Successive Ocean Steamer Records

Fifteen days was considered very quiok time in which to cross the Atlantic f orty years ago. The steamers were very smalL The iron screw propeller was not brought into use till 1858. It was not believed in at all, being tried first as a doubtful experiment. In 1856 a steamer made the ocean journey in 13 days, 6 hours and 7 minutes. It was as great an achievement then as the trip of the City of Paris in less than six days is now. In 1874 the Bothnia brought the time down to nine days. In 1876 the Britannic crossed in 7 days, 18 hours and 26 minutes. In 1887 the Umbria crossed the ocean in 6 days, 4 hours, 43 minutes. In 1888 the Etruria made the voyage in. 6 days, 1 hour, 55 minutes. In May of this year the City of Paris crossed in 5 days, 23 hours, 7 minutes. Wlien will this record be beaten?