Struggle between Great Britain and United States for the Atlantic carrying trade—English shipowners cleave to Protection—“Baltimore clippers” and “American liners”—The _Savannah_, the first American Atlantic steamer, 1819—The _Curaçoa_, 1829—The _Royal William_, 1833, from Quebec—The _Sirius_ and _Great Western_, 1838—Successful voyages of these vessels—Details of _Great Western_—The _Royal William_, second of that name, the first steam-ship from Liverpool, 1838, followed by the _Liverpool_—Origin of the Cunard Company—Contract for conveyance of mails—Conditions—Names and particulars of the first steamers in this service—The _Britannia_—Comparative results of different vessels—Building (1839) and loss (1841) of the _President_—Building of the _Great Britain_ in 1843—Advantages of iron ships—American auxiliary screw steamer _Massachusetts_, 1845—American line of steamers to Europe, 1847—First ocean race won by the English—Not satisfied with Cunard line, the Americans determine to start one of their own—Reasons for so doing—American shipowners complain justly of the “Protective” policy of their own Government—Nevertheless adopted—Collins line established—Original terms of subsidy—Dimensions of their steamers—Mr. Faron’s visit to England—Details of the build of these vessels—Engines—Frame sustaining engines and dead weight—Cost of steamers greatly increased by demand for increased speed—Further details of competing lines—Speed obtained and cost—Great competition, 1850-1852—Results of it CHAPTER V. 221-250 Dangers of Atlantic Navigation—Collision of _Arctic_ and _Vesta_, 1854—_Arctic_ founders—Loss of _Pacific_, 1856—Renewed exertions of the Collins and, also, of the Cunard Company—Launch of the _Persia_—Collins line relinquished, 1858—_Scotia_—Her great strength and speed—_Russia_, first Cunard iron screw-steamer, 1862—_Bothnia_ and _Scythia_, 1874—Their construction, outfit, and cabin accommodation—Vessels now owned by Cunard Company—Comparison of _Britannia_ and _Bothnia_—Cunard Company never lost a life nor a letter during thirty-five years—Reasons—Value of punctuality—Admirable discipline in their ships—Regulations of the Company—Most disasters may be prevented by foresight—Success depends on fitting means—Cunard line shows what can be done CHAPTER VI. 251-291