LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.
THE IMPORTANCE OF SPEED TO COltriaRRCE.
[To THZ EDITOR OP THE "SPECTATOR."] .
Srn,—Referring to your article in the Spectator of October 13th upon "The Importance of Speed to Commerce," I should like, as a director of one of the principal shipping companies interested, to make a few observations upon that portion which refers specially to speed upon the Atlantic. I cannot admit that the charge of supineness which is brought against us as shipowners is correct. It is not so very long since British ships were the fastest on the Atlantic, but while we are keenly alive to the present position of matters, there is far more to be considered than merely the question of holding the "record." Even if we have lately been beaten in speed, the shipping companies of this country are far ahead of those of other countries in possessing ships of the greatest size, which, in view of transport and freight requirements, is not less important than speed. To my mind, however, there is one most important factor bearing upon the whole question, to which your article makes no allusion, and that is the strong support which is given by foreign Governments, by monetary. assistance and otherwise, to their shipping companies which are competing with British lines. As against this, the support given by the British Government is comparatively small. I am not advocating subsidies, but the time may come when the Government of this country will find it necessary to pay larger sums for the carriage of mails at sea, if the people of this country desire that their correspondence should be carried by British ships faster than those of other nations. After all, a shipowner can only look to what is most profit- able for his shareholders, and cannot be expected to build the fastest ships from patriotism merely. For the price of a larger and improved 'Campania' to maintain a speed of twenty-four to twenty-five knots, three large ships with moderate speed but immense carrying capacity could be built, and there is the further advantage that the risk from loss or damage is spread over three vessels instead of being confined to one. There are other points to which I might refer, but I will only add that I am certain that the Cunard Company will not lightly let go in any respect the reputation on the Atlantic which you describe as "the best asset to any trading body which lives by competition."—I am, Sir, Sce., rOur correspondent treats the matter in the right spirit, and evidently does not mean to be beaten without a further struggle. We agree as to subsidies, but we do not see why the Post Office should not pay highly for speed in its mail contracts. Could it not charge an extra express fee of 3d. for letters sent by specially fast steamers P—En. Spectator.]
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