelling public for speed, safety, and courtesy, extended by all its employes, -thus giving them a prestige tliat crowds their steamers with all nationalities. Travellers by this route have the opportunity of viewing the beauties of the scenery on the Irish and Scottish coasts.— Chicago Republican, September 8, 1871. The Steamship Trinacria and her Voyage. It was announced some time ago in these columns that The Anchor Line company intended sending their newest and finest steamer on her maiden voy- age to St. John and Halifax early in September. This they have done, and about Thursday or Friday we may expect the "Trinacria" to steam into our port. As it is not often that the people of St. John have an opportunity of see- ing so large and so beautifully-finished an iron steamship in our harbor, it is probable that mJny will avail themselves of the chance of paying her a visit be- fore she sails for New York. The "Trinacria" was launched about three months ago, from the building-yard of Duncan & Co., of Fort-Glasgow. Her length is 330 feet, her breadth 34 feet, and her depth from tonnage-deck 22 feet. She car- ries two engines, a large and a small one. Her machinery is of the most im- proved kind, and contains all the latest attractions and improvements. The diameter of her cylinders is 08 inches. Length of stroke 3 feet 6 inches. Her engines are compound direct-acting, and are 421 horsc-p'owcr. Her register ton- nage is 1,437, or 2,291 tons old measurement. She is considered one of the best- built steamers that has left the Clyde for years. Her passenger accommodations cannot be surpassed by any line on the ocean. Her saloon is arranged on a dif- ferent principle from other passenger-boats. The breadth of the ship is the length of the saloon, so that the side-windows look out to sea, and afford amplo light and ventilation. The tables are arranged in four rows, and are capable of accommodating about one hundred passengers. The finishing and furnishing of the saloon and state-rooms are beautiful. The lamps, mirrors, piano, couches, carpets, and sideboard, are elegant and most substantial, and have all been made expressly for the company. Old Atlantic men who have crossed in the Cunard, Allen, and Inman lines, declare that they have never had better accommodations or a better table than we have had on board the " Trinacria." — St. John (JV. B.) Telegraph, September 21, 1S71. The New Steamship "Trinacria," of The Anchor Line. The " Trinacria," the latest addition to The Anchor Line of steamers, ar- rived in this port early yesterday morning. The "Trinacria" was launched about three months ago from the building-yard of Duncan & Co., of Port-Glas- gow. Her machinery is of the most approved kind, and contains all the latest improvements. Her engines are compound direct-acting, and are 624 horse-power. Her reg- istered tonnage is 1,437,- or 2,291 tons old measurement. Her passenger accom- modation is excellent, and the saloon is arranged on a different principle from other vessels — the breadth of the vessel being the length of the saloon, so that the side-windows look out to sea, and afford ample light and ventilation. The finishing and furnishing of the saloon and state-rooms are beautiful. The lamps, mirrors, piano, couches, carpets, and sideboards, are most elegant and substan- tial. This magnificent vessel sailed from Liverpool for this port, via St. John, on Thursday, September 17th. She is commanded by Captain Thompson, an old officer of The Anchor Line. The passengers all express themselves well pleased with this magnificent vessel. — New York Times, September 27, 1S71. Father Havermans abroad. Favorable winds, an agreeable party, and a liberal, we may say sumptuous entertainment, cheered our hours. Such has been the good feeling of the cabin- passengers and the great satisfaction of every thing on the voyage, that it was unanimously resolved to make our last dinner-table the occasion of compliment- ing the " Europa," Captain Campbell, and the officers of the boat. The passen- gers by the " Europa" arc delighted with their treatment. The Messrs. Hender- son, especially, are deserving of all the patronage they receive.— Troy Times, September 28, 1871. The New Steamship " Trinacria." The latest addition to the large and successful Anchor Line Steamship Com- pany hence to Glasgow, the " Trinacria," is now in this port, having arrived on Sunday evening, after a pleasant and quick passage from St. John, New Bruns- wick. This vessel embodies many improvements upon her sister-ships ; and in the matter of accommodation, light, comfort, and convenience, excels the majority of the newer ocean-steamers that ply to this port. 52 THE ANCHOR LINE OF STEAMERS. Tho " Trinacria " was launched in Juno last from the building-yard of Messrs. Duncan & Company, Port-Glasgow. Her passenger accommodations are of the most ample nature. In her first-class cabin are state-rooms for 75 travellers, while licr second cabin will comfortably berth 100 persons, and her intermediate Co. The grand saloon is almost the width of the ship, and is fitted in luxuriant style. There are a piano, a library, and any number of mirrors, to embellish the apartment ; aud but few steamships visit this harbor that are better provided with velvet carpets and easy sofas. Smoking-rooms, ladies' cabins, bath-rooms, and places of toilet, number a dozen or more, and these are furnished in good style. It is not an easy task, in this age of improvements in ocean naviga- tion, to say that one steamship surpasses another in comfort and convenience, but it is safe to remark that the " Trinacria" has but few superiors. Her machinery is of tho most approved pattern. In boiler capacity she excels, and in matter of provisions against fire no vessel was ever better protected than she. The steerage of this vessel will accommodate 500 passengers. It is light and pleasant in this department, and, under tho well-known regulations of the com- pany, the passengers lack nothing to make an ocean-voyage agreeable. The "Trinacria" is now lying in the Atlantic Basin, loading with grain, but in a day or two will be at the company's pier, No. 20 North River, when her genial cap- tain will be pleased to receive, and show this triumph of naval architecture to any and all travellers. — New York Herald, September 29, 1871. A Very Interesting Letter. Just now, as I am writing, land is discovered in the far distance ; all are in great glee, and jubilant over it ; their joy, on seeing the end of their passage so near, is no proof of dissatisfaction. We have been well treated and sumptuously entertained. All feel so. If all the- vessels on The Anchor Line (and I under- stand tho company own 36 steamships, running in different directions) are as comfortable, solid, and as well equipped and managed as the "Europa" is, the dangers of the ocean-voyage have greatly diminished, and tho loss of life, com- pared with land-travel, is not greater on sea than on land. — Troy Budget, October 2, 1871. The Steamship " Trinacria." The arrival of this new steamer, of the famous Anchor Line, at Halifax, was the occasion of great interest and no little comment. The "Trinacria" is the newest and finest steamer of this line, and is in every way worthy of the repu- tation of the company, and admiration expressed by passengers and visitors. The steamer was launched about three months ago, from the building-yard of Duncan & Company, Port-Glasgow, and this is her maiden trip across the Atlan- tic. In it she has proved staunch, fast, and in every way comfortable for pas- sengers. The " Trinacria" is an iron steamship ; her machinery is of the most substantial and improved pattern ; and she is considered one of the best-built steamers that has for years left the Clyde. While the " Trinacria" is strong, substantial, and staunch in every respect, in the matter of passenger accommoda- tion, she is not surpassed by any vessel of any Transatlantic line. The saloon is arranged in a novel way, having its length across the breadth of the ship, so that the side-windows look out on the sea, and afford ample light and ventilation. The finishing and furnishing of the saloon and state-rooms are elegant, the entire outfit of lamps, mirrors, couches, piano, carpets, etc., having been made expressly for the company; and tho tables will accommodate 100 guests. The passengers arc loud in their praise of this most important part of the comfort of a sea-voyage, eulogizing the catering and tho cooking. The first passage was a very favorable one ; and the passengers joined in presenting an address of compliment and con- gratulation to Captain Thompson, in which they speak of his personal courtesy and skill, and of the unsurpassed excellence of the splendid steamer which he commands. The " Trinacria " is likely to increase the already well-established favor of The Ancho:: Line with the travelling public. — Boston Tost, October 3, 1871. The Great Ocean-Steamship Line. Probably no feature more forcibly illustrates the commercial importance of the Great Metropolis than the numerous lines of ocean-steamers running to it from all the leading maritime cities of the world. While other Atlantic cities can scarcely support a single line, New York has them in scores, and in this vast series of fleets, the peer among the peers is the truly celebrated and popular AxcnoE Line of Transatlantic steam packet-ships, composed of a fleet of thirty- eight first-class, full-powered, Clyde-built, iron-hull vessels, one of which leaves this port as well as Glasgow every Wednesday and Saturday during tho year, touching at Moville (Londonderry) to land mails and passengers, who are for- warded at through-rates to their destination in Great Britain, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Holland, and Belgium ; and on their return-trips to all parts of the United States and Canada. Tho steamers are all first-class in design, construction, and appointment ; were built under the immediate inspec- tion of some of the most able naval architects of the day, specially for the Atlan- tic passenger transit; are of the most substantial materials throughout; have water and air-tight compartments ; arc fitted and furnished with all the best approved modern improvements ; and nothing has been left undone in order to insure the safety, convenience, comfort, and luxury of passengers. They are officered by accomplished seamen, each being an expert in his position, and in all their arrangements are unsurpassable. — New York Express, October 14, 1871. Anchor Line of Steamships. This deservedly popular line possesses one of the finest fleets of steamers in the world, is the most important of the steamship lines in point of number of vessels and ports sailed from, and has by its energy and enterprise merited tho confidence of the public. The liberal policy which has always characterized the owners of this line having made it a special favorite with travellers, we would recommend business-men, pleasure-seekers, and the travelling public generally who have not already done so, to make a trial of this line. — Toronto Leader, November 8, 1871. Off to the Mediterranean. On Thursday of last week, January 4th, a party of young gentlemen left the city, by the steamer "Ismailia," to take The Anchok Line Mediterranean route for pleasant travel, and, for the benefit of those who may wish to spend three or four months in pleasant and instructive sight-seeing, we give the following sketch of the steamer and the route, adding that February, March, April, and May, are the pleasantest months for travelling in the Mediterranean. The "16- mailia" was built last year expressly for the New York and Mediterranean ser- vice; is a superb steamer, 310 feet long, 1,700 tons register; has large and splendid state-rooms for 70 cabin-passengers, and is commanded by the veteran Captain William Brown, favorably known to Mediterranean travellers. The proposed route on this occasion will be New York to Liverpool, where passengers leave the steamer and may visit London, Edinburgh, etc., or spend a week in " Bonnie Scotland," amid the scenes immortalized by Sir Walter Scott, join the " Ismailia" at Glasgow on the 27th January, start for the Levant, and en route pass the unequalled scenery of the river and Firth of Clyde, Land o' Burns, Ailsa Craig, Irish, Welsh, and English coasts ; past the wild scenery of the Land's End and Scilly Islands, over the bay of Biscay, along the coast of Spain, from Finisterre to Vigo ; then following Portugal, admiring the various landscape and marine views, especially near Cintra and Lisbon, Cape St. Vin- cent, Trafalgar Bay, till anchoring at Gibraltar, between the Pillars of Hercules, long held to be the western boundary of the world; landing and ascending to the head of the giant sentinel, look over its battlemented slopes and precipices on the incomparable scenes east and west — having the Atlantic and the Mediter- ranean in one splendid view ; then on, touching at the fine old " precipitous city" of Algiers, with its magnificent modern improvements, in the streets of which may be found denizens of all nations; afterward coasting along Africa, under the shadow of its grand mountains and within sight of the beautiful vil- lages, nestling in verdant valleys or perched on high mountain-ridges, till arriv- ing in the bay of Tunis, sighing as we pass the ruins of Carthage — the greatest city of antiquity — and viewing them from perhaps the very spot where jEneas was when last beheld by Queen Dido, as she expired broken-hearted on the funeral-pile her own royal hand had ignited ; then, leaving Tunis, pass the locality of the first naval battle of the Romans, aud the picturesque island of Pantelaria, land at Malta, the most important, after India, of the British depen- dencies; then on to Alexandria, the most magnificent city of antiquity, which will be reached about the 15th of February, where the tourist landing may visit Pompey's Pillar, Cleopatra's Needle, ruins, sphinxes, Suez Canal, Cairo, ascend the Pyramids, or take a sail on the Nile. Should the tourist wish to visit the Holy Land, he will leave his baggage in charge of the company's agent at Alex- andria, be supplied by him with information and advice regarding the journey, and return in time to take the next steamer of the line. Passengers are allowed to break the journey at any point, and resume at pleasure by any of the com- pany's steamers. Leaving Alexandria about the 22d, the "Ismailia" proceeds homeward across the Mediterranean, passing in sight of the renowned island of Crete, the coast of Greece, tho country so celebrated in the history of freedom, of literature, of art, of philosophy, aud of civilization generally, and yet whose early history is lost in the mist of ages. Then, coasting along Calabria, past Cape Colonna, over the gulf of Taranto, in sight of the battle-fields of Hannibal, then crossing the Adriatic to the Dalmatian coast, pass up among its isles aud over the gulf of Venice to the beautiful city of Trieste—" the most loyal of towns." Here, again, the tourist ought to leave tho steamer, visit the marvellous and world-renowned stalactite grotto of Adelsberg, which in itself will be acknowledged to more than repay the cost of tho whole journey, and, for those to whom it is interesting, the residence of the Queen Dal Chin, so famous for her success in curing luxations, of however long standing ; the noble and singu- lar city of Venice, with its canals, gondolas, bridges, palaces, galleries, and monuments, its beauties, and its wonders. (A iitour can be made at a littlo extra expense in one of the fine, comfortable steamers of the Austrian .Lloyds among the Grecian islands, through the Corfu Channel, on to the gulf of Corinth and city of Athens, to view its wonders of art and places of interest— the Acrop- olis, with its most glorious monuments and temples ; the venerable Areopagus ; the Academy where Plato gave lessons; the Lyceum where Aristotle lectured, or sail round the Morca through the Grecian Archipelago, and coast along the gulf of Saloniea, ancient Thcssalonica, with royal Olympus on one side, and saered Athos on the other.) Returning, the tourist can either take The Anchor Line steamer to Trieste, Naples, or proceed by rail, visiting on the way the cities of Genoa, Leghorn, Pisa, Florence, and Rome, rejoining at Naples or Pa- lermo the steamer for America direct. Nearly every one is now familiar with travellers' accounts of the wonders and THE ANCHOR LINE OF STEAMERS. 53 beauties of classic scenery, but to realize them, to walk in the spectre-like streets of Pompeii and Herculaueum, amid the ruins of ancient splendor and super- stition, to view the bay of Naples from the heights of Vesuvius, or from Virgil's tomb or the orange-clad cliffs of Sorrento, or from the strange-shaped island of Capri, the land of the famous Blue Grotto— to realize such scenes as these is to impress on our minds models of the grand and beautiful that cannot fail to add a tone of elevation and refinement to all our future life. Then there are the palaces, that dazzle us with their costliness and splendor ; the churches, whose internal grandeur itself awakens veneration, and the delightful gardens, to all of which access is easily obtained, and ample time allowed, while the steamer is loading. After leaving Naples, the steamer passes near the Siren Caves, of which Vir- gil sang, then cn past Scylla, through the Charybdis to Messina, at which point those wishing to visit Etna, Syracuse, and Agrigcntum, may make a dt'lour, rejoining the steamer at Palermo. After leaving the beautiful city and bay of Palermo, en route homeward, the steamers often stop for cargo at ports in Spain, and the Atlantic passage is often relieved by passing among the Azores, and not unlikely stopping at St. Michael's to complete loading. Thus the trip embraces, besides those mentioned, countless places of note, such as Elba, Corsica, Sar- dinia, the Ionian Islands, the burning Stromboli, etc., etc., all of which are generally passed close enough to see them in their most interesting aspect. It is quite impossible to convey even a faint idea of the intense and enduring delight in seeing all that is to be seen under the balmy skies of the lands of Homer, Virgil, Dante, Cervantes, etc., and to realize it, is to withdraw the veil from the face of dim Antiquity, is to wield the magic wand, is to possess the open sesame by which the portals of the dark ages fly open, and in walks the fascinated and enraptured man of the age among the beautiful and sublime ruins of the past, all whispering to him, in silent eloquence, soul-stirring stories of the loves, passions, and glories, of heroic generations that have passed away ; whose spirits may yet hover near, floating on the silver wings of the beautiful Eastern moon- light, around the crumbling columns of their old marble homes, or flash in the soft sunbeams among the classic groves that no longer echo the ennobling strains of classic poesy, except when the tourist himself adds to the romance of his visit by reciting some choice scrap of ancient lore ; to be able to make the cir- cuit of all these historic and classic scenes in steamers so luxurious and comfort- able as those of The Anchor Line, that one may justly say his home travels with him, is a matter that ought to rivet the attention of all individuals whose aspirations and desires permit them to enjoy so magnificent and enduring a pleasure. The whole trip is generally completed in three months, and, consider- ing the luxurious and abundant table of these splendid steamers, a moment's reflection will show that this magnificent tour may be accomplished as comfort- able as if, as we said before, "one's home was travelling with him," and yet the expense little exceeding the ordinary cost of boarding ashore. — Sew York Express, January 24, 1872. A Trip to Ireland and Scotland, with Note3 of some 'English and German Watering-Places— Hints for pissing a Summer pleasantly and with Eaonomy. There is nothing new in the design of this little volume, there is nothing brilliant in its execution, and very probably, as a literary venture, it may not be successful. Its preface at any rate shall have the merit of modesty. Perhaps it will fall into the hands of some who will be induced to visit the scenes which have afforded us so much pleasure. If a single individual finds any thing for which to thank me, I shall have made a profitable investment. J. C. CHAPTER I. — SIX WEEKS AWAY FROM nOME. There is a " summer vacation" for the clergyman, the scholar, and the busi- ness-man. Alas, it is not for all of them ! The majority are perpetually walk- ing the tread-mill of labor, looking forward only to that summer vacation that is succeeded by no autumn or winter. But, for those who can have leisure in this world, it is desirable to make the most of it, and in the shortest possible time to recruit their wasted energies and lay in a stock of vital force for a renewed cam- paign of toil. They who endeavor to do this at our fashionable watering-places find themselves, on returning home, exhausted rather than refreshed, and regret- ful of the money and time expended in a vain search for health. They might do vastly better with both outlays by spending at least one-half the time on the ocean, and by disbursing their money beyond it where they may receive a far greater value for it than at home. I am not addressing the rich ; they should evince their patriotism by making richer our already rich hotel-keepers. Nor is this first chapter designed for those who arc not so fortunate as we have been in having four months to spend abroad. It is for those who have but a six weeks' vacation, and very little money to use in this short time. Will you compute wjiat it would cost you to go to Saratoga, Newport, or Long Branch, for six weeks? Do, and I will then tell you of another way to employ that period. Try both, and make the contrast for yourselves. Put money well spent against money squandered, the pure air of the ocean against the composite odors of the marshes, the spice of variety against the satiety of sameness, elas- ticity of spirit against fitful blues, and the remembrance of things not to be for- gotten against the memory of those you would like to forget. Follow me then over a part of cur route, but, as your time is more limited, vou should be landed • at an advance station, and we shall say " good-by " to you after you have merely seen somewhat of Ireland and Scotland. There is but one advice to give to those who dread the bugbear of sea-sick- ness — stay at home and be otherwise miserable. They who do not fear to cross the now daily Atlantic ferry may be assured that every cubic inch of the air they inhale is equal to a dose of quinine, without its bad sequences. Sea-shore air is one tiling, and sea-air is another. The first is a mixture of the pure article with kelp, and decayed clams ; the latter is the thing itself, abounding with ozone, that newly-discovered principle of life. Now, then, my traveller, for your directions : You will first call at the office of TnE Anchor Line of Steamers, 7 Bowling Green, New York. This is one of the best of the many good steamship lines, and for our present purpose it is selected as being the most direct. There is no American line, you will remember, for our free Government does not allow our citizens the privilege enjoyed by the subjects of all other countries, of buying ships for their business when our own people are unable to build them. At the office of The Anchor Line you may obtain a first-class ticket, with return, to and from Glasgow and liberty to land at Londonderry, Ireland, where you will arrive in ten or eleven days, prom that place to Portrush, the nearest town to the " Giant's Causeway," the time is two hours by rail along a coast-road most charmingly romantic. You will remain in that neighborhood two days, visiting what you will find herein after described. You will then take the steamer, which in a few hours will bring you to Glas- gow — passing in the early morning among the lovely islands at the mouth of the Clyde, and steaming up the river through twenty miles of ever-changing interest, leaving Dumbarton Castle on your left, and far in the distance the peak of Ben Lomond and the other Scottish Highlands. As you approach Glasgow you shall be astonished to witness the active industry of ship-building. It is the place to which all nations excepting the United States resort for their best ships. You can see Glasgow in a day. Visit by all means the Cathedral and the Necropolis. On the next morning take the fast little steamer " Iona," pass down the river — through the " Kyles of Bute," with Rothesay on your left, up Loch Fyue to Ar- drishaig. In short, take the route you will find described in one of the ensuing chapters. You will thus find yourself in Glasgow again on the evening of the second day, and the five days you have passed will live in your memory forever. On the morrow you will take the train for Edinburgh via Loch Katrine and the Tros- sachs. If, as was our lot, you perform this day's work iu a pouring rain, you will not be enthusiastic in afterward describing it. I have omitted it altogether, as I did not feel in a mood to do the subject justice. But may a fairer heaven be above you, and all the world around you will be beautiful. And yet I fear Loch Katrine will disappoint you, for you will take the " Lady of the Lake " for your companion, and will try to bring the realities before you up to the magic ideality of Scott. That is a vain endeavor. What shall we say of Edinburgh but that it is the Queen City of the world ? I shall tell you more of it by-and-by. Have you meant to remain here but a day ! A month would leave something unseen. But within the reach of a few hours are Abbotsford, Melrose, Boslyn, Dalkeith, Stirling, and other places of absorb- ing interest. Take a week for Edinburgh and its vicinity, and be sorry that you can spare no more time. Then return to Glasgow by direct route in an hour, and take a weekly steamer for New York, where you will arrive in eleven days. Let us now first calculate the time. You have passed, say, twenty-two clays upon the ocean — well-spent sanitary days — three days in Ireland ; seventeen days in Scotland ; six weeks in all. Your expenses, allowing you every comfort but no extravagance, amount, for your sea-voyage, to one hundred and thirty dollars currency, and foe the time you are on shore six dollars per day ; that is, for twenty days one hundred and twenty dollars; mi all two hundred and fifty dollars for six weeks of rational, healthful, and intellectual enjoyment — two hun- dred and fifty dollars ! — a sum of which, supposing you not already robbed by the great hotels of Saratoga, John Morrissey would relieve you in one night ! Moreover, to make a still nicer calculation, you may lay in a stock of clothing for two years' wear at a difference in cost which shall return to you the whole ex- pense of your trip. This is a chapter for economists of time and money. Those who have more of one or of the other to spare can be guided by what comes after, if they will follow us in a more leisurely ramble. In any case the daily expenses for travel- ling and lodging need not be greater than I have specified, if the traveller will select comfortable lodgings in preference to hotels, and if he will not give too much prominence to the fact that he is an American. — Washington Capital, Feb- ruary 11, 1872. The Tideless Sea— How to visit the Mediterranean and return— A Transat- lantic Trip fuU of Romantic, Historic, and Picturesque Interest and Beauty— A Month among the Ancient Homes of Art, the Fountain of Civilization and of History. Considering the general and growing enthusiasm of our countrymen for classic lore and classic scenes — scenes to which our hearts owe their prototypes of all that is fascinating in art, all their most elevated sentiments of liberty and patriotism, and to which our souls owe all that is truly divine in religion, it seems strange that the means of easily, cheaply, and comfortably beholding 54 THE ANCHOR LINE OF STEAMERS. those scenes of sublimity and beauty should be weekly nt their very doors, and yet they remain unconscious of it. The provision wo refer to is the large and splendid new steamers of The Anchor Lime. Tho comfort afforded in these magnificent and elegantly-fitted vessels is unexcelled, as it is the studious atten- tion of their managers and otlicers to tho parties carrying out the following seductive programme of travel, a tour that constitutes the mind of each traveller ever afterward a living album of the beautiful, picturesque, grand, and sublime in scenery, fine arts, and architecture, and a living encyclopaedia of all that is novel, charming, and interesting, under the soft sun and golden skies of the land of Homer, Virgil, Dante, etc. HOW TO DO JT. With three or four months to spare in time and §300 in cash, go to the office of The Anchor Line, No. 7 Bowling Green, purchase a Transatlantic and Mediterranean round-trip ticket, which will cost you $250, exchange the other $250 into British gold, which will be required for land travelling, sight- seeing, purchasing souvenirs, etc. ; then at noon on Saturday step on board the steamer for Glasgow, a city in point of population the second in Britain, being only exceeded by London ; in Europe only'by Paris, St. Petersburg, and Con- stantinople ; and in America by New fork and Philadelphia. After nine or ten days the Atlantic is crossed, and the wild and picturesque scenery of the coast of Donegal, kept green even in winter, as it is, by the well-known warm current of the Gulf Stream, gladdens the eye with its unequalled verdure and beauty. The steamer stops at Moville to land mails and passengers, and the tourist may either proceed to Glasgow (ten hours' distance), or break the journey here, and land at Derry. Ho can then stand on the sites immortalized, scarcely less by the pen of Macaulay than by the heroism of the brave defenders of the Maiden City. Then on to Portrush, viewing the Giant's Causeway, justly termed one of the world's wonders, the picturesque ruins of Dunluce Castle; through Coleraine, Ballymony, Antrim, Carriekfergus, Loeh Neagh, etc., to Belfast, where, after viewing the attractions of ."this great and astonishing city," he proceeds by steamer to Glasgow, passing en route the Mull of Cantyre, Ailsa Craig, the isands of Arran and Bute, the romantic scenery of the land of Burns, the Firth and river Clyde, with all their watering-places, castles, ruins, and immense ship-building yards. Here the tourist may stay a week or longer, as his time and means will admit ; but he ought not to pass on without seeing tho wonders of Glasgow, Edinburgh (one of the most imposing and interesting cities in Europe), Melrose, Koslyn, Abbotsford, Dryburgh, Linlithgow, Falkirk, Bannockburn, Stirling, Cullender, the Trosaehs, Loch Katrine, Loch Lomond, Paisley, Ayr, Dumfries, Alloway Kirk, etc., all teeming with romantic recollec- tions of legendary lore; of scenes, of times immortalized by Scott, Burns, Hogg, Tannahill, and hosts of other bards and novelists well known to feme. Who would not wish to visit the land of Wallace and Bruce, of Knox and Melville and Murray, of Scott and Burns, of Chalmers and McCheyne ? But tho tourist must leave this glorious old country, this land of heroes and of genius, this home of liberty and a pure faith, and continue his journey to the laud of sunny climes, the birthplace of genius and of art, where, centuries ago, the poets sang and orators spake " thoughts that breathe and words that burn," where the painters, the sculptors, and tho architects, made art glorious and immortal. If the voyager has time to spare, he may extend the trip to Palestine, the fountain of our religious history, see at Jerusalem the tomb of the Messiah, and become acquainted with the physical peculiarities which contribute so largely to' the poetry of the Holy Book. Ho may glance at the Mosque of St- Sophia, witness tho majestic beauty of the Golden Horn, and study the creed of tho Koran, nt Constantinople — even take a look at Grand Cairo, and view the ancient and mod- ern wonders of Egypt, the mother of nations, the Pyramids, and the Suez Canal. Tho steamers touch at Lisbon, Gibraltar, Algiers, Tunis, Malta, Alexandria, Trieste, Venice, Messina, Palermo, Naples, Leghorn, Genoa, Marseilles, Valen- cia, Malaga, and other places, affording an opportunity of visiting, besides the places named, Cintra, Carthage, Suez Canal, river Nile, the Pyramids, Cairo, ruins in the ancient lands of the Pharaohs, Stalactite Grotto of Adelsberg, Blue Grotto of Capri, Pisa, Florence, Rome, Pompeii, Herculaneum, Vesuvius, Etna, Syracuse, Agrigentum, and a hundred other places of more or less inter- est, as well as passing close enough to see countless places of note ; such as tho Welsh, English, Irish, Scotch, Spanish, Portuguese, French, Italian, Grecian, Turkish, Austrian, and African coasts; the Sicily, Balearic, and Ionian Isles, the islands of Elba, Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily, Panteilaria, etc., towns, cities, gulfs, bays, etc. In returning, the tourist can either take one of The Anchor Line steam- ers from the Mediterranean direct to New York, or return via Glasgow. Be has also the option of breaking the journey at any port, resuming at pleasure by an- other of the company's steamers. Should ho wish to visit Palestine, tho com- pany's agent at Alexandria will supply him with the necessary advice and in- formation, and reserve a berth for him in a later steamer. It is confidently ex- pected that this magnificent line of travel, fraught with interest, instruction, and gratification, has only to become known to Americans generally, to make it one of the most popular of Transatlantic routes.— New York Standard, February 2G, 1872. The Anchor Line. Always progressing with tho age, this line is about to add another list of steamers to their already largo fleet. The now vessels will bo larger and even finer than any they have at the present time. The new steamers will bo named "Bolivia," "California," "Castalia," "Ethiopia," ''Italia," " Utopiu," and " Victoria." — New York Nautical Gazelle, March 9, 1872. From Scotland— Letter from Thomas Potts, Esq. The "Anglia" is one of a fleet of 39 steamers belonging to The Anchor Line. The first-class accommodations are really excellent, and in some respects, I think, superior to any thing I have seen. The main saloon is placed as near as can be to the centre of tho ship, thereby receiving the least possible motion, and escaping that tremulous vibration from the same, ever present in saloons at the extremo end of the ship. I have crossed the Atlantic about twenty times by steam, and can say, without prejudice, I never crossed more comfortably, and where every effort seemed to be made by captain and officers to secure the safety and comfort of passengers. She is commanded by Captain Small, a gentleman of large experience at sea, who combines, with the stern discipline of the sailor, a social disposition and genuine kindness of heart unsurpassed. If any of our mutual friends want a pleasant trip across the Atlantic, I don't think I could do them a greater favor than recommending them to place themselves under the care of Captain Small and his officers. — St. John Telegraph, April 3, 1S72. The Great Ocean-Ferry. The Anchor Line of occan-steamcrs is among the great achievements of mod- ern science and enterprise. The vessels composing the line have been run w ith the regularity and precision of tho ferries on tho rivers, and may bo well called a great ocean-ferry. As passenger-boats, they afford all tho safety and all the comforts that modern ingenuity has devised. They are unsurpassed for strength, are models of beauty and finish, and thoroughly ventilated. The greatest courtesy, attention, and civility, are at all times shown to passengers, by officers, agents, and employes. None of the lines combine more genuine attrac- tions to the ocean-traveller than The Anchor. Our townsman, Mr. Temple, the merchant-prince of Alleghany, who crosses the ocean frequently, prefers this line to all others. We suppose, as usual, some hundreds of our citizens meditate a trip to Europe during tho spring and summer; we commend to all such the really first-class, staunch, and very commodious and elegant steamers of this popular line, and their commanders and crews. A trip on such vessels, with such officers, is a pastime and a luxury. — Pittsburg Gazette, April 16, 1872. Salt-Water Excursions. The ship agencies are very busy arranging Atlantic passages for European tourists the coming summer. The cheapness of atrip to Ireland, Scotland, and England, by the only northern route, The Anchor Line of steamers, is a great inducement to all, and more especially to those of moderate means. The rates are quoted in currency, and thereby do away with the complications of gold. — Cincinnati Commercial, April 16, 1872. The Great Ocean-Ferry. Among the most notable enterprises in this day of stupendous undertakings none ranks more bold in conception, none has achieved a more brilliant success than the great ocean-ferries established by The Anchor Line of oceam-steam- ships. This success is mainly due to the prompt recognition by them of public needs, and the unstinted zeal with which the company has labored to meet them. A noble fleet of thirty-six first-class vessels, excelled by none, and equalled but by few, are already in commission, and others building to meet the constantly in- creasing demands of the service. These steamers arc officered by the best talent that science can command, filled with all tho appointments of use and luxury that past experience could suggest, and the ingenuity of two continents devise ; thus giving this line the preeminence it holds over all competitors with the trav- elling world. The limits of our paper would not suffice were wc to enumerate in detail the many excellences of this line. The purpose, however, of our present article, is to call attention to new features recently perfected, and only intro- duced by these enterprising proprietors. The establishment of reliable agen- cies at every principal city and town in both hemispheres, so that, by the com- pany's branch lines, and tributary connections with steamboats and rail- ways, passengers arc booked with coupon tickets to and from any seaport or railroad station in tho world. The advantages of this aro too obvious to the travelling public to need comment, while to the neophyte the greatest source of anxiety in travelling is at once fully removed ; the mind is freed from all cares, and the full enjoyment of the trip insured. Kound-trip or excursion tickets aro furnished at reduced rates, enabling the tourist or the business-man to excrciso economy both as to means and time. The establishment of these many agencies has a use and value to our community, who do not intend going from home, to which wc desire to call especial attention. Planters, manufacturers, and others, are enabled thereby to open correspondence with reliable parties at the crowded centres of population in the Ol'd World, with a view to secure the services of skilled or other labor, of which our section stands in so great a need ; the labor- ers can be engaged upon the other side, their passages paid here, and, in case of failure upon their part to come out, the passage-money will be refunded. — Au- gusta Chronicle and Sentinel, April 18, 1872. THE ANCHOR LINE OF STEAMERS. 55 The Anchor Line. Their ships, of immense tonnage, are perfect floating palaces, with the most luxurious accommodations ever offered to the travelling public. Their safety, and the low rates of passage, have secured for the line great popularity. — Talbotton, Standard, April 25, 1S72. The Anchor Line of Steamers. The passenger-steamers of this splendid " ocean-ferry " between Europe and America are from 1,500 to 3,500 tons burden, have accommodation for 300 to 900 steerage-passengers (which are carried on one 'tween-deck only), and from 50 to 100 cabin-passengers berthed on the upper-saloon deck ; were built under special and governmental inspectors for the Atlantic passenger-trade ; are un- surpassed for strength, beauty, and finish; are divided into water-tight and air- tight compartments, and arc fitted up in every respect with all recent improve- ments to insure the comfort, convenience, and safety of passengers, to whom the greatest courtesy and attention are shown by the officers and employes of the company. We can give no stronger illustration of this than the fact that eighteen archbishops and bishops, on their way to the Vatican Council, selected Tue Anchor Line for their ocean-voyage. . . . II. McGrath, Esq., 1019 Walnut Street, i3 agent for this line. From him pas- sage-tickets to or from Europe, and all necessary information respecting the sub- ject, can be obtained. Any of our readers who contemplate crossing the ocean, or who have friends that design to do so, will do well to give him a call. — Phila- delphia Catholic Standard, April 27, 1872. A Trip to Europe. The old and reliable Anchor Line of steamships is now offering superior in- ducements to those who contemplate making a summer vacation-trip to Europe. The rates of fare have been reduced, and the best facilities are offered passengers. — Buffalo Commercial Advertiser, May 17, 1872. A Trip to Ireland and Scotland. This is the title of a book soon to be issued, and which is intended for the instruction and entertainment of those who will avail themselves of the oppor- tunities afforded by The Anchor Line of Transatlantic steamships, sailing from New York every Wednesday and Saturday. The writer shows that by this route a person may be absent from home six weeks ; three days in Ireland, and seventeen days in Scotland, and visit the principal points of interest, and that at a total cost of only §250.— Albany Express, May 17, 1872. We have perused with pleasure the first of a series of letters, wherein the writer speaks in high terms of praise of the comforts and conveniences to be en- joyed by a passage on one of TnE Anchor Line steamships. This lkie has al- ways sustained an excellent reputation. They ply between New York and Glas- gow, that city of such wonderful growth and wealth, whose progress bids fair to rival the greatest cities of the world. — Lochport Union, May 17, 1872. The Anchor Line. This line of steamers, that sails from New York every Wednesday and Satur- day, is represented to us as one of the best now plying across the Atlantic. You can take one of these steamers at New York, and in six weeks be back again after having spent twenty days in Ireland and Scotland.— Raleigh Sentinel, May 18, 1S72. The Anchor Line of Steamships. Not only are its rates of fare, both for one trip and for excursions, as reasonable as can possibly be afforded, but the route taken allows the passenger, whether trav- elling for business, curiosity, or health, to enjoy the trip and see some of the most charming scenery, and places of most interesting historical note, to be reached within the distance, and for the expense incurred. The Anchor Line has a reputation second to none of the fine lines traversing the Atlantic, and its pas- sengers can hardly fail to enjoy themselves.