SS Slavonia Daily Bulletin (23 October 1904): Wireless Messages, Ocean Travel & Immigration

Step aboard the SS Slavonia with this Cunard Daily Bulletin from 23 October 1904! Explore early wireless communication, breaking war news, navigation logs, and passenger experiences from one of the earliest shipboard newspapers. A must-read for maritime historians, genealogists, and ocean travel enthusiasts!

Front Page, SS Slavonia Onboard Publication of the Cunard Daily Bulletin for 23 October 1904. GGA Image ID # 132430971a

One of the earliest Cunard Daily Bulletins, this SS Slavonia Edition, greeted passengers at breakfast with a four-page morning newspaper comprised of Marconigrams, extracts from the voyage log including daily distance covered, daily weather and recapitulation of the passengers on board.

Note: The date on the cover appears to read 2nd October 1904, contents of the paper indicate that this should have read 23rd Octboer 1904.

TSS Slavonia of the Cunard Line. Dimensions:- Length: 510 Feet; Breadth: 59 Feet; Depth: 33 Feet, 6 Inches; Tons: 10,605. Cunard Daily Bulletin, Slavonia Edition, 23 October 1904. GGA Image ID # 13244c06fd

This Voyage: From Trieste 2nd October. 1904. To New York, via Fiume and Palermo.

Marconigrams

Oct. 8. 7:00 a.m.
Wireless connection was established with the Italian Naval Station at Fortes Spurio, Sicily, where we marconigraphed our probable time of arrival at Palermo, and after exchanging messages, closed communication at 7:30 a.m.

Oct. 12, 1:50 p.m.
Established communication with the Admiralty Wireless Station at Gibraltar, at a distance of 45 miles East of the Hock, when operations were continuous for four-and-a-half hours, during which period official and other messages were exchanged, until we were 20 miles West of Europa Point (Gibraltar), when “ Good Bye” salutations were signaled, and connection severed at 6:30 p.m.

Oct, 20 9:05 a.m.
Came in contact with signals from the German steamer “ Kronprinz Wilhelm,” from New York, who wired us the following news, viz :—That a five days terrible slaughter had taken place at Mukden, and continues, result doubtful, also that Port Arthur is still holding out. She reported having had fine weather since leaving. Receiving final signals at 11:30 a.m.

Oct. 21. 7:00 a.m.
Made connection with the Cunard R.M.S. “Ultonia,” from New York to the Mediterranean, who reported having experienced fine clear weather, and gave us the latest war news:—Kuropatkin badly beaten ; loss 30,000 Russians. No change at Port Arthur.

Oct. 21 11:00 am
Established communication with the American Line steamer St. Paul,” who had nothing of importance to acquaint us with, therefore disconnected at 11:20 a.m.

12:30 p.m.
Received signals from the Cunard R.M.S. “ Umbria,” from Liverpool for New York, who marconigraphed us the undermentioned later war news from the East : viz :—

Advices from the seat of war give full details of the terrible losses sustained both by the Russian and Japanese forces, during the great battle which is still raging with unabated fury in the region south of Mukden.

The awful slaughter which has filled the Japanese themselves with horror, still continues. 10,000 Russian dead have been buried.

Marshal Oyama estimates the Russian losses so far in the great battle will amount to 40,000, but these figures, large though they be, are regarded as far below the actual numbers.

The Japanese are reported to have had 60,000 killed and wounded.
General Meyendorff’s force on the extreme Russian right made a magnificent charge, with fixed bayonets, right up to the Japanese trenches, and succeeded, after a terrible struggle, in driving the enemy out, capturing one machine and ten other guns.

The feelings of the Russian troops have been aroused by General Kuropatkin's defeat, and declare that their firm resolve is to fight the battle to the bitter end.

4:00 p.rn.
Made connection with the French liner “ La Loraine," who had no business to transact, so wished us Good Bye at 4:15 p.m.

11:30 p.m.
Communicated with the German liner “Bleucher," for Hamburg, who had no fresh news to impart, so exchanged compliments, and closed communication at midnight.

Oct. 22. 10:00 p.m.
Communication made with the Cunard R.M.S. Luçania from New York, with mails, passengers, and specie for Queenstown and Liverpool, who reported having had fine, clear weather since leaving, hut had no further war news of any significance to furnish us with. After exchanging messages we wished them "Bon Voyage" at midnight.

Oct. 23. 2:30 a.m.
Made connection with the wireless station at Sagaponack, Long Island, which was continuous until signals from Babylon were received at 6:00 a.m., when communication was constant until our arrival at New York.

Local Intelligence

FROM THE LOG
Left Trieste 2 Oct. 6:35 a.m.
Left Fiume 6 Oct. 11:12 a.m.
Left Palermo 9 Oct. 6:34 p.m.

