The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1894-11-13
BIG SHIP LAUNCHED
Credits Himself with Aiding Amer
lean Ship Building.

PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 12-At 1:02 o'clock
this afternoon the magnificent steamship
st. Louis. of the American line. was sue
cessfully launched at Cramps ship yards
The affair was witnessed by fully $1,000 peo-
pie. Mrs Cleveland, wife of the Presi-
dent. broke the traditional bottle of cham
pane on the bow of the noble ship as it
glided down the ways, at the same time
utterng these words: 81 chrsten thee ST.
Louis" In this instance and for the first
time since the ceremony was observed at
Cramps ship yards, the champagne was of
American manufacture. All preparations
for the launch had been carefully made, and
although the ship is 120 feet longer, than
any that has ever been launched at the
yard. the difficult feat OF getting vessel
from the ways into the water was accom-
plished without hitch.
After the launching the invited guests, to
the number of 400, were entertained at a
luncheon in the office of the builders.
Charles Cramp. in his speech of welcome to
President Cleveland. said that with two
exceptions the st. Louis is the largest and
most powerful ship in the world. He re-
ferred to the progress of sh:p-building un-
der Mr.. Cleveland's 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 workmen
and OF American material Twenty-six
ships were recommended by Mr. Cleveland
and authorized by Congress. Concluding. he
said that while there may be honest differ
ences on other questions. national approval
of Mr.. Clevelands vigorous and patriotic
naval policy will always be unanimous.
-
President Griscom, of the international
master, proposed the health of the Presi-
dent of the United States, which was drunk
with cheers.
President Cleveland, in responding, said:
81 would not be entirely frank II did not
acknowledge the extreme personal salts
faction afforded me by the reference just
high duty and privilege In the great work Of
creating an American navy and at the same
time stimulating American. ship-building
We shall fall to realize the full significance
OF what We have seen to-day il we overlook
the fact that the causes OF our congratu.a-
ton reach beyond actual accomplishment and
are not limited to the things already done
and within our sight. While We may well
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 power
full in the world. and while We may find
reason for additional pride In the fact. not
withstanding general economic untoward
conditions not encouraging to such an
achievement. this great vessel has been
built on American plans by American
mechanics and of American materials. Yet
we must not forget that our greatest cause
OF congratulation is found in the hope and
promise these incidents furnish OF the re-
vival and development of American COM
merce and the renewed appearance of the
American flag In foreign ports. L hope /
shall not be accused OF making a sugges-
tion calculated to mar the qualification
which the occasion inspires IL 1 remind you
the ship we have just launched was built
in fulfillment Of consideration of the re-
taxation OF our registry laws. Commerce is
the life-blood or nation, and no country
that loses or impoverishes 1t can reach and
maintain a comma nding position among the
nations OF the earth. Our flag not only
tells of our existence. but 1t is a symbol of
all that American institutions represent.
1T seems to me that tn. stars end
stripes entering a port OF the United State
and spread over Americans and American
repelled by American officials acting undt r
the mandate OF our navigation laws. In
the interest OF a revival Of Americ an COM
of our flag so dear to US ALL / am W ii
that the defense OF our government and
flag shall be accorded TO all ships OF
our flag a more familiar sight in the e IN
carrying trade, ana thus remind our citi-
zens that a large share of the carrying
need have no fear that our ship builders'
under laws giving them a fair chance. will
suffer from foreign competition.
In conclusion. President Cleveland said
"Since my participation In rebuilding our
navy during a former official term has
been so fiatteringly referred TO, hope il is
not amiss for me TO say that shall deem
come 1t can be said that have done some
thing during my present incumbency in aid
of freedom and extension OF American
commerce and the consequent further
Of ch -h..fra