— Columbus Enquirer, May 21, 1872. The Anchor Line. This line of steamers to Europe is one of the most safe and reliable, the steamers being staunch, fleet, and seaworthy, while the officers are prudent and careful. A steamer of this line leaves New York every Wednesday and Satur- day, and a trip on any one of them is not only pleasant, but on the score of econ- omy most desirable. — Mobile Register, May 21, 1872. A Trip to Ireland and Scotland. The Anchor Line of steamers offers remarkable inducements to those who wish to spend a few weeks during the summer months, travelling for health and pleasure. The company, assure the public that a person can go to Ireland, Scot- land, and England, visit many places of interest, and return within sis weeks at a cost of not more than two hundred and fifty dollars. This is cheaper and better than the luxuries of any of the American watering-places.— Luzerne Union, May 22, 1872. A Trip over the Ocean. Don Piatt's sprightly Washington paper, The Capital, is publishing a series of well-written chapters, headed " A Trip to Ireland and Scotland, with Notes of some English and German Watering-Places." The writer very plainly and convincingly shows how this trip, during the summer, can be made in six weeks, for two hundred and fifty dollars ; the trip over and back being made by the fast and comfortable steamships of Tue. Anchor Line. — Jfyu Orleans Picayune, May 22, 1872. The agents for The Anchor Line of Transatlantic steamships, that leave New York every Wednesday and Saturday, are publishing a series of articles in book-form, designed to direct the traveller to the places where he most deeiree to visit. Some of our people occasionally make such trips, and this little work may prove of advantage to them. — Massillon {Ohio) Independent, May 22, 1872. The Anchor Line. The vessels of The Anchor Line are unsurpassed in all that constitutes a good steamer, as parties in Schuyler County who have tried them will testify ; and persons desiring to cross the ocean themselves, or to bring over their friends, cannot do better than to patronize The Anchor steamers. — Watkins (JK Y.) Ex- press, May 23, 1872. A Trip to Ireland and Scotland. For the sum of two hundred and fifty dollars a person can go from New York and return, and visit Ireland and Scotland, and be absent six weeks. This is ac- complished only through the extravagantly low rates offered for first-class pas- sage on The Anchor Line of steamers. Persons who intend taking a trip to some of our crowded and hot watering-places, there to spend five or six weeks and a thousand or two dollars, would do well to consider the advantages for healthful recreation offered by TnE Anchor Line of steamers for visiting the mountains of Scotland and Ireland. — Kentucky Statesman, May 24, 1872. Cheap Excursion. Now that every one, who can do so, is thinking of leaving town for the sum- mer, we are only doing our duty as journalists in calling the attention of our readers to the really splendid offer of Tue Anchor Line Steamship Company. By taking an excursion-ticket, one can go to London via Glasgow and back for §120 currency; being conveyed across the ocean in comfortable, well-appointed btcamships, and booked by first-class conveyances on the other side. The ships of this line pass the grand scenery of the north coast of Ireland, and a landing may be made, by those desiring it, at Moville, which is but a short distance from that great geological wonder, the Giant's Causeway. Then, too, when at Glasgow, one is at the starting-point for one of the most delightful picturesque trips that can be imagined through the Scotch lakes and mountains, and among scenes of historic and romantic interest. — Brooklyn Advocate, May 25, 1S72. Anchor Line Steamers. These are first-class, newly-built, and handsomely-appointed steamships. The popularity of the line, which is constantly growing in favor with the travel- ling public, is shown in the large patronage which it now enjoys. Old Atlantic men, who have crossed in the Cunard, Allan, and Inman lines, declare that they have never had better accommodation, nor a better table, than arc supplied by these floating palaces. — Charleston Courier, June 8, 1872. The Ocean-Ferry. We have always viewed with suspicion the story of such financial achieve- ments as " Six Months on Five Cents," and " How to Live on Two Hundred x Year," but certainly, a great deal can be done on a little money well managed. We know a young fellow who recently crossed the Atlantic in the first cabin of The Anchor Line, spent a month in Great Britain, viewed her people, cities, abbeys, cathedrals, castles, lakes, etc., and returned to New York for the small matter of §280, currency. — Albany Evening Journal, June 8, 1872. The Anchor Line Steamers. Messrs. Scammell Brothers, agents for TnE Anchor Line at this port, have received a circular from Ilenderson Brothers, of New York, thanking them for their contributory share of passengers, and trusting that by their continued exertions the increased numbers will be commensurate with the increased ton- nage they are constantly placing at their disposal. The growing popularity of the line is corroborated by the fact that the " Trinacria," which sailed from New York on the 25th ult, earned the largest number of passengers of an} - of the Brit- ish lines which sailed on that day; also, that in the " Australia," which sailed on the 1st inst., every state-room was taken up. The "Olympia," which is ex- pected to arrive here direct to-morrow or Monday, is announced to sail on the 19th inst. She is, without doubt, one of the finest steamers crossing the Atlan- tic. On the 6th of July, the "California," the latest and finest addition to the fleet, sailed from that port on her first return-voyage ; and the " Trinacria," on 5G Til k ANCHOR LINK OF STEAM k US. the 10th of the same month. The fleet of steamers comprising this line is now one of the finest afloat.— St. John (Sew Brunswick) 'Tribune, June 8, 1872. Off for Scotland. Our well-known fellow-citizen, Angus MacDonald, Btarts in a day or two to visit his native heather, on tho heaths of Caledonia. This makes his seventh visit, and the fifteenth time across the Atlantic to his native land ; on the present trip he will be accompanied by John L. Stuart, William Rich, George Griffin, and probably one or two other gentlemen. The party have engaged passage in one of the staunch and safe steamers of The Anchor Line, which leaves New York every Wednesday and Saturday. This line, from the well-known safety of its vessels, and the care and accommodation shown to passengers, has become one of the most popular lines crossing the Atlantic. — lioeltester Democrat, June 11, 1872. The Anchor Line of Steamers. The truly wonderful success of The Anchor Like of steamers is unparalleled in the history of ocean-navigation. Commencing in 1803 with three steamers, they have now a fleet of thirty-six of the hest steamers that float the ocean, form- ing, as it were, the groat ocean-ferry between Europe and America; and this re- sult has been attained just as similar results are obtained in all business matters, by honorable and fair dealing, and earnest endeavor to anticipate and meet the wants of the travelling public. Their steamers rank with the best in every par- ticular; and, while fitted up in the most luxurious manner, are manned by tried men of experience and ability. — WMimantic (Conn.) Journal, June 14, 1872. Anchor Line. The " California," the latest addition to this line, will arrive at this port in a few days ; a proof of the desire and ambition of the managers to provide for t heir patrons one of tho finest vessels of her class in the Transatlantic trade. — New York Nautical Gazette, June 15, 1872. How to spend the Summer. To those contemplating a trip over the ocean, we would direct their attention to the celebrated Anchor Line steamers, constituting the great ocean-ferry be- tween Europe and America, and, by special arrangement with railway-companies, furnish their passengers, when desired, with through-tickets to and from any railway station in the world. The advantages offered to passengers by this line are, economy, best accommodation, best living, greatest amount of comfort, security, and safety attainable. — Macon (67a.) Telegraph, June 18, 1872. The Anchor Line of Steamers. Steamers of this line leave New York every Wednesday and Saturday ; book and forward passengers to and from any seaport or railway-station in Great Britain, Ireland, Germany, Norway, Sweden, and Denmark, when desired, thus relieving them of great trouble, loss of time, and expense. At present, TnE Anchor Line possesses one of the finest fleets of steamers in the world, compris- ing now thirty-six staunch A 1 steamships, well supplied with every accommo- dation and convenience for passengers. The tables of these steamers are most liberally supplied with all necessaries except wines and liquors, which can be obtained on board at moderate prices. The advantages offered to passengers by this line are, economy, best accommodation, best living, greatest amount of com- fort, security, and safety attainable. — Augusta (Ga.) Constitutionalist. June 18, 1872. Bound for Europe. Probably more Americans are leaving the country this summer to make "the European tour" than ever before, the low rates of passage and the cheap- ness of tho trip, compared with the high cost of even a short tour among the watering-places and sea-side resorts on this side, being strong inducements for a trip across the ocean-ferry. — Boston Traveller, June 20, 1872. Another Ocean-Balace— The " Olympia" of the Anchor Line— A Marvel of Marine Beauty, Elegance, and Comfort. The new steamship " Olympia," sister to the magnificent steamer " Trinacria," is the latest addition to the superb Transatlantic fleet of The Anchor Line Steam- ship Company, and is expected to arrive in a few days at this port from Glasgow. The " Olympia" was built by Messrs. Duncan & Company, of Port-Glasgow. Her length is 30G feet, breadth of beam 34 feet, depth of hold 22 feet; and she is 2,291 tons, old measurement. Her passenger accommodations aro of the most ample nature. In her first-class cabin are state-rooms for 75 travellers, while her second cabin will comfortably berth 150 persons, and the intermediate, 05. The grand saloon is almost tho width of the ship, and is fitted in luxuriant style. There are pianos, a library, and any number of mirrors to embellish the apart- ment, and but few steamships that visit this harbor that aro better provided in velvet caipets and easy sofas, smoking-rooms, ladies' cabins, and bath-rooms ; and places of toilet number a dozen or more, and these are furnished in good style. llcr machinery is of the most approved pattern. The cylinders are C8 inches in diameter, and stroke of piston three feet six inches. In boiler capacity she excels, and, in matter of provision against fire, no vessel was ever better provided than she. The steerage of this vessel will accommodate 500 passengers. It is light and pleasant in this department; and, under tho well-known regulations of the company, the passengers lack nothing that tends to make an Atlantic voyage agreeable. The "Olympia" is also provided with electric communication from each state-room to the chief steward's office, so that passengers may at any moment summon attendance without even moving from their berths. It is evident that The Anchor Line has resolved not to be surpassed in their accommodations for their patrons, and are showing the Inman and other lines how to run a steam- ship-line, precisely as the Yankees show Europeans how to run palace-cars and hotels. — Evening Telegram, June 20, 1872. A New Anchor Line Steamer— The " Olympia." Messrs. Henderson Brothers have placed upon their steamship line another new steamer, named tho " Olympia." She carries two engines, a large and a small one. Her machinery is of the most improved kind, and contains all tho latest attractions and improvements. Her engines are compound direct-acting. Electric communication connects the state-rooms with the steward's department. Her saloon is arranged on a different principle from other passenger-boats. The breadth of the ship is the length of the saloon, so that the side-windows look out to sea, and afford ample light and ventilation. Tho tables are arranged in four rows, and capable of accommodating about 100 passengers. The finishing and furnishing of the saloon and state-rooms are beautiful. The lamps, miiTOrs, piano, carpets, couches, and sideboards, are elegant and most sub- stantial, and have been all made expressly for the company. Messrs. Henderson Brothers have made The Anchor Line as popular as any crossing the Atlantic. Their entire fleet now numbers near forty steamers. Tho prices of passage are lower than those of any other line, and their accommoda- tions in every respect excellent. — New York Standard, June 20, 1872. Ocean-Travel. In these days when so many Americans are voyaging to Europe, it is well to consider carefully ere selecting the boat. Our Mr. V. has tried this line, and can most cordially recommend it and its officers to the travelling pub'no. Will our friends, who think of making the trip to Europe, please make a note of this? — Henry County Press, June 21, 1872. Cheap Trips to Europe. It is npt surprising that thousands of good Americans should go to Paris be- fore they die, when they find that tho expense of crossing the ocean in a lino steamship is reduced, by competition, to an insignificant sum. The Cunarders, trusting to their reputation, keep up their high prices, but other lines, equally comfortable and safe, run at much lower rates. The Anchor Line, for instance, charges only $120 currency for the trip from New York to Liverpool and back ; the tickets being good for twelve months. The Anchor Line of steamers are luxuriously fitted up, and are commanded by thorough seamen. — Charleston Courier, June 22, 1872. Why not go across the Sea * The question is proposed to not over-rich ministers, and not very wealthy teachers. It is a question of money and time, but both are so modified, lately, that you who never dreamed of going may get ready and go now. Can you spaf o two months, and can you possibly raise $275? As to time— will not your pcoplo give you a month, even if you do not go to Europe ?— and will you not be further ahead in work and health if you add a month to your usual vacation? As to money, the very statement of the ease will induce some good friend to aid you to that. The fact is, European trips cost too much, and far more than is necessary. The Anchor Line Company offer to sell round-trip tickets to Liverpool, Glas- gow, and London, for $120 in currency, which is a reduction from their regular rates. The vessels are finely appointed, safe, fast, and well officered. The rush to Europe is very great this year, and is explained partly by the inducements given by this line. Tho hurried traveller can get all information, maps, and an itinerary before he starts, and, becauso he proceeds methodically, he is enabled to run about tho British Islands, and see in a month, and for a comparatively small sum, that which he never has hoped to behold. A very limited addition to tho time and expense will include much of the continent in the rapid because well- arranged trip. This is written in the presence of proof of facts which wc havo not space to here reproduce. The company offers these inducements just now because the summer vacation is about to rcleaso hundreds of teachers from their work. Tho agents at 324 Wabash Avcnuo, Chicago, or 7 Bowling Green, New York, will show plans of state-rooms and give all particulars. The an- nouncement is here given, not as a mere advertisement, but in hopes of induc- ing many a tired teacher and overworked minister to try English or Scotch air. — Northwestern Christian Advocate, June 20, 1872. THE ANCHOR LINE OF STEAMERS. 57 Off for Europe. The rush of Americans to Europe for a vacation breathing-spell is greater this year than ever before. Among them are a great many Chicagoans who had very little idea, about the 10th of last October, that (hey should be travelling in Europe within a twelvemonth ! But one can do more work in tea months, with a two months' rest, than in twelve months without any let-up. And, besides that, it is about as cheap to go to Europe as to stay at home ! Take, for instance, the programme of a trip, for which the agents of Tue Anchor Line of steamships are now selling the tickets. It consumes seventy-four days — twenty-two on the ocean, going and coming, gives a week in Ireland, another week in London, live or six days in Paris, and a delightful sight-seeing trip through Scotland, Eng- land, Belgium, Germany, Franc?, Switzerland, etc. Travelling-fares, hotel-bills, fees for sight-seeing, and, indeed, all necessary expenses for a trip in good style are covered by a charge of §475 in gold for the round trip from New York ! It would not take half as long to use that up at Saratoga or Long Branch. The first party leaves New York on Saturday, July 13th, by the fast steamer " Australia," of the popular Anchor Line, and over half the number was made up some days ago. The agents of The Anchor Line in this city are Messrs. Henderson Broth- ers, 324 Wabash Avenue, who will give further particulars concerning this excur- sion. — Chicago Advance, June 27, 1872. How Europe may bs "done" with Perfect Satisfaction. A grand excursion-party will leave New York by the elegant and fast steamer '• Australia," of the well-known Anchor Line, on Saturday, July 13th. Landing at Londonderry, the party will be met by Messrs. Cook & Son, and conducted over the route through Great Britain and Ireland, which will consume twenty- six days ; the Continent, twenty-six days, the voyage across and back taking but twenty -two days; total time, seventy -four days. The principal cities, towns, and places of interest to the traveller in the countries passed through, will be visited. All this can be accomplished, the traveller relieved of all worry or responsibility, for the very moderate sum of $475 in gold. Mr. E. M. Jenkins, of Alleghany City, Pa., is the organizer of this excursion in conjunction with Messrs. Thomas Cook & Son, the celebrated excursionists, of No. 9S Fleet Street, London. Mr. Jenkins holds the position of cashier of the National Bank of Alleghany, and refers to any of the banks or prominent business-men of Pittsburg or Alleghany in regard to his standing, while Messrs. Cook & Son are known to thousands of Americans who have visited Europe, and travelled under their system. The inducements offered by the projectors of the excursion are obvious, particularly to those persons whose time, or purse, or both, are limited. The round trip on the steamer, of which a choice is given, is only $120, payable in United States currency. The Anchor Line possesses one of the finest fleets of steamers in the world, and in ten years, by its energy and enterprise, has grown from three steamers to thirty-six. It offers great advantages by way of economy, excellent accommoda- tions, and the best of living ; and also from the fact that, by its arrangements with subsidiary and connecting lines of steamboats and railroads, passengers are booked, with ccmpon tickets, to and from any seaport or railroad station in the world. For further information apply to or address Henderson Brothers, 7 Bowl- ing Green, New York ; or 324 Wabash Avenue, Chicago, agents for The Anchor Line of Ocean-Steamships. — Chicago Interior, June 27, 1872. Away over ths Sea. Our people are on the move as never before. A voyage to Europe, and a run over the islands and the Continent, is now a common affair, and thousands are leaving our States every week on this fashionable tour. How to get there in the quickest, most pleasant, and cheapest way, is a matter which interests so many of our readers that we propose to devote a brief space to the subject. A party has just left us, under the general direction of Prof. Boise, of the University, and has taken one of the splendid steamers of The Anchor Line, which is a great favorite with Chicago voyagers who have been borne over the ocean and back again by some of these unrivalled ships. These steamers are pronounced by all to be first class in every respect, fast, safe, reliable, splendidly appointed, and in charge of officers of experience and ability — in fact, combining all the requisites of comfort, economy, and speed. Its connections on both sides of the Atlantic are such that every facility is offered the traveller for reaching his destination with the least possible loss of time. So rapid is the transit by this line that two months' absence will enable one to see a great deal of the Old World, and to make himself familiar with localities which he only now knows as a part of history. Only think of making the tour of " England, Scotland, and Ireland," at a cost of about $270 ! Mr. E. N. Lamont gives us a mvst attractive description of what can be seen and done in such a " run," and it is enough to make one wish to be off at once. The time of such a tour would be divided about as follows : Twenty days on the ocean, going and returning ; five days in Ireland, twenty-five in London and other parts of England, and ten in Scotland ; or ten might be taken for a run over to Paris and some of the other principal places on the Continent. A simenade-deck. On this deck are several small smoking and conversation sa- loons, and the wheel-house is signalled from the bridge by the patent steering- gear. — Evening Telegram, July 29, 1872. Great Stampede of Visitors to Europe. Never since oceanic steam-navigation was ventured, was there such an exodus from our shores as during the present season. The extravagance and meanness of watering-place proprietors have driven the multitude in search of health and recreation from the springs to tho ocean. "While tho former have tried to stem the flood of Eastern visitors by adding horse-racing, Indian games, balls, and other tom-foolerics to the attractions of mineral waters, the proprietors of ocean steam lines have not been idle. They have added to the attractions of the voyage some of the most splendid palaces that ever even graced the placid bosom of our noble Hudson. In decorations, splendor, refinement, and convenience, they are every way their equal, but in point of magnitude, strength, and proioess, they are as much superior as the billows of tho ocean exceed the ripples of that river. This is especially truo of The Anchor Line. Its new steamers have created a revolution which other lines are fast following. It is almost impossi- ble for them to meet the demands for passage. — Delaware Express, July 31, 1S72. The New Anchor Line Steamship " Caledonia." Nothing is more likely to indicate tho increasing favor into which the fleet of vessels owned by The Anchor Line Company has grown among all classes on both sides of tho Atlantic, than the fact that a third new vessel, built for this company, arrived in this port last week. It is likewise noteworthy that her owners, taking advantage of the most recent improvements in naval architect- ure, have succeeded in adapting their now vessel to meeting the heavy seas, thus showing a laudable solicitude for the safety as well (as will be seen) as for the general comfort of their passengers. Although we term it a new vessel, it is in reality one of the old vessels of tho company, so completely repaired and im- proved, as to divest it of all external marks of identity. The " Caledonia," al- though formerly a second-rate vessel, was by no means ill-adapted for the pur- pose for which she was built. Now, however, having undergone such thorough repairs, it is questionable if any of the vessels that enter the harbor will excel it in point of speed, comfort, and sea- worthiness combined. Tho length of tho vessel has been increased by 50 feet amidships, making her 320 feet in length. Besides theso improvements, the accommodation far passengers has been in- creased. In the saloon, the rooms are fitted up in most luxurious style, combin- ing comfort with elegance. While these have taken place in the aft part of tho vessel, the construction of the steerage-berths has evidently been directed to facilitate the enjoyment of an Atlantic voyage, without that absence of security which is inevitable in cases where the accommodation for steerage-passengers is not of tho most perfect kind. As a large number of emigrants are likely to take advantage of this vessel, it must be some consolation to them to know that, whatever attention may have been devoted to other parts of the vessel, their comfort has not been overlooked. The accommodation is such, that GOO passen- gers can be safely conveyed in the steerage part of tho vessel, w ithout any an- noyance arising from a want of proper ventilation. Wash-basins, bath-tubs, and all conveniences tending to the health of these passengers, have been fully provided. There are ninety state-rooms, and, for the ladies, private rooms have been erected below and on the promenade-deck. Electric bells are in every room, and hot and cold water are obtained at a moment's notice, these improve- ments really being as complete as on any ocean steamship afloat. The engines are of tho compound principle, and the boilers new. Independent steam, fire, and bilge pumps are on every deck, and steam-winches are used in discharging and receiving freight. It may here be stated that during the last week The Anchor Line has had no less than five vessels in port, which shows the increasing popularity of the line among all classes. Yesterday the " Caledonia " sailed for Glasgow, with a largo number of saloon and cabin passengers, her departure being witnessed by large numbers, who were chiefly attracted to the pier to inspect the improvements which have been made. — Scottish-American Journal, August 1, 1872. The Anchor Line Steamship ''California." From the time that the first ocean-steamer, the " Savannah," crossed the At- lantic, until the present, when fleets of magnificent vessels almost daily clear from our ports, there is no art in which greater or more important improvements have been made than in naval architecture. It is with the desire to supply our readers with the latest and best information regarding this unparalleled progress, that we have decided to lay before them illustration and full description of tho finest steamer plying between New York and European cities. The " Cali- fornia" is the first completed of a fleet of seven vessels, now building in Glas- gow, and belonging to the celebrated Anchor Line. . . . After giving a very flattering and exhaustive description of the model steamer, the article con- cludes by saying: The vessel is equipped and conducted by an enterprising line, whoso sole anxiety is to please their passengers, and to convey them to their destination with every care and comfort. — The Manufacturer and guilder, Au- gust 18, 1872. Frcm New York to Scotland. It is surprising how much is done on board these ocsan-stcamers, in providing not only for the comfort but also for the luxuries of tho passengers, so that a voyage across the Atlantic is very much like boarding for a week at a first-class hotel — a variety of entertainments, musical, literary, etc., have been provided, and every evening, for one purpose or another, we have had in the saloon pleasant and interesting gatherings. Many of the passengers spend most of their time on deck, walking to and fro, playing shuffle-board, or betaking themselves to a variety of other amusements, to relieve the tedium of the voy- age. In looking back over this voyage, I can truly say that rarely have ten days of my life passed more delightfully. — Woonsocket Patrkt, August 2, 1872. Anchor Line. The " Caledonia," which was in port last week, has been lengthened over 50 feet, and is now 320 feet long. Her engines are on the compound principle, sur- face-condensing, of 400 nominal horse-power, having a pressure of 65 pounds of steam to the square inch. Her saloon has been beautifully fitted up. The state- rooms aro fitted up in first-class style, and contain the latest improvements in the introduction of hot and cold water, etc. Electric bells are also attached from each state-room to the steward's department. She has three decks, tho upper forming a grand promcnade-deek. On this deck arc several smoking and conversation saloons, and the ship is fitted with the patent steering-gear. — New York Kautical Gc.zitte, August 3, 1872. A Real Life-Romance. People who read in books of poor boys who rise to be great merchants, say, " That is all well enough for romances, but in real life we find the road crowded, and success a long way off." The following truthful incidents teach a needed lesson to all aspirants never to weary in well-doing : Some forty years ago, four little Scotch boys began their sea-life, starting out from the Clyde in little smacks, and gradually rising in the gradations of ton- nage and rig until they had served in schooners, brigs, barks, ships, and steam- THE ANCHOR LINE OF STEAMERS. G3 ers, and were conversant with every detail in connection with these different types of vessels. Readily acquiring knowledge, and practising economy and Bterling integrity, these boys grew up to manhood imbued with all the intelli- gence necessary with which to build a lasting business structure, which year by year should increase in magnitude and power. They saw several attempts made to establish steam-traffic between the port of Glasgow and the rich and rapidly- developing marts of the New World, and as often saw them fail. In due time they banded together for tho purpose of developing a business which has rap- idly grown to be of enormous magnitude, and which is yet destined to outrival their most sanguine expectations. These little Scotch boys rapidly rose to be tho world-wide-known iirm of llandyside & Henderson, of Glasgow, the ownei'3 of The Anchor Line. The Anchor is now the only lino running express passenger-steamers to and from New York and Glasgow. By this route passengers are booked at through- rates to or from, any sea-port or railroad station in the world. These steamers are first-class in every respect, safe, comfortable, reliable, and splendidly equipped. The company's offices are at 324 Wabash avenue, corner of Congress Street, Chi- cago, Henderson Brothers, Agents, and at 7 Bowling Green, New York. — Omalia Herald, August 9, 1872. Another New Anchor Line. To those who wish to see a nice steamer, we would say, by no means fail to visit the " California," of The Anciiok Line. She sails to-day brimful of pas- sengers and cargo, and with many a "God-speed!" following her across the ocean-ferry. — Wo'rJcingmeri's Advocate, August, 18V2. The Anchor Line and its New Steamers. It is unprofitable business to discuss the causes which have led to the transfer of tho sea-going steam-traffic between our country and Europe to foreign hands, and the only feeling now inspired among Americans, by the knowledge that Eng- lishmen, Scotchmen, Frenchmen, and Germans, control the bulk of our foreign passenger-travel, is one of satisfaction that they are so well and faithfully served. The Cunard lino, the Inman line, and others, are familiar enough to American travellers abroad, and to emigrants and Europeans crossing the At- lantic to this country, and no line of the many now in operation has grown into popular favor with such rapidity as that which forms the subject of this notice. In sixteen years llandyside & Henderson, of Glasgow, the owners of The An- chor steamers, have developed a vast business in the Atlantic and Mediterra- nean traffic, to the requirements of which the forty-six steamers they now have employed hav.c proved inadequate. Since 1856, no less than seventeen steamers, ranging from 1,500 to 3,500 tons each, have been put into the Atlantic carrying- trade by this firm, which now sends a new boat, larger, more costly, more thor- oughly equipped than any of its predecessors, which is the avant courrier of a fleet of sea-going vessels of a type unequalled in the Atlantic trade. The " California," the first of the series, the appearance of which in New York harbor is made the subject of a letter elsewhere printed, surprised and delighted thousands who visited her, and she sailed out of the port a week since with a'passenger- list and cargo such as no new boat ever carried from America before. The day before her departure was made tho occasion of a grand banquet given by Mr. Henderson to the press of New York. Tho published descriptions give many noteworthy details of public interest. The " California " is an iron screw steamer of 3,288 tons, is 362 feet in length, 41 feet beam, with high decks, and most lux- uriously-fitted cabins, and the finest grand saloon contained in any sea-going steamer now afloat. It is forty feet in width and forty-five in length, with pan- elling of polished light and dark woods, adorned with choice carving and gold. A piano and library add to its many attractions. Electric bell-knobs are placed at every convenient point for use of passengers in summoning attendants. Each state-room contains two berths, the lower one being transformed into a double one at the pleasure of the occupant of the room. Porcelain wash-stands and bowls, swinging mirrors, and chaste and heavy upholstery, make up the details of the interior arrangement of what are undoubtedly the roomiest and most convenient quarters yet provided for a nine days' residence for the traveller across the sea. Two large bath-rooms are placed on either side of the ladies' boudoir, and aft is a nursery and children's play-room. The seoond cabin, in which passengers are carried at a reduction of $10 from the chief cabin price, is neat, light, and airy, and equally as comfortable as the higher-priced quarters aft. Still farther forward are the quarters for the "intermediates," another class of passengers. To sum up, the new boat is probably to-day the best represent- ative of the Atlantic carrying-trade now afloat. Six other steamers of like build are to follow, the'second of which, the " Victoria," has just been launched, and the other five are all in course of construction. Within a year from the date of the " California's " launch, llandyside & Henderson will have the whole fleet in operation, at a cost to them of not less than $3,000,000. The tide of summer travel in this country has set toward Europe this year as never before, and to the public, whom business or pleasure, the demands of private enter- prise, or the attractions of sight-seeing, may call to this country, or from this to the old, TnE Anchor Line now offers the advantages of the best attainable con- venience and safety at moderate rates. — Inter- Ocean, August 23, 1872. The Anchor Line Possesses one of the finest fleets of steamers in the world; is the most im- portant of the steamship lines in point of number of vessels and ports sailed from ; and has by its energy and enterprise merited the confidence of the public, until the line of 1863 has grown from three steamers in that year to thirty-six in 1871 ; tho liberal policy, which has always characterized the owners of this line, having made it a special favorite with the travelling public. No line of steamers will take passengers cheaper than the favorite Anchor Line, as passen- gers are guaranteed every advantage regarding fare, etc., that any other line can offer. Travellers desirous of securing comfort and saving time, should buy their tickets over The Anchor Line international route. — Zambcrlville Beacon, August 23, 1872. The Anchor Lino Is one of tho finest in the world, and the most important of the steamship lines in number of vessels and ports sailed from. The arrangements of the sa- loons, state-rooms, steerages, and the accommodation for cabin and steerage passengers are all of the most complete order. Luggage is carefully handled, the officers agreeable, living good, vessels safe, and passage low. The owners having put down the fares to a very low figure, not on account of any inferiority to any other steamship line, but for the purpose of making their business greater than ever, travellers should not misunderstand the fact. — Bordentown Register, August 30, 1872. The Ocean Chain.— A Transatlantic Ferry,— The Chain that connects Europe and America.— The Rose, Shamrock, and Thistle.— Ship-Building leaving the Thames for the Clyde.— Scotch Characteristics.— The Island of Saints and the Continent of Plenty.— A Lesson for Boys — A Eight Royal Fleet, nobly cre- ated, ably managed, skilfully commanded, and justly admired.— The Bed Anchor of the Clyde.— The Boston Agency. Commerce spreads her golden sheen across the Atlantic, and gilds the chain of naval homes and warehouses that nearly reach from shore to shore. The Transatlantic steamship lines are increasing in number, and each com- pany's fleet is increasing in size. We have passed in review in these columns those portions of tJie Anglo- American mercantile navy that are owned by the old and conservative Cunard firm ; the popular house of Inman & Co. ; the National Company, that has grown so much in public favor; and the White Star owners, whose popularity have brought them such early and marked success. THE ANCnOE LINE. We this week present to our readers an illustration, taken from a photograph, of the splendid new steamship " California." This is one of a sisterhood of new vessels recently built or in course of construction for the company, and they are all marvels of strength, beauty, and finish. Their sailing qualities are unsur- passed, and rarely equalled. In the catalogue of The Anchor Fleet, these new ships are the " California," " Castalia," "Olympia," "Ethiopia," "Italia,'' " Utopia," " Victoria," " Bolivia," and " Trinaeria." The "California" was built and finished at Glasgow, Scotland, during the present year, by Alexander Stephens & Sons, and is an iron screw-steamer of 3,287.08 gross tons, is 361.5 feet in length, 40.5 in beam, 24.5 feet depth from ton- nage-deck to coiling, and 31.5 feet from upper-deck to ceiling. Her beam being so great, makes her a very safe and easy vessel at sea. She has two compound, vertical, direct-acting engines, with one cylinder 103 inches in diameter, and one 57 inches in diameter, with four feet stroke of piston, working up to 1,047 horse- power, and built at the Finnieston Steamship Works. Her steam-power is gen- erated in six boilers, tested to a pressure of 70 pounds, and a donkey-boiler for supplying steam to the windlass, winch, and other labor-saving engines. A small engine connecting with a centrifugal pump placed in the starboard wing, which is a powerful spare bilge-pump, and also acts as a ventilating fan, driving a strong, fresh current of air through all the passenger-spaces, as well as the cargo-holds, adding much to the comfort and sanitary condition of all on the vessel. This is among the best of the new ideas introduced into this vessel. She is provided with all the luxurious appointments of modern hotels, has baths, hot and cold water, etc. Each bedroom is connected with the steward's office by means of electric bells ; saloon drawing-rooms gorgeously decorated and upholstered ; library furnished with choicest literature ; piano in the saloon, where the passengers indulge in matinees and evening concerts. Dining-saloon extends from side to side, and is amidships, where least motion is exp'erienced ; a smoking-room for' gentlemen ; a boudoir and deck-house for ladies have also been provided. On the 2Sth the " California," the latest, largest, finest addition, in fact, the pride of the Anchor Line Fleet, will leave New York — is commanded by the veteran commodore, Captain James Craig, and has every improvement for comfort and luxury that experience and observation can suggest. Forty years ago, four Scotch boys began a life of industry and saving; in process of time, they grew rich, and the firm of llandyside & Henderson became world-renowned. Their Atlantic fleet had a small beginning. In 1863, it con- sisted of but three vessels. In 1872, it had assumed the royal proportions which include thirty-six powerful ships, from 1,500 to 4,500 tons burden. Thus it has 64 THE ANCHOR LINE OF STEAMERS. arrived at the proud position where it claims to be the most important of the Transatlantic linos, in point of number of vessels and ports sailed from. Our readers seem to prefer that we should name the steamers that came under our review. On this occasion, the list is a very long one, but we will give it alphabetically for reference : Vessels. Commanders. Acadia Tannoek, Alexandria Mackay, Auglia Small, Assyria Smith, Australia Iledderwick, Bolivia (Building) Britannia Iliggins, Caledonia Ovenstone, California Craig, Castalia (Building) Columbia Mackie, Despatch Dcwar, Don* Pedro Rutherford, Dorian Young, Ethiopia (Building) Europa Cam pbell , India Brown, Iowa i Grcig. Vessels. Commanders. Ismailia Ovcrstone, Italia (Building) Livonia Lueas, Macedon Murdock, Messina Eaglcsom, Napoli Edwards, Olympia Young, Boma Ramsay, Scandinavia Harvey, Scotia Lawson, Sidouian Mackay, Trinacria Thomson, Trojan McQueen, Tyrian Greig, Utopia (Building) Valetta Butler, Venezia Henderson, Victoria Munro. The names of the craft will suggest the world-wide interest catered for by the line. SPECIAL ADVANTAGES OF THE LINE. In common with the principal Atlantic lines, this company has adopted all the latest improvements, means of comfort and safety ; appliances for speed, and conveniences and arrangements for health and luxury. It is particularly the most desirable line for travellers between Scotland and America; it is the only line passing the northern coast of the island of Saints, and therefore is pref- erable for tourists and emigrants coming from or going to Londonderry, Antrim, Down, Tyrone, Donegal, Fermanagh, Monaghau, Armagh, Louth, Meath, West- meath, Longford, Cavan, Leitrim, Roscommon, Sligo, Mayo, and Galway. It is the cheapest line, for, although the accommodation is princely, the fare is only sixty dollars for saloon passengers, and proportionally low for intermediate and Htcerage passengers. Thus, for a considerable portion of those who cross the Atlantic The Anchor Line offers the shortest route, and therefore the quickest passage ; and to all voyagers a saving of expense is afforded by the low fares and through rates. THE AGENCIES OF TnE COMPANY" arc lucrative appointments in the hands of good men in all parts of America and Europe. Passage-tickets may be purchased at all principal ports and inland towns at the same price as at the head offices. It is the duty of each agent to facilitate travel by being well posted in the advantages of the line ho represents. As we are all interested in the increase of intercourse between Europe and America, and the flow of immigration, let us recapitulate some of the advantages of Tns Anchor Line. CABIN PASSENGERS, Besides all other luxuries, are supplied with an excellent table. They can book through to England, Ireland, or other parts of Europe, and yet stop at Glasgow — visit any part of Scotland, and resume their .journey at pleasure. STEERAGES are large and exceedingly well lighted and ventilated; are fitted up in rooms, each passenger having a separate sleeping-berth. The married, the single women, and the single men, are in different compartments, and every comfort and atten- tion is provided that is possible on an ocean-steamer. STEERAGE PASSENGERS are provided with a never-ceasing supply of fresh water, and an abundance of food of the best quality properly cooked, and served by the company's stewards, three times a day (no restriction as to quantity will be made, so long as no ab- solute waste is observable), but are required to provide themselves with bed- ding and mess-tins, which can be had in Glasgow or New York for about $3. GENERAL REMARKS. Express passenger-steamers, branch lines, tributary connections with steam- boats and