Friday, 14th Oct, 1:30 p.m
Signaled the British Braque “Lalla Rookh,” of Liverpool, in Lat. 39.16 N.. Long. 17.12 W., who wished us to report them all well.

Track Chart of Route Taken by the SS Slavonia Based on the Latitude and Logitude Coordinates Provided at the End of Each Day of the Voyage from Trieste to New York, October 1904. GGA Image ID # 1324584fd8

Weather Bureau

• Monday, 10 October 1904: Moderate gale and squally
• Tuesday, 11 October 1904: Moderate to fresh breeze
• Wednesday, 123 October 1904: Moderate to fresh breeze
• Thursday, 13 October 1904: Moderate to light breeze
• Friday, 14 October 1904: Light to moderate breeze
• Saturday, 15 October 1904: Fierce to strong gale
• Sunday, 16 October 1904: Strong to fresh breeze
• Monday, 17 October 1904: Moderate to fresh gale
• Tuesday, 18 October 1904: Strong breeze
• Wednesday, 19 October 1904: Strong to fresh breeze
• Thursday, 20 October 1904: Fresh to moderate breeze
• Friday, 21 October 1904: Moderate to fresh breeze
• Saturday, 22 October 1904: Moderate gale to light breeze
• Sunday, 23 October 1904: Moderate breeze

Summary of Passengers and Crew

• Saloon: 21
• Second Cabin: 83
• Third Class: 2,063
• Total Passengers: 2,167
• Crew: 222
• Total Souls On Board: 2,389

CHURCH.

Divine Service was held in the Saloon on Sunday. the 16th inst., the Rev. Dr. Van Antwerp officiating, passengers and crew attending.

“ Slavonia,” Printing Office, Oct. 23, 1904.

ADRIATIC, MEDITERRANEAN, NEW YORK.

The “Pannonia,” “Ultonia,” and “Slavonia” are now running from New York to the Mediterranean, calling at Naples, Palermo, Trieste, and Fiume.

Passengers by these Steamers may land at any of the ports named, and visit at leisure places of interest in Spain, France, Italy, Germany, Sicily, Austria or Hungary, continuing their journey overland to England; or, if they prefer to do so, they may remain in the ship all the time and return in her to New York; or, as a third course, they may make a stay in any of the Countries named and rejoin a subsequent Cunard Mediterranean ship at any of her calling ports.

Whichever course be selected, the traveler will be well repaid, for there is no round of travel in which so many exciting and beautiful places are found so near together as in the Mediterranean Sea.

The "Campania,", "Lucania," "Etruria," "Umbria," "Ivernia," "Saxonia," "Aurania," "Carpathia," "Slavonia," and "Pannonia" Are Fitted With Marconi's System of Wireless Telegraphy.

Report of Marconigrams, or Telegrams Sent or Received via the Marconi Wireless on the SS Slavonia from 21-23 October 1904. GGA Image ID # 1325099f25

Local Intelligence - Events of the SS Slavonia During Her Voyage from Trieste to New York in October 1904. GGA Image ID # 1325502266

Back Page Featuring a Photo of the SS Slavonia, Proposed Sailings between Liverpool, New York, and Boston, and Information on the Adriatic, Mediterranean, New York Voyages. GGA Image ID # 132566ae3f

🚢 A Voyage Through History: Cunard Daily Bulletin – SS Slavonia (23 October 1904)

📜 Recap & Summary: A Window into Transatlantic Travel & Maritime Communications

The Cunard Daily Bulletin for the SS Slavonia on 23 October 1904 stands as one of the earliest known shipboard newspapers, offering a remarkable glimpse into the Edwardian-era transatlantic experience. This four-page publication, issued each morning at breakfast, provided real-time wireless news, maritime updates, weather reports, and passenger details—a treasure trove of historical insights.

This particular edition documents SS Slavonia’s voyage from Trieste to New York, with stops at Fiume and Palermo. It highlights the increasing role of Marconi’s wireless telegraphy, offering one of the most extensive records of real-time ship-to-ship communication in 1904.

For teachers, students, genealogists, and maritime historians, this document serves as a rich resource on ocean travel, early wireless technology, and global affairs in the early 20th century.

🌎 Why This Bulletin is Historically Significant

📖 For Teachers & Students

• Primary Source on Early Ocean Travel – An authentic document revealing the day-to-day experiences of passengers, crew, and ship operations.
• Wireless Telegraphy in Action – A detailed log of wireless messages sent and received, illustrating the revolutionary impact of Marconi’s technology in keeping ships connected.
• World Affairs at Sea – Live updates on the Russo-Japanese War, European diplomacy, and political events highlight the importance of global news even while crossing the Atlantic.

