The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-03-20

NEWPORT NEWS. VA, March H.
speoiaL-The launching Of one battleship
is an event in any country no matter
how great in its standing among the ma
tions. but to lanuch two great fighting
machines Of the largest size Is something
unparreled in the naval history of the
world.
The double launching IN James river
at Newport News next Thursday of the
magnificent twin battleshps Kentucky
and Kearsarge, will be the first time that
two frst-class battleships have ever left
the same ways together and viii attract
wide attention in the worlds naval cir
cles.
SHIPS ARE READY.
That the launch will be a success there
is not the slightest doubt. Every prepa-
ration has been made for the event, the
greatest care being taken TO have the
plans down TO the minutest detail car
iied out. With the exception of few
finishing touches the vessels are ready 10
plunge into the placid waters.
They rest on their ways like huge
watch dogs waiting for the time 20 leap.
with their hulls painted bright red
tall military masts reaching skyward.
and streamers of bunting and Old Glory
dangling in thc lreezes that sweep down
the river. the fighting machines present
magnificent picture.
Eclat ceremonies will attend the launch.
Men distinguished in national ana state
affairs Wiil'bc witnesses. civic and military
organizations will honor the event, from
the guns of the men OF war lying in Tho
river a welcoming salute will be fired
and amid the din will be heard the
shouts sent up by the throng. This Will
end the ceremonies at the yard.
THE SOCIAL PLEASURES.
After the ships are NOored in their
berths the invited guests OF the ship
building company and naval omcials VIII
steam down Hampton Roads 20 the Cham
berlin Hotel at Old Point. There banquet
will be given. Sparkling champagne vii
fzz and all the tempting viands will be
served. Then will follow number OF
toasts. responded 20 by promient speak
ers. But there will not be a grand ball,
as Is usually the custom, for the Lenten
season Is Oh. 10 is understood. however,
that there will be dancing at the hoi~
Thursday. but il will not be q part Of the
festivities attending the launch.
The battlcship kearsarge will be the
first TO glide into the water. She VIII
leave the ways az ABOUT t.3V Clo~h III
the morning just before high tide. An
hour later the kentucky will be launch
ed. Mrs. WinslOw. who Is 70 DC spon-
sor for the Kcarsarge, viii christen The
chip with champagne.
SPONSOR FOR THE KENTUCKY.
Miss Christine Bradley, daughter OF
Governor William 0. Bradley, Of Ken
tucky, whose picture from photograph
specially sent TO The Times is herewith
given. will christen the big battleshii
Kentucky. one Of the great twin nghuna
machines 70 be launched next THURSDAY
The incident has been mace notable M
advance by the determination OF this
young lady In the fact Of prejudice and
the violation Of long custom 70 use a bot
lie OF water instead OF the conventional
wine FOR the christening.
The water 10 carry out pretty senu-
ment comes from spring out OF which
Abraham Lincoln quenched his boyish
thirst.
MISS CHRISTINE BRADLEY.
Christine Bradley was born December
20 1873. In Lancaster. Ky. She attended
the local schools and from there went 10
Hamilton College at Lexington, ky..
from there 10 tho Conservatory of Music
al Cincinnati. and from there TO Wash
ington College at the National Capital.
She Il the daughter o. Governor VII
liam o. Bradley and Margaret r. Brad
ley, nee Duncan.
On both sides Of her family she is re-