The state herald., 1894-11-16
A FINE STEAMSHIP.
THE ST. LOUIS LAUNCHED.
Mrs Cieveland Christcns tho New Ameri-
can Liner President Cleveland Speaks
at o banquet.

at banquet.
Washington, Nov. 12.-Presldent and
Mrs. Cleveland, accompanied by most
of the members of the cabinet and their
families, left Washington at S:15 this
morning on u special train over the
Pennsylvania road for Cramps ship
yard, Philadelphia, to witness the
launching Of the st. Louis, which Mrs.
Cleveland was to chrlsteif.
Shortly after o'clock the magnificent
steamship was successfully launched.
The affair was witnessed by fully 90
600 people. Mrs. Cleveland, wife of the
of champagne on the bow of the noble
same time uttering these words: II
christen thee, st. Louis"
In this instance, and for the first
time since the ceremony was observed
at the ship yard the champagne was
of American make. All preparations
for the launch had been carefully
made, and although the ship Is 100 feet
longer than any that has ever been
tllt itttt vi SCtGhe
the vessel from the ways into the waiter
was accomplished without a hitch.
After the launch, the invited guests.
to tho number of 400, We're entertained
ut d lunch In the office of the builders.
Charles II. Cramp, in his speech of
welcome to President Cleveland, said
TINT with two exceptions the st. Louis
was the largest and most powerful
oil, IL. tn . T. "a
progress or siib banding under MIR.
Clcyeland's administration ana cred
tied to his policy the fact that such
wonderful results have been accom-
plishcd In America. The st. Louis, he
said, is built on American plans, by
American workmcn and of American
material. Twenty-sly ships We're rec
commended by Mr.. Cleveland and au-
thOrized by Congress. Concluding. he
said that while there may be honest
differences on other questions. ma
tlonal approval of Mr.. Cleveland's Wig
orous and patriotic naval policy will
always be unanimous
AT the conclusion of Mr.. Cramps
speech President Griscom of the Inter
national Navigation Co.. who acted as
tCastmaster. proposed the health Of the
iicSiutht VI tHt tllltu SliNS, WHltH
was drunk standing with cheers.
President Cleveland in responding
said.
~ would not he entirely frank If
did not acknowledge the extreme per-
sonal satisfaction afforded me by the
reference just made TO the part which
fell to me as high duty and privilege
In the great work OF creating an
American navy and at the same time
stimulating American ship building.
We shall fail to realize the Significance
of what we have seen to-day II we over
look the fact that the ca,ises Of our
ccngratula,ion reach beyond actual a.
complishmcnt, and are not limited 10
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 powerful In the world, and
while we may find reason for a,ldi-
tional pride In the fact. notwithstnnd-
ing general economy, untOward condi-
tons not encouraging TO such M
achievement this great vessel has bcCl
built on American plans. By American
mechanics and ~ American material.
yet We must not forget that U;ir great
est cause for congratulation is foun1 IN
the hope and promise these incidents
furnish of the revival and develop
incnt of American commerce and thr
renewed appearance of the American
dag In foreign ports.
Il hope l shall not be accused Of
making suggestion calculated TO mar
the qualification which the occasion
inspires, II remind you that the ship
we have just launched WIS built In full
iillmcnt Of conditions imposed In con.
sideiuticn OF the relaxation of our reg
tsiry laws. Commerce Is the life blood
of n nation. and no country that loses
or lmpoverishcs eau reach and main
tain n commanding position among the
nations OF the earth. Our flag not only
tells Of our exist nee, but II Is n sym.
Dol Of all that American Institutions
represent"
In conclusion President Cleveland
said: since my participation In re-
building our navy during II former nj
mlnlstratlon has been 50 nattcrlngly
referred 10, hope II Is not amiss FOR
me TO say that | shall deem myself es-
pcclally fortunate lf In time To come II
can be said that have done SOM
thing during my present incumbcncy
Ia aid the freedom and extension of
American commerce and consequent
further growth of American ship-bulld-
Ing" CChecrs.l
The steamer IL one OF the largest
passenger steamers ailoai and the larg-
est ever built In the United States II
was named In honor OF the Missouri
metropolis. and hundreds OF society
people and business men from that
city are here 10 attend the ceremonies.
Nearly $4,000 has been Raised by
them for n presentation To the vessel.
This will be made Jus, prior 10 her
starting on her first voyage. which win
probably be next spring. II Is not lie.
cldci what the presentation VIII be,
hut II VIII probably he either library
or silver service. In addition to two
suits OF llags, one OF which viii b. of
silk and very handsome.
The 81. Louis Is chiefly remarkable
In that she II the first modern mcr.
shant structure Of anything approach
Ing her dimensions built In THIS coun.
,iy. She will also bc the pioneer In
what promises 10 become In time n
spirited contest between the present
Engllsh.built ocean greyhound and
those which win b. eurnch out Of
American shipyaris. When compiei.
cd she will take her place among the
vessels owned by the International
Navigation Co. which includes che
Paris. New York nnd 81. Paul. the lat.
ter being In the yards Of the cramp
company.
The steam pressure Is expected to bc
about 200 pounds To the square Inch.
The engines Of the new ship when
completed VIII h. the lnrgrst of the
puadruplc expansion type In the world.
Tho crank SHIFTS. connecting rods aud
steering gear VIII be mnio of the finest
nlgnl aLrrl. In order TO como III 10 tho