railroads, the shortest route in the quickest time, and at the lowest rates, are characteristics of this line. By its arrangements with subsidiary and connect- ing lines of steamboats and railroads, passengers arc bookod (with coupon-tickets) to and from any sea-port or railway station in the world. Many Bostonians well know the pleasure of a trip in a first-class Anchor Line ship ; and speak highly of the safety and comfort of the line. Clergymen especially are pleased witli the order and discipline that always pervade these vessels. THE NEW YORK OFFICE. For care and dispatch in handling freights, and for meeting the wishes of ex- porters and importers in a liberal spirit, The Anchor Line management at New York is justly appreciated by merchants and shippers. THE BOSTON AGENCY". The merchants and pcoplo generally in Massachusetts would be heartily glad to see some of these fine ships visiting this port weekly. We have reason for believing that freights and passengers enough could be found to make tho arrangement profitable to the company. In the meanwhile it is gratifying to Bostonians that Messrs. C. L. Bartlett & Co., whose offices have been so well known during the last quarter of a century, in Broad Street in this city, and whose reputation as general shipping and commission merchants lias been held so highly, are giving special attention to this agency. Both Mr. C. L. Bartlett and his junior, Mr. Edward A. Adams, desire that all New-Englanders should adopt The Anchor Line route to and from Europe. If earnestness, courtesy, promptness, and energy, can achieve their object, they will certainly succeed. With a wide knowledge of agents, we have rarely met their equals in advancing the interests of their principals, with a due regard to their duties to the public. The popularity of The Anchor Line is daily increasing here. — Boston Trades Journal, Sc^temher 14, 1872. Leaving for England. [FROM OUB ENGLISH CORRESPONDENT.] Mr. Editor : Two years ago your correspondent was standing on the prow of the " Australia " — one of the beautiful vsssels belonging to the excellent fleet of steamships owned by TnE Anchor Line — among the living hundreds of her passengers who crowded that part of the ship, watching with eager and piercing eye for the first discernible land of the American Continent. Carefully we focused our sight for the longest distance by means of the straight cords of the eye, that we might discover land. The beginning of our watch was fruitless ; but as we continued to make observation, we descried off far away in the distance, away where the horizon and the sea-wave twined arms, pressed cheek to cheek, and blended their elements in indistinguishable union, a shadow. Among those dis- tant tints and shadows there was this one shadow, a trifle blacker than the rest. Its appearance was as a vein, a streak, or a line. It seemed to have grown up out of the water ; and then it looked as if it was up among the clouds. Which was it? Was it standing in water ; or was it up in the ether — which? We sailed toward it; we drew nearer that fairy-like and puzzlesomc pencilling ; it became denser and bolder ; we traced its form ; its ambiguous positions became defined, and by the naked eye, unaided by the telescope, we delighted as we realized " land ahead," and not " afar off " either. Oh, how welcome ! Leaped many a heart in that hour. Did Columbus feel glad when he heard the cry, " Land ahead?" Equally pleased were we at the same sound. For sea-tossed, wave- bound, sky-ceilinged, for ten tedious days, each of twenty-four realizable hours, we had been sailing for the States, and now we should soon be there, our voyage over, our end reached. Our good steamer had glided over her sea-way ; she had behaved admirably. Her wedge-like bow had plunged thousands of times into the surging billows, cutting the main, tossing the foam, opening a pathway in the mighty deep. Ono terrible night, when the wind howled, and the waves dashed furiously against her sides, she still " bore ahead," outriding the storm, and swimming afront the boiling ocean, leaving the turbulent waves behind to finish their frightful battle. But we were tired of our confinement; tired of our solitude; tired of that unvarying monotony, a ring of blue and a belt of water ; tired of the sameness of all things. Our only relief, with the exception of a few schools of fish, being the vision of a score or two of snow-white sail forming a fishing fleet, ranged in the shape of a crescent, and seen in the mellow hues of a gorgeous sunset ; and a number of screams of a true representative of the States — an emblematic and bald old eagle, that flew out to our ship, perched on the top of our main-mast and sails in turn, screeching, as our lively imaginations conceited, in bird-voice, " Wel- come, strangers ! to The land of the free, And tho home of the brave.' " But presently we sailed into the bay of the metropolis, and the anchor went down with a splash. This was at night. Morning came, and saw us on the wharf; and many a one in that early day inhaled a great free breath of relief and satisfaction in standing on terra firma onco more. We felt our old and accus- tomed freedom had returned; and we might now go ahead over thousands ot miles of rich soil, east, west, north, or south, as wo willed, either for pleasure or profit. I need not tell you how new and strange every thing seemed to your corre- spondent, who had always lived in the old country. You can readily imagine all. But a few weeks served to acquaint mo with tho customs'of tho new land, and I became a tolerably fair Yankee. My tonguo slid glibly round his peculiar phrases ; I could call shops stores ; and, in short, got on well enough, except when I tumbled into an Anglicanism, to my mortification and horror. Two years have passed since I landed. A retrospection of those two years is needless. God knows all— my labors, sufferings, afflictions, wanderings, mis- takes, confessions, pardons, and all the threads of warp and woof that enter into the fabric of life. But now there stand two boxes in my bedroom, packed and ready to be carted off, and in silence they are profoundly emphatic in this suggestion — leaving the country. Yes, going home! Home, how beautiful even the thought of itl Nono but THE AXCHOR LIXE OF STEAMERS. G3 those who have first had a happy and inviting home, and have left it to be worn with the friction of other climates, and to wander in the shelterless outside, can fully appreciate the delights of " the old house at home." The grass grows greener on the plot fronting home. The fields all about it are more verdant. The " chatter" of the brook near by is more musical. The flowers bloom pret- tier, and emit more fragrance to bathe in perfume our " sweet, sweet home." The skies are brighter above it. The sunbeams that dance on it, that climb up its walls, and enter into its windows, seem to have a deeper tinge of gold in their heavenly laugh. The rooms are more cosy than those of other homes. The fire in the grate or stove is cheerier. Our loved ones are the best of all loved ones. Their voices are more symphonious ; their songs more musical. Their eyes are expressive of the best of good-will. Criticism does not always sit at ear-gate to try our awkward sentences. Their kiss is balm and myrrh. The prattle of our little ones is inimitably sweet. Our prayer-meetings are united and loving ap- plications to "our Father" in heaven through our Elder Brother, for his grace to keep us still in the unity of the Spirit in righteousness by faith. Our praise- meetings are gushings of heart-rivers into the illimitable Ocean. The church in our house is high church, for it is the church of God ; low church, for it takes in the little ones; and broad church, for it admits all into fellowship. Oh, what place is there like home ? Where love is, it is a type of the home beyond. Home, sweet home ! And sweet the thought, 11 Homeward bound." " How are you going I" '• By what route ? " " Which way ? " Mr. Editor, people will be curious ; but perhaps some of them will want to go to England some day, " when they can afford it ; " and I feel sure you will not object to my telling you and them about a way I call our way. Yes, going by " our route ; " for there is one route decidedly ours ; ours by constant patronage ; ours by the preference which our people seem to give it. Five of us came over in the same ship at one time by it ; three have just returned by it ; others known to me have made this route their step-over line ; by the same way your correspondent ex- pects, if the Lord will, to return. I refer to The Axxhob Li>~e. A brief account of this line will be of general interest, as showing what in- dustry, civility, and perseverance, united, may accomplish. -In the year 1S63 it began with a triplet of steamers ; but additions have been continually made to meet the increasing demand for accommodation, until, in the brief space of nine years, The Aschob Lute sails a fleet of forty vessels, as trim and handsome a set of clipper steamers as specks the ocean. The agents are those canny Scots, the Messrs. Henderson Brothers, whose reputation on both sides of the water is only bounded by the limits of language and human kind. As for the vessels and accommodation, as far as our experience extends, and we are competent to judge, they are equal to the best ; they are of the best ; and the question is, if they are not the best. The New England agents are Messrs. C. L. Bartlett & Co., 16 Broad Street, Boston. Gentlemanly, courteous, and obliging, they tell your correspondent they will give all the advantages to our people and their friends which can be given by the New York agency. One of the inducements they offer is a $65 and $75 cabin-passage, as against $75 and $S5 by other lines. Steerage $28, as against $30 and $33. But I hope to make my next letter more interesting, by detailing life on ship- board. Let me, then, wave to the readers of the Crisis for the present a hearty adieu ! The grace of Christ sustain each beloved saint in trial. And may that God whose " way is in the sea," whose " path is in the great waters," and whose 41 footsteps are not known," go before the good ship "Anglia," and lead the way propitiously and calmly to its destination, restoring your brother and cor- respondent to his friends and home ! " Finally, brethren, farewell I " w. k. — Boston World's Crisis, September IS, 1872. Wanderings in Europe. Our voyage across the ocean was charming, and seemed really more like a trip over one of our beautiful lakes than a sail across the trackless deep. The weather was delightful, our ship's company pleasant, and our vessel, the " Cali- fornia," all we could desire. She is a fine steamship. ... As we slowly steamed up the Clyde, at sunrise, our eyes were greeted and our hearts glad- dened with one of the most beautiful and picturesque scenes we ever beheld. "What Nature lacked, art has supplied, and the two combined have produced a scene of loveliness and beauty made up of mountains, hills, highly-cultivated gardens, charming villages, and palatial residences. It has been our lot to witness no such scene elsewhere, and it is one, we think, of which Scotchmen may well be proud.— Trenton (X. J.) Slate. Journal, September 20, 1872. Beception. Messrs. Henderson Brothers, the agents of The Anxhob Lote of steamers, who believe good men should be appreciated, give a lunch to the general railroad passenger agents' association, on board the steamship "California" this after- noon, at Pier 20 North Biver.— Sew Fork Commercial Advertiser, September 23 1872. The entertainment given to the railroad ticket agents yesterday afternoon, by the owners of The Axchob Line of steamers on board the steamship " Cali- fornia," was a great success, more than fifty gentlemen accepting the invitation. —New Tori Commercial Advertiser, September 24, 1S72. The Convention of Railroad Men— The Work of the Ticket Agents' Associa- tion.— A Beception by a Steamship Company. The convention of the railroad ticket agents, convened to agree upon uniform rates for the ensuing winter, held another session at the St. Nicholas Hotel yes- terday morning. A committee of seven was appointed to draft a new constitu- tion and by-laws for the organization. An invitation was then announced from Tuk Ascuob Lixe Steamship Company, asking that the delegates visit their new steamer " California," at the foot of Dey Street, and partake of a lunch at four o'clock. The invitation was accepted, and at the appointed hour the members met onboard the steamer, where they were received by the officers of the com- pany. Mr. E. A. Ford, of St. Louis, president of the National Grand Ticket Agents' Association, and general passenger agent of the Missouri Pacific Bailroad, presided. There were a number of distinguished persons present, among whom was Mr. Erastus Brooks. After partaking of the festivities, Mr. Ford arose and congratulated the gentlemen present upon the success of their convention, and in their behalf thanked Mr. W. Coverly, agent of The Axchoe LtxE, for the entertainment he had given them. Mr. Coverly replied in a few well-chosen words, and addresses were then made by Messrs. James Charlton, Chicago & Alton Bailroad ; A. A. Barnes, Memphis & Charleston Bailroad ; Samuel Powell, secretary of the Chicago, Bur- lington & Quincy Bailroad; E. St. John, Chic.igo, Bock Island & Pacific Bail- road ; Thomas Dorwin, Missouri, Kansas & Texas Railroad ; Mr. Douglas, and others. A gentleman connected with the New York press — after repeated calls for Mr. Erastus Brooks, who had left — made some remarks, in which he endeavored to point out the relations of the railroads to the Government of the United States. He said he appeared under protest ns a representative of the New York press, simply to remind the ticket agents present that, no matter which political party succeeded in the next ten years, the railroads would control the Government of the United States. The progress of modem events had settled the question that either the railroads should run the Government or the Government should run the railroads. He believed that, no matter whether Greeley or Grant was elected, the next five years woald show that the railroads run the Government. He thought the following five years would show the Government of the United States running the railroads. He didn't see any compromise. One or the other would happen. For himself, he fell back upon the metaphysics of Germany ; the old, old notion, familiar to those who were familiar with German literature and the Grecian philosophy, that time and space were purely human conceptions, that human science in its most recent manifestations in the steamship and the railroad had abolished time and space ; that the railroads of this country had profited by the abolition of time and space due to steam. So far the railroad was supreme ; it controlled every State in which the railroad interests were closely connected. The speaker had predicted that five years hence the railroads through their votes would control the Government of the United States ; these men had conquered time and infinite space. He had no wish to obtrude eccentric or fan- ciful notions upon the very practicable gentlemen who were present, but he wished them to understand that the parties of the future, not the Grant or the Greeley party, but the parties of the future, would settle upon the question as to whether the Government should run the railroads or the railroads run the Gov- ernment. He believed that for some time to come the great Pacific Bailroad would control the National Government, and that whether Greeley or Grant were elected they would be the servant of the great destroyers of time and space. Other speeches were made and the company finally adjourned to the St. Nich- olas Hotel, where an evening session of the Convention was held. — Sew York World, September 24, 1872. The Bailroad Ticket-Agents Who have been in session in this city were very handsomely entertained yester- day by the owners of The Aschob Lixe of steamers on board the " California." After a bountiful lunch in the saloon, speeches were made by Mr. Coverly, man- ager of the line, and Messrs. Charlton, Barnes, Douglas, Johnson, Powell, and others. The delegates to this convention represent all sections of the country, and, what they don't know about rates, distances, times, and whatever belongs to railroads and passengers, is not worth knowing.— Sew York Evening Express, September 24, 1872. The railroad ticket agents, whose sessions are still in progress in New York, were yesterday entertained by the owners of The Axcuob Lixe of steamers, on steamer "California." Addresses were made by Messrs. James Charlton, A. A. Barnes, Samuel Powell, E. St. John, Thomas Dorwin, and others. — Providence Journal, September 25, 1S72. The Anchor Line of Ocean Steamships. The reputation of this well-known and popular line of ocean steamships, for staunchness, safety, reliability, the attention paid to the comforts of its pas- sengers, and the urbanity of its officers, has long been proverbial. Dispensing with the stiff ceremony and martinet etiquette w hieh characterize too many of its rivals, the object of its managers has heretofore been to make the cabin a home and the voyage an agreeable one, rather than chronicle that the time of such and such a steamer had been beaten by half an hour. CG Til E AX ( II OR LINE OF STEAMERS. Intending, however, to still maintain their well-established reputation in these respects, they have also determined to successfully compete in time made with the most pretentious. For this purpose they arc now building one of the most magnificent and powerful fleets which has ever crossed tho Atlantic, the avant courrier of which, the " California," is acknowledged, on all hands, equal in every respect — and superior in many — to the finest specimen of naval architecture possessed by any other ocean-lines. Another and very important advantageous feature of this line, especially to parties desirous of bringing out emigrants from Continental Europe, is the fact that passengers arc brought from Gothcnberg, Christiania, and points on the Baltic, in vessels of The Anchor Line— and transferred direct without expense to the steamer on the North Atlantic service, thus effecting an important saving in both time and money. Parties desirous of spending the winter in Europe, going by The Anchor, can secure return-tickets, good for one yearf, or $120 United States currency, for the round trip. Particular attention is paid to the comfort and food of steerage-passengers, as thousands can testify who have crossed and reerossed the Atlantic in Vessels of this line. All further information can be obtained by visiting or addressing the office of the company, corner of Wabash Avenue and Congress Street. Hender- son Brothers, Agents. — Chicago Workingmants Advocate, September 28, 1872. Anchor Line. By invitation of Messrs. Henderson Brothers, the delegates to the Conven- tion of General Railroad Ticket Agents visited the new steamship " California," on Monday. A thorough inspection of the vessel was made by the visitors, after which they were invited to the grand saloon to accept of a banquet. After par- taking of the festivities, Mr. B. A. Ford, president of the Grand Ticket Agents' Association, arose, and, after congratulating the members present upon the success of the convention, thanked Messrs. Henderson Brothers and Mr. W. Coverly, the passenger agent of the line, for the entertainment given them. Mr. Coverly replied in a few well-chosen words, and, after several other addresses had been delivered, the company adjourned. — Nautical Gazette, September 28, 1872. Reception to the Railroad Ticket Agents. The railroad ticket agents, who for the past few days have been in session at the St. Nicholas Hotel, were entertained on Monday, September 23d, by the owners of The Anchor Line of steamers, on board the steamship " California." About fifty gentlemen responded to tho invitation, and, after inspecting the ves- sel, sat down to lunch in the saloon. Speeches was made by Mr. Coverly, the manager of the lino, and Messrs. Charlton, Barnes, Douglas, Johnson, Powell, and others. The health of the proprietors was drank. The agents remained in session till Wednesday, when tho question of fares for emigrant passengers was discussed at some length. The charges in the schedule of passenger rates are for the present withheld from publication. — New York Time-Table, September 30, 1872. The Monarchs of Travel.— Reception and Luncheon on board The Anchor Line Steamer " California."— Railroads and Propellers in Alliance. The officers of TnE Anchor Line of Transatlantic Steamships, plying be- tween New York and Glasgow via Londonderry, entertained the members of the General Railway Ticket Agents' Association of the United States to a luncheon, a few days ago, on 'board The Anchor Line steamship "California," about one hundred persons being seated at the collation. Before assembling in the magnificent dining salon of the steamship, the guests interested themselves by inspecting the costly fitting and decorations, and the superb appointments generally, of this magnificent sea-going palace, almost every feature of which elicited from them the most ardent expressions both of surprise and admiration. The " California" is the pioneer vessel of five of her class and dimensions, now being pushed to rapid completion by The Anchor Line Company, and which will be unsurpassed by any thing that ever floated on the seas. These, too, will make a total licet of thirty sail plying on the route. Shortly before five o'clock tho company of invited guests proceeded to the grand-saloon cabin, where a lavish display of culinary skill and perfection in achievement presented itself. It would be difficult, indeed, to find tables spread with greater taste in any hotel in the world. After half an hour spent in epicu- rean ecstasy and gastronomic high art, Mr. Coverly, General Passenger Agent in this city of The Anchor Like, proposed a toast to tho health of the invited guests, which was briefly and courteously responded to by Mr. Ford, President of the Railroad Ticket Agents' Association. Then followed at intervals a suc- cession of bumpers to " The Anchor Line," to " The Henderson Brothers," agents of the company ; " Our Shipping Interests," " The Travelling Commu- nity," "Our Railroad Interests," "The Press," and so forth, together with numerous personal toasts to gentlemen present and absent, who are identified with enterprises of travel and commerce ashoro and afloat. A letter from Mr. Mac- Donald, general agent of the company, was read, expressing his regret at not being present to participate. All these toasts and sentiments were felicitously, and, of course, sometimes humorously responded to, among the gentlemen who made the responses being Mr. Charlton, of tho Chicago & Alton Railroad; Mr. Barnes, of tho Memphis & Charleston Ruilroad ; Mr. Cary, of the Lako Shore & Michigan Line; Mr. Ford, President of tho Association; Mr. Dorwin, of the Mississippi, Kansas & Texas Railroad; Mr. Davenport, of the St. Louis & Southeastern Line ; Mr. A. B. Douglas, and other gentlemen. Captain Craig, the senior commander in the company's service, and at present in command of the "California," was unavoidably absent from the city, but his health was duly quaffed in goblets of the rosy, and his splendid ship, clad in her gala rig of bunting from peak to rail, was really the scene of an enjoyable enter- tainment. This is the " California's " third voyage to this port, and if the com- pany exert themselves, as they have notably done in this vessel, to cater to the comfort of their patrons, their efforts most certainly should, as they undoubtedly will, be appreciated to their reputation and profit. — JS'ew York Evening Tele- gram, September 30, 1872. Anchor Line Steamship Company. The Transatlantic, Peninsular and Mediterranean Anchor Line Steam- Packet Company has recently added to its excellent list of steamers the "Cali- fornia," one of the finest passenger-vessels now sailing from the port of New York. Siie is in every respect a perfect " floating palace," and is officered and manned by thorough seamen and gentlemen. The second of the new fleet, the "Victoria," a sister ship to the "California," has just been launched, and the "Bolivia" and "Ethiopia," of 4,500 tons each, are nearly completed. Three other steamers of the same class are on the stocks, making in all seven first-class vessels, the value of each being $500,000, and they are contraeted to be finished within the year. We know of no other line or steamship company with a record like this, nor are we acquainted with gentlemen having a more thorough knowledge of their business than the Messrs. Henderson Brothers, of No. 7 Bowling Green, New York City, who are "at the helm" of the famous "Anchor Line." — Hudson, (A T . Y.) Roister, October 3. 1872. Home again ! " Be it ever so humble, there is no place like home." We are asked every day, " Where have you been, what have you seen, and what did you do?" Man wants not only an excuse for his conduct in this life, but even his folly. Well, we have been swinging around the circle, seeing the sights, and, as Mark Twain says, " been on a big bust." For a six weeks' tour in Europe, we saw as much as any living man probably ever will see until a faster motive power is invented than steam. On the 17th of July, we sighted the shores of the Em- erald Isle, sailed up the beautiful river Clyde to Glasgow, dropped a tear on the tomb of Bobbie Burns at Ayr, made the beautiful lakes of Lomond and Loch Katrine, passing the Trosachs to Stirling, Edinburgh, the river Tweed, and bade adieu to tho Highlands and lakes of Scotland ; by York to London, Paris, France, Belgium, Holland, up the Rhine from Cologne to Mayence, Worms, Strasbourg, Switzerland, and by way of Tetenoire and Simplon Pass into the classic vales of Italy. We saw the Giant's Causeway, and from Arthur's Scat wo looked upon Edinburgh. We have seen all the big cities and cathedrals in Europe, visited the birthplaces and tombs of philosophers, poets, artists, and scholars. From the dome of St. Paul's we saw London, and viewed the magnifi- cent city of Paris from the summit of tho Pantheon. We visited the battle- field of Waterloo, and passed by Lodi, Solferino, and Austerlitz. Saw the sunset on the vine-clad hills of " Sweet Bingen on the Rhine," and gazed in astonishment from the heights of the Cathedral of Strasbourg, heard the sound of the soft guitar in the streets of Geneva, and saw the lake as it gleamed in the silvery moonlight. We slept at the foot of Mont Blanc, and witnessed the sun rise over its summit covered with snow. We travelled over the road the great Napoleon marched into Italy, 200 miles across the Alps by diligences, and gazed with rapture and wonder on the lakes of Italy. We sailed on Como, and slept in the beautiful city of " Venice by the sea." We walked over fifty miles in the picture-galleries of Europe, stood upon the tower of Galileo in Florence, and upon tho Capitolinc Hill of Rome. — Talbotton Standard, October 6, 1872. Leaving for England. [from our own correspondent.] Mr. Editor: It is the lot of some of us to be forever wandering through this " wide, wide world." Thus wc pass our brief tenure of life as nomads, without fixed habitation, movable as the waves of the sea. It was only two years ago that your correspondent first sighted these Atlantic and Pacific washed shores, and now he is about to reembark for England. Yet, thanks to the many companies who cater for the conveyance of tourists and voyagers, this life-long wandering is stripped of many of its disagreeables by the thousand provisions made by them to insure easy and expeditious transit. Thus, if we cannot find a home-rest in this restless world, the wear and tear of travel on the system is lessened and almost obviated by the comforts afforded to passengers. Here arc locomotives flying all over the country, snorting out steam, screaming to the extent of the power of their safety-valves, flashing by the foot-sore, leg- weary, plodding pedestrians; and to these flying engines are attached well-con- structed coaches with easy seats, and Pullman palace-cars, in which a man may THE ANCHOR LINE OE STEAMERS. G7 throw himself down and give up to Morpheus with perfect abandon, dozing and sleeping as he can, and almost persuaded to think himself at home in his own re- ception-room ; and thus the traveller's lot is ameliorated till he feels nearly as com- fortable as he would if he lived in that cottage in the country where tho wood- bine twineth, and by the side of which the birds sing songs stolen from paradise. Thus goes the time, " merrily, merrily," as the ballad says, till we arc borne beyond the cities of the living to the land of darkness, our long home, till the day dawn and the shadows flee away. The poet has beautifully written of the dead : •'They softly lie and sweetly sleep, Low In the ground." But we all desire when we move to any distant place to take the very best route. We seek for courteous attendants ; we want a comfortable berth ; we de- sire such food as will be healthful and good. Some time ago, when in England, my attention was called by a brother-friend to The Anchor Line as a pleasant and favorite route. It stood A 1. Its fleet had grown from three steamers in 1863 to over thirty in 1870, and to-day they number nearly forty. I took that line, and the time from shore to shore only occupied between eleven and twelve days. The agents, Messrs. Henderson Brothers, are famous for enterprise. Scotch, and full of" go ahead," it would be strange if they did not only compete with other lines, but make their steamers the " bonniest" of all on the ocean. Cer- tainly their vessels are handsome as well as strong, and are in every way worthy of patronage, especially when we learn from their circular that theirs is "the shortest, cheapest, and best route to and from Europe and America," their figures standing §85 and $75, as against §75 and $85 by other lines for saloon accommo- dation, and steerage $28, as against $30 and $33. The good ship " Anglia" has a berth in her for your correspondent, and he hopes to find on board, between her oaken ribs, such comfort as only a first-class line and com>pany can give ; and then when he gets to England he will write an account of the passage, taking in the few events which beguile the voyage and fill t he vacuum in which we are cut oft" from the rest of tho world. The New England agents for this line are Messrs. C. L. Bartlett & Co., 16 Broad Street, Boston, and if any of your respectable readers contemplates a voyage to England, I have no doubt it would pay him to make their acquaintance, and buy a passage of them. Plans and every facility are offered by them to ocean- voyagers, and tickets can be secured of them as cheaply as at New York. But as " time and tide wait for no man," and " the time of my departure is at hand," I must for the present say to you and your readers a triple good-by. I am off in TnE Anchor Line for Glasgow, and then England.— Boston Pastor and People, September, 1872. Purchase of a Famous Shipbuilding Yard by the Anchor Line of Ocean Steamships. Messrs. Handyside & Henderson, of Glasgow, principal owners of The Anchor Line of steamers, so well known in the Atlantic trade, have made an important addition to their works in that city. They have bought the entire ship-building and engineering establishments of Tod & Macgregor, at Finnieston and at Par- tick. The purchasers will enter into possession as soon as the late owners can vacate the premises, probably before January, 1873. With the facilities thus ob- tained, The Anchor Line can execute the only portion of its work which it has hitherto been obliged to put out to contract; namely, the building of the hulls of its vessels. The Anchor Line may now be regarded as complete, capable of constructing as well as fitting out its own vessels. And yet the owners may still have other purchases to make — for we believe they have got along so for without either a coal-mine or iron-mine of their own. At the rate at which they are enlarging their fleet, which now consists of thirty-six ocean-steamers, The Anchor Company will, perhaps, want mines of their own to make them contented. But as it is, The Anchor Line now possesses the most extensive ship-building and engineering establishments on the Clyde. The Glasgow house is represented in this country by branches in New York and Chicago, under the firm of Hender- son Brothers. — New York Commercial Advertiser, October 8, 1S72. A Splendid Ocean-Steamer. To thousands of ruralists, who have never visited tide-water, an ocean- steamer is an object of great curiosity and interest. Whoever goes first to New York, from the interior, finds no more striking feature than the shipping, and wanders up and down the wharves, fairly lost in wonder over their unending forest of spars, and fascinated by the strange and suggestive sights presented on deck and aloft. We have thought, therefore, that a correct and spirited ac- count of one of the largest and finest ocean-steamers afloat would delight many readers of The Rural Home, and that all would be interested in a description of such surroundings as those enjoy to-day who " go down to the sea in ships." Naval architecture lias progressed surprisingly within a generation, and in no class of vessels have there been more marked improvements than in those em- ployed for passenger-traffic. A keen spirit of rivalry between various carrying lines has resulted favorably for the public, and the appointments of ocean pas- senger-steamers are now truly palatial. Especially is this the case with those recently constructed, one of which our illustration portrays. The " California" is the first completed of a fleet of seven vessels, now building in Glasgow, and belonging to the celebrated Anchor Line. Sho has only been plying a few weeks. The "Victoria," a sister ship to the "California," lias just been launched, while the remaining five, the "Utopia," "Ethiopia," "Bolivia," " Italia," and " Castalia" are still on the stocks. Our engraving shows the noble craft speeding down New York Bay, with a stiff breeze square in her teeth. Moored at her wharf, foot of Dey Street, sho seems less a thing of life, but even here she commands the admiration of all. Let us mount the ladder, at her side. Standing aft, the vessel's deck, clear to the forecastle, stretches before us. On either hand are the boats, eight in num- ber, while above tower the tall masts, bark-rigged, with standing rigging all of wire-rope. As we proceed forward we notice that each hatch is provided with a powerful steam-hoisting apparatus, for loading and discharging cargo, five hoist- ing-engines being on the upper deck. First of the interior arrangements to engage our attention is the ladies' room, in one of the deck-houses. It is a beautiful little boudoir, with dainty upholstering, richly ornamented, and hung with mirrors. A little forward of it is the smoking-room, luxuriously fitted up, painted in a delicate tint of sea- green relieved with gold, the cushions of maroon-colored leather, and the carpet rich in texture and pretty in design. Continuing our walk forward we pass the great funnel, glance down through the hatch into the engine-room, and reach what is called the bridge, the captain's special post, whence his orders are mainly issued. Stepping down one of the ladders, we enter the cabin on the next deck be- low. Here are long rows of state-rooms, all handsomely and commodiously furnished. Each apartment contains two spacious berths and a wido settee. Walking aft along the narrow passage-way, we reach the pantry, filled with its stores of elegant crockery and brilliant silver, and communicating with all tho state-rooms by means of electric bells. Aft of this is the grand saloon, a spa- cious and elegant apartment exquisitely decorated. Instead of the low beams, ordinarily seen in vessels of this class, a large, handsome skylight is built immediately over this room. This is a^erfect minia- ture greenhouse, as it is entirely filled with exotic plants and flowers of every description. The panelling is in polished teak, inlaid with rich and rare white woods, adorned with choice carving and gold. The ceiling is painted in a' deli- cate hue of sea-green; costly buffits, marble-topped and silver-trimmed, give an air of luxuriousness seldom seen on shipboard. The sofas are covered with inaroon-colorod Bussia leather, while the frames are handsomely bronzed and silvered. The carpet is a rich green, with the coat-of-arms of Great Britain in- tertwined in tasty wreaths. The main dome of the saloon is entirely novel in design, and is beautifully colored and tinted, and the tic-beams are boxed and filled with choice exotic plants, giving to it the appearance of an Oriental court. A fine piano and well- filled library add to the attractions of this charming place, which is well lighted and exceedingly well ventilated. Heavy mirrors on all sides reflect and re- reflect the beauties and adornments of this palace of saloons. There are eight large tables in the saloon, which, when not filled with the 150 passengers, are so closed as to give plenty of room. The table-service is chaste and massive, and even in the ordinary table-ware the owners have shown excellent taste. Elec- tric bell-knobs jut out at every convenient place, and will be appreciated by both passengers and servants. Again, proceeding aft, we pass another line of state-rooms, and finally reach the card-room, situated immediately in the stern of the vessel. This is as far aft as we can get, so we once more turn our steps forward, this time on the op- posite side of the vessel. First comes a neatly-fitted lavatory, then another ladies' boudoir, as finely fitted up as the one on deck, probably being designed for use when the other one, by re? son of bad weather, should be untenantable. It is a perfect gem of a place, decorated in sea-green tints, dotted and striped with gold, with delicate little birds in the centre of each broad panel. A rich buffet and mirror, and silvered trimming on all hands, make this a charming re- treat for the gentler sex. Then we pass more state-rooms, then through the saloon again, and finally stop at the engine-room. Here we enter and look down at the vast cylinders and wilderness of machinery at our feet. There are six boilers and eighteen furnaces, consuming about 45 tons of coal per day, causing the vessel to steam at the rate of 14 knots per hour. As remaining over the hot fire-room is not exactly according to our taste, wo pursue our march forward. As we pass on we are shown the galley, in which wo find every convenience for cooking. We enter the "intermediate" cabin, this being the grade in price next between the steerage and the first cabin. Hero the state-rooms are very neatly and commodiously arranged ; the passengers have a separate saloon and table to themselves ; every thing being arranged with a view to obtaining the greatest amount of comfort. Following our conductor down an open hatch, we find ourselves in the steer- age, a large, well-lighted, and thoroughly-ventilated apartment. We say thor- oughly ventilated, because the ventilation is nearly perfect, as a perforated pipe passing through the apartment communicates with a steam-fan, keeps up a con- stant stream of fresh air, and at the same time removes all foul and noxious gases. The berths are ample and excellently arranged, and, indeed, the wholo fitting of this part of the ship is the best of its kind. The " California" is constructed to accommodate 150 cabin and 900 steerage THE ANCHOR LINE OF STEAMERS. passengers, and is commanded by Captain James Craig, late of the " Anglia," the coinmodoro of The Ancuoe Line fleet, of which at present the new ship is decidedly the finest. TnE Anchor Line was established in 183G. Steamers then sailed to Quebec and the Mediterranean. Occasionally during the winter, a steamer came to New York. In 1S03, a regular line, composed of three steamers, was established to New York. That line has grown to thirty-six in number, and is in high favor with ocean-travellers. The steamers are from 1,500 to 4,500 tons burden, carry from 50 to 170 cabin and 500 to 900 steerage passengers, and sail from New York and Glasgow twice a week, namely, every Wednesday and Saturday. The cabin state-rooms are all on the main upper deck, and steerage-passengers arc berthed on one between-deck only. Each vessel carries an experienced surgeon, and a number of stewards and stewardesses. The table is excellent, and the cookery irreproachable. In fact, the line is equipped and conducted by an enterprising company, anxious to please their passengers and convey them to their destina- tion with every cars and comfort.