The Bessemer indicator., 1894-11-17
A FINE STEAMSHIP.
THE ST. LOUIS LAUNCHED.
Mrs. Cleveland Christens the New Aneri-
can Liner r-Frcsidcnt Cleveland Speaks
at n banquet.

Washington. Nov. 12.-Presdcnt and
Mrs. Cleveland, accompanied by most
of the members of the cabinet and their
families, left Washington at s:t5 this
morning ON n special train over the
Pennsylvania road for Cramps ship
yard, Philadelphia, to witness the
launching of the st. Louis, which Mrs.
Cleveland was to clirlstcn.
shortly after o'clock the magnificent
steamship was successfully launched
The affair was witnessed by fully 90
900 people Mrs. Cleveland. wife of the
president. broke the traditional bottle
of champagne on the bow of the noble
ship rs it glided down the ways. at the
same time uttering these words: 81
christcn 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 12o frei
longer than any that has ever baen
launched. the difficult feat of gettin.
the vessel from the ways into the water
was accomplished without a hitch.
After the launch. the invited guests.
to the number OF 400, were entertained
at Il lunch in the office of the builders.
Charles II. CrImp. in his 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 10 The
progress of ship building under Mr..
Clcvcand's administration and 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 worknen and of American
material. Twcnty-siX ships We're rec
commended by Mr.. Cleveland aud nu-
thorized by Congress. Concluding. he
said that while there may be honest
differences on other questions, na-
tlonal approval of MIR. ClGveland'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 MS
toastmastcr. proposed the health of tho
President of the United States. which
was drunk standing with cheers.
President Cleveland in responding
said.
did not acknowledge the extreme per-
sonal satisfaction afforded me by the
reference just made TO the part which
fell 10 me as a high duty and privilege
in the great work of creating an
American navy and Mt the same time
stimulating American ship building.
We shall fail 10 realiza the signiiicanc"
of what we have seen to-day if we over
look the fact that the causes of our
cnngratulatiOn reach beyond actual a.
cOmplishmcnt. and are not limited to
the things already done and within
our sight. While we may we'll b.
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 addi-
tional pride in lha fact. notwiihstand
ing general economy, untoward condi-
tions not encouraging to such an
achievement tliis great vessel has beCu
built on American plans, by American
mechanics aud of American material.
yet we must not forget that cur great
est cause for congrntulation is found in
the hope and promise these incidents
furnish of the revival and develop
mcnt of American commerce and the
renewed appearance of the American
flag in foreign ports.
Il hope | shall not be accused OF
making Il suggestion calculated to mar
the qualification which the occasion
inspires, If | remind You that the ship
We have just launched was built in full
hllmcnt OF conditions imposed In con
sidcrnticn of tn" relaxation Of or reg
isilry laws. Commerce is the life blood
..r 81.
or impoverishps can reach and main
tain commanding position among the
nations of the earth. our flag not only
tells of our existence. hut it 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 ad
lniniStration has boon 50 tlatteringly
referred to, hope it Is not amiss fo:'
me 10 say that | shall deem myself cs-
pecially fortunate II in time to come it
can be said that | have done some
thing during my present incumbency
to aid the freedom and extension OF
American commerce and consequent
further growth of American ship-build-
ing" tChecrs.)
The steamer Is one of the largest
passenger steamers afloat and the larry
est ever built in the United states. 1t
was named in honor of the Missouri
metropolis. and hundreds of society
people and business men from tlInt
city are here 10 attend the ceremonies.
Nearly 100000 has been raised by
them for presentation 10 the vessel.
This will be made Just prior 10 her
starting on her first voyage, which will
probably be next spring. ii is not de
cided what the presentation will he,
but 1t will probably be either Il library
or silver service. in addition TO two
suits of flags. one of which will be of
sill, and very handsome.
The st. Louis is chiefly remarkable
in that she Is the first modern mcr-
shant structure of anything approach
ing her dimensions built in this coun-
try She will also be the pioneer in
what promises 10 become in time II
spirited contest between the present
English-built ocean greyhound and
those which will be turned out Of
American shipyards. When couplet-
ed she will take her place among the
vessels owned by the international
Navigation Co., which includes thc
Paris, New York and St Paul, the lat
ter being in the yards Of the Cramp
company.
The steam pressure is expected to be
about 200 pounds to the square inch.
The engines of the new ship v'h2n
completed will be the largest of the
quadruplc expansion type in the world
The crank shafts. connecting rods and
steering. gear will BE- made of the finest
ingot steel. In order 10 come mp 10 the
builders contract with the owners,
these engines will have TO send the st.
Louis through the water AT the ra;e of
at least 20 knots an hour. under or
dlnary seas and going conditions.
An Iii-Matrd Pair