Omaha daily bee., 1899-06-27
SHAMROCK READY FORLAUNCH
Great Crowds Assemble. but People
Not Permitted to See Much
of the Boat.

LONDON, June 26.-Sir Thomas Lipton's
cup challenger Shamrock, is ready for launch
ing. The ceremony will occur al O'Clock
this afternoon at Millwan At this hour,
noon It is hidden from view in an enormous
launching cradle under a temporary shed in
Samuds's yard.
An hour ago 500 workmen completed the
preparations for the launch and the occasion
is now being observed as a general holiday.
On a little spot among the forests OF masts
hailing from every quarter OF the globe a
large tent. gaily decorated with flags, was
erected opposite the yacht, which stood on
the slips, ready for the water and flying
stars and stripes and union jacks. Crowds of
people who had no chance OF seeing anything
out OF the ordinary assembled during the
morning in the vicinity OF the yard and
detachments OF police appeared TO preserve
order.
From the river little could be seen except
the storm OF the yacht, where. in bright,
golden letters shone the name Shamrock"
Previous to the launch Sir Thomas Upton
gave a lunch at the Savoy hotel TO the
guests invited to the ceremony They in
cluded Admiral Lord Charles Berestord, the
marquis OF Dufferin, the earl and countess
OF Clanwilliam, Lady Russell OF Killowen,
Hon. Lillian Russell, Hon. Schomberg, Kerr
Mcdonnell principal private secretary to the
marquis OF Salisbury; Sir George Faudel-
Phillips former lord mayor OF London, and
Lady Phillips Herbert Gladstone, Major
sharman Crawford, Hon. W. Walsh and H.
NJ. McGilldowny. the last three representing
the Royal Ulster Yacht club.
After the usual toasts Admiral Beresford
proposed the success OF the Shamrock and
briefly sketched the struggle OF times gone
by and Sir Thomas Lpton's gallant entry
into the breach and challenge for the cup.
Then the admiral, in breezy STYLE raised his
glass and said: Now, we come to the
last scene but one. May the Shamrock win
a fair, square race and may she have the
additional ballast Of the Americas cup
when she returns"
The guests heartily raised their glasses in
response and the owner of the Shamrock
replied with a few words OF thanks.
After lunch the party drove to Samudas s
yard in two coaches, Admiral Beresford
driving the first. They were the object OF
much attention while proceeding down the
| and Whitechapel.
Lady Russell christened the yacht with
the customary bottle of champagne, saying
II christen you Shamrock. God bless you,
| good luck to you; may you bring back the
cup"
Three cheers we're given and on a signal
| from Lady Russell the boat and the cradle
glided safely into the water.
When the Shamrock was launched the
| entire crew and a large number OF work
men were on board The canvas screens
/ covered only about twelve feet OF the bow
and stern. The three top plates, which are
made OF alloy, were painted pea green. Be
| low that it was a brilliant bronze, resem-
| bling gold
The wetted surface was cut away to the
| last inch. The mystery in regard TO its
dimensions was continued.
Some little difficulty was experienced in
entering the Indian dock, but ultimately
the Shamrock was safely berthed in the
upper basin. where its spars are lying
Upton is shnRuine.
Sir Thomas Upton, who was in high
| spirits was asked a question regarding the
prospects OF the yacht and he said to a
| representative OF the Associated Press:
I'VE have engaged TO win back the Amer
! icas cup. We have fairly extended our
selves and II We are beaten all can say
| is honor to the yacht that is better than
| the Shamrock"
William Fife, jr,, designer of the Sham
! rock, remarked:
Brains and all that careful thought and
! knowledge OF naval architecture can put
into the Yacht are there. Every man OF US
is satisfied that with a fair field We shall
give a tight race to any opponent The
Shamrock goes around 10 Southampton to-
morrow or Wednesday for just those lit
tie arrangements that a racing experience
gives and then for the journey which, We
hope. will herald the return OF the cup"
Admiral Beresford said to a representa-
tive OF the Associated Press:
II consider the hull OF the Shamrock tC
be a remarkable triumph OF construction
II is built on original lines. In the water Il
is not so striking as out OF it. In my opin-
ion its underwater construction Is unique
Its apparent great beam is necessary tC
satisfy the tremendous area OF canvas"
australians Lead et Cricket
] LONDON, June 26.-ln the cricket mattel
at Derby TODAY between the Derby shire
eleven and the Australian visiting cricketerl
/ the home team was all out in It's first in
] nj n for A he fsfa Of fala 10