31 MAY 1902, Page 13

[TO THE EDITOR OP TILE "SPECTATOR-1

SIR,—In the various discussions of this subject in the Press, I have not seen the fact mentioned that about sixty years ago, and earlier, the carrying of passengers and freight across the Atlantic was mainly in the hands of the Americans,—and I think I am right in saying that the American Packet of those days had a great reputation on the sea. The business was of course lost to the Americans by the introduction of steam vessels, which could be built much cheaper on this side than in America. That the Americans should desire to recapture their lost trade is not to be wondered at ; whether they will succeed at this time is another matter.—I am, Sir, &c.,

AN OLD SUBSCRIBER.