Honolulu Republican, Volume IV, Number 500, 18 Ianuali 1902 — STEAMER ALBION TO LEAVE FOR MANILA [ARTICLE]

STEAMER ALBION TO LEAVE FOR MANILA

WILL TOUCH AT HONOLULU. First Vessel for Philippine Traffic— Other Steamers to be Dispatched to Orient When Fitted—Vessel is of Small Tonnage. SAN FRANCISCO. Jan. B—The rile steamer Albion, lying at Mission street bulkhead, doesn't look very important, but her departure n* \t Monday will be a most significant event. The Albion is going to Manila. She is the first of a fleet of American vessels that will engage in the intersland trade of the Philippines. The • ‘omtnercial conquest of the Asiatic possessions of the I'nited States is b- ginning, and the Albion will be the pioneer ship flying the Stars and Stripes to reach for the island trade. The business of transportation between ports of the Philippines has heretofore been largely in the hands of the British. A few German boats and Chinese junks helped to divide the trade. The possibilities of inter island traffic have attracted the attention of local shipping men. and within a year or two American steamers will probably monopolize the business, \ combination has been formed, with Captain Jarnesberg and Mark Pavia as the leading spirits, for the; purpose of capturing a share of the Philippine local trade. The firm has the advantage of Government con-1 tracts and tbe Albion will be used it first in carrying perishable food snppiie* from the big transports in Manila bay to the other island ports. Other steamers will be purchased and dispatched for Manila as rapidly as suitable ones can be found. Tbe company will purchase a timber of the small steamers new plyitg be-

tww>n ports of the Hawaiian Islands, and after they are thoroughly equipped they will be sent to Manila. The Albion has been transformed during the past month. A refrigerating plant of four large engines has been installed, cold air pipes arranged throughout her hold and electric lights put in. She will carry nothing but perishable freight and every square inch of space below deck has been reserved for this purpose. The Albion is a tiny craft to make the long journey across the Pacific She is 216 tons register and is 120 feet* long. She will go first to Honolulu. and thence to Manila, via Guam The second steamer of this fleet will leave here early in February.