The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1894-11-13

Pnlladelpnla, NOV. l2.-Snortly after
IL o'clock the magnificent steamship
st. Louis, of the American line, was
successfully launched at Cramps ship
yards. The affair was witnessed by
$4,000 people
Mrs. Cleveland broke the traditional
bottle of champagne on the bow of the
noble ship as it glided down the ways,
at the same time uttering the words.
Il christen thee st. Louis"
In this instance, and for the first
time since the ceremony was observed
at the shipyards. the champagne was
of American make.
ALE preparations for the launch had
been carefully made, and although the
ship is 120 feet longer than any that
ever has been launched, the difficult
feat of getting the vessel from the
ways into the water was accomplished
without hitch.
After the launch, invited guests TO
the number of 400 were entertained at
lunch in the office of the builders.
Charles II. Cramp, in a speech of
welcome to President Cleveland, said
that with two exceptions the st. Louis
was the largest and most powerful
ship in the world. He referred to the
progress of shipbuiIdinG under Cleve-
lands administration and credited to
his policy the fact that such wonderful
results have been accomplished in
America. The ST. Louis, ne said, is
built on American plans, by American
yyorkmen and of American material.
Twenty-six ships were recommended
by MIR. Cleveland and authorized by
Congress. Concluding, he said while
there may be honest differences on
other questions, national approval OF
Cleveland'S vigorous and patriotic ma
val policy always would be unanimous.
At the conclusion of the Cramp
speech, President Griscom, of the In
ternational Navigation company, who
acted as toast master proposed the
health of the President of the United
States. which was drunk with cheers.
President Cleveland said:
IT would not be entirely frank if [
did not acknowledge the extreme per-
sonal satisfaction afforded me by the
reference lust made to the part which
fell to me as a high duty and privi-
Iee-e in the great work of creating an
American navy ard at the safe time
stimulating American shipbuldlnS-
We shall fail to realize the significance
of what we have seen today If we over
look the fact that the causes OF our
concentration reach beyond actual ac-
c3rrplisnment and are not limited to
the things already done and within
our sight. While we may we'll be
proud because we have launched the
largest and most powerful steamship
ever built in the western hemisphere.
and with two exceptions the largest
and most powerful in the world, ana
while we may find reason for addition
al pride in the fact that notwithstand-
achievements. this great vessel has
beer. built on American plans by Amer
lean mechanics and of American ma
te7.fal vet we must not forget that
orr greatest cause of cOngratulation
is found in the hope and promise these
incidents furnish of the revival and de-
yeIopment of American commerce and
the renewed appearance of the Amer1-
can flag in foreign ports.
II hope l shall not be accused or
making a suggestion calculated to mar
the qualification which the occasion IN
spirss. if I remind you that the ship
we have lust launched was built in
fulfIlment of conditions imposed in
consideration of the relaxation or our
registry laws Commerce is the life
blood of a nation and no country that
loses or impoverisnes it can reach and
maintain a commanding position
among the nations Of the earth. Our
fag not only tells of our existence but
it is a symbol of all that American IN
stitutions represent.
In conclusion, President Cleveland
said:
''Since my participation in rebuilding
our navy during a former official term
has been so fatteringly referred to,
hope it is not amiss for me to say that
shall deem myself especially fortu-
nate if in time to come it can be said
that L have done something during my
present incumbency to aid the freedom
and extension of American commerce
and consequent further growth OF
! American shipDuilding.