The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1899-12-28
LAUNCHING OF
THE STOCKTON
Ceremony Witnessed by Several
Thousands Of People,
THE NAVY OFFICIALS ABSENT.
They stayed at Washington TO Take
Part in the Exercises Incident to
the Refinement OF the Salt
ors Of the Maine.
The NAVY OFFICIALS ABSENT.

The torpedo boat Stockton was success
fully launched at ] o'clock yesterday
afternoon in the presence Of thousands
of people No one from the Navy De-
partment was present Several officials
would have come but for the fact that
they we're to take part I'm the exercises
incident TO the refinement OF the re-
mains Of the sailors who lost their lives
by the blowing up Of the Maine.
1t was cloudy and cold but the weather
did not dampen the ardor Of the people
nor lessen their enthusiasm. a few min
utes after the launching snow began to
fall
There were not as many distinguished
visitors as on the occasion Of the launch
ing of the Shubrick, but the Richmond
and Manchester people took almost as
much interest in this event as in the
former one.
Before the noon hour there had as
sembled "A large crowd in Dock street
Only those persons who held tickets were
admitted To the ship-yards. There were
several hundred who held cards of adj
mission. A stand had been erected for
the invited guests at the extreme east
end of the yard. "A, the seats were occu-
pied. The Citizens Band discoursed mu-
sic. Many popular airs were rendered.
The citys tug boat, Thomas Cunning
ham, Sr., was in the dock. and on board
were many councilmen and city officials.
BIG CROWD PRESENT.
Probably ten thousand people witnessed
the launching There were about one
thousand. including employees OF the w.
r. Trigg Company. within the yards.
Dock street was thronged with people al
most as far as the eye could reach. Many
men and boys were on the house-tops
in the neighborhood.
There was 10 delay i'm the launching
II came off promptly at the appointed
time. The only visiting guests OF the
Trigg Company were Mr. and Mrs. Stock
ton and Miss Katherine stockton, Of
New Jersey.
The christening party arrived at the
yards al 1850 O'Clock. Miss Stockton. the
sponsor wore costume Of dark material
and carried a bunch Of American Beau
ties With her were her father and
mother. Governor Tyler. Mr. Trigg. and
a few ladies and gentlemen Of Richmond.
was admitted to the stand erected for the
Christening party.
At five minutes to one o'clock Superin-
,endent Nelson gave directions 10 his men
70 prepare to release the vessel and let
her slide down the ways. At one min
ute after one o'clock the order came TO
cut the ropes
BROKE THE BOTTLE.
Ia
picked up the bottle Of champagne, which
was decorated in the national colors, and
she smashed it good and hard against the
side of the vessel, as she named the BOAT
Stockton"
The rich lquid ran down the side and
was soaked into the fertile earth. Miss
Stockton had been a little hasty.
When the ropes We're cut the boat did
not move as expected. The tallow that
creased the ways was frozen, and it re-
quired considerable effort ON the part Of
the workn.en TO start the vessel. once
started. the Stockton glided down as
gracefully as a duck and there was hard
ly a ripple when she struck the water
The vessels in the harbor and the rail
read engines all saluted the Stockton.
An almost deafening shrek OF whistles
was heard The Lou. that sunk on the
occasion Of the launching Of the Shubrick,
was recently raised out of the water
she made her presence felt by a series Of
ear-splitting whistles. The Stockton was
decorated with flags. representing nearly
every nation Of note.
The crowd fingered for a while to look
at the boat.
This launching was one OF the most
successful that has ever taken place in
the country and the officers Of the ship
yards and all their employees are to Toe
congratulated.
THOSE AT THE LAUNCHING.
After the launching q most delightful
luncheon was served at the offices Of the
Trigg Company. and the leading officials
Of the State and city and the most prom
inent citizens were present TO enjoy the
magnificent fare provided. The tables
were laden with the substantial dishes Of
the season and all the deicacies, and clar-
ct punch and apple toddy were INDUCED
In by almost all OF those present
Among the guests were Governor Tyler
Mayor Taylor. Private Secretary owen,
President Caskie Mr. Geo. w. Stevens,
Congressman Lamb. Mr.. Jefferson Wal
lace. Miss Stockton, Justice Crutchheld,
Commonwealth Attorney Richardson.
Judge Ingram. Mr. Sam Stern, members
OF the City Council. members OF the Car