The morning call., 1893-10-27

Rich and poor elbowed one another on the
same road and swarmed in great hives at
the objective point. Good cheer and good
order prevailed. Every body, despite the
few discomforts incidental to the journey,
was happy. They saw what they travelled
to sea memorable lauuch-and they
could not help being happy.
The traDspor tatiOn facilities were not of
the best, though Superintendent Rogers
of the Potrero and Bay View Street Rail-
road Company exerted himself strenuously
to meet the exceptional strain on his traffic
system. He had REINFORCED his rolling
stock by the addition Of twenty extra cars,
but these, when the tide of travel had
reached its flood, proved utterly inadequate,
and thousands trudged their way from
Fourth and Townsend streets TO the scene
of the launch. The cars carried such loads
that the last persons to board them had
to be satisfied with footing on the lowest
steps and precarious hold on the outside
of dashboards. The people who made up
their minds to walk had decidedly the best
of the bargain. They saw much that was
denied the passengers who were oppressed
and nearly stif1ed in the crowded cars
They saw, as they walked, the furious
hackmeD laShing forward their anatomical
teams. They saw the panorama of the
bay, with its feet of tugs and steamers
gayly decorated with flags. make for the
rendezvous up at the iron works. They
arrived at the yard in good humor. Their
cOrns had not been trodden on; neither
had their eyesight been jeopardized by the
frantic endeavors of tat women to fight
their way with parasols out of crowded
cars.
By the time the Oregon was ready to
slide down the ways the multitude. nearly
$1,000 people. were on hand awaiting the
inspiring spectacle. Those with invita-
tions, numbering about 5000. had passed
through the gate and masSed themselves
behind and on both sides of the big fight
ing ship. The remaining 10000 found
plenty OF desirable situations from which
to see the launch. In fact, the people who
massed themselves along the shore be-
tween the shlpyards and the Arctic Oil
Works and upon the Potrero hills COM
manded the most complete view of the
performance. As the Oregon gracefully
Rlided into the bay they saw her lines
broadside on, saw the parting OF the
SLcdmeT5
greet the baDtismal plunge and saw the
noble warship gently settle down in her
native element.
Captain Short had charge Of the police
arrangements. So orderly was the vast
crowd that there was little need OF any
police interference. The little street lead
ing directly to the yard gates was early
tammed with carriages and hacks, but
under Captain Shorts management OF the
crowd of Jehus there were no collisions
nor accidents.
The hOmeward movement of the crowd
was not quite so successful. Superin-
tendent Rogers of the Potrero and Bay
View Railroad complained very loudly Of
the lack of police supervision at the draw
bridge at the foot of Fourth street. Al
this point there occurred at l o'clock a
great deal Of confusion. The bridge
within short time had been opened nc
less than on four occasions, with the result
that great crowd collected each time on
the southern side. which. as soon as the
bridge swung into position again, rushed
on the wagon way, delaying the progress
for several minutes of the empty cars
moving southwark. The frequent open
ing oI the DFldge also nau tne eHect OF
making jam Of hOrsecars on the northern
. bank. seriously obstructing the subse-
quent hauling of the homeb0und traffic.
The result was that several thousand peo-
pie had to walk from the Union Iron
Works to the junction of Fourth and
Townsend streets.
Liberty Post, G. A. r.. with flag, fife
and drum, marched in body to the
launch. About twenty veterans were in
the little column. The girls in attendance
on the John SWEET Grammar School also
attended in a body.
There was also considerable complaint
heard over the neglect of the authorities