West-Jersey pioneer., 1875-10-28
For the w. J. PIONEER
MAuR1cErowN. october 9ad 7a7r

MAURICETOwN, October 23d, 1875.
4hesSrs. Editors. rs.-On Thursday afternoon
last large concourse of people assembled
in our usually quiet village to witness the
launch Of the new three-masted schooner
"Fillie vanderchen." The day was all that
could be desired, one of the grandest of the
year, and all nature decked in the gorgeous
hues of regal autumn. The scene was in
spring and animated. Old, young, grave
and gay were here with spicy mixture of
that incorrigible combination of sauciness,
fun, and mischief the 'genius school boy"
the young ladies represented their Imperial
Mistress Fashion," in style worthy of
Broadway in those days when the expan-.
sion OF currency was only equalled by the
expansion of crinoline. It is refreshing to-
see, IN these hard times, the fair sex so
keenly alive to the necessity of economy
and retrenchment; the contraction of their
skirts keeping pace with the contraction
and scarcity of the circulating medium
God grant that aforesaid medium may not
become extinct. Should that calamity be-
fall us, what would become of the skirts?
/ The question was now asked, will she go !?
Is there danger of a breakdown? With
Joe Vannaman running the machine, sue
cess was guaranteed. A score of young
ladies hadsufficient confidence in his ability
that they overcome their natural timidity
and were launched in her. Atthree O. clock
everything being in readiness, the word was
given, and as she started, the Eolian Cornet
Band struck up dedication Quickstep,"
amid the inspiring strains of which, the
waving of handkerchiefs by the ladies, and
the shouts of the crowd, she took her first
departure from terra firma, and made her
! first bow to the multitude ashore, as she
entered the ancient realm of the sOld Sail
or's Barber''
The 'sVanderchen'' is 140 feet long, "a
feet breadth of beam, 11t feet deep; centre
board is built of the best material, and in
the most workmanlike manner, and will
carry about $50 tons. We wish Captain
Bateman (her gallant commander) success;
and with full knowledge of his ability as
thorough seaman, and the noble vessel
| he has the honor to command, we predict
for him a prosperous future and may his
| f'Shadow never be less.''
| The circumstances which led to the con-
struction of this vessel, are such that they
should be known. A few of our public
spirited citizens Capt. Chas. Sharp Seth
Bowen, Geo. Bowen, the Vannaman Bros,
of this place, and F. L. Mulford, of Mill
vile, in view Of the general depression of
ship building and vessel interests, at great
pecuniary sacrifice to themselves, started
her in order to keep the business alive at
this place. The generous disposition evinced
| by these gentlemen, for the public good, is
highly commendab e, and should be an ad-
monition to others of our citizens, who have
| made their money in vessels, and great
| part Of 1T on other peoples Investments, and
| by their selfish and miserly policy virtually
killing the '.Goose that laid the Golden
Egg. :" Our prosperity as "a community is
entirely dependent upon the fostering of our
| vessel interests. GA word to the wise is
sufficient Yours, NEPTUNE.