— Rochester {N. Y.) American Rural Home, Oc- tober 12, 1872. The Trip to Europe made easy— The Anchor Line. The flow of American travel to Europe is producing its natural result of cheap- ening the expense. A plan of a six weeks' trip is advertised for £250, currency. The Ancuok Line of steamships will take first-class passengers from New York to Glasgow and back again, with leave to stop at Londonderry, Ireland, for £120, currency. At Londonderry the traveller can go by rail to Portrush, the nearest town to the Giant's Causeway ; thence back and over to Glasgow ; thence to Edinburgh by Loch Katrine and the Trosachs ; thence to the places of interest in and around Edinburgh; thence to Glasgow, and home again. By this plan, lie spends twenty-two days on the sea, three days in Irelaud, and seventeen days in Scotland, or six weeks in all. The time on land is estimated at the rate of six dollars a day. This is on^of many possible plans, and we publish it to show our readers who live far from the seaboard how possible the trip to Europe is. At the present rate of progress, every year will develop fresh facilities, until travel abroad be- comes just as manageable as travel at home. Travel is an education, and the only education possible for very busy men. There is no better evidence of the prosperity of our people than their ability to go all over the world. The more wo see of the world abroad, the richer in cul- ture will our life bo at home. Extensive travel to Europe will have a wholesome effect, too, upon American landlords, and will so make life in hot weather more tolerable for us to stay at home. Mine host in America finds a formidable rival in mine host in Europe. Let them both compete for the custom, and between the two we shall get better usage. The Ancuoe Line, to which we have referred, is one of the best and most de- sirable of the many lines on the ocean-ferry between the United States and Europe. Below we give an account of one of its vessels lately launched. There are several others in process of construction, of equal or greater size, strength, and complete- ness in their appointments, now nearly ready to take their place in this deserv- edly popular line. The " California" is one of the handsomest and finest vessels on the Atlantic Ocean. Every thing about her indicates the best material, the most skilful work- manship, and capable management. The cabins arc of the most elegant and com- fortable kind, yet there is no unnecessary show about them, and no folly whatever, and the whole furnishing of the vessel indicates an attention to detail which is sel- dom found in sea-going steamers. "We never in any vessel saw such admirable arrangements for the comfort and health of steerage-passengers. Not only are the arrangements for sleeping and cooking of the most approved kind, but the venti- lation of the ship is provided for by an ingenious device. This is among the best of the new ideas introduced into this vessel. It consists of a small engine con- necting w ith a centrifugal pump placed in the starboard wing, which is a power- ful spare bilge-pump, and also acts as a ventilating-fan, driving a strong, fresh current of air through all the passenger-spaces as well as the cargo-holds, thereby adding to the comfort and sanitary condition of all on board. After examining the vessel throughout, and observing the scientific appliances in all its depart- ments, under the guidance of Mr. Francis MaeDonald, the courteous and ener- getic manager of the line, we are net surprised at the extraordinary growth of the popularity of The Anchor Line within the last few years. The officers arc trained and experienced men, who are at the same time affable gentlemen. Our esteemed friend, Henry McGrath, Esq., 1019 Walnut street, Philadelphia, is the agent for this deservedly popular line of steamers. — Philadelphia Catholic Standard, October 12, 1872. The Steamer "Olympia." The vessel selected for description, as the fourth in our series of the model ships of the magnificent fleets that daily leave and arrive in New York is The Anohois Line steamship " Olympia." Of her graceful form and fine building the following description will give an excellent idea, and she will be seen to be in every way the equal of the celebrated vessels which have been before referred to in our columns : The " Olympia" is an iron vessel, built with four water-tight compartments, so that she is comparatively safe from the dangers of collision or grounding. She was built by Messrs. Charles Council & Co., at Whiteinch, Glasgow, Scot- land, and launched in the beginning of the present year, so that she is still a new ship. Her tonnage is 2,050. G4, length 307 feet, breadth 34 feet C inches, and depth cf hold 29 feet. She is bark-rigged, and fitted with patent rolling top- sails. The engines are compound vertical direct-acting, built by the Finnics- ton Steam-engine Company of Glasgow. Farthest aft on the upper deck is the wheel-house, the rear part of which, im- mediately over the rudder, is neatly fitted up as a coscy smoking-room. Comfort- able lounges are fastened to the partitions, and large windows give abundance of light, and, at the same time, an excellent view over the stern of the ship. In fact, the apartment contains every convenience that the most fastidious lover of the weed could desire. The steering-apparatus is of the newest, most approved, and perfect description. It consists of two powerful wheels situated in the wheel- house, which are geared by suitable appliances to the rudder-head. In case these should become disabled, preventer-wheels are placed on the bridge, which can be instantly connected with the rudder, and put in operation. On either side of the deck arc the boats, hanging from the davits. The boats are all built after the best models, and are calculated to live even in the roughest seas. They number seven in all, and are of an aggregate capacity sufficient to carry every passenger in the vessel, an important point, and one often neglected by corporations owning both ocean and coasting steamers. Amidships on the upper deck are the saloon, skylights, officers' rooms, and entrances to the lower deck, and also an elaborate ladies' boudoir elegantly dee- orated in crimson velvet and colored woods. A handsome carpet covers the deck, and luxurious sofas line the sides. The dark tints of the upholstery and panelling are relieved by delicate gilding; indeed, the room appears more like an apartment in an elegant mansion of Fifth Avenue, than a saloon of a sea-going steamer. On this deck there are four powerful steam-winches, which are used for hoisting and lowering the cargo, and also permanently attached to the forecastle is a large steam-crane for heavy work. In the bows are windlasses and other gear for hoisting the anchors. We now descend a handsome staircase, the walls of which are finely deco- rated, while it is lit by stained-glass windows in the skylight, and enter the main saloon. This apartment is situated amidships, and extends the whole width of the ship. To say that it is sumptuously furnished, would be hardly an adequate expression. On the deck is a rich carpet, made in special designs, among which are the familiar anchors, the emblems of the line. The w-alls are finished in black walnut and maple, inlaid and elaborately ornamented. The beams over- head are tinted and enriched with gilding. At the forward end is the steward's room, filled with elegant crockery and silver- ware, from which, through open- ings in the partitions, the dishes are served to the tables. The latter, three in number, extend the length of the saloon, and afford accommodations for 120 passengers. Well-filled book-cases, ornamental lamps, and a beautiful cabinet- piano, give the room a home-like and cheerful appearance, while the irreproach- able cuisine insures the voyager the comforts of a table that is not excelled even by the finest hotels. Just outside of this saloon are rows of neatly-fitted-up state-rooms, on either side of the vessel. These really belong to the second cabin, but their accommodations are equally as good as those in the after-part of the vessel. Forward of these again are the officers' apartments, and the various shops, bakers, butchers, etc., besides a largo and well-appointed kitchen. In rear of the main saloon arc more state-rooms, each one containing two berths, neatly upholstered, besides every comfort and toilet convenience. A large dead- light in each room, placed sufficiently high out of the water to admit of its being open in almost any weather, furnishes ample light and ventilation. Each state- room is provided with an electric communication to the steward's room, so that the mere pressure of a knob summons that functionary whenever he may be re- quired. In the stern of the vessel is a small apartment, containing large lounges, which seem to be intended as retreats for such unfortunates as may succumb to the motion of the vessel. A little forward of this room is another ladies' bou- doir, for use in wet and stormy weather. In this room the decoration is some- what different from other parts of the ship. The walls are tinted in delicata shades, and the colors of the upholstery and decorations are varied. Light is supplied from a handsome sky-light, containing both stained and clear glass. The steerages are remarkably commodious and spacious. As on all vessels of this line, steerage-passengers arc carried on but one 'tween deck. By a new patent apparatus fresh air is pumped into the steerages, while at the same time all deleterious gases are removed. As a sea-boat we are informed that the " Olympia" is swift and steady, and favorably compares with other vessels on the line. — The Manufacturer <£• BuiUUr, October, 1872. A Good Showing. Messrs. Handyside & Henderson, of Glasgow, proprietors of The Anchoh Line, whoso branch offices in this city are at 324 Wabash Avenue, have bought out Todd & McGregor, the great iron ship-builders, at Partick and Finnieston, on the Clyde. Tho demand for more steamers in their Atlantic and other trades rendered the step necessary. The price paid is about a million and a half dollars. — Chicago Neivs, October 17, 1872. THE ANCHOR LINE OF STEAMERS. GO iEsculapius on the Anchor Line. We arc in receipt of a lengthy and interesting letter from our correspondent in Ireland, and regret exceedingly that the press of local matters precludes the possibility of our inserting it in our present issue. In justice, however, to the gentlemanly and courteous officers of the steamship " Columbia," of The Ah- cnoR Line, we append to-day an extract from the correspondence. It is as fol- lows : Of the many lines of steamships plying between the New and the Old World, for the accommodation of passengers, I know of none more deserving of patron- age than The Anchor Line. I say this advisedly, inasmuch as my own expe- rience warrants it, having lately come over in one of its ships, viz , the " Co- lumbia." Taking this as a criterion, though neither the best nor fastest vessel of the line, there are several things to be noticed, an acquaintance with which may prove interesting to your readers, particularly that portion of them who iutend visiting the " Old Land." The first thing which attracted my attention on boarding the ship, was the regularity and promptness with which every thing is managed ; no less than the total absence of roughness on the part of the^fficers, under whose supervision the orders and rules of the ship were carried out. Having been allowed free access to every part of the vessel, through the kind- ness of our gentlemanly captain, J. E. McKay, I had ample opportunity of sat- isfying myself as to the fitness of the line for the comfort and safe transport of steerage and intermediate, as well as cabin passengers. And here let me men- tion one feature predominant on this line, and all the more appreciable because of its comparative rarity elsewhere : I refer to the uniform courtesy and gentle- manly deportment which pervades every one of the ship's officers, from the master to his cabin-boy — a courtesy and politeness, however, not of that stamp which flourishes only in the saloon and is forgotten on deck, or among the steer- age-passengers — a kind, I am sorry to find, only too common on some of our Transatlantic steamers. Before closing these observations, which in my capacity, as your foreign cor- respondent, I consider due to your readers, no less than the interests of this company, I would say that I am but the exponent of views which would be more than willingly indorsed by every passenger aboard. — The Irish People, October 26, 1872. Sir Walter Scott's Monument. Excerpt from Bicliard Irvin, Esq.'s, speech on the unveiling in Central Park: "To Messrs. Henderson Brothers, the esteemed owners of The Anchor Line of steamers, we are deeply indebted. They conveyed the whole of our ponder- ous shipment across the Atlantic without any expense to us, thus demonstrating that enlightened generosity and interest in the elegance and adornments of life are quite in harmony with the highest degree of commorcial sagacity and enter- prise." — N. Y. Times, November 3, 1S72. The New Steamship " Victoria"— The Litest Addition to the Anchor Line— Her Dimensions, Appointments, and Officers. During the sixteen years that The Anchor Line has been in existence, the owners have built between forty and fifty vessels of the highest class, and at the present time they possess a fleet of steamers and embrace a trade that should justly entitle them to a very exalted position in the commercial and ship- ping world. Like many other gigantic concerns, it had a very humble begin- ning, but the enterprise of its agents in New York caused its prosperity to ripen, until to-day the line is among the first that send steam clippers across the At- lantic. The "Victoria," the newest of TnE Anchor Line steamers, which arrived at this port last night, is about 3,600 tons. She was built- on the Clyde by Messrs. Robert Duncan & Co., her length being 3S0 feet, breadth of beam 42 feet, depth of hold 30 feet, and having engines two in number, of the compound vertical direct-acting principle. The cylinders of these are 103 inches low press- ure, and 60 inches high pressure, with a stroke of four feet. Steam is sap- plied from six tubular boilers, with super-heaters for each. Then there are smaller engines for pumping and deck purposes, weighing anchors, loading and unloading cargoes. Fire-engines are all over the ship, and the forward part of the deck is so constructed that the seamen in the worst of weather may not suffer in their duty from exposure. The passenger accommodation of this vessel is first class. The smokinir- saloon is one of the coseyest and most attractive that can be seen on an ocean- going steamer. Ladies, of course, are deprived of the enjoyment of this apart- ment, but the deprivation is amply compensated for by the tempting retreat which is called the " ladies' boudoir," and is devoted to their special use. The saloon, 49 feet long, extends across the vessel from side to side. The fittimrs, the furniture, the upholstery, and the general decorations of this magnificent apartment, are of a most luxurious character, and instinctively betray one into a contrast of the " Victoria" with those earliest examples of steam-vessels, which formed the nucleus of our present Transatlantic service. The system of having the saloon across the whole width of the vessel is one which appears to be much approved of by passengers, because while it gives increased space to the saloon itself, the sleeping-berths are by this arrangement removed, and the distressing sights and sounds sometimes created by persons suffering from sickness arc thereby obviated. In the portions of the " Victoria" set apart for the steerage-passengers, there are accommodations of a superior nature for about seven hundred passengers. The ventilation everywhere is perfect as can be obtained. The steamers belong- ing to TnE Anchor Line number 33, but the "Victoria" has the first of com- pany's officers, from the commander to the steward, on board. — S. Y. Hi raid, November 16, 1872. Another New Steamer. No better evidence of maritime prosperity is afforded than the steady addition of new ocean-steamships plying between this port and Europe. As the old-time sailing-vessels are deprived of their passenger-trade, the immense number of im- migrants who come over, and the increasing number of travellers who go abroad, either for business or pleasure, give every encouragement to the owners of the European lines of steamers who add to their fleet of vessels. When we shall have an American line is a question which admits of no possibility of solution — the rapid increase of vessels built abroad, and owned mostly by foreign capital- ists, fills up the void which the absence of American steamers leaves to be filled by others. Latest among the additions to the fleet of steamers is the new vessel, the " Victoria," which Messrs. Henderson Brothers have added to The Anciioe Line. The vessel is now in port, and will be open to the inspection of the public on Thursday, and there are novelties of construction which are worthy of atten- tion from all those interested in the improvements in ocean-steamships, and in the trade between New York and the British ports. — New York Comnurcial Ad- vertiser, November 19, 1872. The New Anchor Line Steamship " Vistoria." In the " Victoria" The Anchor Line has secured a very notable addition to the large fleet of steamships which sail under its flag. This fine vessel arrived in this port last week, after a voyage which severely tested her capabilities for en- countering heavy weather. She fully sustains the opinion formed from her ap- pearance as she came up the bay to her berth, and which was singularly fine. The " Victoria" is 3,600 tons burden, and her dimensions are as follows : Length 3S0 feet, breadth of beam 42 feet, depth of hold 30 feet. She has ample accom- modation for 180 first class and 800 steerage passengers. After being introduced into the smoking-room, a neat and commodious apartment, we inspected the patent steam-steering apparatus in the wheel-house, in the after part of the vessel, and which is the same in principle as that in the " California," of the same line. Passing downward to the saloon the attention is arrested by the elegance of what may be called the entrance-hall at the top of the stairs. Room has here been made for a kind of rendezvous which is handsomely furnished. The whole is lighted at night by means of two lamps, supported by massive anel costly bronze figures, which stand on either side, overlooking the staircase. Descending to the main saloon we enter a large apartment of about 50 by 40 feet, handsomely furnished, and possessing every appliance for the enjoyment of the most luxuri- ous ease. The saloon is beautifully finished, and as a whole, from the blending of the different kinds of wood in which the ornamental work is executed, has both a rich and pleasing effect. It is furnished with a carefully-selected library, and a beautiful Collard piano. Immediately adjoining it is the pantry, from which, by means of a sliding panel, dishes can be passed to the saloon- table. The lighting is a great feature, and the same good taste which is elsewhere dis- played is to be met with in the ornamentation of the sky-light. The state-rooms are neat and comfortable. The ladies' cabin is a perfect specimen of the boudoir, and is of course sacred to the sex. It is lighted by means of a bell-shaped sky- light, and in immediate and most convenient proximity is the ladies' bath-room. In other respects the "Victoria " is very like the " California," although in some things more richness is displayed than in the latter vessel. Of some improve- ments that are to be made, the chief is the introduction of gas, which is to be ef- fected on her return to Glasgow. It is hardly necessary to give all the eletails regarding the engines which the chief-engineer complaisantly imparted ; or probe the mysteries of the compound vertical. New and special features are the steam- wrought ventilating fan and pump, the latter of which is to be used in case of leakage. From the list of officers given below, it will be seen that several trans- ferences have been effected to contribute to the efficiency of her staff. Among these may be mentioned, Captain Munro, her commander, formerly of the " In- dia," and one of the oldest and best captains in the service. — Seottislt-American Journal, November 21, 1872. - The "Victoria" is the name of another splendid steamship of The Anchor Line, which has been visited at Pier 20 North Eiver, to-elay, by many hundreds of people, including ladies. She is a consort of the beautiful ship " California," only if possible more perfect in equipment. The woods which decorate the "Victoria" are sandal, teak, rosewood, and the polished Georgia pine, which is the most beautiful of all the woods. The grand stairway, also, is an American idea, and so a countryman can travel on a foreign ship with some associations with his native land. The name of the ship is a good one, as it reminds one of the noble wife, the good mother, and the true woman, for the Queen of England is all of these. — N. Y. Evening Express, November 21, 1S72. 70 THE ANCHOR LINE OF STEAMERS. The Anchor Line—" Victoria," the Queen of the Ocean— A New and Hand- some Steamer— The Finest Saloon afloat. The "Victoria," tho new steamship of The Anchor Line, arrived at her clock at the foot of Dey Street, New York, on Saturday night, and during the week hundreds of persons have visited her. The vessel is one of the finest that ever crossed tho ocean, and will, with others now on the stocks, give to The Anchor Line steamers a reputation ns passenger-vessels equal to that of any other line leaving the city. She is an A 1 vessel, first class, and in every respect equal to any vessel entering the New York harbor. She was built at Glasgow, by Robert Duncan & Co. She has accommodations for 180 saloon and 1,000 steerage passengers. Her saloon and state-rooms are in many respects the finest we have ever seen. The saloon covers the entire width of tho vessel amidships, and is fifty feet in length, brilliantly lighted by a side and top sky- light running almost its entire length, and raised four feet above the deck. It is magnificently fitted up, the walls pauelled with polished rosewood and bird's-eye maple, the upholstery being of maroon-colored morocco. The tables are wide, and made so that they can be folded into a small space, with the scats made on slides, so that they can be run back against the tables, thus affording a fine dancing-floor, something we have never before seen on an ocean-steamer. Music is furnished by a fine-toned piano. The saloon has been fitted up with great taste ; natural fruits and flowers cover tho tables, and a very garden of flow- ers and flowering plants fills the space overhead and below the skylight, making the saloon the pleasantest of parlors. The state-rooms are the finest we have ever seen. They run, by two wide passages, handsomely carpeted, to the stern, where there is a fine semicircular smoking-room connecting with the gentle- men's baths. Ordinarily the state-rooms are only of pine, and so arranged that they can be removed for storage of cargo. On the " Victoria " they are of pol- ished rosewood, walnut, mahogany, and maple, with silk curtains, and uphol- stered with velvet. They are each lighted by eyes from the deck and sides, and the berths in every case are so made that tfhey can each be doubled in width in ease of families travelling together. The steering-apparatus is worked by steam, and there is a wheel-house on the bridge, where the officer of the watch can steer the vessel himself, if desirable. There is a second smoking-room and outlook for the gentlemen on deck, and at the head of the saloon stairs is a ladies' sitting- room and outlook. The ladies also have a private saloon in the rear of the main saloon. Other and even finer vessels are now building at Glasgow, and The An- chor Line will next season offer the finest possible accommodations for passen- gers. The company have also purchased the McGregor ship-yards, and will hereafter be able to build their own vessels. — Jersey City American Standard, November 22, 1872. Monarchs of the Oaean— The Anchor Line'3 N3W Steamship "Victoria"— Reception on hoard. , Yesterday marked an occasion of much festivity at pier 20 North River. It was the reception of the officers connected with The Anchor Line of Trans- atlantic clippers, plying between New York and Glasgow via Londonderry, given to their numerous friends on board the magnificent ocean-stearnship " Victoria," the latest and finest addition to the extensive fleet belonging to this company. At noon the invited ladies and gentlemen began to arrive, and they found their welcome of the most cordial nature. The vessel was iu holiday attire, and the officers in full dress. From stem to stern, and peck to rail, the Hags of all nations floated in the bracing atmosphere, rendering her appearance externally almost as attractive as that found internally. The Stars and Stripes and the Union-Jack were gracefully entwined at the gangway, under which all the visitors passed as they went on board. Before assembling in the elegant saloon of the steamship, the guests, many of whom were prominent shipping-men, interested themselves by an earnest inspection of the unsurpassed arrangements, costly fittings, and elegant decora- tions, and superb appointments generally, of this sea-going palace. The large and comfortable state-rooms, capable of accommodating 180 cabin-passengers; the ladies' retiring salon, the bath-rooms, the conveniences of electric bells ; the ample, comfortable, and liberal arrangements for 800 steerage-passengers ; and the decorations of bronze figures and costly painted panels, elicited from the vis- itors the warmest expressions of admiration. " One of the most complete and cosey ships we were ever on," was heard on all sides. The "Victoria" is 380 feet in length, 42 feet breadth of beam, 30 feet depth of hold, and cf 3, GOO tons burden. Her engines, of the compound vertical direct-acting description, have two cylinders — the low pressure, 108 inches in diameter, and tho high press- ure, 60 inches in diameter — with a stroke of piston of four feet. This is tho second vessel of her class built by The Anchor Line, and is to be followed by four others of greater dimensions, and tho same luxurious appointments. Upon her return-trip, the "Victoria" will be fully completed by the introduction of gas- After careful inspection of the craft, the visitors proceeded to the saloon, which was decorated with rare exotics, where a fine display of culinary skill and perfection in achievement presented itself. Here there was passed an hour or so, during which period there were many toasts and felicitous sentiments, all of which were suitably responded to. The "Victoria" will leave on her return- trip to-morrow (S iturday), and it is only justice to observe, The Anchor Line desorve the reputation which they have won from an appreciative travelling public. — New York ILrald, November 22, 1872. A New Ooean-Sleamer. The new steamer "Victoria," Captain R. D. Munro, of The Anchor L:ite, now lying at tho foot of Dey Street, was thrown open, yesterday, for tho recep- tion of a large number of invited guests. She is in every way handsomely fitted up, and in that respect the equal of any vessel which enters the harbor. She was built at Glasgow, this season, by Robert Duncan & Co. She has a carrying ca- pacity of 3,040 tons. All the modern improvements— such as steam steering- gear and electric bells— are in the vessel. A smoking-room, aft of the state- rooms, below the main deck, is a novelty. The cabin is in the middle of tho vessel, while the " intermediates," forward of the cabin, are very comfortable. The entire interior finish is in hard wood, with the exception of the panel-work, which is of cedar, capable of a very high polish. The passenger accommoda- tion is for 180 cabin and 900 steerage.— New York Daily Tribune, November 22, 1872. The New, Steamer " Victoria." Tho new steamship " Victoria," of The Anchor Line, now lying at tho foot of Dey Street, was thrown open yesterday for the reception of a large number of invited guests. She is in every way handsomely fitted up, and in that respect the equal of any vessel which enters the harbor. All the mod- ern improvements are in the vessel. A smoking-room aft of the state-rooms below the main deck is a novelty. The cabin is in the middle of the vessel, while the "intermediates," forward of the cabin, are very comfortable. The entire interior finish is in hard wood, with the exception of the panel-work, which is of cedar. — N. Y. Evening Mail, November 22, 1872. Inspection of a New Steamship. The new steamship "Victoria," of The Anchor Line, lying at Pier 20 North River, was thrown open for inspection by the public yesterday. A large number of ladies and gentlemen visited the vessel during the afternoon, and expressed themselves very much pleased with the superior accommodations provided." The saloon is magnificently fitted up, and contains all modern luxuries. The state-rooms, especially those intended for families, are well lit and commodious, and contain all the latest improvements known in naval architecture. The en- tire of the wood-work is of hard wood and cedar alternated, highly polished. Tho vessel is supplied with steam steering-gear and electric bells. The " Victoria" is commanded by Captain R. D. Munro, and has accommo- dation for 180 saloon and 900 steerage passengers. She was built in Glasgow this year, by Robert Duncan & Co. — N. Y. Daily News, November 22, 1872. A New Steamship. Yesterday the new Anchor Line steamer " Victoria," which arrived here on her first trip on Thursday last, was crowded from noon to 5 p. si., by a number of invited guests, who made a thorough inspection of the vessel. She is fitted up in a superb style, and contains accommodation for 900 steerage and 180 cabin passengers. The intermediate cabin, which is only §5 more expensive than the steerage, deserves especial mention, as the accommodation for passengers is really as good as that of the second-class cabin — N. Y. Times, November 22, 1S72. The Anchor Line— Inspection of the Steamship " Victoria." The new steamship "Victoria," of The Anchor Line, was visited by a largo number of persons at her dock, foot of Dey Street, New York, yesterday after- noon, on the occasion of a reception given by the owners, Henderson Brothers. The "Victoria" is ship-rigged, 360 feet long, engines 3,000 horse-power, and carrying capacity 3,640 tons. She was built at Glasgow, and cost $500,000: ISO first and second cabin passengers can be accommodated, and 900 steerage passen- gers. The saloon, cabin, and state-rooms are elegantly furnished and finished, as in all the first-elass steamships nowadays. The vessel can be steered cither by steam or hand. The part that attracted most attention yesterday was tho cabin, both on account of its comfortable surroundings, and the good things that were there displayed to visitors. — Brooklyn Daily Eaijle, November 22, 1872. " Victoria " is the name of the latest steamship of The Anchor Line ; she leaves New York for Glasgow to-day, Saturday, for the first time. " Victoria" is a first-class passenger-ship. She is 380 feet long, and has supe- rior accommodations. The day before yesterday there was a splendid feast on board the ship, which was elegantly adorned with the flags of all nations. The large saloon is more spacious and comfortable than in any other ocean- ship ; it is situated in the midst of the steamer, and occupies the whole breadth of the ship; it is fitted up with a skylight, admitting plenty of light during the day. Tho smoking-saloon is really attractive ; and the ladies' saloon is charming, even if there were no ladies present. The accommodations for passengers arc in- deed unsurpassed ; and the saloon has no equal in any ship crossing the Atlantic, THE ANCHOR LINE OF STEAMERS. 71 The arrangements in this ship are really so splendid, that you would prefer dwelling there to any hotel in a great city. The Anchor Line has at present 35 ships that carry passengers between the Old World and America ; during an existence of 16 years it has acquired such a popularity that the company competes successfully with the oldest lines. While speaking about steamboats, we may ask : When will we have a daily connection with Europe ? We now have regular Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday boats ; but often, three steamships leave Wednesday, and four to seven Saturday, so that an agreement between the lines would easily do away with the difficulties now existing. — Scandinavian Post, November 23, 1872. Anchor Line. The "Victoria," the latest addition to The AxcnoR Lint: fleet, arrived here on Friday last. She is about 3, GOO tons, and was built on the Clyde by Messrs. Eobert Duncan & Co., her length being 3S0 feet, breadth of beam 42 feet, depth of hold 30 feet. Her engines are of the compound vertical direct-acting type. Steam is supplied from six tubular boilers, with super-heaters for each. A reception was given on board the "Victoria" by the officers of this line, on Thursday, which was attended by a numerous company, and at which all en- joyed themselves thoroughly, making many happy speeches in appreciation of the beauty of the ship and its appointments. Want of space prevents us from reporting this affair fully this week. — N. Y. Nautical Gazette, November 23, 1S72. The New Steamer of the Anchor Line. The last addition to the magnificent fleet of iron steamships plying on the ferry between New York and the western shores of Europe is the "Victoria," of The Anchor Lixe, now lying at the foot of Dey Street, and half-filled with Newtown pippins, cheese, and other products of our soil, for her first return- voyage. The "Victoria" is the finest of all the new European steamers, and offers the most sumptuous and convenient accommodations in her cabins for pas- sengers, either of first or second class. She was built at Fort Glasgow in 1ST2, by Eobert Duncan & Co., and has the following dimensions : Length, 306 feet ; breadth of beam, 40 feet 1 inch ; depth of hold, 31.92 feet ; tonnage, 3,640 tons. The engines, built by the Finnieston Steamship Works, are two compound and direct-acting, having one cylinder of 107 inches diameter, and another of 57 inches. The cabins and state-rooms are designed for the accommodation of ISO first-class passengers, and the steerage has berths for 900 persons. She is com- manded by that experienced navigator, E. D. Munro, who yesterday entertained a select company of merchants in a very handsome manner. The Brooklyn pas- senger agent for The AxcnoR Line is Mr. E. II. Fuffer, No. 20 Court Street. — Brooklyn Union, November 23, 1872. The New Steamship " Victoria." The new steamship "Victoria," of The Anchor Lixe, was thrown open for inspection by the public Thursday. A large number of ladies and gentlemen visited the vessel during the afternoon, and expressed themselves very much pleased with the superior accommodations provided. The saloon is magnificently fitted up, and contains all modern luxuries. The state-rooms, especially those intended for families, are well lit and commodious, and contain all the latest improvements known in naval architecture. The en- tire wood-work is of hard wood and cedar alternated, highly polished. The vessel is supplied with steam steering-gear and electric bells. Messrs. Henderson Brothers, 7 Bowling Green and 21 Broadway, are the agents for this magnificent line of steamers. — Jf. Y. Sunday News, November 24, 1872. The New Steamer "Victoria," Of The Axchor Lixe, arrived in this port November 15th, having made her first trip across the Atlantic in 12 days, against head winds. She sailed from New York to Londonderry and Glasgow, Saturday, the 23d of November, on her first voyage to the eastward. This steamer is similar to the fine vessel " California," of this line, which arrived here last summer. She is a magnificent specimen of iron ship-building, and, with the exception of the " California," the best steamer of the Anchor fleet. The " Victoria" is a bark-rigged iron screw-steamer, with three decks. This ship was built and fitted out by Messrs. Eobert Dun- can & Co., of Port-Glasgow. Her engines were supplied by the Finnieston Works, Glasgow, which firm is but a branch of Tue Axchor Lixe, which now builds and equips its own vessels. The main saloon is located near the midship section of the vessel. It occupies the whole width, and is 40 feet broad, by 42 feet long and 8 feet high, and is most elegantly furnished with sofas, easy-chairs, lounges, etc. It is also supplied with a piano-forte, card-tables, well-filled book- cases, and other appliances for amusement or recreation. In the centre of the saloon is a large, square skylight, which rises about eight feet above the deck ; it has a plate-glass top and ports on either side, so that the saloon is thus light, bright, and well ventilated. This skylight is filled with numerous ornamental vases, filled with choice plants, which afford a pleasing contrast to the rich cabi- net-work and furniture. The saloon and state-rooms are situated on the main deck, so that the ports can remain open in almost any weather. The state-rooms are large, roomy, and well ventilated ; they have signal or electric bells, and possess every improvement common to the best modern Atlantic steamer. There is accommodation for ISO first-class and 900 steerage passengers. The arrangements for their comfort are most complete, every thing w bleb expe- rience could suggest having been done to make both first and second class passengers comfortable. The engines are of the compound direct-acting pat- tern, having two eyliuders of 87 and 107 inches diameter each, and a stroke of piston of four feet. The managers of the line opened the steamer for the inspec- tion of invited guests on Thursday, November 21st, when a substantial lunch was provided, which did justice to the efficiency of the steward's department. — Sew York Shipping Gazette, December 1, 1872. * Another Ocean Palace— The New Anchor Line Steamship " Victoria"— A Splendid Specimen of Scotch Skill and Enterprise, Comfort, Convenience, and Luxury afloat. The day was, and that not so very long ago, when, as Americans, we prided ourselves on the possession of the finest, fleetest, and most magnificent steam- ships in the world. The Collins Line of Liverpool mail-steamships, though never a success financially (thanks to the cut-throat policy of our economical Democratic Government), were a credit to their builders, and reflected honor on the country. Under the favoring auspices of an ordinarily WISE C0M3IERCIAL POLICY, the line would not only have been a paying speculation for its owners, but a great benefit to the country. But the owl-like wisdom of our immaculate Con- gressional legislators forbade it. While they drew their mileage ad libitum, they did not see hew the country could afford to "subsidize" — that was the bone in the economical throat — a line of European steamships. It was well enough to " subsidize" New England manufacturers at the country's expense, but the idea of making up the deficiency in the running expenses of a great steamship line was not to be thought of by these SEXATOP.IAL SOLOXS. Well, the country sees the result of this penny-wise and pound-foolish pol- icy. It is worse than nonsensical to say that the failure of our ocean-steamship trade is due to purely natural causes — that, in other words, we can neither build, equip, nor sail ships in competition with our wealthy Transatlantic cousins. There is no truth in it. As well might it be affirmed that British RAILROADS SHOULD EE IMPORTED HERE. And everybody knows that we don't want that peculiar style of locomotion. Our "cars" are comfortable, rcnmy, and luxurious ; our roads cost more money and pay larger dividends. Indeed, an English railway that pays dividends at all is a rare exception. But our railroads are all " subsidized " heavily. And much as we may grum- ble at these unconscionable monopolies, no sane man will say that they are not the great commercial arteries that send the life-blood of trade and prosperity coursing through the country. The British Government, always keenly alive to the COMMERCIAL INTERESTS OF THE COUNTRY, knowing the importance of its maritime supremacy, with a wisdom that is cred- itable, and has proved profitable, has given a cenerous aid to their enterprising ship, or rather steamship owners, that has enabled them to monopolize the car- rying-trade of the world. What if these steamship-owners do get rich — and enormously rich ? Their riches go to fill the already plethoric purse of Mr. J. Bull. They give employment to thousands of his (perhaps we should say her) loyal subjects ; do honor to his enterprise, and SUSTAIN IN THE MOST TAXGIELE WAY his claim as the leader of a grand civilization. Then it must not be forgotten that they add to his naval power a degree of strength that only a great war can develop. And then all this cost but little. It only was needed to set the ball rolling ; the impetus thus given has not only kept it in motion, but increased its velocity in a way that has set all physi- cal laws at defiance. The Cunard Line (now rather an old-fogy concern) was started by govern- ment bounty ; the Inman Line was kept afloat for years by the patronage of the Chancellor of the Exchequer. The public patronage, by which this government aid was supplemented, rapidly made' fortunes for the projectors of both lines. An LMMEXSE INCREASE IN EUSIXESS naturally led to rivalry ; and English capital, Scotch enterprise, and Irish discon- tent, made British subsidy unnecessary.. The steamship lines multiplied, until now, instead of two, we have a dozen Transatlantic lines, and instead of a weekly a daily line of ocean-steamships. But we did not start out to write an essay, but simply to describe one of the finest additions to this great British fleet of ocean-steamers — the " Victoria," of The Axcnop. Lixe. We will, however, premise the description by a brief his- tory of the line itself. And that history is a record of Scotch thrift, EXTEP.rr.ISE AXD IXDUSTRY, that is eminently worthy of honorable mention. 72 THE ANCHOR LINE OF STEAMERS. The lino was organized, or rather Started, in 185G, by llandysidc & Hender- son, with two shins, the " TEMPEST " AND " JOHN BELL," both sailing-ships that had been converted into auxiliary steamers. The gentle- men composing the firm were all practical sailors — not theoretical speculators. They had all served bet'oro the mast, and thoroughly understood the ins and outs of the business they had embarked in. Imbued with that business shrewd- ness, and those JNDCSTBTDUS ANU ECONOMICAL HABITS that arc the national traits of their countrymen, their enterprise met with that success that so rarely fails to reward well-directed endeavor. Their modest lit- tle beginning gavo small promise of tho vast business that a few years has brought Qwm. Their two improvised steamers were the pioneers of A MAGNIFICENT FLEET of thirty-five splendid iron steamships that now sail under The " Anchor " flag, and traverse every ocean known to commerce. In addition to their semi-weekly Transatlantic line (composed of the most magnificent steamships entering this port) plying between New York, Londonderry, and Glasgow, their trade extends to every port in the Baltic and tho Mediterranean. Their steamers leave Glasgow weekly for Lisbon, Gibraltar, Genoa, Leghorn, Naples, Messina, and Palermo; fortnightly for Trieste and Venice, and monthly for Algiers, Tunis, Malta, and Alexandria. They have also inaugurated A SEMI-MONTHLY LINE of steamships between New York and the Mediterranean ports, and in this now and hitherto UNTRIED ENTERPRISE have already laid the foundation for a great trade. The " Victoria," the last ship added to their Glasgow line, is a splendid ves- sel, and possesses features of improvement over any other ocean-steamship afloat. She is 380 feet in length, 42 feet breadth of beam, 30 feet depth of hold, and of 3, GOO tons burden. Her engines are on the most improved compound direct-acting principle, and were manufactured at the company's own establish- ment at Glasgow, known as the Finnieston Steamship Works. The ship was built at the company's own dock-yard on tho Clyde — that hitherto owned by the celebrated firm of Todd & McGregor, but recently purchased by the Messrs. Henderson. The firm now build, rig, and entirely equip their own ships, fin- ishing them upon their own establishments with every article, FROM SPUN YARN TO CHAIN-CABLES AND ANCHORS. It can, therefore, be easily imagined that none but tho best material enters into their build cr outfit. The " Victoria" gives good evidence of the fact by the STRENGTH AND SOLIDITY of her construction, and the ninute care everywhere observable in her general "finish." She is modelled on the same beautiful lines as her sister ship, the " California," but eclipses her in many respects. The main saloon, which is situated amidships, is a magnificent apartment of fifty by forty feet, and is fitted up in a style of LUXURIOUS SPLENDOR that almost baffles description. It is lighted by an hnmenso skylight, twenty - flvc feet long by ten wide, and with a height of eight feet from the saloon ceil- ing. The sides are of solid iron, and are bolted to the deck in a way that defies the fury of tho strongest sea. The glass is of a beautifully ornamental kind, and the panels handsomely frescoed. Tho largo Bpaco afforded between tho ceiling and the top of the skylight is TASTEFULLY UTILIZED by handsome rustic hanging baskets and boxes, from which depend trailing vines of variegated ivy and other beautiful plants. A fine marine clock at one end, and a thermometer at the other, keep the passengers posted on the time and THE " WEATHER PROBABILITIES." The saloon is fitted up in rosewood and satinwood panelling, and the corri- dors from which the state-rooms open, in teak-wood and polished pine. The up- holstery of the saloon is of the finest red-morocco leather, and the curtains and hangings of rich si'k damask. Four tables, affording accommodation for OVER ONE HUNDRED PASSENGEB9, run the length of the saloon. A fine Collard piano, a good library, easy-chairs, lounges, and marble-top sideboards, fill up the remaining available space. In addition to the large skylight above referred to, there are numerous dead-lights all around ; not the OLD-FASHIONED BULL'S-EYE AFFAIRS, but neat ground and figured glass windows, square in shape. The " Victoria" has accommodations for 180 first-class and 800 steerage pas- sengers. The first-class state-rooms, like the saloons, are fitted up in splendid style, are roomy, and possess every convenience that experience and good taste could suggest. Over every berth is placed an electric bell-knob, by which, in an instant, a steward can be summoned. Saloon, smoking-room, bath-rooms, ladies' boudoir — in fact, every part of the ship — arc furnished with the same ELECTRIC MESSENGERS. All the apartments above mentioned are fitted up in the same Btyle of elegance as those already described. No effort of ingenuity seems to have been Spared to render the ship comfortable, and no modern convenience neglected that could sub- serve that purpose. Even a regular American barber-shop, with the regulation- chair, has not been forgotten. The pantry is neat and convenient — the floor of handsome encaustic tile. It is connected with the galley by a dumb-waiter, and furnished with steam-tables, on which the meats aro kept warm. The arrangements for the safe navigation of the vessel are all that science has yet suggested — STEAM STEERING-APPARATUS, ETC. Tho vessel is as strong as iron and wood could make her. She has three decks, each affording a clear promenade from stem to stern. These decks aro all of six-inch pitch-pine. Four stringer plates of immense strength run the entire length of the ship, and attached to tho athwart-beams are angle-irons to still further strengthen her. THE STEERAGE ACCOMMODATIONS are excellent, an important improvement being the thorough ventilation secured. This is accomplished by means of an immense fan driven by the main engine. The foul air is thus expelled, and a current of fresh air introduced. In short, the " Victoria" is in every respect a model ocean-steamship, and a credit to her enterprising owners and builders, and cannot fail to add to tho popularity of The Anchor Line.