New-York tribune., 1903-04-23
BIG STEAMSHIP DOCKS.
Kaiser WiIheIm II at HOboken-
Nezo Pier Opened.

Hoboken was in gala attire yesterday. both afoat
and ashore. 1t was in honor of the opening Of one
Of the three finest piers in the world in conjunction
with the arrival of the most powerful steamship
ever constructed. The docking of the Kaiser VIII
helm II at o'clock marked the opening Of the
pier and the completion Of tire first half of the
maiden voyage Of this vessel
Never before have transatlantic travellers de-
barked from a steamship this side of the
water in such finished manner. By seven gang
ways they walked TO TIE pier from the steamer.
At the foot of every gangway was uniformed at
tendant. Once ashore there was astonishment at
the perfection of everything The floor of the pier
was of closely matched wood. and smooth and
clean as a ballroom floor. Overhead arched
the steel framework. solid enough support
train. The perspective of the long pier as
animated a busy street 1t had some Of the
characteristics Of Fifth-ave. parade None Of
the grtmy mechanism of q pier be seen
heard.
All passengers were enthusiastic about the new
steamship. her comfort. the comparative freedom
from motion. the beauty of the furnishings. Some
of the passengers spoke Of the cold weather and
the fact that part Of the time the doors between
the watertight compartments were closed, as evil
dence Of the storminess Of the voyage and the
feeling which the officers had Of the need for TAX
ing special precautions fer the safety Of the ship
The steamer at this time passing through the
Arctic current. which bringing down the ice
bergs from the north. and the sea was covered
with fog. The doors closed matter Of
preca utIOn. as the snip was IN the nelSnoOEAOOO
OF icebergs. An officer in the crows nest saw
several icebergs above the fog bank.
1t would be impossible 10 describe the complete
ness OF the ship. From every point Of view there
is evidence Of the care bestowed on her. The pre-
dominating color to the decoration is blush
green Some Of the striking features which at
tracted casual attention and gave impression Of
the thoroughness with which everything has been
done were The use CT small tables in the dining
saloon instead OF long tables. and open air cafe
IL DL1Frr 4 Tf7a
open air cafes of Europe. Another feature is the
electric hair curriers'. which automatically pre-
vented from becoming overheated. They are found
in all the
There could be doubt that Emperor William
was the person after whom the boat was named.
for there are portraits of him in oil and bass-re-
lief to be seen in many parts of the ship.
President Plate OF the North German Lloyd Line
in talking Of the vessel and the trip which he de-
clared was satisfactory in every respect in reply
to a question regarding the construction OF ships
Of greater speed for commercial purposes said it
would be very hard to get additional speed out Of a
ship
Builders" he said will construct vessel with
three screws if you order one. but they will not
guarantee any given speed. In building the Kaiser
Wilhelm II. to get the necessary power it was de-
eided to have four engines & or 1oC 5o
it is unadvisabie to go beyond certain point in
the weight OF the moving masses ST. Ihey & are vit
them there might be bad mess. Engines or as
but it was decided not to have such powerful
engines in the Kaiser Wilhelm IL" L., - +s ~
Among the passengers were several OF the Of
Tcers Of the North German Lloyd Line and OF the
Vulcan works at Stettin where the ship was built
A Schlutow Of the Vulcan works. said that be-
fore returning Germany ne would visit Chicago
and other points and soE.e OF the American
shipyards I'VE have TO see that you DO not get
too far ahead Of US. you know he said with a
smile.
Another passenger was William Woodward, Am
bassador Choates private secretary. who is retir-
ing from this position. William Phillips. Of Bos-
ton he said wonld succeed him Baron de Fon-
tenilliat. whose wife. is sister OF Mrs O. H p
ReImont formerly Mrs W. K. Vanderbilt, was
another passenger. Professor Hiprecht left the
sbio at Quarantine on Tuesday night.
Collector Stranahah and his secretary, H c
Stewart went down TO Quarantine and came up
on the steamer 70 the pier.
ship was formerly in command Of the original
Kaiser Wilhelm II. renamed the Hohenzollerr, and
the kaiser " helm der Crosse. A dinner was
given for him on Monday night Toasts were pro-
S6osad bv II Cachard, president OF the American
Chamber OF Commerce in Paris, and President