In six years, however, the corporation was practically bankrupt.

The high speed required by the Government more than offset the generous subsidy, and misfortune seemed to pursue the ships.

The "Arctic" came into collision with a French steamer in 1854, and went down with two hundred and twenty-two of the two hundred and sixty-eight people on board.

The "Pacific" left Liverpool June 23, 1856, and was never more heard of.

Shortly thereafter the subsidy was withdrawn, and the famous line went slowly down to oblivion.
It was during the best days of the Collins line that it seemed that the United States might overtake Great Britain in the race for supremacy on the ocean.