Beginning of Atlantic Ferry 63 



policy here because as we go along you 

 will repeatedly notice how the Cunard 

 appeared to lag behind in the point of 

 speed and steamship development. You 

 will also notice that the Cunard came in 

 all right at the proper time. 



One result of this policy was the proud 

 boast of the Cunard, up to 1914, that they 

 had never lost a passenger's life. Think 

 of the care and thoroughness which 

 was expended to attain such a mar- 

 vellous record? The war years cut 

 across this fine record, but that was 

 inevitable. 



The British Government were so pleased 

 with the improved mail service given by 

 the first Cunarders that, in 1848, they 

 decided that the sailing should become a 

 weekly instead of a fortnightly one. Within 

 ten years their fleet was doubled, speed 

 was steadily increasing too but not 

 sufficient yet to occasion much reduc- 

 tion in the crossing. New York had a 

 direct service alternate weeks. On the 



