The Osceola times., 1888-09-15


Cruiser vesuvius successfully Launched
ut Cramp.. ship Yards, Philadelphia. In
the Presence of the Secretary OF the
Navy and Thousands Of sps sctators'
PHILADELPHIA, April 29.--Thousands
upon thousands of people were gathered
yesterday afternoon in the vicinity OF
Cramps Ship-ysrds to witness the launch-
ing OF the two war vessels, and delega-
tions from Washington, and leading cit.
zens of Philadelphia were embarked Al
the scene on the steamer Columbia, ana
the revenue cutter Hamilton. The ship
ping which was gathered in the river was
thick with humanity and gaily decked
IN colors. Extraordinary interest was
taken in the event as marking one OF the
most important steps toward the rehabil-
itation of the American navy, and plac-
ing II upon an equality with the maritime
forces OF other nations.
In the yards workmen had for hours
+ been busy in preparing for the movement
of the new war ships into their proper
element and their huge and formidable
structures awakened the patriotism of
every heart. Cordons of streamers and
flags were strung over them, and they
had as much of bridal look as grim war
vessels could have.
The Washington party, which was
brought in two sections OF seven cars
each, arrived at one o'clock, and proeeed-
ed to the steamer Columbia, where they
were received by Mayor Filter and dele
cation of leading citizens, together with
several of the Governors of the thirteen
original States, who held a meeting here
in the morning for the purpose of making
| arrangements for erecting u monument in
| Fairmount Park in Celebration Of the CEN
| tennial OF the Constitution. Among the
| governors present were the following;
| Beaver OF Pennsylvania, Biggs OF Della
ware, Green OF New Jersey, Jackson of
Maryland, Howard of Connecticut, and
Lieutenant Governor Jones of New York.
Nearly all OF the Washington news
paper correspondents, including repre-
| sentatives of both the United Press and
| Associated Press, were also Of the party.
The Columbia left Washington street
| wharf at 1: 30 p. IN. and proceeded to the
ship yards, a lunch being served during
| the trip.
"A few moments before three, which was
the hour set for lunching, Secretary Whit
ney and a portion of his party left the
| Columbia and proceeded TO q platform
| near the bows OF the two vessels. The
signal being given, the blocks were cut
| from under the Yorktown at 800
| p. m, and she slowly moved toward the
water. At this moment Miss Mary
Cameron, daughter of Senator Cameron
broke bottle of wine over the bow and
christened the vessel yorktown.
The steel monster glided gracefully into
the water amid the blowing Of whistles
waving OF handkerchiefs and hurrahs OF
the crowd which lined the docks.
Five minutes later the dynamite cruiser
moved toward the water. Miss Eleanor
Breckenridge, daughter Of Representa-
tive Breokinridge, of Kentucky, christ
ened her t'yesuyius" After viewing tn,
vessels a few moments as they gracefully
foated in the water, the zsignai for tn.
| return was given. r -
The Columbia reached her dock at {
quarter after four O'Clock, and at half
past four Secretary Whitney's party wer'
on their way to Washington s
The Messrs. Cramp deserve great credi
for the success which attended the launch
ing There was no hitch or accident o
any kind, and the programme was carrie,
out promptly. ,arss .sW a