The Jasper weekly courier. [volume] (Jasper, Ind.) 1858-1922, 1893-11-03
DOWN THE WAYS.

launch. at the Union Iron Works. Saa
Francisco. of the Batte-hip Orgon In the
Presence of AN Immense Gathering 10th
on Land and Water-Mi~s Daisy Ains-
worth and Miss Eagenia shelby Repre-
scented the state of Oregon Ian the Cere-
monies.
SAN FRANCISCO. Oct. 27.-The big
launched at the Union iron works
shortly before noon yesterday in the
presence of over 10000 people. The
morning broke cold and cheerless, and
"a heavy fog ovcrhung DE bay and
lard; but the uninviting atmosphere
did not deter those who had made up
their minds 10 be present At the launch
ing from starting out at an early hour
for the scene.
In the bay, yachts. tugs, I'M
aad all available small boats We're
crowded to their utmost capacity
Nearly all were gayly decorated, and
with flags flying they presented a very
pretty picture from a position in the
vicinity Of the iron works. The fog
lifted by IL o'clock and the sun shone
forth to enc its glory to the scene. At
his time the shores were black with
the great and enthusiastic throng, anx-
iously awaiting the IN when the
tide would be highest and the mass OF
iron and steel would plunge into the
waters of the bay.
A private stand had been erected
right under the DOW of the battleship
and hereon stood invited guests. Irv-
ing NJ. Scott. president of the Union
iron works, was present giving direc-
lions to the last minute Gen. Ruger.
commanding the department of the
Pacific, and staff; Capt Howison, COM
manding Mare Island Navy yard;
Gov. Markham, Mayor Ellert, Gen.
Compson of Portland, represent
ing Gov. Pennyoyer of Oregon, and
other distinguished ~personages were
present. and in addition there were two
young ladies who were to take a
important part in the ceremony. They
were Miss Daisy Ainsworth. represent
ing the state of Oregon. and Miss Eu-
genia Shelby, representing the city of
Portland.
Miss Ruth Dolph. daughter of Sem
ator Dolpn, Of Oregon. had been desig-
mated by Secretary Herbert to repre-
sent the navy, but the young lady was
unable to be present.
On ~arriva. of the final moment. two
minutes before moo the cord connect
ing the dog-shores instead of being
severed by the historic Ratchet, was
cut b. n guillotine set free by the
pressing of an electric button by Miss
Shelby. The guillotine in its fall sew
cred the cord which held two 25-pound
weights in position. These weights
struck the ~dog-shores, and knocking
them out Settle vessel in motion. Atthe
same moment Miss Ainsworth pressed
another button allowing a bottle of
California champagne to crash against
the bow in a thousand pieces and spill
its contents over il. Thus was the big
ship christened on her departure from
the ways down which she glided easily
into the bay, "A mighty cheer arising
from the admiring throng and bands
playing national airs. and with very
whistle round about sending forth q
screech Of enthusiasm.
The Oregon. when complete. will
cost, exclusive of armament. "a, 900. 900.
She will nave a displacement of 10,29s
tons, a maximum of 1900 horsepower
and a speed Of 10 2-10 knots per hour.
Her length over all will be 34s feet, her
breadth 90 feet 8 inches, her draught
~ feet.