🧬 For Genealogists

• Passenger Lists & Migration Records – The Slavonia carried a staggering 2,167 passengers, mostly third-class immigrants seeking a new life in America.
• Names, departure ports, and journey details could provide valuable leads for family history research.

⚓ For Maritime Historians

• Early Shipboard Publications – This edition predates most shipboard newspapers, making it a valuable record of maritime journalism.
• Navigation & Route Data – The daily steaming logs document the exact course taken from the Mediterranean to New York.
• Wireless Communication Logs – Continuous Marconigram reports reveal how ships communicated at sea before radio broadcasting became widespread.

💰 For Social & Economic Historians

• Luxury vs. Immigrant Travel – While saloon passengers (first-class) enjoyed elegance, the over 2,000 third-class passengers reflected the mass migration movement of the early 1900s.
• Transatlantic Trade & Diplomacy – Economic reports and political dispatches underscore the interconnectedness of global commerce and politics.

📡 Marconigrams: The Role of Wireless Telegraphy at Sea

One of the most captivating aspects of this bulletin is its detailed log of wireless messages exchanged with other ships and shore stations. The SS Slavonia’s Marconi system allowed it to receive and send real-time news from various locations—including Gibraltar, New York, and even enemy ships at war.

📢 Key Wireless Communications (21–23 October 1904):

✅ 🛰️ Connection with the Italian Naval Station at Fortes Spurio, Sicily (Oct. 8, 7:00 a.m.) – Reported estimated arrival at Palermo.

✅ 📡 Contact with Gibraltar Admiralty Station (Oct. 12, 1:50 p.m.) – Maintained wireless communication for over four hours.

✅ ⚔️ Battle of Mukden – Russo-Japanese War Updates (Oct. 20–21) – Reports from the German steamer Kronprinz Wilhelm detailed massive casualties and ongoing battles.

✅ 🚢 Communication with Cunard RMS Ultonia & RMS Umbria (Oct. 21) – Confirmed further Russian military losses and exchanged greetings.

✅ 🌐 Final Communication with Sagaponack, Long Island (Oct. 23, 2:30 a.m.) – Stayed connected until arrival in New York Harbor.

These wireless logs illustrate the growing dependence on Marconi’s telegraphy, marking the beginning of instant global communication at sea.

🛳️ Maritime Operations & Navigation Logs

The SS Slavonia’s daily runs and course details provide valuable technical insights into transatlantic crossings.

📍 Key Voyage Data:

📌 Departure: Trieste – 2 October 1904 at 6:35 a.m.

📌 Stops: Fiume (6 October), Palermo (9 October)

📌 Arrival: New York (23 October)

📌 Total Distance Covered: 4,083 nautical miles

🌊 Weather & Conditions:

Encountered a fierce to strong gale (15 October), followed by moderate-to-fresh breezes.

Generally clear conditions allowed for stable passage across the Atlantic.

These records aid maritime researchers in understanding historical weather patterns, ship speeds, and navigational routes.

📸 Noteworthy Images & Illustrations

🛳️ "TSS Slavonia – Cunard Line"

• A detailed visual representation of the Slavonia’s dimensions (510 feet long, 10,605 tons).
• Highlights early 20th-century ocean liner construction.

📡 "Report of Marconigrams Sent/Received (21-23 October 1904)"

• A fascinating record of real-time wireless messaging.
• Showcases communication advancements just before the Titanic era.

🌍 "Track Chart of Route Taken by the SS Slavonia"

• A geographical record of the ship’s path, plotted from Trieste to New York.
• Useful for maritime route studies and understanding early transatlantic crossings.

🛏️ Passenger Experience: Luxury & Mass Migration

🎭 First-Class Elegance

• Saloon passengers (21 total) enjoyed spacious cabins, fine dining, and social entertainment.
• Religious services & high-profile literary features reflected the Edwardian-era luxury travel experience.

🧳 Third-Class Immigration Boom

• Over 2,000 third-class passengers were part of the great migration wave to the United States.
• The SS Slavonia served as a gateway for European emigrants seeking a new life in America.

This stark contrast between first and third-class reflects the social hierarchies and economic disparities of the time.

📌 Final Thoughts: Why This Bulletin Matters

The Cunard Daily Bulletin from 23 October 1904 aboard SS Slavonia is a historically rich artifact, offering:

📜 A rare primary source on Edwardian transatlantic travel.

📡 One of the most detailed wireless telegraphy logs from 1904.

🛳️ Navigation and weather data from a major migration voyage.

💰 Insights into the contrasting experiences of elite and immigrant travelers.

🌍 Live updates on global conflicts, diplomacy, and trade from the Russo-Japanese War to European politics.

This bulletin is an essential resource for historians, genealogists, and maritime enthusiasts, shedding light on a defining era of global migration and technological innovation.