The Jersey City news. (Jersey City [N.J.]) 1889-1906, 1899-06-26
The SHAMROCK HIT
Barge CoHided With Cup
Challenger Just After
the Launch.
TBy Gable to The Associated Press.f


LONDON, June 26, 1ss9.-Sir Thomas
Lpton's cup challenger Shamrock was
launched today. The ceremony occurred
at three O'Clock this afternoon aN Mill
wall. AT noon she was hidden from view
in an enormous launehiAg cradle under
temporary shed in Samuda's yard. Five
hundred workmen completed the prepara-
tions for the launch. The occasion was
observed as general holiday. On a lit
tie spot among the forest of masts hail
ing from every quarter of the globe, a
large tent, gaily decorated with flags,
was erected opposite the yacht svn.,a.
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. as
sembled during the morning in the vicin-
ity of the yard and detachments of po-
lice appeared to preserve order From the
river little could be seen except the stern
of the yacht where, in bright, golden
letters shown the name Shamrock"
Previous to the launch, Sir Thomas
Upton gave luncheon at the Savoy Ho-
tel to the guests invited to the cere-
Beresford, the Marquis of Dufferin, the
Earl and Countess of Clanwilliam, Lady
Russell, the Hon. Lillian Russell, the
Hon. Schomberg Kerr Mcdonnell, princi-
pal Private Secretary to the Marquis OF
Salisbury; Sir George Faudel-Phillips, for
mer Lord Mayor of London, and Lady
Phillips; Mr.. Herbert Gladstone, Major
Sharman- Crawford the Hon. w. Walsh,
and II. M. McGilldowny, the last three
representing the Royal Ulster Yacht Club.
After the usual loyal toasts, Admiral
Beresford proposed the success of the
Shamrock and briefly sketched the
struggles of times gone by and Sir
Thomas Lipton's gallant entry into the
breach and challenge for the cup. Then
the Admiral. in breezy style, raised his
glass and said:
Nov we come to the last scene but one
May the Shamrock win 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 Sham
rock modeStly replied with a few words
of thanks.
After luncheon the party drove to sa-
muda's yard in two coaches, Admiral
Beresford driving the first. They were
the object of much attention while pro-
eeeding down the Thames embankment
and through the city and Whiteehapel.
Immediately after their arrival at the
yard the party inspected the Yacht under
the guidance of Sir Thomas Upton, w.
Fife, Jr., Mr.. Thornycrolt, ana Mr.. Cflus.
Russell They were all delighted, Ad-
miral Beresford. whose eyne,- ,c-'i 'ir',--'
Is valuable, seemingly especially pleased
with his minute nspee..o4. u t..e $780,
lenger
Lady Russell then ascended platform
level with the bow. Lady Russell chris
tened the yacht with the customary bottle
OF champagne saying
Il christen you Shamrock God bless
you, Good luck to you! May you bring
back the 2cup!''
Three cheers were then given. On a
signal from Lady Russell the hoo+ and
the cradle glided safely into the water.
After the launch lae pal - i>s..1--.oled
IN the adjoining tent and had tea Thu
health of the Shamrock was drunk and
congratulatory speeches were made
As the Shamrock reached mid-stream
from the slips, a barge collided with her.
striking the yachts bow above the water
line and making big dent The full ex-
tent of the damage done had not been as
certained as this despatch was sent.
There Was great cry when the Sham
rock struck, especially from several
members of the Upton party, who wit
messed the launch from the river. But, it
was soon ascertained that the damage
dvne was slight.