Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1893-11-02
DOWN THE WAYS.


launch. at tho Union Iron Works, San
Eranciscos OF the Batteship Orgon In the
Freeence OF m Immense Gathering both
ON Land and Water-Miss Daisy Aims
worth and Miss Eugenia Shelby Repre-
sented the State Of Oregon In the Cere-
monies.
SAN Francisco. Oct. 2T.-The big
battle-ship Oregon was successfully
launched at the Union iron works
shortly before noon yesterday in the
presence of over 10000 people. The
morning broke cold and cherries, and
a heavy fog overriding the bay and
land; but the uninviting atmosphere
did not deter those who had made up
their minds to be present at the launch
ing from starting out at an early hour
for the scene.
In the bay, yachts, tugs, steamers
and all available small boats were
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 lend its glory to the scene. At
this time the shores were black with
the great and enthusiastic throng, anX-
iouslv awaiting the moment 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 bow of the battleship
and hereon stood invited guests Irv-
ing NJ. Scott, president of the Union
iron works, was present giving direc-
tions 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 most
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 Dolph, of Oregon, had been desig-
mated by Secretary Herbert to repre-
sent the navy, but the young lady was
unable to be present.
On arrival of the final moment, two
minutes before noon, the cord connect
ing the dog-shores instead of being
severed by the historic Ratchet, was
cut by a guillotine set free by the
pressing of an electric button by Miss
Shelby. The guillotine in it's fall sew
cred the cord which held two 25-pound
weights in position. These weights
struck the dog-shores, and knocking
them out set the vessel in motion. At the
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 it. Thus was the big
ship christened on her departure from
the ways down which she glided easily
into the bay. mighty cheer arising
from the admiring throng and bands
playing national airs. and with every
whistle round about sending forth a
screech of enthusiasm.
The Oregon, when complete, will
cost, exclusive of armament, 81 200, 900.
She will have displacement of 10,29S
tons, a maximum of 5000 horsepower
and a speed of 16 2-1o knots per hour.
Her length over all will be 34S feet, her
breadth SO feet 3 inches, her draught
"a feet