590 THE PROGRESS IN STEAM NAVIGATION. 



happened, and is still huppcning, it is pnictically c(>rtain that the 

 .dimensions of steamships have not yet attained a maximum. Thanks 

 to mechanical appliances, the largest ships built or to be built, can be 

 readil}' steered and worked. In this particular dithculties have dimin- 

 ished in recent years notwithstanding the great growth in dimensions. 

 Increase in length and weight favor the better maintenance of si)eed 

 at sea. The tendency, therefore, will be to even greater regularity of 

 service than at present. Quicker passages wnll to some extentdiminish 

 risks, and the chance of breakdown will be lessened if nudtiple pro- 

 pellers are used. Even now. with twin screws, the risk of total l)reak- 

 down is extremely small. 



Whatever may ))e the size and power of steamships there must 

 come times at sea when they must slow down and wait for better 

 weather. But the larger and longer the vessel, the fewer will be the 

 occa.sions when th\> precaution need be exercised. It must never be 

 forgotten that as ships giow in size, speed, and cost, so the responsi- 

 })ilities of those in charge increase. The captain of a modern steam- 

 ship needs remarkable (pialitij's to perform his nuiltifarious duties 

 efficiently. The chief engineer nuist have great powers of organiza- 

 tion, as well as good technical knowledge, to control and utilize most 

 advantageously the men and machinery in his charge. Apart from 

 the ceaseless care, watchfulness, and skill of officers and men, the 

 finest ships and most perfect ma«hinery are of little avail. 



The •• human factor" is often forgotten, but it is all-important. Let 

 us hope that in the future, as in the past, as responsibilities increase 

 so will the men be found to bear them. 