— New York Irish Democrat, December 7, 1872. THE ANCHOR LINE. During the fifteen or sixteen years that this Line has been in exist- ence the owners have built between forty and fifty vessels of the high- est class, and at the present time they possess a fleet of steamers, and embrace a trade, which should justly entitle them to a very exalted position in the commercial and shipping world. The Anchor Line was started in the year 1856 by Messrs. Handyside and Henderson, the present owners. Like many other gigantic concerns, it had a very humble beginning. There were only one or two vessels to commence with ; but the anticipations of a successful trade between Glasgow and New York began early to be realized, and the establishment, not long after, of a weekly service between those ports, shows how quickly the trade had developed. The weekly service was eventually found in- sufficient to meet the requirements of the traffic, and, during the sum- mer months, two steamers are now regularly dispatched week by week — one vessel sailing from Glasgow on the Wednesday, and a second on the following Saturday. During the winter months this arrangement is somewhat altered. The Saturday's steamer continues to run as be- fore, but the Wednesday boats sail every alternate week. All these steamers, which are dispatched from Glasgow to New York, call at Moville, Lough Foyle, for the purpose of embarking passengers. As this branch of the service began to ripen into prosperity the firm seemed to have looked about them for fresh fields of enterprise, and it may be as well, perhaps, to enumerate the different routes which are at the present time taken by their steamers. To mention, first of all, the Mediterranean service — which supplies The Axchok Line with very extensive employment — their steamers leave Glasgow weekly for Lis- bon, Gibraltar, Genoa, Leghorn, Naples, Messina, and Palermo ; fort- nightly for Trieste and Venice ; and monthly for Algiers, Tunis, Malta, and Alexandria. These sailings afford capital opportunities to tourist passengers who have the necessary time at their disposal, because by taking what is called the "round voyage," which usually occupies about seven weeks, they can embrace within the circle of their sailings, Lisbon, Gibraltar, Genoa, Leghorn, Pisa, Florence, Rome, Naples, Sicily, Venice, and Trieste. Taking again the " Indian service," we find steamers sailing monthly from Glasgow for Alexandria, in connection with the Peninsular and Oriental and British India Steam Navigation Companies, by means of which system passengers can be forwarded from Suez to Bombay, Colombo, Madras, Calcutta, Rangoon, Moulmein, and all the principal towns in India. In a third direction steamers are running monthly during the summer season from Glasgow, Liverpool, and London, to Halifax, N. S., and St. John, N. B. Owing, however, to the dangers which beset navigation in that direction during the winter, the service to Halifax and St. John is only kept up between the months of March and September, so that for the present year it has just terminated. What is called the North Sea service forms another part of the business of the owuers of the Anchor Line, steamers being dispatched weekly during the season of open navigation for Christiania, Christianssand, and Gothenburg. This branch must necessarily form a valuable "feeder" to the more extensive trade which the firm carries on between Glasgow and New York. Scandinavian and other passen- gers can be brought across from Gothenburg to Granton in two days, or from Christianssand in a day and a half; and, as Granton is only a very short journey by rail from Glasgow, they can be shipped on board The Anchor steamers for New York on the third day after leaving their 10 homes. In going by the steamers from Liverpool they have to cross over to Hull, and thence proceed by rail to Liverpool. . The formei route is claimed as the shortest, and the directors of The Anchor Line have arranged the departures of their vessels from Gothenburg and Christianssand so as to expedite, as far as possible, the shipment of passengers and cargo on board their New York steamers. There re- mains still to be mentioned another distinctive feeder of the "Anchor" trade. This consists of their sailings between the Mediterranean and America. Under the present arrangements steamers leave Genoa, Leg- horn, Naples, Messina, Palermo, Marseilles, and Gibraltar, once a fort- night for New York ; once a month other steamers sail from Trieste and Venice for the same great emporium of commerce; and every fort- night during the months of August, September, and October, steamers are also dispatched from Malaga, Almerie, Valencia, and Denia, for New York. To work up such an extensive system of ocean communica- tion as this must have required an immense expenditure of money, and at the same time the exercise of considerable perseverance and com- mercial tact and ability. The success with which these necessary agencies have been brought to bear in connection with The Anchoe Line seems sufficiently apparent from its present condition of prosperity. With respect to the Mediterranean trade homeward, the steamers, as a rule, load cargoes for Liverpool and Glasgow, and in some instances they discharge the whole cargo at this port. The steamers from New York also occasionally come to this port, bringing cargo both for Liver- pool and Glasgow. The fine steamers which form the Anchor fleet have been built by several well-known ship-builders on the Clyde ; some of them by Alex- ander Stevens & Son ; others by Robert Duncan & Co. Latterly the engines and boilers have been supplied from the company's own estab- lishment at Glasgow — known as the " Finnieston Steamship Works." Some of the later of these steamers are of great capacity, both as pas- senger and as cargo-carrying vessels. The accommodation provided for passengers of all classes is not surpassed by that of any competing line, and the model and power of the engines are such as to insure a good average speed both outward and homeward. As the sulyect of " steerage accommodation " has been made almost a topic of the day, it may be as well, before referring further to the style of the Anchor steamers, to state the kind of provision made for passengers of the class indicated. The ocean-fare for the voyage to New York is fixed at the same amount by all the leading steamship companies — namely, six guineas for each adult, half that fare for children under eight years of age, and one guinea for infants. For this they li e provided with sleep- ing berths, but they are required to find their own beds and bedding ; and, in addition, a tin plate, quart mug, knife, fork, spoon, and water can — all of which can be obtained for a comparatively small sum. The undertaking, on the part of the ship-owneis, is to provide each steerage passenger with at least one gallon of water daily, and weekly with not less than 2i lbs. of bread, a liberal supply of rice, 3 lbs. of potatoes, 1 lb. of peas, 2 lbs. of corned-beef, 1 lb. of fresh beef, 11 lb. of pickled pork, 2 ozs. of tea, 2 ozs. of coffee or cocoa, 1 gill of molasses or treacle, 1 lb. of sugar, 1 gill of vinegar; pepper, salt, and mustard; lib. of butter, i lb. of raisins ; and salt-fish occasionally, when wanted, which is served properly cooked. Children under 12 years of age receive half these rations. When potatoes are not in season, or if they happer THE ANCHOR LINE OF STEAMERS. to have been all used, rice is served out as a substitute — 1 lb. of rice being regarded as equal to 3 lbs. of raw potatoes. This scale indicates generally the description and quantities of provisions issued, but no restriction as to quantity is made so long as no absolute waste is ob- servable. Every article of provision supplied is invariably tested by some of the principals connected with the firm just before the vessels start upon their voyage, so that good quality is always insured. Pro- vision is mado against sickness by the carrying of a duly-qualified sur- gon on board each steamer, and it may bo mentioned that no charge is made for medicines that may be required during a voyage. The "Cali- fornia," one of the newest of the Anchor steamers, is a vessel of about 3,400 tons. She was built on the Clyde by Alexander Stevens & Sons. Her length is 301 feet 6 inches; hep engines, two in number, are on the compound vertical direct-acting principle ; and tho steam for working them is generated in six boilers. The smoking-saloon is one of the cosiest and most attractive that can be seen on an ocean-going steamer. Ladies, of course, are deprived of the enjoyment of this apartment ; but the deprivation is amply compensated for by the tempting little retreat which is called " The Ladies' Boudoir," and is devoted to their special use. The saloon extends across the vessel from side to side. The fittings, the furniture, the upholstery, and the general decorations of this magnificent saloon, are of a most luxurious character, and instinc- tively betray one into a contrast of the " California" with those earliest examples of steam-vessels which formed the nucleus of our present transatlantic service. Tho system of having the saloon across the whole width of the vessel is one which appears to be much approved of by passengers, because, while it gives increased space to the saloon itself, the sleeping-berths are by this arrangement removed, and tho distressing sights and sounds sometimes created by persons suffering from sickness are thereby obviated. Tho following are the vessels belonging to The Anciiok Line : Tho Victoria will start on her maiden voyage, and one or two of tho other vessels marked as "building" are only waiting to receive their engines, being already afloat. To show the extent of Messrs. Ilandysido & Henderson's business connection, it may bo added that they have distinct establishments at the following places: At Glasgow and Londonderry, under the title of "Ilandyside & Henderson," and at Liverpool, London, Dundee, Granton, Christiania, Leith, Gothenburg, Drontheim, New York, and Chicago, under the title of " Henderson Brothers."— Lieeiyool Daily Albion, October 5, 1872. GENERAL MAP SHEWING ESTABLISHED ROUTES ^CONNECTIONS OF THE SERVICES PERFORMED BY THE STEAMERS OF THE ANCHOR LINE.!' Jf'jp '/J/,- ,/tttff// /////»• s)i,vt ;'>r ■ '/////«> /•///// O/Mirr/umx A CONDENSED HISTORY OF STEAM. " Soon shall thy arm, unconqucred steam, afar Drag the slow barge, or drive the rapid car." — Darwin. About b. c. 230, Hero of Alexandria invented three different but simple contrivances, showing the expansive power of steam, and in which rotatory motion was produced by steam issuing from orifices, as water does in Barker's mill. a. d. 450, Anthemius, an architect, arranged several caldrons of water, each covered with a wide bottom of leather tube, which rose to a narrow top, with pipes extend- ing to the rafters of the adjoining building. A fire was kindled beneath the caldrons, and the house was shaken by the efforts of the steam ascending the tubes. This is the first recorded notice of the power of steam. In 1543, a Spanish captain, named Blasco de Garay, showed, in the harbor of Barcelona, a steamboat of about 200 tons, his own invention. It consisted of a caldron of boiling water under a movable wheel on each side of the ship ; bnt after a while was laid aside as impracticable. In 1562, the preacher Mathesius, in his sermon to miners, prays for a man who " raises water by tire and air," show- ing the early application of steam-power in Germany. In 1601, G. della Porta invented an apparatus for rais- ing water, by placing a tube into a close vessel, in which a vacuum had been obtained by condensation of steam. In 1615, Solomon de Caus, a French engineer, describes in one of his works a steam-engine, which was merely a con- trivance for forcing the water contained in a copper ball through a tube by applying heat. In 1629, G. Branca, an Italian engineer, invented a sort of steam wind-mill; the steam, being generated in a boiler, was directed by a spout against the flat vanes of a wheel, which was then set in motion. In 1647, Nye, an English mathematician, published a work, entitled " The Art of Gunnery," in which he pro- poses to " charge a piece of ordnance by putting water in- stead of powder, ramming down an air-tight plug of wood, and then the shot, and applying a fire to the breech till it burst out suddenly." The first successful effort in England was that of the Marquis of Worcester. In his " Century of Inventions," 1655, he describes a steam apparatus by which he raised a column of water to the height of 40 feet. This, with the exception of Blasco de Garay's, was the first really useful application of steam ; the others had been mere toys. In 1683, Sir Samuel Morland submitted to Louis XIY. a project for raising water by means of steam. In 1698, Captain Savery obtained the first patent for the application of steam-power to various kinds of machines. In 1703, Papin published his ideas, together with a draw- ing of an engine of his own construction, and to him is often attributed the origin of the idea of the cylinder and piston. In 1705, Thomas Newcomen carried out the principle of the piston in his atmospheric engine, for which he obtained a patent. This was the first engine that was made practi- cally and extensively useful, and forms the transition to the present steam-engine. In 1765, James Watt made the first perfect steam-engine, and which, with certain improvements patented in 1769- 1785, is essentially the same as the condensing engine now in use, and, in estimating some of the value of the benefits Watt conferred on the world, Lord Jeffrey says : " It has increased indefinitely the mass of human comforts and en- joyments ; and rendered cheap and accessible, all over the world, the materials of wealth and prosperity. It has armed the feeble hand of man, in short, with a power to which no limits can be assigned ; completed the dominion of mind over the most refractory qualities of matter; and laid a sure foundation for all those future miracles of mechanic power which are to aid and reward the labors of after-gen- erations. It is to the genius of one man, too, that all this is maiuly owing ! And certainly no man ever bestowed such a gift on his kind. The blessing is not only universal but unbounded ; and the fabled inventors of the plough and the loom, w T ho were deified by the erring gratitude of their rude contemporaries, conferred less important benefits on mankind than the inventor of our present steam-engine. This will be the fame of Watt with future generations." APPLICATION OF STEAM TO NAVIGATION. " Columbus, before that wonderful voyage of his across the Atlantic Sea, assigned reasons for his opinion that new lands and continents might be found besides those that were previously known ; which reasons, though at first rejected, were yet afterward approved by the experiment, and became the causes and beginnings of most impoitant enterprises." — Lord Bacon. When once steam was known as a motive power, its ap- plication to navigation was obvious enough ; it was even to this purpose that the first recorded attempt was made to apply it at all — that of Blasco de Garay, in the harbor of J5arcelona, in 1543. The only surprising question is, that thirty years should have elapsed — between 1777, when the steam-engine had become in "Watt's hands an efficient power for other purposes, and 1807, the date of Fulton's first voyage — before a really serviceable steam-vessel was produced. Boats using revolving paddles instead of oars, and propelled by oxen, horses, or men, were known to the Romans, and used for ferry-boats in modern times, and the great problem on which savants and illustrious mechanics had been expending their inventive genius was the applica- tion ol' machinery for propulsion, and a power greater than animal or manual to drive that machinery. Watt showed how that egg could stand on the table. The world had now got the rotating engine, the crank connection with a shaft, the revolving wheels, the rotating paddles: but who was to turn all to practical uses? In 1736, Jonathan Hulls obtained in England a patent for a tow-boat, to be used by a paddle-wheel, set in motion by a sort of steam-engine. The project appears never to have been executed. In 1756, Gautier, a French mathematician, issued a treatise on "Navigation by Fire," which attracted the at- tention of the Venetian Republic, and procured for him an invitation to the shores of the Adriatic ; he went, but death soon put an end to his labors. His theory, however, was practically exemplified in 1782, when the Marquis de Jouffrey constructed a steamboat of considerable size, which navigated the Saone for some time ; it was deficient, however, in power. From 1774 to 1790, the Count d'Auxinon, the Brothers Pereire, and others, in France, severally constructed and tried boats to be propelled by steam, none of which were successful. In 1783 to 17S!>, Fitch and Btiniscy were experimenting, in America, on constructing boats to work against streams; their first working models were propelled by rnazmal labor, with betting-poles attached to machinery, and for which THE ANCI10R LIXE OF STEAMERS. 77 Ramsey petitioned the Legislature of Pennsylvania, in 1784, for the exclusive right to this setting-pole hoat. In 1785, both of these geutlemen had their attention directed to the use of steam as a motive power, and, in that year, Rumsey received from the Legislatures of Virginia and Maryland the exclusive right to run steamboats on the wa- ters of those States, while, next year, the States of Pennsyl- vania and New York granted the same exclusive right to Fitch. To reap the benefit of these exclusive rights, Rum- sey began building his steamhoat in May, 1785, tried her in December, and a defect in the machinery was discovered. In the spring of 1786 he made a successful experiment, at Shepherdstown, with a boat of nine tons, working against the current of the Potomac at the rate of four or five miles an hour. Fitch, in 1786, constructed his working model, and in 1787 built a boat of sixty tens, called the "Perse- verance," making the trip from Philadelphia to Burlington, and averaging six miles an hour. In 1790, he placed another and a larger boat on the Delaware, which ran throughout the season, making regular trips, at an average of seven and a half miles an hour. As an incident of historical interest, the following copy of the first steamboat advertisement, taken from the Fed- eral Gazette & Philadelphia Daily Advertiser, is here in- serted : " THE STEAMBOAT Sets out to-morrow morning at ten o'clock, from Arch Street ferry, in order to take passengers for Burlington, Bristol, Bordentown, and Trenton, and retnrn next day. ■ Philadelphia, July 26, 1790.' Six years afterward, Fitch moved a small boat on the Collect Pond, New York City, by a small engine and a worm-screw projecting from the stern of the boat ; but neither of these experiments led to the general inti'oduction of steam-propulsion. In 1788, the next important experiment was that of Mil- ler and Taylor, in Scotland, on board a double boat, with a paddle-wheel in the interspace — was a perfect success, and led to the most decided step in the discovery of steam- navigation previous to the final success of Fulton. Next year, Miller had larger engines fitted into a vessel, and tried on the Forth and Clyde Canal, when the vessel moved at seven miles an hour. In 1801, Symington took out a patent for the construc- tion of steamboats, and, in 1803, built the 'i Charlotte Dundas," to tow vessels on the Forth and Clyde Canal. The success was complete, but the agitation of the water by the paddles was found to wash down the banks in an alarm- ing manner. The use of the vessel was therefore aban- doned. In the mean time, attempts had been making at steam- navigation, in America, by Stevens, Livingston, and others. Robert Fulton, American, son of a Scotchman, and friend of Fitch and Rumsey, had thought of steam as a motive power for vessels as early as 1793, and had his first working model put in operation at Plombieres, in France, in 1803. Travelling through Scotland, he visited the unfortunate " Charlotte Dundas," and obtained drawings of her ma- chinery. Returning to America, with one of Boulton and Watt's engines of eighteen horse-power, he, in conjunction with Livingston, built a vessel called the " Clermont," at New York, in 1807, and made the first really successful voyage by steam from New York to Albany. The perfection of steam-navigation belongs to no one man, or even generation; it is an honor in which a great number of men have, or ought to have, a share. Still, we must indisputably accord to Fulton the honor of having first proved the practical utility of steam-navigation. Five years later (1812) Henry Bell, of Glasgow, who had witnessed the experiments on the canal, in 1789, and had accompanied Fulton on his visit to the " Charlotte Dundas," started a steamboat, the " Comet," on the Clyde, and was thus the father of steam-navigation in Britain. The success of the "Comet" was the means of making the Clyde to Glasgow what the Nile is to Egypt — a source of wealth and prosperity almost unexampled. As an incident of historical interest, we have inserted an illustration of the " Clermont," as she appeared steam- ing up the Hudson, on the 17th of August, 1807, with Ful- ton, a few friends, and six passengers, having left on the shore an incredulous and jeering crowd of people. Her dimensions were : Length, 130 feet ; width, 18 feet ; depth, 7 feet ; burden, 160 tons. She was provided with an en- gine from Boulton & Watt's foundery, with a cylinder 2 feet in diameter and 4 feet stroke ; boiler, 20 feet long, 7 feet deep, and 8 feet broad. The diameter of the paddle- wheels was 15 feet ; boards, 4 feet long, and dipping 2 feet in the water. The American Citizen, of August 17, 1S07, says: " Mr. Fulton's ingenious steamboat, invented with a view to the navi- gation of the Mississippi, from New Orleans upward, sails to-day from the North River, near State's Prison, to Albany. The velocity of the steamboat is calculated at four miles an hour. It is said that it will make a progress of two against the current of the Mississippi, and, if so, it will certainly be a very valuable acquisition to the commerce of the Western States." On the return of the " Clermont " to New York, Mr. Fulton addressed the following letter : "New York, Avgv*t21, 1S07. " To the Editor of the American Citizen. " Sir : I arrived this afternoon, at four o'clock, in the steamboat from Albany. As the success of my experiment gives me great hope that 78 Til E ANCHOR LINE OF STEAMERS. such boats may be rendered of much importance to my country, to pre- vent erroneous opinions, and give satisfaction to the friends of these useful improvements, you will have the goodness to publish the follow- ing facts : " I left New York on Monday, at 1 o'clock, and arrived in Clermont, the seat of Chancellor Livingston, at 1 o'clock on Tuesday ; time, 24 hours; distance, 110 miles; on Wednesday I departed from the Chan- cellor's at 8 o'clock in the morning, and arrived at Albany at 5 in the afternoon; distance, 40 miles; time, 8 hours! The sum of this is 150 miles in 32 hours, equal near 5 miles an hour. " On Thursday, at 9 o'clock in the morning, I left Albany, and ar- rived at the Chancellor's at 6 in the evening. I started from thence at 7, and arrived in New York on Friday, at 4 in the afternoon ; time, 30 hours; spacs run through, 150 miles, equal to 5 miles an hour. Throughout the whole way, going and returning, the wind was ahead ; no advantage could be drawn from my sails. The whole has therefore bcL-n performed by the power of the steam-engine. " I am, sir, your most obedient, "Robert Fulton." In the year 1809 the first steamboat was launched on the St. Lawrence. The Quebec Mercury, in a transport of joy and excitement, thus heralds her arrival : "On Saturday morning, at eight o'clock, arrived here, from Mon- treal, being her first trip, the steamboat 'Accommodation,' with ten passengers. This is the first vessel of the kind that ever appeared in this harbor. She is continually crowded with visitants. She left Mon- treal on Wednesday, at two o'clock, so that her passage was sixty-six hours, thirty of which she was at anchor. She arrived at Three Rivers in twenty-four hours. She has at present berths for twenty passen- gers, which next year will be considerably augmented. No wind or tide can stop her. She has 75 feet keel, and 85 feet on deck. The price for a passage up is nine dollars, and eight down— the vessel sup- plying provisions. The great advantage attending a vessel so con- structed is, that a passage may be calculated on to a degree of cer- tainty, in point of time, which cannot be the case with any vessel propelled by sail only. The steamboat receives her impulse from an open, double-spoked, perpendicular wheel, on each side, without any circular band or rim. To the end of each double spoke is fixed a square board, which enters the water, and, by the rotary motion of the wheel, acts like a paddle. The wheels aro put and kept in motion by steam, operating within the vessel. A mast is to be fixed in her, for the purpose of using a sail when the wind is favorable, which will occasionally accelerate her headway." In the spring of 1813 the second steamboat was launched on the St. Lawrence, was 130 feet keel, 24 feet breadth of beam, and 140 feet in length upon deck, and made the time from Montreal to Quebec in 22£ hours, " notwithstand- ing that the wind was easterly the whole time and blowing strong." So surely swift was the " Swiftsure," that she beat the "Accommodation" 14 hours in a 36-hour race. How quaintly does the following advertisement, copied from a Canadian paper in 1822, now read ! "THE RICHMOND PACKET, Edward Oates, Master, Will regularly leave York for Niagara, Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, Returning on the alternate days, either in the morning or the evening, as the wind and passengers may suit." THE ANCHOR LINE OF STEAMERS. 70 The colonists of those days were a much more easy- going; set of folks than the busv bustling men of business in these times of steam and telegraphs. In 1786, the "Father of European Steam Navigation" had his mind strongly impressed with the idea of propelling- boats with paddles driven by steam-power; a few years later having become acquainted with a gentleman who had a pleasure-boat, he granted Bell permission to place a boiler with machines for the paddles on board. In 1800, Bell showed the British Government "the practicability and great utility of applying steam to the propelling of vessels against winds and tides, and every obstruction on rivers and seas, where there was depth of water," but the Lords of the Admiralty were of opinion that the plan prcposed would be of no value in promoting transmarine navigation ! In 1803, a second application resulted in no better support. Bell -then wrote to the American Government on the great im- portance of steam-navigation, and its admirable adaptation to those noble rivers, and they appointed Fulton to corre- spond with him. In 1801, Fulton was employed by his Government to proceed to England, and take drawings of cotton and other machinery. Bell gave him plans, drawings, and models of his intended steamboats, advised him to take, on his return, one of Boulton & Watt's engines, which sug- gestion he acted on, and in 1807 that same engine illustrated the folly of our grandfathers' proverb, "No man can sail against wind and tide." The success of Fulton infused fresh life into Bell, and he employed an eminent ship-builder to build for him a boat of 25 tons burden, and having himself made an engine of 3 horse-power to which he applied the paddles. After several experiments, this " fire-driven barque " was placed on the station between Glasgow, Greenock, and Helens- burgh, making five miles an hour. The following copy of an advertisement appeared in the Glasgow papers : "THE STEAMBOAT ' COMET,' Between Glasgow, Greenock, and Helensburgh. For Passengers only. 11 The subscriber having, at much expense, fitted up a handsome vessel to ply upon the river Clyde, from Glasgow, to sail by the power of air, wind, and steam, he intends that the vessel shall leave the Broomielaw on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, about mid-day, or such hour thereafter as may answer from the state of the tide; and to leave Greenock on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, io the morning, to suit the tide. "The elegance, safety, comfort, and speed of this vessel require only to be seen to meet the approbation of the public ; and the proprietor is determined to do every thing in his power to merit general support. The terms are for the present fixed at 4s. for the best cabin, and 3s. for the second; but beyond these rates nothing is to be allowed to servants, or any person employed about the vessel. '• Passengers by the ' Comet ' will receive information of the hours 11 of sailing, by applying at Mr. Houston's office, Broomielaw; or Mr. Thomas Blackney's, East Quay Head, Greeuock. "Hen'i:y Bell. " nELESSBCEGH Baths, August 5, 1812. " The expressiveness of "elegance, safety, comfort, and speed," as applied by Henry Bell to his little " Comet," has not been improved upon but has remained the favorite wording in all Star Zincs advertising. Little did Bell im- agine, when developing this new and mighty power, that he was giving to the fickleness of winds and the faithlessness of waves the certainty and steadiness of a highway upon the land, and to all nations keys to unlock every other king- dom on earth, to take our produce to every nation, and to bring in return the products of all climes. As a contrast, and to illustrate the progress made during the past sixty years, in building river-steamboats, we insert a sketch of the " Drew," built at New York, in 1866, to ply between New York and Albany, alternately with her con- sort the " St. John," and which is one of the most beautiful in appointments and decorations of any boat on the North Biver. This floating palace is a trifle smaller than the " St. John," and cost, delivered at the dock ready for service, a little over $800,000 ; is 366 feet 5 inches in length, 77 feet 5 inches in breadth, 10 feet 9 inches depth of hold, draught when loaded, 5 feet 6 inches, and registers 2,902 tons ; has 350 state-rooms, and can accommodate 1,000 sleeping pas- sengers. The New York press, in describing this steamer, said that, in point of workmanship and finish, she outrivalled all the other Hudson River steamers, and was so arranged that the most perfect ventilation was secured, as great pains had been taken to make the rooms large and airy. MAIN DECK AND LADIES' SALOON. Entering the boat at the after-gangway and passing aft, the ladies' saloon is entered. The fittings-up of the saloon are rosewood and black-walnut ; a row of fluted columns stand off from the berths, upon which are drawn fine dam- ask curtains. The berth-curtains are of lace. The ceiling, though highly ornamented, is not by any means gaudy, and the pale-green stripe forms a pleasing contrast to the eye. A passage leads from the saloon to the lower one, which we will describe as we pass from point to point. GEAND SALOON. Passing out of the ladies' saloon upon the main deck, which is very large and roomy, you ascend a broad stair- case of mahogany relieved with rosewood, the foot-boards being covered with a gold-colored composition. The grand saloon with its corridors contains 150 very fine state-rooms. Those from the stern to the forward part of the engine-hatch 80 THE A Xi'IloR LINE OE STEAMERS. are so arranged that two can be thrown into one ; these contain French bedsteads. The remainder of the rooms are single, and contain berths. There are two bridal state-rooms on each side, near the entrance of the saloon to the main deck ; these, when complete with their paintings and fit- tings, will be unequalled in the splendor and beauty of their appointments. The rooms are lighted with two gas-jets ; in fact, the whole boat is lighted with gas. At convenient intervals are situated the card and smoking rooms, which are fitted up tastefully and comfortably. The state-rooms, as well as all the rooms in the cabin, are decorated with black-walnut. The corridor-rooms are not quite so large as the lower saloon- rooms are, but their elevation gives them more advantages than can be enumerated. The pilot-house is perched high aloft, and contains two enormous wheals, which are over eleven feet in diameter. The view from there is command- ing in every quarter. Leaving the pilot-house, we pass down to the engine-room, where we find a cylinder 70 inches in diameter, and which works a piston with 14 feet stroke. The wheels are 40 feet in diameter. The wheel- houses are painted and moulded in perspective, and present a pleasing and novel view. THE CABIN, unlike most steamboats, has only 18 open berths, the space being occupied, instead, by neatly fitted-up rooms, so that the lower cabin contains 75 state-rooms, each having three berths. The plan is a good one, and will be duly appreci- ated by the travelling public, as everybody can have a state-room. The same rich style pervades this part of the boat, and many improvements have been made in locating the various departments of the steward's branch. The pantry is a model of convenience and well- planned arrangement. Immediately adjoining it is the kitchen, where are facilities for preparing the choicest dishes, in a quantity sufficient to meet the demands of the public, even if the boat is crowded. From the kitchen there is a stair- way leading up to the ice-house. The forward saloon is large and airy, and neatly fitted up. At the extreme fore-part of this saloon are two large rooms for the use of the waiters. All the saloons are lighted with gas, which is taken from the city gas-pipes and confined in two large tanks which are placed at the top of the hurricane-deck. Two large meters are located on the main-deck, and register the gas in each tank as it comes aboard. THE MAIN-DECK is spacious, and, besides large freight accommodations, she has ample room for the immigrants who are assigned quarters in the extreme fore-part of the boat. On the starboard side is located the donkey-engine room, where there is a power- THE ANCHOR LINE OF STEAMERS. 81 ful independent engine, whose duty it is to furnish power for the force-pumps in the case of fire. The " Drew " will be well provided for in this respect in the engineer's depart- ment. The addition of boats, life-preservers, and other pre- cautions, will render her a safe boat, one on which any one may feel a sense of security. The barber-shop is near the engine-room, the mate occupying a room near the dividing- line between the first-class and immigrant passengers. On the port-side are located the room of the baggage- master, mess-room for the crew, store-room, and ice-liouse. The latter is large, and on a new principle. The bar-room is a large room, very tastefully arranged, the floors being of alternate planks of oak and black-walnut. The whole arrangement of the boat, her fittings, etc., are in keeping with the age of progress. From keel to top of smoke-stack the " Drew " is a model boat. 9 HISTORY OF THE FIRST OCEAN-STEAMER. " Build me swift, 0 worthy master, Stanch and strong, a goodly vessel, That shall laugh at all disaster, And with wave and whirlwind wrestle." Lonokellow. It is but a little over half a century since the first steam- ship crossed the ocean, and to certain of the citizens of Savannah, Georgia, the world is indebted for her construc- tion. She was built in New York, and finished in Febru- ary, 1819, was 3)0 tons burden, clipper built, full rigged, and propelled by one inclined, direct-acting, low-pressure engine, similar to those now in use. The size of her cylin- der was 40 in. in diameter, with 0 ft. stroke, and carried 20 lbs. steam. The paddles were of wrought-iron, with only one flange, and entirely uncovered. They were so at- tached to the shaft that their removal and shipment on deck could be accomplished in from 15 to 20 minutes, without occasioning the slightest inconvenience. She had two su- perb and elegant cabins for passengers — ladies' and gentle- men's — the two being separated, and both handsomely fur- nished. All her berths, 32 in number, were state-rooms, and provided with every comfort. Her speed without sails is set down at 5 knots, though vessels that passed her under steam and sail, in her voyage across the Atlantic, reported her movements at from 9 to 10 knots. ' The " Savannah " left New York for Savannah on 28th March, 1819, and arrived in that port on 6th April. Her arrival we And thus chronicled in the RepvhU can of the 7th April, 1819 : "The steamship ' Savannah ' arrived at our port last evening, after a boisterous passage of seven days from New York. On her approach to the city, hundreds of citizens flocked to the banks of the river, and while she ascended saluted her with long and loud huzzas! The utmost confidence is placed in her security. It redounds much to the honor of Savannah when it is said that it was owing to the enterprise of some of her spirited citizens that the first attempt was made to cross the Atlantic Ocean in a vessel propelled by steam. We sincerely hope the owners may reap a rich reward for their splendid and laudable under- taking." The" Savannah" left that port for an excursion-trip to Charleston on the 14th of April, and returned on the 30th of the same month. The Republican of the 4th May has the following announcement : " PASSAGE TO NEW YORK. " The steamship 'Savannah,' Captain Rogers, will make one trip to New York, previous to her departure for Liverpool, should a sufl - cieut number of passengers offer, and will be ready to proceed in th" THE ANCHOR LINE OF STEAMERS. course of this week or commencement of the next. Apply on hoard, at Taylor's Wharf, or to Scaebkough & McKinne.". But few or no passengers offering, she, on the 11th May, took an excursion party dow n to Tybee and the forts, returning to the city late in the afternoon. In the Repub- lican of May 19th, we find the following advertisement : " FOR LIVERPOOL. "The steamship 'Savannah,' Captain Rogers, will, without fail, proceed for Liverpool direct, to-morrow, 20th inst. Passengers, if any offer, can be well accommodated. Apply on board." No passengers, however, offered ; and, according to prom- ise, the steamer weighed anchor on 20th May, and set out on her voyage for Liverpool direct, an experiment hitherto untried in the history of the world. On June 20th, after a voyage of 31 days, the " Savannah"' came to anchor in the port of Liverpool. During her passage she worked her en- gine 18 days — it being found necessary, on so long a voyage, to economize fuel. She used pitch-pine ; the use of coal in American steamers not having been introduced at that day. On nearing Liverpool, the more effectually to astonish the Britishers, the wheels were restored to the shafts, all sails set, and she went into the Mersey amid the wildest astonish- ment of all beholders. After remaining at Liverpool a month, she sailed for St. Petersburg, her original destination, where Captain Rogers and his strange craft were received with every demonstra- tion of respect and admiration. She remained at St. Peters- burg for several weeks, then, turning her course westward, the bold little ship arrived in Savannah as she left it — in ballast — November 30th, after a voyage of 50 days from St. Petersburg, all well, and, to use Captain Rogers's own language, " neither a screw, bolt, nor rope-yarn parted," al- though she experienced very rough weather. 