In offering to the Government and the public this little volume onOcean Steam Navigation and the Ocean Post, I am conscious of myinability to present any new views on a subject that has engaged theattention of many of the most gifted statesmen and economists of thiscountry and Europe. There is, however, no work, so far as I aminformed, in any country, which treats of Marine Steam Navigation inits commercial, political, economic, social, and diplomatic bearings,or discusses so far the theory and practice of navigation as todevelop the cost and difficulties attending high speed on the ocean,or the large expense incurred in a rapid, regular, and reliabletransport of the foreign mails.
It has been repeatedly suggested to the undersigned by members ofCongress, and particularly by some of the members of the committees onthe Post Office and Post Roads in the Senate and House ofRepresentatives, that there was no reliable statement, such as thatwhich I have endeavored to furnish, on the general topics connectedwith trans-marine steam navigation, to which those not speciallyinformed on the subject, could refer for the settlement of the manydisputed points brought before Congress and the Departments. It isrepresented that there are many conflicting statements regarding thecapabilities of ocean steam; the cost of running vessels; theconsumption of fuel; the extent and costliness of repairs; thedepreciation of vessels; the cost of navigating them; the attendantincidental expenses; the influence of ocean mails in promoting trade;the wants of commercial communities; the adaptation of the mailvessels to the war service; the rights of private enterprise; and theability of ocean steamers generally to support themselves on their ownreceipts.
While this is true, there is no work on this general subject to whichpersons can refer for the authoritative settlement of any of thesepoints, either absolutely or proximately; and while a simple statementof facts, acknowledged by all steamship-men, may tend to dispel [Pg vi]muchmisapprehension on this interesting subject, it will also be notunprofitable, I trust, to review some of the prominent arguments onwhich the mail steamship system is based. That system should stand orfall on its own merits or demerits alone; and to be permanent, it mustbe based on the necessities of the community, and find its support inthe common confidence of all classes. I have long considered a wise,liberal, and extended steam mail system vitally essential to thecommerce of the country, and to the continued prosperity and power ofthe American Union. Yet, I am thoroughly satisfied that this verydesirable object can never be attained