The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1904-11-02
THE GEORGIA Is AFLOAT
United States Newest ~Battleshlp
Successfully Launched.
Distinguished Party of Georsians Ccle-
brare the E~vcnt-HIiss Stella
Tate the Sponsor.

Bath, Mc.-A distinguished company
gathered here for the launching OF the
largest vessel ever built in the State OF
Maine, the first-class battleship Geor-
cia. She successfully took her maiden
din shortly after 1 o'clock in the after
noon.
The Georgia was built at the plant OF
the Bath Iron Works, and it was there
that the launching party gathered
shortly after noon. AS the great hSnt-
ing machine started from the ways she
was christened Georgia." a bottle OF
champagne being broken against her
PROV by Miss Stella Tate, a daughter
of the late William Tate, a sister OF
Congressman +. Carter Tate, and a dl-
rect descendant Of the famous Bryu
family Of Georgia.
The Georgia was decorated with flags
and bunting as she slid down tile ways,
and the office and yard buildings of the
Bath Iron Works were similarly decor
ated for the occasion. 1t was the most
notable event of the kind ever held III
the Pine Tree State, and thousands or
excursionists from all parts of the State
gathered for the gala occasion. The
launching party was entertained by the
officers of the shipbuilding company,
and included officers of the Federal and
State governments. Governor John +.
Hill and Mrs. Hill were unable to at
tend.
The guests of honor took their places
OH a platform erected at the Prov OF
the battleship, and the party included
Governor Joseph NJ. Terrell, of Geors
gia, and Mrs. Terrell; Judge and Mrs.
Hamilton cWhorter, Miss Canelia
McWhorter, Congressman L. Carter
Tate, Mrs. Tate, Miss Stella Tate and
Congressman W. q. Adamson, all or
Georgia. zg...
Miss Tate was escorted to the plat
form by Vice-President John 5. Hyde,
who instructed her in her duties as
sponsor for Uncle Sans newest fight
Ing machine. A method somewhat diff
ferent from the usual one CT %5evering
q small cord was employed. First, the
after blocks and crib work were re-
moved and replaced by tumbling
shores, after which oak wedges were
driven to take the weight from the keel
blocks. When all was ready sawyers
severed the shore pieces.
AS the battleship began to move Miss
Tate broke a pint bottle of champagne
across the bow, naming the craft In
honor Of her State. The bottle was en-
cased in a handsomely worked silver
frame, with long ribbons flowing from
its neck, and was attached to the bow
so as to be preserved by Miss Tate asa
souvenir Of the event.
AS the great craft slid into the Ken
nebec River she was saluted by ume
Gus craft and manufacturing plants
along the shore, all of which were &C
knowledged by the Georgia, as she was
launched with steam up. When she
was a6oat this gave her Lore the ap-
pearance of a finished war vessel than
any previously launched, both military
masts being in position, as we'll as the
coming tower and three smoke fun
nels. The Georgia was attended by
several tugs and was locked during the
afternoon. i...
Following the ceremony of launching
the party was entertained at luncheon
served in the draughting rooms, which
had been handsomely decorated with
streamers Of bunting and naval flags.
Numerous toasts and speeches were
given during the hour Of luncheon.