The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1902-02-25
Miss Alice Roosevelt Severed
the Rope
After Breaking a Bottle of Ger
man Champagne.
PRESIDENT WAS THERE
Came Up From Washington on
a Special Train.
He and Prince Appear Together
and Are Cheered.

New York, Feb.25.-In drizzling rain
in the presence of brilliant assemblage
amidst cheering and the roar of cannon
the German emperor's new schooner
yacht Meteor was launched from Shoot
ers Island today Unlike the weather,
the arrangements were perfect and no
untoward incident marred the occasion.
The president, Mrs. and Miss Roosevelt,
Prince Henry and the distinguished par
ty accompanying them were enthusias-
tically cheered on arriving at the plat
form built Just back of the bow of the
Meteor. Without delay after greeting
had been exchanged, Miss Roosevelt
slipped forward and taking hold of a sill
yer covered bottle containing German
campaigne broke it on the side of the
vessel. Immediately she seized a silver
axe and severed the rope which released
the weights holding the Meteor
The vessel went gracefully into the
water with the American flag breaking
out at the taffraiL American and Ger
man national airs were played and from
the scores of craft containing eXcur-
sionists came enthusiastic cheering.
Miss Roosevelt wore a dress of
sapphire blue velvet. a large black hat
trimmed with ostrich feathers and a fur
muf and boa.
The party proceeded directly from the
ferry boat to the stand which had been
erected at the inshore end of the ways
which the Meteor rested. The presi-
dent and prince with Mrs a15 Miss
Roosevelt arrived on the platform at
1922. The prince conducted Miss Roose-
velt to the small platform Immediately
under the bow of the boat. On this
,l.,+f Of h.
were President Roosevelt and Prince
Henry, Mrs. Roosevelt, Miss Roosevelt,
the mayor of New York and AmbaEsa-
dor Won Holleben. While waiting the
prince and Miss Roosevelt chatted.
The entire assemblage taking its cue
from the prince and tine presidents
daughter was in merry mood. Exatcly
a 0:39 Miss Roosevelt broke the cham
pagne bottle with vigorous and effec-
tive hand, saying:
In the name of the German emper-
or, L christen thee Meteor
Guns roared, bands played and the
great cheering lasted for several min
utes- The prince handed a bouquet 10
Miss Roosevelt and then raising his hat
in a few words acknowledged the
cheering on this main platform
The launch occurred without any mis-
hap. The presidents daughter lifted a
silver hatchet and struck the rope. 1t
parted cleanly and down came the
weights.
The wedges flew up and out. 1t trem-
ed.started forward and then slid slow
ly down into the water to the cheers os
the distinguished gathering. She TOOK
the water safely and brought up in the
middle of the Kill-Von-KuI without ac-
cident.
Prince Henry and Miss Roosevelt were
then photographed.
The prince presented Miss Roosevelt
with a silken cap ribbon of the new
yacht Meteor and she wore it on her left
h..
with the prince.
Soon after the launching the presiden-
tial party and the prince proceeded to
the hall, where a luncheon had been
prepared. The health of the prince was
drunk and then Prince Henry said:
'-Cn this occasion 7 wish TO call for
three hearty cheers for the president of
the United States, Mr. Roosevelt, hip
AS the prince spoke he waved his arms
as signal and the building shook WIN
responding cheers. Then President
Roosevelt raised his right hand ma
when there was silence said:
I ask three cheers for the guest who
has already Won our hearts, Henry OF
Prussia. Now a good one.''
President ROCSeVeltS Hin hin
hoorah" was drowned in the roar of ap-
plause that greeted the call for cheers.
Then the prince and president shook
to leave the hall, some one among hte
invited guests shouted: Mr.. President
offer three cheers fer the young lady
who has had the honor of launching the
Meteor The cheers were given. Thu
presidential party and the prince ana
his suite did not remain for the lunch
eO<l.
CABLES HIS BROTHER.
Soon after the yacht. had reached the
water the prince wrote d cablegram to
the emperor, informing him that the
Meteor had been successfully launched.
The cablegram was in German, a trans
lation being as follows:
To the German Emperor, Berlin:
Yacht just launched under brilliant
auspices. Christened by Miss RoossvaIt;s
hand. Beautiful craft. Great enthus;i-
asm- | congratulate you with all my
heart. (Signed)
HEINRICH"
With the president and Mrs and Miss
Roosevelt We're the following:
Secretary Root. Miss Root Mrs Roose-
velt, Mrs. Hitchcock, Adjutant General
Corbin, Mrs Corbin, Rear Admiral Fy-
ans Mrs. Evans, Senator Lodge. Senator
6pooner, Congressman Litauer Admiral
Bowles. Commander VIM. Cowles Mrs
Ccwles, Assistant Secretary of State
Hill, Col. Theo. Bingham, Mrs. Bingham,