Electricity on the steamship “America”: A 2,400-kw steam-electric generating plant supplies electricity for lighting and power uses on this newest and largest American-built merchant vessel

CONSIDERED to be “easily the safest passenger liner in existence” the steamship “America” recently placed in service by the United States Lines Company is said to be the largest merchant vessel ever built in the western hemisphere. The new liner has an over-all length of 723 feet, an approximate gross tonnage of 27,000, and is capable of a speed in excess of 22 knots. Accommodations are provided for 543 cabin-class, 418 tourist-class, and 241 third-class passengers, in addition to a crew of 643. Originally intended for service between the United States and Europe, the vessel now is being used for “cruise” service to the West Indies.