83 In the month of December, the steamer visited Wash- ington City, where she astonished the "collective wisdom," and thence went to New York. Soon after her return to New York, the " Savannah " was divested of her steam apparatus, converted into a packet-ship of the same name, and ran for some years be- tween Savannah and New York. Her final fate was a sad one. In one of her trips from Savannah to New York she was driven ashore, in a storm, on Long Island, and went to pieces. The Canadians claim for their country the credit and honor of the first ocean-transit by steam, alleging that the " Savannah " could hardly be called a steamship, because her paddle-wheels could be removed and present no impedi- ment to her sailing powers ; that after steaming a few days her paddle-wheels were unshipped, and taken on deck, the remainder of the distance having been performed under can- vas ; and that it neither demonstrated the utility, nor solved the problem of ocean steam-navigation, but, on the con- trary, if any thing was proved, it was the non adaptation of steam for oceanic traversing, as, on the return of the " Savannah," she was converted into a sailing-ship, and the further prosecution of placing a locomotive pathway on the ocean abandoned, until 12 years later, in 1831, the steam- ship " Royal William " was built at Three Pi vers, in the Province of Quebec, was 160 feet long, 44 feet broad, and 17 feet 9 inches depth of hold, and registered 363 tons — sailed from Quebec August 5, 1833, for London, put into Pictou, and arrived at Gravesend about 16th September, in 25 days from latter port. She was afterward sold to and employed by the Spanish or Portuguese Government as a ship-of-war. CONDENSED HISTORY OF ATLANTIC STEAM NAVIGATION. " Whosoever commands the sea, commands the trade of the world the world and consequently the world itself." — Sir Walter Raleigh. Young persons who are accustomed to see the fleets of ocean-steamers which go in and out of our harbors, and to read of the numbers which are constantly passing from the various ports of one continent to those of the other, can scarcely believe that thirty-five years ago the crossing of the ocean, by steam alone, was considered utterly impracticable, and that it is only thirty-four years since the first steamship from Europe entered our waters. The rush of events is so incessant and impetuous that the great changes which are taking place in commerce soon pass out of mind, and the history of ten or twenty years ago, when minutely recalled, has something of the romance of the history of another age. To many, and indeed to all, an account of the first success- ful experiments in crossing the ocean by steam for commer- cial purposes will be interesting, and suggestive of other achievements that are to come. In the year 1815 a steamboat made a passage from Glas- gow to London, and in 1818 one plied between New York and New Orleans, but the first application of steam-power to the purposes of oceanic locomotion was in 1818-'19, when several citizens of Savannah had constructed in New York whosoever commands the trade of the world, commands the riches of a steamer of 300 tons burden, and which vessel left Savan- nah on May 20th, arriving in Liverpool June 20th, after 18 days' steaming, and 13 days' sailing. Novelty and adventurous daring, more than any thing else, have rendered celebrated this first experiment in ocean steam-navigation. As a useful or profitable speculation, it was a complete failure ; nor can it be even said that the re- sult of the attempt was at all indicative of eventual success. It was a simple incident, and led to no practical results. The carriage of a cargo, insuring remunerative freights, was impossible in the case of a vessel which could scarcely contain within herself the supplies requisite for a single voyage : so incredulous of the powers of man's ingenuity and perseverance were even well-informed minds, that, for years after the date of the experiment we have mentioned, many eminently scientific men declared impossible the re- moval of this fatal objection to ocean steam-navigation. But, like many other prophecies which have been made regarding the limits of human performance, the one now referred to proved totally incorrect. The difficulties con- nected with this arduous undertaking, which, in 1819, and THE ANCHOR LINE OF STEAMERS. 85 for years afterward, appeared so immense, and wellnigh in- surmountable, were at length fairly and forever removed by the successful Transatlantic experiments of 1S38. It was so late as 1S36 that the crossing of the Atlantic Ocean, by steam-power alone, began to be seriously dis- cussed. Those who looked at the subject from the scien- tific point of view, and discussed it philosophically, tery generally gave a verdict against it ; and even practical men, who had been engaged in the navigation of the Mediterra- nean, and other short voyages, were almost unanimous in asserting that it could not be done, or, at least, that it could not be made commercially advantageous. The nicest calculations, based on established principles and facts, were made to demonstrate the impracticability of the proposi- tion. The following is a specimen of the reasoning, founded upon the use of steam in the government service of Great Britain : " To accomplish a voyage of the same length as that across the Atlantic, two tons of coal will be used for each horse-power of the engines ; that is to say, if the en- gines are of 300 horse-power, they will consume 600 tons of fuel before they reach the terminus of a 3,000-mile voyage. But a spare supply must also be carried, to provide against accident or delay ; so that the quantity must be raised to 700 tons. On the other hand, if the tonnage ot the vessel be more than four times its horse-power, the latter will be inadequate to its propulsion at the ordinai'v rate of steam- ships. The tonnage of the vessel, therefore, could not ex- ceed 1,200, and, after making allowance for cabins, machin- ery, boilers, ship's stores, etc., the space left for fuel would not contain more than 500 tons, which would all be con- sumed before the vessel arrived within 500 miles of the At- lantic coast." Probably nothing did more to settle the question of the impracticability of ocean steam-navigation, in the minds of scientific men, than the essay of a celebrated natural phi- losopher, who had made the steam-engine one of his studies for life, who proved to a demonstration that, in order suc- cessfully to cross the Atlantic, a steamer must either have a tender, with a fresh supply of coal, or have a depot some- where in mid-ocean. But his essay did not convince prac- tical men, and it had scarcely been received and read, in this country, before it was followed by the pioneers in the mighty fleet of steamers which have ever since been crowd- ing the great thoroughfare of the nations. While the phi- losophers were proving to their own satisfaction that the Atlantic could not be crossed by steam, some practical men were engaged in constructing, at Bristol, a steamship — which, for that day, was considered quite gigantic, and, on that account, was to be called the " Great Western " — which should set at rest the discussion by proving whether the thing could be done or not. She was finished in the spring of 1838, and was announced to sail for Xew York on the 8th of April. She had a deck 230 feet long; she was nearly 60 feet wide; her paddle-wheels were 28 feet in diameter, and her paddles 10 feet long. The horse-power of her engines was 450 ; the weight of her boilers and ma- chinery was 300 tons, and her carrying tonnage 1,340. This was regarded, at that time, as an immense vessel, al- though small compared with numbers of steamships con- structed since, and her very size awakened apprehensions in regard to her safety. She was fitted up with great ele- gance, and every temptation to passengers to make the voy- age in her was presented, but with little effect. Only sev- en were booked for the trial-trip. In the mean time, a plucky little rival had been preparing for a contest with the a Great Western," for the honor of first crossing the ocean. The " Sirius," a small steamship, built to ply between Lon- don and Cork, actually got the start, and, leaving the latter port, was three days at sea before the " Great Western " sailed. The " Sirius " left Cork on the 5th of April, 1838, and the " Great Western " left Bristol on the 8th. Both ships were bound for Xew York, and it is not a little re- markable that the first experiment of crossing the Atlantic, in this manner, should be in reality a trial of speed between two steamers. Nor has there been a much more hotly-con- tested, or a more exciting race, on the ocean since that time. The " Sirius " steamed out of port in the very teeth of a strong westerly wind, and a hard time she had of it during the first few days of the voyage. The elements seemed to have conspired to oppose her progress. First it blew a strong gale from the west that raised a heavy sea ; then the wind chopped round, until it had completely boxed the com- pass, and tried all its power in fresh gales ; and then it blew as strong as ever from the west, as if to make a last effort to stop the course of the gallant little ship. But all was of no avail. The " Sirius " held on her way right valiantly, and, getting lightened of her coal, she gained speed, until she reached 218 miles a day, and, on the morning of the 23d of April, she reached our harbor. The " Great Western " was on a stern-chase, which is always a long chase, but, from the first day out until the end of her voyage, she per- formed nobly. She made 10 miles an hour the second day, and her daily average speed, during the entire voyage, was 211 miles. She thus gained rapidly upon her competitor, but the three days' start decided the question, and th6 " Great Western " entered the harbor on the afternoon ot the same day as the " Sirius," being thus only a few hours behind. The time occupied by these two vessels, in their voyages out, was 18|- and 14£ days respectively. Although THE ANCHOR LINE OF STEAMERS. 86 the duration of their passages was thus widely different, both vessels consumed, as nearly as possible, the same quan- tity of fuel, namely, 453 tons. The " Sirius " had exactly this quantity of coal on board when she left Cork, and would have entered New York harbor without a particle of this precious commodity remaining, had she not used, toward the end of her journey, as an equivalent for 23 tons of coal, 43 barrels of rosin. The first fruitful steam-voyage across the Atlantic was made by the " Sirius." Like its namesake in the heavens, the " Sirius " was, upon the wa- ters, a star of the first magnitude ; and, at this distance of time, we can say that its appearance did not herald the ma- lign influences popularly ascribed to the greater dog-star, but that this "Sirius" upon the Atlantic resembled the summer rising of Sirius upon the Nile, the harbinger of overflowing prosperity on either shore. Yery many will remember the excitement which pre- vailed in New York when the time drew nigh for the arrival of the " Great Western," as the date of her sailing had been previously advertised. There was much incredulity in re- gard to the success of the experiment ; and few, perhaps, had any strong confidence that she would ever turn up on this side of the water. But every day crowds were on the Battery looking out for the first signs of her appearance, and when, on the morning of the 23d of April, a smoke was descried in the distance, the anxiety to know whether it was the steamer was quickened, and when one actually appeared, and began to loom up as no ordinary craft had done in our waters before, the excitement became intense. The report soon spread through the city, the crowd increased, and, when the "Sirius" sailed up and quietly dropped her anchor in the North River, cheer upon cheer rent the air. The same excitement was renewed in the afternoon upon the arrival of the " Great Western." Streaming with flags, and crowd- ed with people who had gone on board, the " Sirius" lay waiting the arrival of her competitor, and, as the " Great Western " steamed in, three hearty cheers were given by all on board, and a salute of twenty-six guns was fired from the Battery. As the vessel drew up to the dock, says the journal of one of the seven passengers, "boats crowded round us in countless confusion, flags were flying, guns fir- ing, and bells ringing. The vast multitude sent up a shout, a long enthusiastic cheer, echoed from point to point, and from boat to boat, till it seemed as though they never would have done." This was only thirty-four years ago, and now steamships are crossing the ocean in such numbers that it has become like a grand ferry, in which steamers are almost jostling one another, and a broken voyage is a rare occur- rence. The result of this experiment in ocean-navigation has taught us this important lesson, that no enterprise must be pronounced impracticable until it has been actually and effectually tried. The year 1838 was, therefore, a memorable one in the history of steam-navigation, and at that time no mind could have conceived, no man would have dared to utter the pre- diction that, in the year 1872, one thousand steamers would leave European for American shores, and a like number leave America for Europe. Yet, such is the fact. Not only on the Atlantic, but on every sea and ocean, the steamer is rap- idly displacing the sailing-vessel. The splendid frigate-ship, the pride of the old East India Company, and the beautiful American-China clipper, whose performances were the talk the world over, have nearly all disappeared before the en- croaching steamer. The improvements in steaming have fully kept up with its expansion. Efficiency in construc- tion has been so much improved, and the consumption of fuel so greatly lessened by new inventions connected with engines, that the longest routes can be traversed without stopping for coals, while passengers can be insu-red fresh provisions for the whole voyage. The substitution of the screw for the paddle-wheel, and the superseding of wood by iron in the construction of the hulls, have materially aided to accomplish this result. But, as " we are bound to maintain that the art of invention is capable of growing, as inventions do," more will yet be accomplished. The substitution of gaseous, subtile, or liquid fuel for coal, and the combination of more economical engines, with a lighter material for the hulls, such as steel, will, in a short time, entirely re-revolutionize the ocean-carrying trade of the world. Notwithstanding our maritime character, and the unequalled facilities we possess for utilizing these im- provements in ocean-navigation, and adding to them by the natural ingenuity of our people, it is most provoking to think that all should be rendered nugatory through false legislation having left us no " portion in Israel." We will now give a brief account of each of the early attempts at establishing steam communication between Britain and America, taking each company in its chrono- logical order; and, first, the BRITISH AND AMERICAN STEAM NAVIGATION COMPANY. This company's chartered steamer " Sirius " was the first steamer to successfully steam across the Atlantic, and was chartered that this company might have the honor of " being the first in the field." After the return from her memorable voyage to New York, she was delivered to her owners, replaced on the trade originally intended, and in which she had previously been employed, and afterward lost — the station between London and Cork. About the middle of 1838 there was laid down, on the THE ANCHOR LINE OF STEAMERS. 87 banks of the Thames, the keel of a transatlantic steamer, whose gigantic proportions formed, for a long time after her construction, a theme of speculation and general astonish- ment, even greater than did the building of the " Great Eastern " twenty years later. The hull of the " British Queen " — for it is to her we now refer — was completed in the spring of 1839, when she was brought down to the Clyde, where her machinery was constructed by the late Robert Napier, whose celebrity as a marine engineer had been already established by the successful performances of numerous large coasting-steamers, and whose name now stands associated with the most splendid triumphs in ocean- ic locomotion which the skill of the mechanician has ever yet achieved. From figure-head to taffrail the " British Queen " measured 275 feet — that is, 35 feet more than the " Great "Western," the largest Atlantic steamer then exist- ing. Her breadth of beam, exclusive of paddle-boxes, was 30 feet, and, including paddle-boxes, 61 ; her depth of hold, 27 feet ; and her engines were of 500 horse-power ; her bur- den 2,016 tons, and her cost three hundred thousand dollars. The " British Queen " started on her first trip from Ports- mouth on the 12th July, 1839, with a full complement of passengers, a crew of 100 men, 800 tons of goods, and 600 tons of coal. There was said to have been afloat in her, when leaving the harbor, property to the value of seven and a half million dollars. She reached New York after a sood passage of 14£ days. Before the conclusion of the year, she made five more voyages, two out and three home. The for- mer were performed in 17 and 20|- days respectively ; the latter in 13|, 13f, and 22£ days. In 1810 she made five voyages to and five voyages from New York, yet, from want of patronage, the company re- solved, in 1841, to sell her, which they did to the Belgian Government. This company built and fitted up at Blackwall the " Pres- ident," a steamer, in size and general dimensions, much re- sembling her consort, the " British Queen " — had two fun- nels, and sat high out of water. She made but three voy- ages across the Atlantic. Her first trip out to America was a tedious one. On her return-passage, which commenced on the 2d November, 1840, she encountered very severe weather; and after being out three days, during which time she had consumed a large portion of her coal, and made but very little way, she was obliged to return to New York to ob- tain a fresh supply of fuel. On the second attempt she made Liverpool after a rough and protracted passage of seventeen days. Her outward voyage to the United States, in Febru- ary, 1841, was her last. On the 10th of March of that year the "President " left New York for Liverpool with twenty- three passengers on board, and up to this day no satisfactory 12 intelligence hae been received regarding her fate. The only ship that reported having seen her was a Portuguese brig, which, on 23d April, 1841, while in lat. 31 N., and long. 40 W., saw a very large steamer, under sails, going at the rate of three or four miles an hour. No smoke issued from the funnels, and the paddle-wheels were not in motion. The captain of the brig saw the steamer both on that and on the following day, and even approached within three or four miles of her while pursuing his own homeward route. She did not hail the brig, nor did she appear to be at all in a dis- abled state. A British man-of-war and two Portuguese ves- sels were sent to cruise in search of the " President," but without success, and all hope for her safety was abandoned ; and so ended the fate of this pioneer of transatlantic steam companies. Before closing this short sketch, we will copy what the New York Courier and Enquirer, of April 23, 1838, said of the arrival of the first steamship. "akeival of a steamee feom eueope. " Seven days later from London — Six days later from Liverpool. "Last night our news schooner 'Eclipse ' boarded the steamer 'Si- rius,' Lieutenant Richard Roberts, R. N., Commander, from Cork, whence she sailed on the 4th instant. She has performed the voyage without any accident, save a slight one which befell her on coming in the Hook, where she grounded. Since her departure, she has used only fresh water in her boilers, having on board Mr. Hall's condensing apparatus." The Marine News reported : " Steam-packet £ Skins,' Roberts, from Cork, sailed April 4th, with 46 passengers, etc., to Wadsworth & Smith. The ' Sirius ' went ashore on the point of the Hook last evening, about 10 o'clock. She will not sustain any damage, and will be got off on the ris- ing tide." The same paper contains the following adver- tisement : " British Steam-packet Ship for London, to sail from New York, May 1, 1838. The New and Powerful Steamship, 'SIEIUS,' 700 Tons Burthen and 320 Horse -Power, Lieutenant R. Roberts, Commander, is intended to sail from London, March 28th, touching at Cork, and thence, on the 2d of April, for this port, returning from New York to London on the 1st of May. " This vessel has superior accommodation, and is fitted with separate cabins, for the accommodation of families, to whom every possible at- tention will be given. " Cabin, $140, including provisions, wines, etc. " Second Cabin, $80, including provisions. "This superior steamship has been chartered by the Directors of the British & American Steam Navigation Company, of London, to meet the pressing demands of the public, in anticipation of the steamship 'British Queen,' now building, is a new vessel, about sis months old, and has proved herself superior to any steam-vessel in British waters, in speed and seaworthy qualities. "Further information afforded on application; and, for freight and passage, apply to Wadswobth & Smith, " 4 Jones Lane (rear, 103 Front Street), " Agents of the British <£• American Steam Navigation Company.' 1 '' ss THE ANCHOR LINE OF STEAMERS. GREAT WESTERN STEAM NAVIGATION COMPANY. Few persons in these days are aware of Low much the world is indebted to the adventurous merchants who, in the face of all the predictions as to its impossibility, successfully worked out the problem of ocean steam-navigation. When they first proposed to send a steam-vessel across the Atlantic, scientific men, who were looked up to as authorities on the point, declared that, if attempted, it would be found quite impracticable. Despite this opinion, however, these spir- ited merchants determined to try the experiment, and forth- with laid down the keel of a steamer, which it was their intention to send over the ocean at all hazards. "While the ship was being built, it happened that the British Associa- tion for the Advancement of Science met at Bristol, and one of its members demonstrated, theoretically, that a steam- voyage direct to New York would be quite impracticable ; in fact, the chairman offered to eat the boiler of the first steamer that accomplished such a feat ! The mathema- tician alluded to computed that, for each horse-power of steam, one ton of coal would be required for every 1,425 miles. " Taking this as a basis of the calculation," said he, " and allowing one-fourth of a ton of coal per horse-power as spare fuel, the tonnage necessary for the fuel and ma- chinery on a voyage from England to New York would be 3.70 tons per horse-power, which, for a vessel with engines of 400 horse-power, would be 1,400 tons." Now, as the ship referred to was only intended to be 1,200 tons burden, the voyage was demonstrably impracticable. The owners, however, placed more confidence in the practical skill of their engineers and ship-builders than in the theoretical calculations of the philosopher. The steamer was completed, with the following dimensions : Length, 230 feet ; breadth, including paddle-boxes, 58 feet 4 inches ; depth of hold, 23 feet, the vessel, when laden, drawing 16 feet of water. The paddle-wheels were 28 feet in diameter, each paddle-board being 10 feet long. There were two en- gines of 225 horse-power each, weighing together 200 tons, the boilers — of which there were four — 100 tons additional. Instead of 1,200 tons, as at first intended, the tonnage had been increased to 1,340 tons. The total cost of the ship was $300,000. When ready for sea she was freighted. Seven adventurous persons became passengers, and on the 8th day of April, 1838, the " Great Western" started from Bristol to solve the great problem of ocean steam-naviga- tion. This new wonder of the deep pursued her voyage without interruption, and arrived off New York on the afternoon of St. George's Day, having performed the voy- age in the unprccedcntedly short space of 15 days 10 hours. Instead of the 1,400 tons of coal which it was predicted the "Great Western" would have to burn, she only con- sumed 450 tons. The distance ran was 3,111 nautical miles. Having remained a fortnight in New York, the "Great Western " started on the 7th day of May on her homeward voyage, when, at the lowest computation, 100,000 New- Yorkers turned out to witness her departure. Sixty -six passengers had courage to venture in her. After steaming for exactly a fortnight, and over 3,218 nautical miles, she arrived at Bristol on the 22d of May. An immense multi- tude assembled to welcome her back into King's Road, which they did with tremendous cheering. Thus the great problem of crossing the Atlantic by steam was solved in spite of the winds, the waves, and the philosophers. The " Great Western " sailed from Bristol until 1842, when her port of departure was changed to Liverpool, and remained so until the dissolution of the company in 1848, when she was sold to the West India Mail Company. Her voyages, on the whole, were performed with regularity ; with an average western passage of 15 days, and 13| to the east- ward. In 1839 this spirited company made another bold ex- periment with two " new departures." In the case of steam- ers hitherto built, wood was the material of which they were constructed, and paddle-wheels the mechanical con- trivance by which motion was imparted to them ; but this company ordered a then leviathan steamer, 100 feet longer than their longest, to be built of iron, and be propelled by means of an archimedean screw. The "-Great Britain," for such was the name of this ship, was originally intended to be a paddle-steamer, but the company having been unable to induce any forge-master to undertake the forgings re- quired for the paddle - shafts, necessity compelled the adoption of the screw-propeller. 1 Although she was begun in 1839, and was so far finished as to be launched on July 19, 1843, yet she was imprisoned in Cumberland Dock, Bristol, during several months, owing to the locks being narrower than the ship. The directors of the Dock Com- pany having at length widened the locks, she was, on De- cember 12, 1844, released from her long and ludicrous durance, and early in 1845 steamed round to London on a trial-trip, proving her to be a very swift boat. Her dimen- sions were : length, 274.2 feet; breadth, 48.2 feet; depth, 31.5 feet ; G masts ; gross tonnage, 2,975 tons ; engines 1,000 horse-power, driving a six-bladed propeller of solid iron, 15 feet 6 inches in diameter. Berths were provided for 3G0 cabin passengers, and besides room for her complement of stores, including coal, was capable of carrying 1,000 tons of cargo. "Looking at the ' Great Britain ' in a commercial point of THE ANCHOR LINE OF STEAMERS. 89 view," said the journals of that day, " much doubt exists as to whether a sufficient number of passengers and a sufficient quantity of goods can be collected to make her rapid voy- ages to New York profitable. Whether the ' Great Brit- ain ' will prove a profitable vessel to her owners, time can only determine." She made at that time but two passages across the Atlantic ; her last departure from Liverpool for New York took place on September 22, 1846, when she had on board 185 passengers and a very considerable cargo, and that night ran ashore in Dundrum Bay, where, after lying a year, she was purchased for a small sum, got off, refitted and prepared for active service, and is now (1872) engaged in the Liverpool and Melbourne trade. In 1848 the company dissolved, confirming that the trite saying, that " the first projectors of an undertaking for the benefit of mankind never reap any of its benefits," was no less true of the Great Western Steam Navigation Company, the first in the field to have steamers built expressly for the Trans- atlantic trade. The New York Courier and Enquirer of April 24, 1838, said : "The great experiment of crossing tlie Atlantic by steam has now been fairly tested, and may be declared completely successful. We announced yesterday morning the arrival of the ' Sirius,' in 18 days, from Cork ; we have now the pleasure of recording the arrival of the ' Great Western,' under the command of Lieutenant Hosken, of the Royal Navy, in 15 days from Bristol. The excitement produced in our community by these novel events was general and intense. " The ' Sirius ' anchored in the North River soon after dawn. Dur- ing the whole day the Battery and Castle Garden were thronged, and boats were continually putting off from the wharves to gratify the more carious with a nearer view of the noble vessel. "It was about 3 o'clock in the afternoon when the ' Great Western ' passed the Battery, in a style that displayed her to great advantage, followed by the cheers of the multitude which had collected to witness and greet her approach. , " What may be the ultimate fate of this excitement — whether or not the expenses of equipment and fuel will admit of the employment of these vessels in the ordinary packet service, we cannot pretend to form an opinion ; but of the entire feasibility of the passage of the Atlantic by steam, as far as regards safety, convenience, comfort, and dispatch, even in the roughest and most boisterous weather, the most skeptical must now cease to doubt." The advertisement of this line was as follows : "British Steam Packet-Ship GREAT WESTERN, James Hosken, E. N., Commander, Having arrived yesterday from Bristol, which place she left on the 8th inst., at noon, will sail from New York for Bristol on Monday, 7th May, at 2 o'clock p. m. " She takes no Steerage Passengers. Rates in the Cabin, including Wines and Provisions of every kind, 30 guineas ; a whole State-room for one person, 50 guineas. Steward's fee for each passenger, £1 10*. sterling. Children under 13 years of age, half-price. No charge for Letters or Papers. The Captain and Owners will not be liable for any Package, unless a Bill of Lading has been given for it. One to two hundred tons can be taken at the lowest current rates. " Passage or freight may be engaged, a plan of cabin may be seen, and further particulars learned, by applying to " Richard Ievin, 98 Front Street." As in this sketch is given the history of the first Atlan- tic screw-steamer, it may be a fitting place to record a notice of the first screw-steamer. The principle of screw- propulsion by machinery working in a similar manner to the well-known Archimedean screw had long occupied the thoughts and ingenuity of scientific men, and likewise of first-class ship-builders and engineers. The value and practicability of this new mode of applying steam as a motive power was warmly debated ; but in 1840 the theoretical controversy was decided by the appearance in the Mersey of the screw-steamer " Archimedes," of 240 tons, and, on a trial of speed, beating two of the swiftest river steamers. This creditable performance exercised an important influence, not only in Liverpool, but on the mer- cantile and general navigation of the world. The principle of the screw-propeller, however, gradually established itself, and screw-steamers were built and em- ployed in considerable numbers in the coasting trades and in short sea-voyages, but it was deemed a hazardous experiment to trust them across the Atlantic, especially in the winter months. The experiment, however, was made, and, in 1845-46, the " Great Britain " crossed the Atlantic ; but, on her second trip, and before attempting a winter voyage, was stranded on the coast of Ireland. In 1850 the " City of Glasgow " was launched, and made several summer voy- ages between Glasgow and New York ; and in the winter of 1850-'51 accomplished the first winter voyage ever made by a screw-steamer across the Atlantic Ocean, effecting a great and economical revolution in steam navigation, and which has entirely superseded the use of ocean-going pad- dle-wheel steamers. TRANSATLANTIC STEAMSHIP COMPANY. Contemporaneously with the preceding companies a third was formed, and two steamships, the " Royal William " and the " Liverpool," were placed on the berth, and in the same year (1838) commenced plying between England and America. The ports of departure of these three separate Transatlantic companies were Portsmouth, Bristol, and Liverpool respectively; but, latterly, the superior advan- tages of the Mersey as a starting-point for American vessels became apparent, and Portsmouth and Bristol were aban- doned. The " Boyal William " belonged to, and was chartered from, the City of Dublin Steam-Packet Company, and had been engaged for a year in the trade between Liverpool and Dublin, was 617 tons burden and 276 horse-power, left Liverpool for New York with passengers only on July 5th, and returned August 19th. Her outward passage was per- formed in nineteen days, and her homeward in fourteen and 90 THE ANCHOR LINE OF STEAMERS. a half (lavs. She had the honor of being the first steamer from Liverpool to cross the Atlantic. It is also claimed for her that she was the first steamer built in water-tight sec- tions ; probably the pretensions are well-founded, but build- ing ships with water-tight compartments was by no means a new principle. In 1795 Sir Samuel Bentham built for the Admiralty seven vessels with water-tight compartments. It has also been ascertained that ancient galleys had been built with compartments independent of each other ; and the Chinese have always constructed their clumsy vessels upon the same plan. On July 25, 1838, the New York papers contained the following advertisement : " British Steamship ROYAL WILLIAM, 617 Tons, Captain Swainson, K. N., Commander. " This fine Steamer, Laving lately arrived, will be dispatched again for Liverpool on Saturday, 4th August, at 4 p. m. She is only sixteen months old, and from her peculiar construction, being divided into five sections, each water-tight, she is considered one of the safest boats in England. "Her accommodations are capacious, and well arranged for comfort. The price of passage is fixed at $140, for which wines and stores of all kinds will be furnished. Letters will be taken at the rate of 25 cents for the single sheet, and in proportion for larger ones, or one dollar per ounce weight. " For further particulars, apply to Abkaiiam Bell & Co. ; or, Jacob LTaevet, 28 Pine Street." And, on July 26, 1838, the following letter from Mr. James C. Shaw, Marine Manager of the Company, which we copy as containing several items of interest: " ' Eotal William ' Steamship, New Yobk Haeboe, July 24, 183S. "Sir: As the American public took so much interest in the success of the 'Sirius'and 1 Great "Western,' showing, by the kind reception they gave the commanders of those vessels, how sincerely the people of the United States were gratified at the solution of the great problem of crossing the Atlantic by ships propelled by machinery, I am confident I shall add still more to the public gratification, and more particularly to that of the scientific portion of the population, by giving a concise statement of the result of the ' Boyal "William's ' voyage from Liver- pool. " The ship left the river Mersey at G.30 p. m., on the 5th of July, and arrived at her anchorage here at 5.35 r. m\, of tho 24th of July, being 18 days 23 hours on the passage ; but, if I deduct 3£ hours, during which timo her machinery was stopped for the purpose of attaching new packing, etc., when nine days from Liverpool, the total time occu- pied in steaming was 18 days 19i hours, and that without any intermis- sion in working the machinery. From pilot to pilot she was 18 days 19 hours. Tho 'Royal William' is 276 horse-power, on the condens- ing principle. She has three separate circular boilers, worked at a pressure under 8 lbs. to the inch, and the steam is economized by ex- pansive valves. During the entire voyago across tho Atlantic, the average expansion was 19 inches of a 66-inch stroke, and her total con- sumption of fuel was 351 tons 2 cwt. 2 qrs., from anchorage to anchor- age, leaving a sufficient quantity on board for 600 miles additional steam- ing, having still in her hold 59 tons 7 cwt. She has worked tho whole distance at an average of 2 cwt. 11 lbs. per mile, or, going more into scientific detail, 6 lbs. 4 oz. per horse-power per hour — a result I be- lieve unprecedented, at least in Europe. "Leaving England in the middle of summer, it may be said that her voyago has been long, and that her predecessors did more than she has done. To prevent such an erroneous opinion going forth to the world, I give below a detailed statement of the different winds she encoun- tered on tho passage — winds as adverse as any winter season generally produces ; and, as proof that the Atlantic has been visited with west- erly gales, I beg to state that, in Lat. 42°, Long. 61°, we overtook the ' Sir David Kenjp,' out 58 days from Dundee. In Lat. 40° 29', Long. 68° 18/ we passed the ' Hibernia,' which vessel left Liverpool on the 17th Juno, 18 days before the 'Royal William. ' The undernamed packets have not yet reached New York, and, as their usual passages are much shorter than that they arc now on, nothing can show more clearly the adverse weather in tho Atlantic for vessels coming to the westward. 'North America' ' Left June 10 'Eoscoe' " " 24 ' William C. Nye ' " " 2G 'Louisville' " " 26 "Total time of tho ' Royal "William ' between Liverpool and New York, 18 days 23 hours. "Winds blew from — Northwest to southwest 11 days 11 hours. " " north 2 " IT " Southwest " south 2 " — " Easterly 1 " 17 " Calm 1 " 2 " IS days 23 hours. " Now, as the course from Cape Clear to New York is about west by north, it is evident that tho 'Royal "William' had to contend against 11J days of opposing winds — that is to say, those blowing between' southwest and northwest ; and, as it frequently blew gales, I trust some credit will be given to the vessel which has opposed them success- fully. For the last eleven days she had no opportunity of setting her foresail or fore-topsail. As a proof of her capabilities of speed, it is only necessary to give the result of the last seven days she was at sea, during part of which time she had 56 hours of head-winds : Noon ending July IS 206 miles. " " 19 240 " » " 20 182 « " " 21 1T9 " " '' 22 280 " « " 28 288 " » " 24 -. 289 " Total in 7 days t]SL4 miles. "The above are by observations. By dead reckoning she ran 257 miles on the 19th, and 257 on the 23d. The ' Royal William ' is fitted up witli water-tight bulkheads, which, by dividing the hull into five compartment?, render it perfectly safe under almost any circumstances, certainly from collision or fire. This plan of dividing the vessel into sections was originally adopted by Mr. C. "W. Williams of Liverpool, to whom the public are indebted for so great a means of preservation to human life, and which has gained him in England the applause of the people at large. " The ' Royal William ' belongs to the City of Dublin Company, established in 1824, to run steamers between Liverpool, Dublin, and Belfast. They have a fleet of seventeen vessels employed in the Irish Channel, which make annually above 1,000 voyages, and, from the pe- culiar care used in their construction, and from almost daily inspection, not an accident has occurred to endanger life during a period of 14 years. " The experience derived from the managing director has led parties in the United Kingdom to solicit their assistance in the formation of a company to run steamers of a large class betwoen Liverpool and New York, and, in consequence of that assistance being afforded, progress has been made, subscribers have come forward, and two vessels, of 1,250 tons and 420 horse-power each, are now in course of construc- tion, to bo followed by others, as numerous as the wants of the station will ultimately require. " I am, sir, your obedient servant, " James C. Siiaw, Marine Manager.' 1 ' 1 TEE ANCHOR LINE OF STEAMERS. 01 The "Royal "William," after making a few passages averao-ing 20 davs westward and 15 eastward, was returned to Ler owners, and is, or was lately, performing active duty between Liverpool and Belfast, the company having bought the new steamer " Liverpool " (from Sir John Tobin, who had built her for the American trade), and placed her on the station. The " Liverpool " was 270 feet long, 1,150 tons burden, and 461 horse-power, carried oidy first-cabin passengers, for which she charged 35 guineas, had a surgeon on board, and the agents advertised that "light freight would be taken if applied for timely." She started on her first voyage from Liverpool to New York October 20th, 1838, and, having ac- complished about one-third of the route, put back to Cork on the 26th. She again proceeded on the 6th of November, and arrived at New York on the 23d, returning to Liver- pool on the 21st of December, after a run of 14 days 10 hours. She made in all six voyages, to and from New York, averaging 17 davs out and 15 home, when she was trans- ferred to the Peninsular & Oriental Company, and in 1846 the " Liverpool " or " Great Liverpool," as she was then called, was totally wrecked off Cape Finisterre. BRITISH AND NORTH AMERICAN ROYAL MAIL STEAM- PACKET COMPANY". "While the existence during 1838-'39 of Transatlantic steamers had unquestionably been the means of conferring srreat benefits on the mercantile classes both of England and America, yet neither the Government of either country, nor the public generally, had derived from this means of inter- national communication all the benefits which, with a little management, it was calculated to afford. From the route adopted (landing in New York), the practical distance be- tween Britain and her Canadian possessions had not been much diminished, while, from the absence of method in the departure of the several steamers, arising principally, per- haps, from the rivalry and non-accommodating spirit more or less characteristic of all competing companies, there was wanting that faultless regularity in the dispatch and receipt of intelligence, which, whether in matters political or com- mercial, is of the first importance. To secure this desirable object, and bring the colonial dependencies on this side the Atlantic as near as possible to the mother-country, Govern- ment proposed to establish a regular postal communication with Halifax and Boston. Motives of economy at once suggested the propriety of devolving, if possible, upon some private association the performance of this mail service. The Great "Western Company were unsuccessful applicants for the contract ; and the advantage of undertaking it was strongly urged by one or two sagacious individuals upon the capitalists of Liverpool. But the latter were reluctant to engage in the enterprise; and partly by interest, but principally by the advantageous terms they proposed, and the efficient manner in which they were ready to bind them- selves to perform the service, a few merchants in Glasgow, represented in their deed of engagement by Messrs. Samuel Cunard, of Halifax, George Burns, of Glasgow, and Charles Mclver, of Liverpool, obtained, in preference to the other competitor, the execution of the contract. Early in 1839 the preliminary arrangements were concluded ; and on July 4th, 1840, the mail service was commenced by the " Britannia " steamer, which, including the detour to, and a detention of 12 hours, at Halifax, completed the voyage from Liverpool to Boston in 14£ days. Four steamers per- formed the service which originally was monthly, then fort- nightly, between Liverpool, Halifax, and Boston, and vice versa, and for which §300,000 was paid yearly. Some years afterward $500,000 was paid, and New York every alternate voyage was substituted for Boston. In 1S48 the Government allowance to the company was increased to 8725,000 per annum ; and they became bound to make throughout the year — except during the four winter months — weekly instead of fortnightly trips to Boston and New York alternately, constantly calling at Halifax. In 1850 permission was granted to the company to make fort- nightly passages to New York direct, instead of going as formerly by way of, and calling at, Halifax. A few years later Halifax was abandoned, then Boston ; and now the company, for a remuneration of $350,000 per annum from the British Government, convey two mails a week from Cork to New York. The old fleet of wooden paddle-steamers having all dis- appeared, either lost, sold, or broken up, the present fleet consists of 24 iron screw-propellers, the year of build, names, and tonnage, of which are : Tears. Tons. 1870. Abyssinia 2,076 1870. Algeria 2,105 18G5. Aleppo 1,399 1860. Atlas 1,220 1870. Batavia 1,628 Bothnia Building;. 1857. Calabria* 1,730 1862. China 1,540 1864. Cuba 1,535 1860. Hecla 1,214 1865. Java 1,761 1860. Kedar 1,212 Tears. Tons. 1S65. Malta 1,450 1860. Marathon 1,213 1861. Morocco 1,212 1860. Olympus 1,585 1866. Palmyra 1,390 1870. Parthia 2,214 1867. Russia 1,710 186S. Samaria 1,695 Scytliia Building-. 