The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1896-09-30
FIRST LAUNCHING"
Ever Seen In Kansas and Prob
ably Last One.
4 Clever Imitation Of the Nau-
teal Ceremony,
With Miss Mary Lalzin to Do the
Christening Speeches Made.

The big ship built by the Chamber
of Commerce of Galveston stands at
Camp Miles fully rugged 1t was for
mally dedicated yesterday afternoon
and christened 1.-THE Kansas from
the port of Galveston by Miss Mary
Lakin.
Miss Lakin was attended by Mrs A
w. Dana, Mrs. c. B. Merriam, and the
Misses Ham bIeton, Mr.. Charles Thomas,
David Lalzin and c. B. Merriam.
As Miss Lakin struck the bow of the
mammoth vessel with the bottle the
glass flew in every direction and there
was a wild scramble for the fragments
to preserve as souvenirs. The mayor
and city council and committee OF
the Commercial club were present TO
participate in the ceremonies
A stand was erected directly in front
of the prov of the ship and the speak
ers occupied the platform. Mr.. c. H
McMasters of the Galveston Chamber
of Commerce made the preliminary ad-
dress. In closing he said:
"And now, Mr.. Dana, as the repre-
sentative of this hOspitable and pro-
gressiYe city within whose gates are
being entertained such a vast number
of the people of Kansas and adjoining
states, I present, ON behalf of the peo-
port of the great west, a, token of the
abiding friendship that we have for
them And though we may have moth
ing more real than the heavy dew to
launch her upon as she is christened by
one of Kansas fair daughters, the op-
portunity it is believed, will be one I'M
paraIIeled in ship building, at least in
this part of the country
Mr. Dana said among other things in
reply:
kansas launches today her first ship.
But not hers alone. The city of Cal
weston, the pride of the great state Of
Texas, presents to the city of Topeka
this beautiful ship as her generous
contribution to our festival season,
and her worthy representative is here
to share in the triumph of this express
sion of good will between two sister
states, and to give to this occasion by
the distinction of his presence a high
er dignity more generous grace.
"The city of Topeka cordially ac-
cepts this beautiful token from the
people of Galveston, and the people OF
Topeka fully appreciate the generous
sentiments and the kindly greetings ex-
pressed by her Representatives. dedicat-
ing it to these festivities and to the
crowning triumph of an indissOluble
friendship between two great common
Wealths, for this concerns not Topeka
and Galveston alone, but interests of all
the people of the great states of Texas
and Kansas. 1t is both a monument to
achievements already accomplished
and a prophecy of still greater things
to be-"
w. c. Campbell then read the follow
ing original poem, and the exercises
were closed:
We launch today, while far away
The surging ocean restless waits,
A goodly boat, whose spars denote
The friendly feeling of two states.
Though distant be the sun-kissed sea,
Our commerce courts her cordial aid;
The hour is here for words Of cheer
This ship betOkens coming trade.
In her we see her destiny,
The means of reaching richer nnarts,
While hand in hand, united stand
Both North and South with loyal
hearts.
And now, to Thee, fair Argosy,
A hearty welcome and God speed, 3"
With sails unfurled, go, bid the world
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