The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1903-09-15
AN ACCIDENT
HOre Than 10000 People Were
Present, Including n Delegation
OF Prominent Maryland Citizens,
Among Whom Were Governor
Smith and Party-Miss Jennie
Scott Waters Christened the New
BOat-After the Exercises at the
Yard, POst-Launching Luncheon
Was Held at Old Point Comfort.

Newport News, Va, September 12.-
The United States $4,000 ton armored
cruiser Maryland was launched at the
yard of the Newport News Shipbuilding
Company today. An unimportant ac-
cident attended the launching, marring
but little, however, the success Of the
event,
The intensity of the suns rays caus-
ed the melting of the .taIlow with which
the ways were creased and the big keel
instead of gliding evenly down the wa
ter clung to her cradle. When she was
finally sped upon her way, the warship
dipped her stern heavily.
The launching was in a measure
abortive. but the ship was SO skilfully
handled by the experts in charge of the
work that no injury was sustained by
the Maryland. The cruiser will prob
ably be safely afioat in the morning. j.
More than 10000 people witnessed the
launching which took place" at 1:27
o'clock in the afternoon. The christening
party, led by President Calvin Borcutt,
of the Newport News Shipbuilding and
Drydock Company, made its way to the
christening stands, ascending amid
salvos Of enthusiastic applause.
The sponsor, Miss Jennie Scott Wat
ers, OF Baltimore, was the cynosure of
all eyes. and the simple elegance of her
handsome gown, the quiet dignity Of
her carriage and the refinement and
attractiveness provoked the spontane-
Gus admiration of the onlookers. In her
hand she carried a handsome bouquet.
The ceremonies were brief and simple.
Il chriSten thee Maryland" exclaimed
the fair sponsor breaking a bottle of
champagne as the ship started down the
ways.
The christening party then boarded
a Norfolk and Western ship and pro-
ceeded to the Chamberlin Hotel, at Old
Point Comfort, where an elaborate post
launching luncheon was held.
Governor Smith, of Maryland, and his
staff, accompanied by a party of nearly
200 Marylanders attended the launching.
The Maryland naval reserves, under
command of Commander Erwin Greer,
came from Baltimore on the naval re-
serve vessel Sylvia to participate in the
ceremonies. Three steamers, the Au-
gusta. the Tennessee and the state
steamer Governor Thomas, brought
the Maryland party.
Governor A. ]. Montague and large
party from Richmond were present as
the guests of the shipbuiiding compa-
ny.
At the post launching luncheon given
by the officials of the shipbuilding COM
pany, 5S4 people sat at tables. Felici-
tious speeches were made by Governor
Smith, of Maryland; Governor Monta-
que, of Virginia. General Felix Agnues
of Baltimore; United States Senator
Thomas S. Martin, of Virginia; Charles
H. Darling. assistant secretary Of the
navy and State Senator Robinson, OF
Maryland. The Maryland and Wash
ington parties returned home tonight.
Washington. September 12.-The
cruiser Maryland is SOP feet on load
water line; extreme breadth 60 feet, L:
inches: trial displacement 1850 tons;
mean draft at trial displacement 2
feet, 1 inch.
The Maryland's armament will consist
of four S-inch guns mounted in pairs ir
two electrically controlled balanced
turrets. one forward and one aft, or
the main deck; four 6-inch guns; on the
gun deck a main broad side battery OF
ten 6-inch guns, five on each side. Or
the' main deck forward and aft viii
also be located the eighteen 3-inch guns
Of the secondary battery.
Protection will be furnished by armo,
consisting of the water line belt. Abov,
this for a length of 200 feet the armo
will be five inches of uniform thicknes:
extending from the top of the Watel