Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1892-07-28

1uruntuh AfNlstFs.
Through the courtesy Of Passed
Assistant Engineer William A, Mint.
Eer, United States navy, representa-
tive Of The GAZETTE had the
pleasure Of witnessing one Of the most
Interesting naval incidents of the season
In the launching at Cramps yards on
Tuesday Of the fastest cruiser in the
world, the Columbia.
Previous to the hour of launching an
opportunity was offered of roaming
about the great shipyard, For one
not technically informed on these mat
tiers the first point that impressed the
reporter was the general similarity of
the Cramps yards to those of the
Harlan & Hollingsworth Company in
this city. 1t is understood, however
that the dlssimilarity exists in the fact
that the plant of the Wilmington wards
is suited more for the construction Of
commercial vessels while the Philadel-
phia yards are more adapted for naval
construction. The latter yards, it is
understood, are not as extensive as the
Harlan d Hollingsworth shipyards
Several hundred police had taken
possession of the place previous 10 the
4 seemed as if half the guardians Of the
sity were paraded about the entrance.
Standing on the platform reserved for
he christening party very impressive
idea was gained of what the building of
i modern warship means. The big steel
bull appeared set on the ways at a
greater angle than is usually the case.
Her sharp prov exhibiting remarkable
fineness, shot over beyond the heads of
the party gathered at the bow, suggest.
ing the idea that the beautiful bow lines
would give every aid in proving cruiser
No. IL to be the fastest commerce
destroyerin the world.
What was seen was simply an i'm.
lmense steel shell painted vivid red to
the water line and gray lead color above,
From the point Of vantage referred to
looking towards the opposite shores of
the Delaware the breadth of the river
did not appear to have such a very great
advantage over the Christana, at any
rate when one took into consideration
the island opposite. The illusion may
have been caused by the great height
from which the view was taken. But
that was the impression anyhow. The
extra precautions taken to keep the yes
sci from stranding on Petty's island op-
posite seemed TO Justify the idea
Standing on the wharf il was inspir-
ing to any true American heart TO wit.
mess the spectacle of four new immense
war vessels on the stocks, any one of
which will be a terror to the nationality
daring to insult the American flag.
First is the Massachusetts. Next comes
the Indiana, both ships OF the line
The next is the cruiser No. IL, the
new Columbia, witha speed Of 81 knots,
and sufficient coaling capacity to cir
cumnavigate the world without stop.
ping at any port This is the vessel
that was christened yesterday and COM
pared to whose possibilities, tile record
of the Alabama or Florida is simply
child's play. Next her stood cruiser No.
-, q sister ship to the Columbia Out
in the river beyond was the mammoth
line OF battle ship New York standing
with her big white sides high out of the
water and with every inch of her decks
crowded with spectators,
These five vessels represent a totalex
penditure Of about Sl5,000,OnO.
Locking down on the nciGhhorinC
pattle ships Indiana and Massachusetts
from the great height Of the upper decks
OF the cruiser one is struck with the
great breadth Of the decks. The vessels
look almost as broad as they are long.
thought that Immediately comes 10
the mind Of the spectator while gazing
at the biz cruiser Is that how easily i
a modern gun could penetrate the inch
thick sides Of the hull. But ii must be
remembered that this class Of vessel is
what is called the "pratcctrd cruiscr.n
That Is to say covering the whole hull is
an immense aTnlOr SiHtr roof mr. hons.