Norfolk Landmark, November 5, 1889
A SPLENDID NEW STEAMER.
Transportation -- Railroad - SteamboatsInfrastructure -- Public - Government : Postal service
The Trial Trip of the New York, Philadelphia and Norfolk Railroad's New Steamer "New York" -- A Delightful Trip to the Capes and a Fine Accession to a Popular Line.
The new and splendid passenger and freight steamer New York, just built by Harlan & Hollingsworth, for the New York, Philadelphia and Norfolk railroad, left her dock, in this city, yesterday for a trial trip to the Capes. On board were several transportation officers, representing the various lines centreing in Norfolk and Portsmouth, who had gathered to see the work of the new steamer.
Among them were General V. D. Groner, of the Merchants' and Miners' Transportation Company; Captain N. M. Osborne and Captain Duberry, of the Norfolk and Western railroad; Colonel H. C. Hudgins, of the Norfolk Southern railroad; Major C. R. Capron, of the Atlantic and Danville railroad; A. M. Cooke, Jr., of the Bay Line, and J. Whitney Houck, of the American Transportation Company.
The steamer made Old Point in forty-five minutes, sailing against a stiff north wind, which is equal, to an average of seventeen miles per hour, steady sailing, under the same circumstances. Leaving Old Point she went to the Capes and returned to Norfolk with equal speed, showing her to be in every respect equal to the demands of the extraordinary service sometimes required between Norfolk and Cape Charles. The steadiness and swiftness with which she moves against the strong head wind, was a subject of remark by all on board and among them were such seamen as Commodore Marshall Parks, Captain W. R. Mayo and others.
The New York is a single screw steamer, 200 feet long between perpendiculars, 210 feet long over all, 31 feet beam, molded; 14 feet depth of hold to base line.
The motive power consists of one triple expansion, compound, surface condensing engine, cylinder 18 1/5 inches, 27 inches and 42 inches diameters by a stroke of 24 inches, common to all, supplied with steam by two boilers, (steel) proportioned throughout for a working pressure of 100 pounds per square inch.
On her engineer's trial trip the New York developed a speed of over 16 1/2 miles, in slack water, per hour, but as this was with only 120 pounds of steam, and as she is allowed 160 pounds, it will be seen that she has a very large margin of power still to be applied, which will proportionately increase her speed, so that when she is down to her final bearings, and the engine has been running for some time, so as to secure the proper adjustment of all her sails, she is expected to prove an exceedingly fast steamer. She has a capacity for carrying about 200 tons of freight on the main deck.
Her accommodations are elegant and ample. In the hold, besides the officers' quarters, is the dining room, which is furnished with every modern convenience. The finishing is of natural wood, ash and oak. The pantry and kitchen are furnished with every possible facility for the accommodation and comfort of a travelling public. Nothing is neglected which will add to the convenience or luxury of a trip across the bay.
Special attention has been given to the matter of a private saloon for the ladies, which is entirely separated from all other parts of the boat, and which is furnished elaborately with every possible accommodation. The finishing of the ladies' saloon is of oak and the construction of it is particularly well conceived and executed. This is an important feature of travel across the bay, and an inspection of this boat by the ladies will show them that they have been thoughtfully provided for.
The boat is suppled with all modern improvements in machinery, and is constructed after the most approved models for swiftness and safety. She is provided with Edison electric lights in every part, with four life-boats and two life-rafts; the necessary steam and hand pumps for use in case of fire or other accident.
She has a barber shop, lobby, smoking room and other adjuncts of modern travel. She is furnished with elegant taste and with the most harmonious and pleasing effect. Her mirrors, carpets, state-room furnishing, etc., are of the most elegant pattern.
On the return trip from the Capes yesterday there was a meeting held in the main saloon, over which Commodore Marshall Parks presided and of which the members of the press were made secretaries.
A committee of seven was appointed to draft resolutions appropriate to the occasion. The chairman appointed for that purpose, Mr. K. C. Murray, Captain W. R. Mayo, Colonel H. C. Hudgins, Major C. R. Capron, General V. D. Groner, Mr. F. L. Slade and Captain N. M. Osborne.
The following resolutions were unanimously reported and adopted:
Resolved. That we passengers on the trial trip from Norfolk, celebrating the establishment of the double daily line to Philadelphia and New York by the new steamer New York, hereby express to R. B. Cooke, general passenger and freight agent of the New York, Philadelphia and Norfolk railroad, our thanks for the elegant and substantial manner in which he has introduced this additional transportation facility.
Resolved. That the introduction of this additional transportation facility gives the hope and promise of another and quicker United States mail connection with the Northern and New England States, which is much needed.
Resolved. That we hail with pleasure the rapid increase of commercial prosperity as shown by the necessity that has suggested the construction and active employment on the line of this splendid steamer.
Resolved. That we tender our thanks to Mr. R. B. Cooke, Captain W. C. Almy, Purser H. B. Williams and other officers of this company for their courtesy and for the evidence of enterprise they have shown, and that we wish the N.Y., P. & N. Line the success which its progressive spirit merits.
The party that accompanied the steamer New York on her trip to the Capes was elegantly entertained, and a unanimous opinion is that she will add immensely to the reputation and to the profits of this convenient, quick and favorite line.