230 PROCEEDINGS OF THE AMERICAN ACADEMY. 



carrier of passengers. Uncompromising fidelity to this duty, and un- 

 failing good judgment in its execution, seem to have secured to this 

 line the unexampled favor of good fortune, or more justly have consti- 

 tuted their good fortune. The routes of the Cunard Line reduce the 

 dangers to the least amount ; and, being the same at all seasons, there 

 can be no uncertainty regarding them. I venture, then, to press upon 

 this Academy the expediency of using its influence to induce the other 

 lines of Atlantic steamers to ado2:)t the Cunard routes. It is essential 

 to the success of the system that it should be universally adopted. 

 I am sure you will regard the object as worthy of the earnest action 

 of the Academy. It is important to consider the agencies through 

 which the system must be introduced ; whether there be any action of 

 Grovenment wliicli .will be required, or whether the whole subject 

 should be left to the ship-owners and underwriters. Some clause intro- 

 duced into marine policies might be wise and effective, and it might be 

 well to subject all the logs of the steamers to some officer of acknowl- 

 edged judgment, from whom an unfavorable report would be received 

 as a serious sentence, and one greatly to be dreaded. But, even when 

 the lanes are established, there will still remain considerable danger, 

 unless the steamers are required to assume a uniform sjieed — say of 

 ten knots an hour — during the continuance of a fog. With these sug- 

 gestions, I leave the subject in the hands of any committee which may 

 be appointed. 