1867. Siberia 1,698 1861. Sidon 1,212 1865. Tarifa 1,400 STEAMSHIP SARAH SANDS. "Human institutions must be accommodated to the varying circumstances and exigencies of society," or, in pro- verbial colloquy, " circumstances alter cases," was applied by a Liverpool merchant to what he considered the ex- * Formerly Australasian. 92 THE ANCHOR LINE OF STEAMERS. travagant cost and equipment of subsidized steamers, and projected a scheme for freight-carrying boats, called " aux- iliary screw-propellers," which differed from the principle of construction of the " Great Britain " only "in this respect, that the proportion of steam-power to tonnage was very much lower; the screw not being intended as the principal but as a subsidiary motive agent to the propelling influence of the wind. To prove the truth of his demonstration, the " Sarah Sands," an iron vessel of 1,029 tons and 180 horse- power, was built at Liverpool in 1846, and made, during the two following years, between that port and New York, nine voyages. The average of her passages outward was 18£ days and homeward 16J-. After being employed in several trades and with varied success, she went to the Pacific Ocean, where she ultimately was lost. OCEAN STEAM-NAVIGATION COMPANY. During the first eight years of ocean steam-navigation, the steamers that periodically brought to New York pas- sengers and intelligence from Europe were British-built. They had been constructed on the Avon, the Mersey, and the Clyde, the greater number having been launched on the same waters that first received Henry Bell's little " Comet." Why did not America embark in such enterprise ? As re- gards steam-navigation, Fulton was before Bell ; New York before Glasgow ; the " Fulton's Folly " before the " Comet ; " and was " The greatest nation In all creation " to be outdone in the field of enterprise by the old Britishers ? American pride said, "No ;" America instinct said, "No ; " and, above all, American capitalists said, " No ! " Keels were laid down in New York ; the ship-builders' yards be- came unusually active ; and the stately timbers of majestic ships gradually rose before the admiring gaze of the citizens of the great republic. But the Britishers, not relishing this threatened inter- ference with what they considered their privileged do- mains of Neptune, shook their wise heads at the enterprise. It was admitted that in inland navigation the Americans had beaten the world ; that their river-steamers were really models of enterprise and skill ; but it was gravely added, " The Mississippi is not the Atlantic ; icebergs are not snags ; and an Atlantic wave is somewhat different from an Ohio ripple." These truisms were of course undeniable ; but to them was quickly added another fact, about which there could be as little mistake — namely, the arrival at South- ampton, after a voyage which, considering it was the first, was quite successful, of the American-built steamship " "Washington," from New York. There seemed to be a touch of calm irony in thus making the " Washington " the first of their Atlantic crossing steamers, as if the Americans had said, " You doubting Britishers ! when you wished to play tyrant over us, did we not raise one Washington who chastised you ? and now that you want to monopolize Atlantic steam-navigation, we have raised another 'Wash- ington ' just to let you know that we will beat you again ! " Instead of proving swifter vessels — as it was confidently predicted by their owners they would — than those of the Cunard squadron, the latter steamers usually beat them by two days-^sometimes even by four — in their passages across the Atlantic. Indeed, so inferior were the two steamships now mentioned, that they never, properly speaking, proved themselves rivals to the Boston and Liverpool mail-packets ; and, however creditable, as a first effort in oceanic steam- ship-building, the construction of these two vessels may have been, the vessels themselves, compared with those with which they were designed to contend, were decided failures. In 1847 a contract was made between the United States Government and the Ocean Steam-Navigation Company, to carry the United States mails between New York and Bre- men, twice a month, touching at Cowes, the compensation to be $200,000 per annum. To perform this service, the company built and launched, in 1847, the "Washington" and " Hermann," each 224 feet long, 39 feet broad, and 29 feet deep, and measuring 1,700 tons ; but, at the expiration of the contract, the line was discontinued, the steamers sold and transferred to the Pacific, where in 1863 the latter was broken up, and in a few years later the former was wrecked. BLACK BALL LINE. Messes. C. H. Marshall & Co., the owners of the cele- brated Black Ball Line of Packet-ships, built in 1847, for the New York and Liverpool trade, the steamer " United States," of 2,000 tons burden, which in April, 1848, sailed on her first voyage to Liverpool. She was the first American steamer built for the Atlantic Ocean freight and passenger trade, made several voyages, did not pay, was withdrawn and sold to parties in Bremen. TIIE NEW YOEK AND HAVRE STEAM-NAVIGATION COM- PANY. Tnis company was established in 1848, to ply between New York and Havre, stopping at Southampton, both going and returning, and obtained a contract for carrying the Unit- ed States mails, for which they were to receive $150,000 per annum for a fortnightly service. The " Franklin " was launched in 1848, and in 1850 made her first voyage. She was 263 feet in length, 52 feet beam, 26 feet depth of hold, and measured 2,183 tons. In July, 1854, she was wrecked, and totally lost on Long Island. THE ANCHOR LINE OF STEAMERS. 93 The "Humboldt" (her consort), measuring 2,181 tons, made her first voyage in 1851, and was wrecked entering Halifax, N. S., in October, 1853. To preserve the mail contract, the service was supplied by chartering unsuitable steamers at heavy cost, until they built in 1855-56 the "Arago " and " Fulton ; " on the break- ing out of the rebellion in 1861 the line was withdrawn, and the same strange fatality followed these fine steamers : the former was sold to the Peruvian Government, and the latter had her engines removed and the hull broken up, the dry- rot rendering her useless as a sailing-ship. THE UNITED STATES MAIL LUTE. Mr. E. K. Collins, having spent a thorough apprentice- ship in freight and passenger traffic, while running " The Dramatic Line of Liverpool Packets," considered himself quite capable of managing a line of ocean steamers, and having imbued a few New-York merchants with his visions of untold wealth to be acquired from the ownership of steamships, they became associated together, contracted with builders for four steamers, which were launched in 1849, to sail between New York and Liverpool, carrying the United States mails under a contract with the American Government. In size, and speed, and splendor of fittings, these ships were to far surpass any yet afloat ; even their names were, if possible, to be more grand and expressive. The vessels of Cnnard's Line had lately appropriated the names of the four great continents of the globe, but the oceans remained, and their names were adopted, the steamers being called the "Atlantic," "Pacific," "Arctic," and "Baltic." They were built, engined, and equipped at New York. Their dimensions were: length, 290 feet; breadth, within pad- dle-boxes, 45 feet ; across the paddle-boxes, 75 feet ; depth of hold, 31 feet 7 in. ; and tonnage, 2,860 tons. Machinery, 1,000 horse-power. The passengers' accommodations were excellent, cabins very roomy, and a fortune had been expended in the gorgeous decorations of the saloons. The entire cost of each steamer was not less than $600,000, the bulk of which was paid for with English capital, and, in fulfilment of a condition annexed to the mortgage, all the Collins steamers were insured in Britain. The first of the steamers was dispatched from New York on the 27th April, 1849, and arrived in the Mersey on the 10th May, thus making the passage in about 13 days, two of which were entirely lost in making repairs, and the speed was reduced, in order to prevent the floats from being entirely torn away from the paddle-wheels. All things considered, the passage was very successful. The " Atlantic " remained at Liverpool 19 days, on several of which she was open to- visitors, and, as an interesting record, we add a sketch given at that time by a British visitor : " The steamer's appearance is not prepossessing. She is undoubt- edly clumsy; thethree masts are low, the funnel is short and dump)', there is no bowsprit, and her sides are painted black, relieved only by one long streak of dark red. Her length between the perpendiculars — that is, the length of her keel — is 270 feet ; breadth (exclusive of pad- dle-boxes), 45 ; thus keeping up the proportion, as old as Noah's ark, of six feet of length to one of breadth. The stern is rounded, having in the centre the American eagle, clasping the starred and striped shield, but no other device. The figure-head is of colossal dimensions, intended, say some, for Neptune ; others say that it is the old Triton blowing his wreathed horn, so lovingly described by Words- worth ; and some wags assert that it is the proprietor of the ship blowing his own trumpet. The huge bulk of the 'Atlantic' was more perceptible by contrast with the steamer — none of the smallest — that was now alongside ; for, though the latter was large enough to accom- modate about four hundred people on deck, yet its funnel scarcely reached as high as the bulwarks of the 'Atlantic.' The diameter of the paddle-wheels is 36 feet; and the floats, many of which, split and broken, were lying about in the water, are nearly 15 feet long. "Like all the other Atlantic steamers, the run of the deck is almost a straight line. Around the funnel, and between the paddle-boxes, is a long wooden house, and another is placed at the stern. These con- tain the state-rooms of the captain and officers ; and in a cluster are to be found the kitchen, the pastry-room, and the barber's shop. The two former are, like similar establishments, replete with every con- venience, having even a French mattre de cuisine ; but the latter is quite unique. It is fitted up with all necessary apparatus — with glass cases containing perfumery, etc. ; and in the centre is the ' barber's chair.' This is a comfortable, well-stuffed seat, with an inclined back. In front is a stuffed trestle, on which to rest feet and legs; and behind is a little stuffed apparatus like a crutch, on which to rest the head. These are movable, so as to suit people of all sizes ; and in this com- fortable horizontal position the passenger lies, and his beard is taken off in a twinkling, let the Atlantic waves roll as they may. The house at the stern contains a smoking-room, and a small apartment, com- pletely sheltered from the weather, for the steersman. The smoking- room communicates with the cabin below, so that, after dinner, those passengers so disposed may, without the least exposure to the weather, or annoyance to their neighbors, enjoy the weed of old Virginia in perfection. This smoking-room is the principal prospect of the man at the helm, who, however, has to steer according to his signals. Before him is a painted intimation that one bell means 'port,' and two bells 'starboard;' a like intimation appears on the large bell in the bow of the ship ; and, according to the striking of the bell, so must he steer. "Proceeding below, we come to the great saloon, 67 feet long, and the dining-saloon, 60 feet long, each being 20 feet broad, and divided from each other by the steward's pantry. This pantry is more like a silversmith's shop, the sides being lined with glass cases stored with beautifully-burnished plate ; crockery of every description, well secured, is seen in great quantities ; and the neatness of arrangement shows that the gilded inscription, full in the sight of every visitor — ' a place for everything, and everything in its place' — has been reduced to prac- tice. Above the tables in the dining-saloon are suspended racks, cut to receive decanters, glasses, etc., so that they can be immediately placed on the table without the risk attendant on carrying them from place to place. The two saloons are fitted up in a very superior man- ner : rose, satin, and olive are the principal woods that have been used, and some of the tables are of beautifully-variegated marble, with metal supporters. The carpets are very rich, and the coverings of the sofas, chairs, etc., are of the same superior quality. The panels round the saloons contain beautifully-finished emblems of each of the States in the Union, and a few other devices that savor very strongly of repub- licanism. For example, a young and beautiful figure, all radiant with health and energy, wearing a cap of liberty, and waving a drawn sword, is represented trampling on a feudal prince, from whose head a crown has rolled in the dust. The cabin-windows are of beautifully- 91 THE ANCHOR LINE OF STEAMERS. painted glass, embellished with tho arms of Now York and other cities in the States. Largo circular glass ventilators, reaching from the deck to tho lower saloon, are also richly ornamented, while handsome mir- rors multiply all this splendor. Tho general effect is that of chastc- ness and a certain kind of solidity. There is not much gilding, tho colors used arc not gaudy, and there is a degree of elegant comfort about the saloons that is sometimes wanting amid splendid fittings. There is a ladies' drawing-room near the chief saloon, full of every luxury. The berths aro about 150 in number, leading out, as usual, from the saloons. Tho most novel feature about them is the wedding-berths, wider and more handsomely furnished than the others, intended for such newly- married couples as wish to spend the first fortnight of the honeymoon on the Atlantic. Such berths are, it seems, always to be found on board the principal river-steamers in America, but are as yet unknown on this side of the water. Each berth has a bell-rope communicating with a patented machine called the 'Annunciator.' This is a circular plate about the size of the face of an eight-day clock, covered with num- bers corresponding with those of the state-rooms. Each number is concealed by a semicircular plate, which is removed or turned round as soon as the rope is pulled in the state-room with the corresponding number. A bell is at the same time struck to call the attention of the stewards, who then replace the plate in its former position, and attend to the summons. " The machinery which propels the ship consists of two engines, each of 500 horse-power, the engines of the old line being also two in num- ber, but only about 400 horse-power each. Such cylinders, and shafts, and pistons, and beams are, I believe, unrivalled in the world. There are four boilers, each heated by eight furnaces, in two rows of four each. The consumption of coal is about 50 tons every 24 hours ; ' and that,' said one of the engineers, ' is walking pretty fast into a coal- mine, I guess!' According to the calculations of the very wise men who predicted the failure of Atlantic steam-navigation, such a vessel as the 'Atlantic' ought to carry 3,700 tons of coal; but it will be seen that one-fourth of that quantity is more than enough, even making al- lowance for extra stores, to provide against accidents. In the engine- room is a long box with five compartments, each communicating with a wire fastened like a bell-pull to the side of the paddle-box. These handles are marked respectively, 'ahead,' 'slow,' 'fast,' 'back,' and 'hook on; ' and, -whenever one is pulled, a printed card with the cor- responding signal appears in the box opposite the engineer, who has to act accordingly. Thero is thus no noise of human voices on board this ship: the helmsman steers by his bells, the engineer works by the tele- graph, and the steward waits by the annunciator. " Two traces of national habits struck me very much. Even in the finest saloon there are, in places where they would be least, expected, handsome spittoons — the upper part fashioned like a shell, and painted a sea-green or sky-blue color — thus giving ample facility for indulging in that practice of spitting of which Americans are so fond. Again, much amusement was caused by the attempt of one of the officers in charge of the communication between the small steamer and the 'At- lantic,' to prevent the gentlemen from leaving the latter until the ladies had seated themselves on the former. The appearance of the deck, crowded with ladies only, and a host of gentlemen kept back, some impatient to get down, but the greater part entering into the hu- mor of the thing, was quite now to English ideas. It is but fair to add that the ladies did not seem to like it; and when the steamer again came alongside, it was not repeated. " Upon the whole, this Atlantic steamer is really worthy of the great country from which she has come. If in shape and general appearance she is inferior to the old vessels, she is decidedly equal, if not superior, to them in machinery and fittings. Her powers as regards spoed have of course yet to be tried. Ono voyage is no test, nor even a series of voyages during the summer months: she must cross and recross at least for a year beforo any just comparison can be instituted." She and her consorts did " cross and recross " for more than a year, and not only did the " Arctic," in February, 1852, make the passage from New York to Liverpool in 9 days 17 hours, but the average of 42 westward trips was 11 days 10 hours and 2G minutes, against the average of Cu- narders 12 days 19 hours 26 minutes. The company started with a subsidy of $14,750 a trip, and which was afterward increased to §33,000 a trip, or $858,000 a year. Still, as a most active rivalry of speed seemed to be the leading object which influenced the direc- tors, the boats were consequently driven to an extent that, in six years, the expense for repairs amounted in all to more than the prime cost of the ships. Notwithstanding the large Government subsidy they re- ceived for carrying the mails; freight at that time £G to £8 a ton ; their quick passages and the magnificent and luxurious style of then- cabin appointments commanding a fair share of the passenger traffic, yet they ran for six years at great loss, and finally the company became bankrupt. The " Arctic " was lost, and only a few of her passengers were saved. The " Pacific," after proving herself a first-class sea-boat, went on one of her home-voyages, was never heard of more, and her fate will ever remain a mystery. The "Atlantic" and "Baltic," after rotting and rusting at their docks, were finally relieved of their machinery, which was sold for old iron, and the hulls converted into sailing ves- sels. The " Adriatic," a fifth steamer, was built in 1851, but, after making a voyage or two, was sold to the Galway Company, and for years she has lain in one of the English docks, a warning to steamship companies of the evil results arising from lavish expenditure, gross mismanagement, and the baneful influences of Government subsidies. The early history of this line had been promising; it had been generously sustained by the Government ; a nation's pride had been identified with its prosperity; it had at- tracted the attention of the world by the brilliancy of its performances, and not less by the tragic terrors of its mis- fortunes; but errors, fundamental and fatal, had entered into the scheme for its establishment, and into the method of its administration — errors which time did not modify, nor experience counteract — and the final disaster could not be averted. "THE STEAMSHIP CITY OF GLASGOW," the first Transatlantic screw-steamship built on the Clyde, was, in 1850, launched from the celebrated building- yard of the late firm of Tod & McGregor (now owned by Messrs. Henderson Brothers) ; was built of iron, 258 feet in length, 34 feet 3 inches in width ; measured 1,610 tons, gross register; and was furnished with engines of 350 horse- power; was owned by her builders; and, after making four very successful voyages between Glasgow and New York, was sold to a few Liverpool gentlemen, to form the nucleus of THE ANCHOR LINE OF STEAMERS. 95 THE LIVERPOOL & PHILADELPHIA STEAMSHIP COMPANY. This company started in 1850, by purchasing the steamer " City of Glasgow," and building on the Clyde, where all the company's steamers have been built, the " City of Man- chester," 1,296 tons register, with the intention of plying between Liverpool and Philadelphia, which they did for several years. In 1857 New York was added to the firm name, and The Liverpool, New York, & Philadelphia Steamship Company commenced plying between Liverpool and New York. The company have been irregular in their movements, first running their steamers from Liverpool to Philadelphia ; then, during the existence of the Crimean War, withdraw- ing their fleet, and engaging in the more lucrative service of Government transports, which compelled their Quaker friends to withdraw from the company ; then attempting to run between the Clyde and New York ; withdrawing from th \t field, and attempting to divide with the Cunard Line the honors and emoluments of Government subsidy for carrying mails between Queenstown and Halifax, and the freight and passenger trade between Liverpool and Boston. For years chasing the ignis fatuvs of legislative propping, fighting in Parliament and out of Parliament for the bone y'clept " a mail contract," they have at length succeeded, and are now honored by carrying "Her Majesty's mails," and in thirding with the Cunard Company the emoluments to the tune of §3,500 a week. For the present, the com- pany seem to have abolished experimenting, and settled on uniting their force to run two steamers a week between Liverpool, Cork, and New York. This company has been more unfortunate than any other of the Liverpool lines, having lost five passenger-steamers, viz., " City of Glasgow," " Glasgow," " City of Philadelphia," " City of New York," and " City of Boston." The present fleet consists of 15 steamers, viz. : Tear built. Name of Vessel. Tons. 1867. City of Antwerp 1,626 1855. " Baltimore 1,775 1855. " Bristol (formerly ^Etna, lengthened 1871). . 1,775 1869. " Brooklyn 1,980 1869. " Brussels 1,728 . '• Chester : Building 1864. " Dublin (formerly Hellespont) 1,548 1865. " Durham ; 538 1855. " Limerick (formerly African, and lengthened in 1870) .' 1,724 1863. " London (lengthened 1869) 1,880 1871. " Montreal 3,027 1865. " New York (formerly Delaware, and length- ened in 1871) 2,386 1866. " Paris (lengthened 1870) 1,975 . " Richmond Building 1855. " Washington (lengthened 1871) 1,909 GLASGOW AND NEW YORK STEAMSHIP COMPANY. The steamer " City of Glasgow " having demonstrated the feasibility of profitable trade between Glasgow and New York, a company was formed in Glasgow for the purpose of running steamers between that city and New York ; it com- menced in 1851, by building steamship " Glasgow," followed by steamship "New York" in 1854, and steamship "Edin- burgh in 1855. The company enjoyed a fair share of pros- perity until 1858, when they lost the " New York," and in 1859 the company sold their remaining boats to the Inman Line, and disbanded. " STEAMSHIP ERICSSON," built by a few New York capitalists to test the principle of applying heated air instead of steam as a motive power, was launched at New York in 1853, made a trial trip to Wash- ington in rough winter weather, at an average rate of 7 knots per hour, upon a consumption of 5 tons coal per 24 hours, with her caloric engine, one engineer, and one fire- man only on duty at a time. Speed not being enough to compete with fast steamers, although the principle had been so fully proved and well illustrated, cash could not be had for the outlay of new and improved caloric engines, so a pair of very economical steam engines were in 1854 put on board, and the ship did very creditable service in the Collins line for one year, then in the Bremen line, afterward served the Government well during the war. When her boilers were worn out, the engines were removed, and the vessel fitted as a sailing-ship, sold to a Boston firm, and is now running in the East India trade. THE CLYDE SCREW STEAM-PACKET COMPANY was, in 1854, originated in Glasgow by a firm that, for ten years previously, had been running a line of British sailing- vessels between the Clyde and New York. The company built the " Clyde," and purchased the " Petrel," and placed them on the route between Glasgow and New York.* They had made but a few trips when, during the Crimean War, they were withdrawn and subsequently lost. The Company dissolved in 1857. VANDERBILT'S LINE. In 1855 Commodore Vanderbilt proposed unsuccess- fully to the American Government to run a semi-monthly line between New York and Liverpool, to alternate with the Collins steamers, and had asked $15,000 a trip if he might confine his boats to the average speed of the Cunard Line, or $19,250 if they were expected to make as good time as the Collins vessels had done. During the same year (1855) Vanderbilt placed the THE ANCHOR LINE OF STEAMERS. " Ariel " on the route to Southampton and Havre, and again proposed to make a mail contract with the Govern- ment, his terms heing $16,680 a voyage, the compensation paid by Great Britain to the Cunard Line ; he was again un- successful. Next year he put the "North Star" on the Bremen route, followed in a year or two afterward by the "Ariel," " Vanderbilt," and "Ocean Queen." The New York & Havre and New York & Bremen Ocean Steam Navigation Companies being unwilling, on the expiration of their contracts in 1858, to attempt the performance of the service on the small pay of the gross ocean and inland postages, Mr. Vanderbilt determined to try the service, which he continued for three years, and until he sold all his steam-fleet to the Pacific Mail Steamship Company. THE ANCHOR LINE OF TRANSATLANTIC STEAM-PACKET SHIPS. Four attempts had now been made to establish and per- manently continue a steam-traffic between the rivers that were the cradles of steam-navigation, yet in each instance one or more of the essential requisites to success was want- ing, and after a time each company beheld its golden anti- cipations of wealth and prosperity vanish. Each in turn eventually abandoned the field, leaving it to be said that to The Anchor Line alone are the merchants of New York and Glasgow indebted for their present close commercial intercourse ; and as there must be some merit in a line of steamers unaided by Government subsidies, and relying alone on the good skill and management of the owners to rise from three steamers to twelvefold increase in nine years, we may be pardoned for devoting more space to this line than to any of the others. In 1856 The Anchor Line of Transatlantic Steam- Packet Ships was inaugurated by Messrs. Handyside & Henderson, of Glasgow, placing a steam-engine on board, and applying a propeller to the " Tempest," one of their trad- ing sailing-ships. Her story, however, is soon told. " The good die young." She was lost on her second return- voyage. For several years the company applied their energies in establishing and developing the Peninsular and Mediterra- nean branch of their service ; but in 1863 they determined to vigorously prosecute the Glasgow and New York trade, and in that year built the " Caledonia " and " Britannia," and to which they have yearly added by constructing on the Clyde, and engining at the celebrated Finnieston Steamship Works, larger and swifter boats, until now their fleet is the largest in the Atlantic trade, numbering as many steamers as there are States in the Union, and having merited and gained the public confidence in a shorter space of time than any other line. This result has been attained as other similar results are obtained in all business matters — by honorable and fair dealing — by earnestly endeavoring to anticipate and meet the wants of the trade — by preferring safety to speed, caution to recklessness, and the comfort and welfare of patrons to a few hours saved in time — by the well-known liberal policy adopted — the combination of facilities afforded, as well as the intrinsic merit possessed. The Anchor Line now reckons the capital invested in its undertakings by millions ; is one of those " great facts," inaugurated, maintained, and carried on by private enter- prise, not only unsupported by, but from which Govern- ment stands aloof, regarding the individual efforts of this line as sacred ground on which it has no right to trespass. In 1868-'70 the only serious disasters befell the compa- ny, and in a few months they chronicled the losses of the "Hibernia," "United Kingdom," and "Cambria." The court of investigation and inquiry, ordered by the British Government, rendered their verdict, " That the ' Hibernia ' was a strong and faithfully-built ship, that her structure and the machinery of her engine-department were sufficient, and that the diameter of the shaft was in proportion to the size of her engines." The newspapers of the day, while lament- ing the losses, attributed the inexplicable mysteries to causes beyond human skill to detect or provide against, adding : " The proprietors of The Anchor Line, while they have reason to sorrow, have no cause to be ashamed ; it was a misfortune against which they could not provide. It can do them no injury. It will certainly increase public confidence in the wisdom and excellence of their management." The peculiar characteristics and features of The Anchor Line are express passenger-steamers — branch lines — tribu- tary connections with steamboats and railroads — the short- est routes in the quickest time, and at the lowest rates — thus combining economy, best accommodations, and best liv- ing, with the greatest amount of comfort, security, and safety attainable. Their style of doing business is so methodical and is conducted with such intelligent direction that by their system of through-bills of lading merchants at the interior commercial centres can transport across the ocean goods of any description, and with express promptitude, reg- ularity, and dispatch. By their parcel express system, a package of any size or dimensions can be handled with care, and forwarded to and from any city in the world. By the medium of their houses and agencies throughout the world, money can be remitted, banking privileges extended, and payments made in any city, either by draft, letter of credit, or cable transfer. By their prepaid department, which ' a specialty with this company, a passage-ticket can, by one payment, be secured to bring friends from their homes in THE ANCHOR LINE OF STEAMERS. 97 the old country to any part of America. By their special arrangements with subsidiary and connecting lines of steam- boats and railroads, the passengers by this line can be booked and forwarded on through-tickets to and from any seaport or railway-station, securing transportation on desirable routes throughout the world. The company, at their own founderies and workshops at Glasgow, build, engine, and completely hit out every steamer, give direct and exclusive employment to about seven thou- sand men, and means of support to at least thirty thousand persons ; they own the largest and most extensive ship-build- ing and engineering establishment on the Clyde, and also the only dry or graving dock in Glasgow. No other steam- company in the world enjoy within themselves such neces- sary and excellent establishments. To have the appliances and requirements for properly conducting their business in New York, the company leased Tiers 20 and 21 North River, on which they have erected piers, bulkheads, build- ings, warehouses, and sheds, at an expense of three hundred thousand dollars; have stationary and portable steam-en- gines for discharging and loading cargoes ; have the offices on the piers and at Bowling Green connected by electric wires, and their general offices in immediate and direct tele- graphic communication with all parts of the world. The " way to Europe " by The Anchor Line route is the shortest, cheapest, and best ; the most direct, pleasant, and desirable, and the only one by which travellers can view the far-famed Giant's Causeway, and the beautiful scenery of the Frith and river Clyde, and, which is universally ad- mitted by all who have made the trip to Europe via Scot- land, is a sight well worth the time and expense of crossing the ocean. The year built, names, and gross tonnage, of the com- pany's fleet are : Tear built. Name. 1866. Acadia Tonnage. ... 749 1870. Alexandria 1,630 1869. Anglia 2,142 1871. Assyria 1,632 1870. Australia 3,140 Bolivia (building). 1863. Britannia 1,392 1863. Caledonia 2,390 1872. " L'ngth'd&reengined. 1872. California 3,287 Casta! ia (building). 1866. Columbia 1,698 1870. Dispatch, steam-tender. 1863. Dom Pedro 295 1868. Dorian 1,036 Elysia (building). Ethiopia, " 1867. Europa 1,701 In this sure and steady progress is discovered an impor- tant element contributing to the success of The Anchor Tear built. Name. Tonnage. 1869. India 2.222 1864. Iowa 2,114 1870. Ismailia 1,629 1872. Italia 2,450 1871. Olympia 2,051 1864. Napoli 843 1865. Roma 657 1865. Scandinavia 1,230 1866. Scotia 632 1869. Shamrock.- 2,000 1870. Sidonian 1,235 1871. Trinacria 2,247 1867. Trojan 744 1869. Tyrian 1,039 Utopia (building). 1865. Valetta 656 1865. Venezia 656 1872. Victoria. 3,242 Line : neither in advance nor behind, but always up to the times; in vital points never experimenting, while always ready to adopt any improvement thoroughly tested by others ; continually Anglicizing American ideas and Yankee notions ; avoiding equally extravagance and parsimony ; carefully studying the nature of the service in which it is engaged, and so far as possible guarding against every contingency, the success of this line has been the most re- markable in the annals of steam-shipping. Their vessels are plying constantly between Glasgow and New York ; they steam to and fro during all seasons, amid all dan- gers, in spite of all contingencies, with as much regulari- ty as the ferry-boats which cross our rivers ; they come and go, bringing and taking their precious lading, and we have now come to consider it all as a matter of course. " Providence helps those who help themselves." By wise forethought, patient care, and good management, they have subjected Fortune, they have commanded success ; " they have done more — they have deserved it." The ships in construction are staunch and thorough ; in hull and machinery the best material, the most skilful me- chanism, and the most approved designs, are made use of; are sent to sea in the best condition ; are navigated under strict and thorough discipline, and competent and expe- rienced seamanship. Each captain must have served as first-officer in the employ of the company, and each first- officer must have been a captain in some other service. The pecuniary success of the line has been fully commensurate with its prosperity otherwise. In nine years it has grown to a fleet, including those in branch lines, of nearly forty vessels, and forming without exception the most splendid array of ocean-steamers ever possessed by one company, as well as being the oldest existing line that successfully struggled into life without the nursing-pap of legislative subsidy. In seven years they have more than quadrupled the trade between Glasgow and New York, as will be seen from the following comparative table of the number and ton- nage of the vessels arrived at Glasgow from New York : 1865. 8 sailing 24 steam Aggregate, 30,260 tons. 1866. 18 " 38 " " 55,120 " 1867. 16 " 52 " " 72,900 " 1868. 11 " 53 " " 72,060 " 1869. 24 " 60 " " 86,842 " 1870. 24 " 83 " " 114,400 " 1871. 31 " 98 " " 141,690 " Pliny said, " The beginnings of a river are insignificant, and its infancy frivolous." Such was emphatically the case with the fountains of The Anchor Line river, but under Hen- dersonian influence and guidance its borders widened, and its channels deepened ; tributary streams, not less valuable than the gold-laden waters of the Pactolus, were turned to swell TUE ANCHOR LINE OF STEAMERS. 98 the increasingly noble stream, un f il now this mountain-tor- rent has become the Amazon, the " Father of Waters," and, while admitting the tides for hundreds of miles, yet is so far from meeting our ordinary notion of an estuary, that its influence is felt for many hundreds of miles on the ocean of commerce, and, while gathering its tribute from both hemi- spheres, presents proportions of such gigantic exter.t that the ownership of this Tmolus will in future ages be known as the source of the modern Croesus' vast wealth. The Anchor Line is replete with " new departures," in studying and gratifying the wants of the travelling and mercantile community, and in affording all possible facili- ties for the speedier and more efficient transit of goods and passengers, and, the more effectually to accomplish this end, built and equipped several steamers for branch lines in con- cert with their Atlantic service, and, until more are built, arrangements have been made on the largest scale, for " through-traffic " with every available port on the globe, THE ATLANTIC SERVICE is the Grand Trunk of the line ; the steamers on this station ply between Glasgow and New York (calling at Moville to land and embark passengers only), leaving each port every Wednesday and Saturday ; booking passengers on through- tickets, and carrying goods on through-bills of lading to and from all commercial centres on both sides of the ocean. THE MEDITERRANEAN SERVICE. The steamers leave Glasgow weekly for Lisbon, Gibral- tar, Genoa, Leghorn, Naples, Messina, and Palermo ; fort- nightly for Yenice, Trieste, and ports in the Adriatic; monthly for Algiers, Tunis, Malta, and Alexandria ; and, as freight and passengers offer, touching at Patras, Syra, Con- stantinople, Smyrna, etc. ; in fact, these steamers traverse the Mediterranean in every direction, where a port is to found of any importance, in trading-affairs; and, for those who are in search of pleasure in those classic quarters, this line will be found convenient and available. The terms are ex- ceedingly moderate, and are especially deserving of the tourist's notice. The round voyage from and to New York, usually occupying about ten or twelve weeks, presents a route of almost unequalled interest. Landing at Glasgow, the tourist may spend a week or two amid the Scottish scenery immortalized by Scott, Burns, etc. Resuming the voyage at pleasure, he can in turn visit Lisbon, Gibraltar, Genoa, Leg- horn, Pisa, Florence, Rome, Naples, Sicily, Yenice, Trieste, or such other points as time and inclination may warrant ; he may break the journey at any port or ports, proceeding by the succeeding steamers of the company till they reach their destination. The ticket also entitles him to return to America, either via Glasgow, or direct from the Mediterra- nean, as he may prefer. The steamers generally stay at Gibraltar, Malta, and Messina, one day; at Leghorn, Genoa, Naples, Palermo, two days; Trieste and Alexandria, six or eight clays. THE MEDITERRANEAN AND ATLANTIC SERVICE was established in 1867, to facilitate the trade in green and dried fruits, dyestuffs, wines, and other products of the Le- vant, and each season bring to oar shores thousands of tons of prunes, currants, and raisins, and hundreds of thousands of boxes of oranges and lemons. The steamers are dispatched from Genoa, Leghorn, Naples, Messina, Palermo, Marseilles, and Gibraltar, for New York direct, once a fortnight, and from Trieste and Yenice once a month. Steamers also leave Yalencia, Denia, Almeria, Malaga, and Patras, for New York, once a fortnight during the months of August, Sep- tember, and October, in each year. Attempts have also been made to establish steamers from New York to the Mediterranean, and, if trade warrants a successful and per- manent traffic, the line will be instrumental in conferring a great boon to travellers, who may wish to winter in Italy, and to cross the ocean in a southern direction in November or December, thereby avoiding the rigors of a winter north- ern passage. THE INDIAN SERVICE. To have easy and frequent intercourse with the British possessions in India, and the rich commercial settlements in the Indian Archipelago, Japan, China, Australia, and New Zealand, The Anchor Line made arrangements with the contractors of the mail service as performed by the Peninsular & Oriental and British India Steam Naviga- tion Companies, and are now prepared to receive and for- ward goods and passengers, via Alexandria and Suez Canal, to Aden, Bombay, Ceylon, Madras, Calcutta, Rangoon, Moulmein, Penang, Singapore, Batavia, Hong-Kong, Shang- hai, Foochow, Yokohama, Australia, New Zealand, and all principal seaports east of the Red Sea. To perform this service a steamer leaves Glasgow monthly for Alexandria. THE NORTH-SEA SERVICE. On the Northern or Scandinavian service several steam- ers are employed between the ports of Copenhagen, Gothen- burg, Christiania, Christiansand, Bergen, Drontheim, and Granton, Scotland ; thence to Glasgow by railroad in one hour. This brings passengers into close connection, both ways, with the Atlantic steamers to and from New York. The passage from Scotland to Norway, one and a half day; to Sweden, two days. Excursionists can spend one, two, or three weeks in Norway or Sweden respectively ; or, THE AXCIIOR LINE OF STEAMERS. 99 by landing at Christiania, can proceed by land or sea to Gothenburg, and thus be enabled to travel through a con- siderable part of both countries, and make the round trip in nine days, with opportunities of visiting the capital cities of Norway and Sweden ; of enjoying the delightful summer climate of Scandinavia, amid the finest scenery on the Con- tinent of Europe, or, by extending their trips, can proceed to Hammerfejt, and there witness the wonderful spectacle of a midnight sun. NATIONAL STEAM NAVIGATION COMPANY (LIMITED). In 1864: Cunard and Intnan had undisputed sway of the steam carrying trade between Liverpool and New York. Neither of the companies engaged in this vast field of enter- prise at that time embraced the golden opportunities of the proud position they then occupied, and, instead of prevent- ing opposition by supplying the rapidly-increasing trade with the requisite tounage, allowed the " impressionable cir- cumstances of the hour " to float heedlessly past, while they employed their time running a tilt to obtain "a mail-con- tract." Several Liverpool merchants, seeing their opportu- nity, embraced the opeuing as presented, placing four large- sized freight-steamers on the berth, and shortly afterward formed the undertaking on a joint-stock basis, with the title of the National Steam Navigation Company, Limited, after- ward altered to its present title, The National Steamship Company, Limited. The company have lost steamships " Georgia " and " Scotland," and have since enlarged their older and smaller boats. The fleet now comprises twelve 6teamers, the largest in the trade. 1864. Canada, 3,286 tons, lengthened 1872, formerly Pennsylvania. 1865. Denmark, 2,424 tons, formerly Chilian. 1870. Egypt, 2,960 tons. 1865. England, 2,249 tons. 1864. Erin, 2,766 tons. 1867. France, 2,429 tons. 1864. Greece, 2.524 tons, lengthened 1871, formerly Virginia. 1865. Helvetia, 2,769 tons. 1865. Holland, 2,462 tons, lengthened 1871, formerly Louisiana. 