THE LOSS OF THE ATLANTIC.

Grey River Argus, Volume XII, Issue 1474, 25 April 1873, Page 2

THE LOSS OF THE ATLANTIC.

The tidings of the terrible loss of the Atlantic off Halifax, accompanied with such a fearful sacrifice of human life, has created a profound impression in Melbourne. The Atlantic was a magnificent steamer,, and embodied the latest and best results of modern naval architecture. She was one of the fine fleet of Steamers known as the White Star Line, running between Liverpool and New York, and owned by the Oceanic Steam Navigation Company. The vessel was constructed specially for this line by the wellknown firm of Harlancl and Wolff, of Belfast. She was an iron ship, of 437 ft in length, of 3707 tons burthen, and of 3000---horse power, carrying four masts of graceful proportions. She was divided into five watertight compartments by iron bulkheads, and, in case of fire, could be flooded in any of these divisions and pumped out again. Her sails were hoisted by steam, and- she was steered by the same power ; and, although of great size, could be handled as easily as a pleasure yacht. Her grand saloon was 40ft by 60ft, occupying the entire width of the ship, and was placed just forward of midship, the peculiar position of the saloon, aided by the great length of the vessel, exempting it almost entirely from the motion of either the sea or the machinery. The Atlantic made her first voyage to New York in June, 1871, then under the command of Captain Digby Murray. An engraving of the Atlantic is published in the Graphic, August 24, 1872. Respecting the company to which the steamer belonged the Graphic remarks tbat "though the most recently established line, it had proved itself a formidable competitor of the older lines, and so far had shown itself well able to do battle without help in the shape of a subsidy. The company's steamers, though only some twelve months running, have gained a first-class reputation for speed, regularity, and comfort, while the fittings and appointments for passengers are even luxurious, the introduction of gas being one of the most striking improvements." The company had six steamers of about the same capacity as the Atlantic, and two of greater size and power were building. The .commander ot the Atlantic recently was Captain Benjamin GleadelL He is the brother of Mr William Gleadell, ex-mayor of Richmond. In the last letter, dated 6th January, received by his brother, Captain Gleadell writes : - "There have been more wrecks and vessels abandoned in the Atlantic this year than was known before. On my last voyage I saved a crew of an American ship in a sinking condition, and nearly every steamer crossing the Atlantic just now i 3 doing the same." It is believed, however, that on her last voyage the Atlantic was commanded by Captain James Agnew Williams.