Vilas County news. [volume] (Eagle River, Vilas County, Wis.) 1896-1927, 1902-03-03

New York, Feb. 26.-In the presence
of a brilliant assemblage, AMIDST
cheering and the roar OF cannon put
in a drizzling rain, the German en-
peror's new schooner yacht Meteor
was launched from Shooters Island at
1898 a. m. yesterday. Unlike the
weather, the arrangements were per-
feet and no untoward incident marred
the occasion.
The president, Mrs. and Miss Roose-
welt, Prince Henry and the dist1n-
guished party accompanying them,
were enthusiastically cheered on ar
irving at the platform built just back
of the bow of the Meteor. Without
any delay after greetings had been
exchanged, Miss Alice Roosevelt
stepped forward and, taking hold OF a
silver covered bottle containing Ger
man champagne, broke it on the side
of the vessel, saying:
F'In the name of the German emper-
or, | christen thee, Meteor"
Immediately she seized silver ak
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 ex-
cursionists came enthusiastic cheer
ing.
Miss Roosevelt wore a dress OF
sapphire blue velvet, a large black
hat trimmed with ostrich feathers and
fur muff and boa.
Prince Henry and Miss Roosevelt
were photographed after the cere-
mony.
Prince Henry, Immediately after
the launching, sent the following ca
blegram in German:
"To the German emperor, Berlin:
Yacht just launched under brilliant au-
spices. Christened by Miss Roose-
velt's hand. Beautiful craft. Great
enthusiasm l congratulate you with
all my heart. (Signed) Heinrich"
Soon after the launching the presi-
Dental party and the prince proceeded
to the hall where luncheon had been
prepared. The health of the prince
was drunk and Prince Heinrich said:
"On this occasion / wish to call for
three hearty cheers for the president
of the United States, Mr.. Roosevelt,
Hip, Hip, Hoorah!" AS the prince
spoke he waved his arms as a signal
and the building shook with the re-
spending cheers. Then President
Roosevelt raised his right hand and
when there was silence, said:
Il ask three cheers for the guest
Henry of Prussia. Now a good one"
President Roosevelt's Hip, Hip,
Hoorah," was drowned in the roar Of
applause that greeted his call for
cheers. Then the prince and the pres
ident shook hands warmly and as the
party started to leave the hall some
one among the invited guests shout
ed: "Mr. President, I offer three
cheers for the young lady who has
had the honor of launching the Mete-
or" The response was hearty.
From Shooters Island the president
and the prince went to the HohenZOl-
Iern where luncheon was served. The
prince addressed the president as fol-
lows:
"Mr. Roosevelt, you are here on
board as the guest of his majesty, the
German emperor, and | really believe
that it is the first time a president OF
the United States of America has ever
been on board one Of his majesty's
ships Please God it may not be the
last time. l wish to thank you heart
lily for the reception l have had, from
the first day I landed up to this mo-
ment and it is my sincere and certain
impression that there is a strong feel
ing of personal friendship arising be-
tween us. May it extend to the bene-
fit of our two great nations. l pro
pose three cheers for Mr.. Roosevelt"
The national anthem was then
played.
The president replied: 81 wish to
express my hearty thanks for the kind
words your royal highness has ex-
pressed on my behalf and l wish you
to understand it is no empty cOmpli-
ment when l say that your royal high
ness has already won genuine place
in our affections and good will.
highly appreciate the fact that his
majesty, the German emperor, has
sent you to the American people and
thank you personally that you have
taken step which naturally must
knit closer together two great nations,
whose friendship means so much for
the future welfare of the entire world.
To express finally a personal wish of
my own, I look forward with great
pleasure to the day on which l shall
be your guest in your capacity as ad-
miral on board of one of your battle
ships"
The prince expressed his thanks to
Miss Roosevelt in the first place for
the truly graceful way in which she
performed the ceremony of christen-
ing the yacht. eve sailors are said