1870. Italy, 2,437 tons. 1870. Spain, 2,876 tons. 1866. The Queen, 3,324 tons. "We have now to chronicle the last attempt at running American steamers. In 1866, Messrs. Ruger Brothers of New York, with associates, started the North American Lloyds, which company purchased the steamers " Atlantic," " Baltic," and " "Western Metropolis," and chartered the " Ericsson," " Merrimack," " Mississippi," and " Northern Light," run- ning them between New York and Bremen, touching at Southampton both wavs. The scheme was unsuccessful, and in 1867, in connection with other associates, the New York and Bremen Steamship Company was formed. The " Atlantic," " Baltic," and " Western Metropolis." were taken over, the " Northern Light " was chartered, and these four steamers plied between New York and Bremen, but with no better results than attended the previous company. In 1868 Messrs. Ruger chartered the "Arago," "Ariel," "Circassian," "Northern Light," and " Quaker City," and ran them between New York and Bremen, touching out oc- casionally at Southampton or Havre, and then abandoned the field to the North-German Lloyds. In 1869 Messrs. Ruger chartered the steamers "Ariel," " Fulton," " Guiding Star," " Northern Light," and " San- tiago de Cuba." placing them on the route to and from New York, Stettin, Copenhagen, and Christiansand, for one trip ; and with but indifferent success, for, next year (1870), they chartered the " Ocean Queen " and " Rising Star," and that for one trip only. And with this voyage of the " Rising Star " set the last attempt at running Amer- ican steamers in the oceanic heavens. LIVERPOOL AND GREAT WESTERN" STEAMSHIP COM- PANY, LIMITED. In order to successfulty establish the National Company on a firm footing, the directors judiciously appointed the well-known and long-established shipping-house of "Wil- liams & Guion as their New York agents, but in two years withdrew their agency, when that firm, in connection with the Liverpool house of Guion & Co., established the Liver- pool and Great "Western Steamship Company, Limited. In 1870 when Cunard and Inman refused to carry the United States mails, unless at prices deemed exorbitant, the Postmaster-General made a contract with the Guion Line to convey the United States mails to Queenstown on Wednesdays, for two years, and at the expiration the con- tract was renewed for two years. The company having lost two steamers, the " Chicago " and the " Colorado," the present fleet now afloat and build- ing is : Year. Name. Tons. — — . Dakota Building 1869. Idaho 2,025 1866. Manhattan 1,951 1867. Minnesota 1,964 Tear. Name. Tons. . Montana Building 1868. Nevada 2,020 1870. Wisconsin 2,060 1870. Wyoming 2,081 OCEANIC STEAM NAVIGATION COMPANY, LIMITED. " Happy is the country that hath no history," said Goethe ; but the great German poet would scarcely have expressed the same remark if he had been speaking of steamship companies instead of nations. That there is an advantage in possessing a reputation and a history in the prosecution of an ocean-trade, few can doubt. Yet every 100 THE ANCHOR LINE OF STEAMERS. successful steamship company now in existence had once a beginning, and the " Oceanic " is now just in the fresh hopefulness of infancy, wi tli an immense field for judicious enterprise in both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans opening up to its view. The extension of steam navigation, both in Britain and America, is one of the greatest wonders of the age ; and yet, while it was so " gloriously triumphant elsewhere," the his- torian for five years cast his horoscope and replied he " dis- covers no rising radiant star." But in 1870 he announced that another candidate for public favor appears, to contest the supremacy of the ocean. Its advent was heralded by great flourishing of trumpets. The Western world was astonished with the dazzling splen- dor of this "White Star," advertising" the six largest steam- ers in the world," 5,000 tons burden, 3,000 horse-power, and copying from the little " Comet's" advertisement of 25 tons burden and 3 horse-power, that the " elegance, comfort, safety, and speed of the vessel, require only to be proved to meet the approbation of the public." The boats are of great length, with narrow beam, aver- aging 440 feet, and 41 feet breadth ; the length being nearly eleven times their width, showing a vast difference to Cap- tain Noah's notion of proportionate ship-building. After running a year, the directors of this company con- templated placing some of their boats on the trade between Liverpool and the west coast of South America, where the " Pacific " seas are better adapted to them than the boister- ous "Atlantic," and to which ocean they are now sent, as new steamers are being built. This company, as well as all others in the trade between Liverpool and New York, calculate the length of their pas- sages to and from Sandy Hook and Queenstown, while The Anchor Line calculate their passages from New York to the Clyde ; and, from a reference to the records of the passages of the new steamers of TnE Anchor Line, we find that passengers by them reach Scotland much quicker than those who take passage by the Liverpool steamers sailing same day. The steamers at present comprising the fleet of the Oceanic Company are, with their tonnage taken from the " Underwriters' Registry of Iron Steamers," which authority gives the horse-power of each as 600 : Tear. Name. . Tons. Year. Name. Tons. 1870. Oceanic ?2,350 1871. Republic 2,187 1870. Atlantic 2,366 1871. Adriatic 2,458 1871. Baltic 2,350 . Celtic Building We cannot close these skeleton sketches without refer- ring to several abortive attempts that have been made by screw-lines ever hunting for a home and a new trade. The " General Screw Steam Shipping Company " had from the first lost money, although they had nine fine steamers, and were compelled finally to close up and sell out. Mr. Croskey, the United States consul at Southamp- ton, supposed they might be put into a new trade, and make a living on a smaller capital stock ; that is, if the new company should get them at half their value. The transfer was made, and the EUROPEAN AND AMERICAN STEAMSHIP COMPANY Was established. Some of the steamers were put upon the trade between Bremen, London, Southampton, and New York, and some on other routes ; none of the lines paid, and Mr. Croskey freely acknowledged that the new company would have been ruined but for the Indian re- volt, which enabled him to charter five of the vessels to the Government at good prices, for the conveyance of troops by way of the Cape of Good Hope to India. Shortly after the termination of these charters the company disbanded. The boats were named "Argo," " Calcutta," " Golden Fleece," "Hydaspes," "Indiana," "Jason," "Lady Joce- lyn," and " Queen of the South." LIVERPOOL, PORTLAND, AND NEW YORK LINE Consisted of steamers " Antelope " " Circassian," " Gen- eral Williams," and " Khersonese," were about 1,500 tons each, and ran via St. John, Newfoundland, could not pay, were withdrawn, and chartered for the East Indies. THE GALWAY LINE Does not deserve, to be ranked with the praiseworthy efforts of legitimate companies. It was a miserable attempt of the British Government to secure Irish political patron- age, and resulted in ignominious disaster. THE LONDON AND NEW YORK LINE Owned steamers " Atalanta," " Bellona," " Cella," and " Paraguay ; " and, after running between London, Havre, and New York, for seven years with varied success, were obliged to leave the station and seek employment amid pastures green and verdure new. CONDENSED HISTORY OF LOCOMOTION. "It is assumed that a line of railway gives access to fifteen square miles of country on each side of it, or thirty square miles altogether ; then tlie thirteen thousand miles of railway which it is estimated have been constructed, during the five years from 1865 to 1870, will have opened up three hundred and ninety thousand miles of what, for the purposes of general production, may be considered new territory — a tract of country larger than the whole area of France, and nearly three and a half times larger than the whole area of Great Britain." — Commissioner Wells. Every thing about the growth, development, and ad- ministration of our modern railroads is on so gigantic a scale that one contemplates almost with incredulity the principal points or stages of their advance from their rude prototype, the tramways, to the perfect construction of steel ways on our greatest lines of 1872. Railroads were not built, as is generally supposed, as pathways for locomotives; the latter are of modern inven- tion, while railroads, or tramways, as they were at first called, have been used for centuries in transporting min- eral products from mines to places of shipment. The first railways were merely wooden wheel ways laid in the ordi- nary roads to lessen the friction, and render the work easier for the horse, prior to which, hard, smooth-surfaced, and solid track-ways, constructed of blocks of stone closely fitting together, were nsed for facilitating the transport of heavy- laden wheeled vehicles. Timber rails were nsed for one hundred and fifty years, when in 1767 the experiment was tried of covering the wooden rails of a tramroad with a plat- ing of iron. The experiment was successful, and a few years afterward rails wholly of cast-iron began to be constructed. In 1793 wooden sleepers were superseded by stone ones. Until 1801, the rails were all of the kind called flat rail, or tram-plate with a flange or turn-up on the inside. About that year edge-rails began to be used, the flange then being on the wheel. About the year 1800 a thoughtful Scotchman stood look- ing at a small train of coal-wagons impelled by steam along a tramroad which connected the mouth of one of the collieries in the north of England with the wharf at which the coals were shipped. " Why," he asked of a by-stander, " are not these tramroads laid down all over Britain, so as to super- sede our common roads, and steam-engines employed to con- vey goods and passengers along with them, so as to supersede horse-power ? " The by-stander replied : " Just you propose that to the nation, sir, and see what you will get by it ! Why, sir, you will be worried to death for your pains." Nothing more was said, but the intelligent traveller could think of nothing by day, nor dream of any thing by night, but tramroads, locomotive steam-engines, horse-power superseded ! The idea he had conceived continued to infest his brain, and would not be driven out. Tramroads, loco- motive steam-engines, horse-power superseded ! — he would talk of nothing else with his friends. At length he broached the scheme openly; hardly anybody would listen to him; still he persevered, dinning into the public ears the same wearisome words, receiving little encouragement from statesmen and politicians, and none from theoretical phi- losophers. But at length a few commercial men began to be interested in his plan, and the consequence was, that railways have been constructed and are in progress in all parts of the civilized world. Philosophers speculate on the astonishing effects which such a means of rapid locomotion must have on the character and prospects of the whole human race ; by means of railways distant countries become familiar to all, and the only question is, Where will this railway -im- pulse end ? Into what strange condition of humanity is it 102 THE ANCHOR LINE OF STEAMERS. leading us? And the beginning of all this was the dream of a thoughtful man, looking, about some seventy years ago, at some coal-wagons running along a tramroad to a wharf. The name of this projector of a general rail way -system is Thomas Gray, who, in 1820, explained his scheme to the public in a work entitled "Observations on a General Iron Railway, or Land Steam Conveyance, to supersede the necessity of horses in all public vehicles ; showing its vast superiority in every respect over all the present pitiful meth- ods of conveyance by turnpike-roads, canals, and coasting- traders, containing every species of information relative to railroads and locomotive engines." The first record we have of rails being used on roadways was in 1630, but it was not until the year 1800 that the idea of employing them for general purposes of traffic was sug- gested. For twenty years thereafter horse-posver alone was used. On the 18th November, 1822, the first locomotive, and on the 27th September, 1825, the first passenger-coach that ever ran on a railroad, started on its experimental trip (with the directors and their friends), on the opening of the Stockton & Darlington Coal-road Railway. Mr. W. H. Brown, in his history of the first locomotive in America, says: "This vehicle was named the 'Experiment,' and was a very modest and uncouth-looking affair, made more for strength than beauty ; a row of seats ran along each side of the interior, and a long table was fixed in the centre, the access being by a door-way behind, like an omnibus of the present day, and was the only carriage upon the road for some time. It was, however, the forerunner of a mighty traffic, and, soon after, new and more improved passenger- carriages were introduced upon the road, all at first drawn by horses. THE FIRST RAILWAY-COACH. "The first railway- coach, the 'Experiment,' was regu- larly put upon the road for passenger use on 10th October, 1825. It was drawn by one horse, and performed a jour- ney each way daily between the two towns — twelve miles — in two hours. This novel way of travelling soon became popular, and eventually proved so lucrative and extensive that the carriage could not contain the applicants for a ride. Inside and outside it was crowded, and every avail- able spot was occupied. The ' Experiment,' however, was not worked by the railw r ay company as passenger-cars are now, but was let to other parties, they paying a certain toll for the use of the road. It soon became a lucrative busi- ness ; hotel-keepers and others embarked in the enterprise, and a strong opposition was raised up between the rival owners or companies." At the completion of the Liverpool & Manchester Rail- road in 1829, the directors had not determined whether to use horse or steam power, and if the latter, whether station- ary or locomotive engines. The road was only forty miles in length, yet it had cost four million dollars ! Although horse-power had many advocates, steam carried the day ; and to determine whether to use stationary or locomotive engines, a prize of £500 was offered for an engine to be ready by a certain time, and be able to fulfil certain condi- tions ; one of which was, that the engine must draw twenty tons' weight at a speed of ten miles an hour, it not being considered safe to travel at a greater speed. So absurd were the project and its conditions considered, that an eminent Liverpool gentleman remarked that "only a parcel of char- latans would have issued such a set of conditions ; that it had been proved to be impossible to make a locomotive- engine to go ten miles an hour, but, if it was ever done, he would undertake to eat a stewed engine-wheel for his break- fast." George Stephenson constructed his far-famed " Rock- et" engine, entered on the contest, won the prize, and deter- mined the question of the use of locomotive-power, not only on the Liverpool & Manchester road, but on all future rail- roads; achieving results predicted by Dr. Anderson, of Edin- burgh, when, advocating, in 1800, propositions to build rail- roads for the transportation of freight and passengers, lie said : " If we can diminish only one single farthing in the cost of transportation and personal intercommunication, and you at once widen the circle of intercourse, you form as' it were a new creation— not only of stone and earth, of trees and plants, but of men also, and, what is of far greater conse- quence, you promote industry, happiness, and joy. The cost of all human consumption would be reduced, the facili- ties of agriculture promoted ; time and distance would be almost annihilated ; the country would be brought nearer to the town ; the number of horses to carry on traffic would be diminished ; mines and manufactories would appear in neighborhoods hitherto considered almost isolated by dis- tance ; villages, towns, and even cities, would spring up all THE ANCHOR LIXE OF STEAMERS. 103 through the country ; and spots now silent as the grave, would be enlivened with the busy hum of human voices, the sound of the hammer, and the clatter of machinery ; the whole country would be, as it were, revolutionized with life and activity, and a general prosperity would be the result of this mighty auxiliary to trade and commerce throughout the land." The first railroad built in the United States was in 1827, from the Quincy quarries (Massachusetts) to the river, and extended three miles. The next was from the coal-mines at Mauch Chunk to the Lehigh Kiver, which was nine miles in length, and was built in 1827-28. Next year the Delaware & Hudson Canal Company constructed a road from their coal-mines at Houesdale to their canal. On the 4th of July, 1823, Cliarles Carroll, of Carroll ton, the only survivor of the signers of the Declaration of Inde- pendence, and then over ninety years of age, commenced the construction of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, by laying, amid appropriate and imposing ceremonies, a corner-stone, at which he is reported to have said: "I consider this among the most important acts of my life, second only to my signing the Declaration of Independence, if even sec- ond to that." This road was the first established in the United States for commercial purposes and the transporta- tion of passengers and freight; it was finished in 1852, and at that time was the longest railroad in the world. In the same year (1828) was organized and commenced the South Carolina or Charleston & Hamburg Eailroad, the first in the world built expressly for locomotive-power, for general freight and passenger business, and on which, two years afterward, ran the first and second locomotives that were built in America for actual service on a railroad. This road had also the honor of having laid the first hundred consecutive miles of iron rails ever laid on any road. The spread of our railroad system need not be pursued further than merely giving the decennial increase in the mileage : 1827. . 3 miles open. 1831. . 131 " " 1841. . 3,877 " " 1851. . 11,027 miles open. 1801. . 31,769 " " 1871. . 02,647 " " The great growth of the country demands more lines from the seaboard to the interior, as well as increasing the numerous feeders of the prominent trunk-lines, and it is es- timated that about 40,000 miles are projected, a portion of which is now in process of construction. As a point of interest, we will give sketches of the coaches of 1831, and the luxurious drawing-room palace- cars of 1872. FIRST LOCOMOTIVE AND TRAIN OP CARS EVER RUN IN THE STAffE OF NEW YORK. The first excursion-trip with a train of passenger- coaches, in the State of New York, was on the Mohawk & Hudson Railroad from Albany to Schenectady, on August 9, 1831. Before the train started, a sketch, as shown above, of the locomotive, tender, and the first two of the number of cars in the train, and correct likenesses of the engineer and passengers represented in the cars, was made by William H. Brown, one of the excursionists, cut out of black paper with a pair of scissors. The original picture was presented by the artist to the Connecticut Historical Society, was about six feet in length, and is yet preserved by the Society, and highly prized for its antiquity and truthfulness. The outside seats were for the drivers when these cars had been drawn by horse-power, but on this occasion were occupied by the excursionists. 14 Before quitting this subject, and by way of comparison between the old-fashioned stage-coach-body pattern of forty years since, as shown above, and the splendid drawing- room, sleeping- and dining-room saloon palace-cars of the present clay, let us, while contemplating the progress of the past, wonderful as it seems, predict that it will be entirely eclipsed by that of the next forty years. There are no exponents of the development of a country's wealth in recent times more striking than the railway sta- tistics. During the past twenty years, seventy to seventy- five million dollars have annually been sunk in the railways of Great Britain, and the amount of hard casli now invested in these undertakings, in the United Kingdom alone, is $2,760,000,000, yielding last year gross receipts of $245,- 000,000, and a net revenue of 4£ per cent on the paid-up lot THE ANCHOR LINE OF STEAMERS. PALACE-CAES OF THE PRESENT DAY. capital. The number of passengers who made journeys was 375,220,000; and yet Britain has only one-tenth of the aggregate of the world, as will be shown by the following table of the EAILROADS OF THE WORLD. Statement showing the Approximate Length of Railroads in all Countries in which such Works existed at the close of the Year 1871. North America. * Miles. Miles. United States of America 62,647 f Ontario 1,619 n . . en . J Quebec 784 Dominion of Canada Vew Brtlnswick 341 I Nova Scotia 334— 3,078 United States of Mexico 379 — 66,104 West Indies. Island of Cuba (Spanish) 562 Island of Jamaica (British) 44 — 606 SouTn America. United States of Colombia 48 Venezuela 32 Guiana 60 Brazilian Empire 1,134 Paraguay 46 Uruguay 29 Argentine Republic 707 Bolivia 20 Peru 397 Chili 913 — 3,386 70,096 Miles. Miles. Brought forward 70,096 Europe. Great Britain and Ireland 16,792 France 11,079 Spain 4,416 Portugal 809 Swiss Confederation bP17 Italy 6,197 Germany 13,835 Austria 6,960 Belgium 1,869 Holland 1,362 Sweden and Norway 1,807 Denmark 631 Russia 10,173 Turkey 1,318 Greece and Ionian Islands 217 — 78,482 Asia. Turkey 143 Persia 102 British Empire in India 5,496 Java (Dutch) 191 Ceylon (British) 37 China 46 Japan 17— 6,032 Africa. Egypt 697 Tunis 29 * Algeria (French) 92 Morocco 105 Cape Colony and Natal (British) 269 — 1,192 Australia 1,385 Aggregate of the world 157,187 THE ANCHOR LINE OF STEAMERS. With such an array of formidable statistics of one of the ministers of the service of mankind, who would dare doubt that " the world moves ? " "With steamers in all directions, with railways, with telegraphs, with cheap postage, with these and other auxil- iaries, the world has made greater progress in the last fifty years than over before. In the next fifty years we can hardly imagine that there will be a further advance in the arts of social life, in general intelligence, power, and enjoy- ment, equal to the advance made in. the past half-century, but— " We think oar fathers fools, so wise we grow ; Oar wiser sons will doubtless think us so." Still, our descendants can accomplish no reform superior in direct and daily benefit to the reform carried out in the postal communication, and to which we are indebted to steam carrying so much cheaper than post horse; no new invention to match the steam-vessels that now traverse all seas, " asking no aid of wind or tide," or the railway's iron pathway crossing the plains, tunnelling the mountains, or bridging the valleys, and whkh seem to realize the hyper- bolical wish ridiculed by Pope, of " annihilating space and time to make two lovers happy ; " or the steam printing- machines that place knowledge within the reach of the humblest, scattering their twelve millions of printed sheets daily over the world, and making books the cheap possession of the poor as. well as of the rich ; or the telegraph-wires that cross the desert and mountain, and pass below the deepest seas, binding together in commerce and brotherhood people of every nation, tribe, and tongue. Even the magicians in Arabian tales did nothing more wonderful than compel the lightning to carry messages, and the sun to paint pictures; and what other human agent can be so like celestial power as that anaesthetic agent, chloroform, by which we suspend the laws of Nature in order to banish pain and avert danger \ " The past thirty years may be truly called the infancy of the golden age of commerce, in which steam, more fully 105 enlisted in the service of man, won its greatest victories over the land and the sea, vastly augmenting the commer- cial dynamics of the globe, not only in accelerating and cheapening the transportation of the products of inferior regions to the seaboard, but in practically bridging the oceans themselves and conjoining the continents. It is only thirty-four years since the first ocean-steamer found its soli- dary way across the Atlantic; now numerous fleets of steamers of enormous size are continually ploughing their way over all seas and oceans. At that time, only 1.431 miles of railway had been constructed in America; now there are 62,617 miles in operation, with engines doubled in speed, quadrupled in power, and untiringly laboring by day and night in transporting and exchanging the vast and varied products of the globe. In 1811, Morse sent the first telegraphic message by electricity 11 miles, from Washing- ton to Baltimore ; now there are in actual operation about 900,000 miles of telegraphic wire. These splendid triumphs over the obstacles of Nature, superadding, to the preexist- ing forces in use by man, a power equivalent to many mill- ions of human laborers, have necessarily caused an im- mense expansion in the commerce of the globe, and afford the only adequate explanation of the enormous and almost incredible statement that, while, during the period under review, the population of Britain, France, and the United States, increased 10 per cent., the foreign trade of these three leading commercial nations had increased almost 500 per cent. In the United States, steam-power is employed equal to the labor of 150,000,000 men, and in Great Britain equal to 450,000,000 ; yet ninety years since the man who invented the engine by which these results have been attained could not find in Glasgow a man possessing sufficient wealth and enterprise to invest £1,000 in his steam-engine : now it is the engineering metropolis of the world, furnishing near- ly all the great iron steamships for the merchant navies of every nation in Europe. ELECTRIC TELEGRAPHY. " Canst thou send lightnings, that they may go, and say unto thee, Here we are ? " — Holy Writ. From remote antiquity, man endeavored to communi- cate intelligence rapidly between distant points, employing various methods of signalling, such as alarm-fires burning on commanding points, visible at great distances by their smoke by day and their light by night; and to such per- fection had this system reached, that words could be spelled by means of fires of different substances. In modern times, semaphores, flags, and cones, have been in turn used ; but, as man obtained greater rapidity of motion, it was eminently fitting that a speedier system of transit of thought should be established : so the present generation, instead of, Ajax- like, defying the lightning, tamed it and trained it to the service of mankind, as the speediest method of dispersing his thoughts over the world. It is neither to our purpose nor within our province to enter the discussive arena and fight for any one or more of the contestants in the discoveries of electrical science ; the fact of its existence, and of its application to telegraphy, suffices us. We shall here content ourselves with saying that, between 1747, the year that Franklin proved the iden- tity of lightning and electricity, and 1837, when several telegraphs were brought before the public in different countries, the production of different inventors, the num- ber of inventions connected with the electric telegraph was almost endless. In that year, Cook and Wheatstone, in England, obtained their first patent; and Morse publicly exhibited in New York his invention, for which he filed a caveat, and in 1840 obtained a patent. In 1844, Morse sent the first telegraphic message by electricity, over a line 41 miles in length; twenty-seven years after, we find there were 176,458 miles of electric telegraph line in the United States; 15,456 miles in Cana- da; 511,766 miles of the principal government telegraphs in Europe, besides 50,000 miles of submarine cable in the various seas and oceans, in all about thirty-fold the circum- ference of the earth. Thus in the veriest infancy of the de- velopment of electric telegraphy do we find that, between two beats of the pendulum of a clock, the extreme ends of the earth are brought within whispering-distance of each other. Its extension over the civilized parts of the earth is no less wonderful than the great and startling discoveries and inventions which are almost yearly being developed. At first it was considered necessary to have a complete circle of wire, but afterward it was discovered that, by inserting the ends of the wire in the ground, the earth conveyed the return-current. At one time messages were sent alternately from either end of the wire; now mes- sages can be sent simultaneously from each end of the wire. The greatest speed attained in telegraphing is by a very ingenious instrument, invented by Alexander Bain, of Eng- land, in 1846, which is much the same as that used by the Automatic Telegraph Company of New York, by which as many as 500 words a minute can be transmitted, after the message has been " prepared," or punched out on a long slip of paper by an instrument for the purpose. The ordinary rate by Morse's instrument, which is still the one in use all over the United States by the different telegraph companies, is from 20 to 30 words per minute. In a competition for a prize given by Professor Morse, some time before his death, to the quickest operator, one operator telegraphed for two hours at the rate of 45£ words per minute, but was com- pletely exhausted by the trial. No doubt, much remains to be done in the simplification and improvement of the means of producing and utilizing this silent, subtle force of Nature, even for the purpose of telegraphing — not to speak of other uses it will, in the prog- ress of science, come to be applied to — although, when one compares the past, with its post-horses and carrier-doves, with the telegraph of the present, it seems impossible that such a revolution in the means of communication is likely to occur again. We seem to have arrived at the final agency, and what now remains is to apply it to the best THE ANCHOR LINE OF STEAMERS. 107 advantage. Water, lire, and air, have all served man, and served him well for thousands of years, but his senses have gradually been quickening to the phenomena of hidden forces in Nature, and gradually his inquiring mind and stern necessity have compelled from her her inmost secrets, till he can speed along behind her tamed forces at the rate of a mile per minute, and can write his thoughts at a dis- tance of thousands of miles, as he speaks them. Briggs and Maverick, in their story of the telegraph, write : " Of all the marvellous achievements of modern sci- ence, the electric telegraph is transcendently the greatest and most serviceable to mankind. It is a perpetual mira- cle, which no familiarity can render commonplace Thus the same terrific agent which rushes with blinding and crushing force in the lightning, has been brought under the perfect control of man, and is employed at his will as an agent of his necessities. With dissolving energy it ef- fects the most subtle analyses, it converts the sunbeam into the limner's pencil, employs its Titanic force in blasting rocks, dissolves gold and silver, and employs them in the gilding and plating of other metals; it turns policeman, sounding its whistle and alarm-bell ; and, lastly, applies its marvellous energy to the transmission of thought from con- tinent to continent with such rapidity as to forestall the flight of Time, and inaugurate new realizations of human powers and possibilities." Hail! fairest banner on the wide blue seas! Long may Commerce's most auspicious breeze Bear thee in safety through the tempest's roar, 'Tween Caledonia's and Columbia's shore; "Secure midst perils," of whatever form, Be they of finance or of raging storm, O'er either, fiercely though the billows toss, Soar thou, majestic as the Albatross ! Long stream thou prosperous on the Orient wind, E'en o'er the waters of the sunny Ind ; Long gliding proudly in Fortuna's rays, O'er the fair bosoms of the classic bays ; And, modest whispering, wheresoe'er unfurled, Thy sacred motto to the thinking world; For there is meaning, that I judge divine, In beaming radiance, in thy chaste design : Peace, Hope, Fraternity, I read in thee, As I behold thee fluttering o'er the sea. Long may each hand that hoists thee o'er the tide, Raise thee aloft with sentiments of pride ; And the first verse of our old ballad start A welcome echo in each manly heart, That "Row the boaties" o'er whose mainmasts flow The crimson emblems on their wings of snow. For every heart that loveth Scotia's weal, A thrill of patriotic pride must feel, To see thee waving, with thy dauntless smile, A peaceful challenge to proud Albion's Isle : To see thee teach prophetic Fancy's gaze To paint Clyde River, and her splendid bays, Tenfold more densely and more richly dressed, With prospering banners, hieing east and west ; With sister symbols, glistening near and far, 'Mong which may thou be still the zenith star ! Be still the orb whose rising altitude Chills not the warmth of the first dawning flood, But kindlier beameth as he gains in height, O'er the dependants of his fostering light. Thus e'er will mingle, with dependant's fear, A deep affection and respect sincere: When sympathy is with the sceptre given, The sceptre then becomes a gift of Heaven. Commercial genius never did devise A nobler emblem for its enterprise ; What worthier ground Commerce's anchor lease, Than that which emblems righteousness and peace ? What holier ground fraternal links forecaste To make the anchor of their hope hold fast ? So long may all the kindred links remain In friendly unity, whate'er the strain Of jerks of envy, competition's strife, Or adverse currents in the waves of life. And may the links, now in the forge on land, Be each so tempered by a master-hand, That every virtue of the parent ore, Be sealed unsullied in each filial core; And all so welded, that when comes the hour, That fleeting time dissolves the revered four, The Anchor still may have a trusty chain, To ride the bark through Trade's capricious main ; And show it ever when the gale does break, Like some rock light-tower in the cyclone's wake, Just when the storm's dark skirt sweeps by,' And calm's first sunbeams rush along the sky ; And smile again on the yet surging deep, And joyous dance around the light-tower steep: Still staunch, unshaken by the passing shock, Firm as its basis of unyielding rock, Links present future — e'er be yours the power To keep trade's bark like to that beacon-tower. Thus thou Rod Anchor of aspiring Clyde, Thy fleet will flourish, bonnie Scotland's pride; Ho that loves Scotland, let him zealous be, And aid his mite for thy prosperity ; And all who share it serve thee true and well — Peace, health, fraternity, among them dwell ! — Nauta. 51 LWIOlf STREET, GLASGOW. THE CITY OF GLASGOW. " Yon gathered ocean of low, lazy clouds Points out the gorgeous city of commerce, Whose merchants, like the honorable of Tyre, Are princes 'mid the nations of .the earth ; See what a change trade's golden wand can do ! As if by magic make a village spring To all the glories of a capital." — Dugald Moore. " The deep-drawing barks do there disgorge their fraughtage." — Shakespeare. The industrial metropolis of Scotland, in point of popu- lation the second city in the kingdom, is, after London, the largest and most important ; and in a commercial poiut of view lias shown the most extraordinary progress, arising from its situation in a district abounding in coal and iron ; the local ingenuity and enterprising spirit of its inhabitants in developing its various industries; and the facilities af- forded by the Clyde for the cultivation of a world-wide commerce. It was here that James Watt, in 1765, made his mem- orable improvement on the steam-engine ; it was here that Henry Bell, in 1S12, first (in the Old "World) demonstrated the practicability of steam navigation ; and now the steam- boat building and marine-engine making of the Clyde ex- ceed those of all the other ports of Great Britain combined. Its chemical works are the largest in the world ; and among its thousand chimney-stacks there are two, each over ISO feet in height : it has large spinning and weaving fac- tories, bleach-fields, dye-works, distilleries, breweries, re- fineries, and numerous other branches of industry, all lend- ing their aid to enable this " Venice of the "West " not onlv to maintain her present magnitude, but in continuing to advance in a ratio as prodigious as heretofore. Nature gave Glasgow minerals — coal and iron — man has done the rest. The inventions of Watt and Arkwright, Henry Bell's steamboats, Monteith's dye-works, Tennant's chemical discoveries and inventions, Xeilson's hot-air blast, Henderson's Meadowside & Finnieston vast and extensive ship-building and engineering works, and other felicitous applications of intellect and ingenuity, have been to Glas- 15 gow what wide ranges of fertile land and a genial climate have been to other places. But its situation, its commercial facilities, and the en- terprise of its inhabitants, would have been of no avail, and Glasgow would never have been the mart of commerce and centre of manufactures she has become, had it not been for the vast engineering skill displayed in the deepening of the river Clyde (the Glotta of Tacitus). As the river deepened, new avenues and sources cf commerce opened up; the mer- chant princes, the commercial lords of this modern Tyre, formed connections and established houses in every foreign market where British goods could find a sale, or whence any produce could be imported which the necessity or luxury of the British people might require. Two hundred years ago the merchants of Glasgow had their shipping-harbor on the Ayrshire coast. This port being distant, and land-carriage expensive, the magistrates in 1658 negotiated with the magistrates of Dumbarton for the purchase of ground for a harbor. After some discus- sion, the negotiation broke off, the authorities of Dumbar- ton considering that " the great influx of mariners would raise the price of provisions to the inhabitants." The ma- gistrates of Glasgow, in 1662, purchased thirteen acres of ground, on which, twenty-two miles from the city, they laid out the town of Port-Glasgow, built harbors, and made the first dry or graving dock in Scotland. An act of Parliament was obtained, in 1759, for render- . ing the river navigable by means of locks. This, however, was fortunately not acted on. In 1770 another act of Par- liament was obtained, introducing jetties. At that time the 112 THE ANCHOR LINE OE STEAMERS. navigable depth of water to Glasgow was three feet at high water, spring-tides, while the high water of neap-tides did not reach Glasgow at all. The river was crossed at seven fords, the one farthest down being twelve miles below the city, and which had two feet on it at low water. In 1798 a dredging-machine, worked by manual labor, commenced deepening the shallowest places, and the result in a few years enabled vessels drawing six feet of water to reach Glasgow at high-water, spring-tides. In 1824 the Clyde trustees obtained their first steam- dredger, and in 1831 two vessels drawing 13 feet reached Glasgow ; in 1836, six vessels drawing 15 feet ; in 1839, one vessel drawing 17 feet ; in 1853, two drawing 19 feet; in 1860, eight drawing 19 feet ; in 1863, two drawing 21 feet ; and now, in 1872, the leviathan steamers of The An- chor Line can easily and daily ascend the river to Glasgow. The trustees of the Clyde navigation have expended twenty-eight million dollaks in deepening and otherwise improving the river. During the last thirty years, upward of 20,000,000 tons of material have been dredged from the bed of the river, and this work is vigorously continued with six machines, dredging annually over 1,000,000 tons. No nationality but Scottish or American would have acted with such continuous, persistent, and tenacious zeal in overcom- ing the disadvantages incident to turning a small creek into a deep-sea canal, so as to have it recorded as one of the wonders of engineering skill — in fact, the ninth wonder of the world. To fully illustrate the vast increase, we will give the annual revenue of the Clyde trust at each decade, premising that, prior to 1770, the total revenue for twenty years only amounted to $735. In 1800 $16,590 In 1840 $232,630 " 1810 33,380 " 1850 321,210 " 1820 31,640 " 1860 489,910 " 1830 101,480 " 1870 820,460 Showing that in each ten years the shipping-trade of Glas- gow has increased 50 per cent., until now the registered tonnage of vessels arriving and departing from that port exceeds 5,000,000 tons annually. And here let us add that, while contemplating the mag- nificence of the results, it was owing to the unconquerable perseverance of the Eiver Clyde Trustees that in a small and mountainous country, with a scattered population of two or three millions, with an unkind climate and an un- congenial soil, a city has been reared, the ratio of whose increase in wealth and population no city in the Old World can parallel. PROGRESS OF POPULATION. TEARS. United States. United Kingdom. Scotland. New York State. New York. Glasgow. Liverpool. 1800 5,308,483 16,160,047 1,608,420 589,051 60,489 77,058 82,295 1810 7,239,881 18,627,476 1,805,864 459,049 96,373 103,224 104,104 1820 9,633,822 21,280,887 2,091,521 1,372,111 123,706 140,432 138,354 1830 12,806,020 24,409,311 2,364,386 1,918,608 202,589 193,030 201,751 1840 17,069,453 27,049,575 2,620,184 2,428,921 312,852 261,004 286,487 1850 23,191,876 27,737,363 2,888,742 3,097,394 515,394 329,097 375,955 1860 31,443,321 29,334,710 3,062,294 3,880,735 814,254 446,639 443,938 1870 38,558,371 31,609,910 3,358,613 4,382,750 942,292 566,150 493,346 From the above we learn that, since the beginning of the present century, the population of the United States and of New York State have increased seven-fold ; that of the United Kingdom and of Scotland have only doubled ; and that while in the same time New York City has increased nearly sixteen times, and that of Glasgow nearly eight times, Liverpool has only increased six times. From the last census statistics we ascertain that, of the population of the United States, 32,989,437 are native born, and 5,566,548 are foreign born, or about seventeen per cent. ; that 10,521,233 have foreign fathers, 10,105,627 have foreign mothers, and 9,734,845 have foreign fathers and foreign mothers. DIMENSIONS OF THE ANCHOR LINE ATLANTIC FLEET. NAME. Alexandria Anglia Assyria Australia Bolivia (building)... * Britannia t Caledonia California Casta I ia (building) Columbia Ely Si a (building)... Ethiopia ' Europa India * Iowa Ismailia Italia (building).... Olympia Trinacria Utopia (building)... Victoria When built. 1870 1S70 1871 1870 1873 1863 1863 1872 1873 1867 1873 1867 1869 1864 1870 1372 1872 1871 1873 1872 Length. Breadth. Depth. Tonnage. inn t o uu.o oo.o 99 fi 1 a^n 1,00 u Q9K ? oZo.o OO . &&.0 9 1 /,9 inn k o uu.o tj>® 0 oo.o 99 ft 1 (11(1 %9 / R OO./!' 99 % 9 1 f,1 /, 1(1 / 9%n 9ft1 % 6 UJ..O q>0 -I OO.-L 91 (1 1 3Q9 J. , ou & 306. 34. 22. 2,093 361.5 40.5 24.5 3,287 330. 35. 2,700 283.3 33.7 22.3 1,698 410. 40. 4,250 290.4 33.6 22.9 1,701 311.6 36.7 23.6 2,166 315. 34. 24. 2,114 300.5 33.3 22.6 1,630 300. 34.4 21.9 2,245 307.1 34.6 21.8 2,051 306. 344 22. 2,107 375. 40. 3,700 ' 360. 40.1 24.2 3,242 * Will be lengthened and rcengiiicd in 1873. f Lengthened and rcengincd in 1872.