The Ocala banner. (Ocala, Marion County, Fla.) 1883-194?, 1911-12-22
CHRISTENING OF THE BATTLE
SHIP FLORIDA

A social correspondent to the Me-
tropolis says:
While the Florida, the worlds
greatest fighting machine, lay ma
Ijestically in the harbor, with flags and
banners waving in the gentle winds
of the spring-like day, the state
whose name she bears, Monday morn
ing showered upon her officers and
men the gifts of a people proud of the
honor. Within sight of the festivi-
ties, which took place in San Carlos
Court, the steel hulk of the monster
lighting mogul, with guns bristling in
the sunlight, seemed to lose her mar
tial bearing and take on the emblem
of peace as the rostrum at her PROV.
Governor Albert W. Gilchrist, &C.
companied by his military staff, re-
viewed the parade or more than 1900
marines and soldiers from a review
ing stand. The parade moved up Pal
fox street promptly at 10 o'clock,
I
los Court. Stirring martial music
and patriotic airs mingled with cheers
from the crowds which lined the
streets made the spectacle truly en-
blematic of American spirit and pa
triotism.
Immediately after the parade the
crowds assembled at San Carlos
curt, where the presentation cere-
mony took place. Gov. Albert w. Gill
christ presented the service to Rear
Admiral Lucien Young, representing
the navy, and to Capt. Harry w.
Knapp, commander of the dread
naught. A silver tablet in memory
of the late United States senator w.
J. Bryan, as the result of whose eff
| forts the vessel was named after his
state, and loving cup and two flags
from the Daughters of the Confedera-
cy also were turned over to the Off
GERS of the big fighting ship. Mayor
Amos E. Lewis of Marianne, Fla, pre-
scented the tablet
William A. Bours of Jacksonville
was master of ceremonies. The ad-
dress of welcome was delivered byI
Hon. w. A. Blount Bibles and a set
of Mrs. Eddy's works from the
Christian Scientists of Florida, were
presented by T. E. McGourin, of Pen
sacola.
Silver Service Committee.
The silver service presented to the
ship was purchased by the citizens if
the state as a whole and the fund,
amounting to $4,000, was raised by
popular subscriptions. The committee
in charge of raising the subscriptions
was as follows: Governor Albert w.
Gilchrist, w. A. Bours, Jacksonville,
chairman; H. H. Richardson, Jack
sonville, secretary; F. w. Hoyt, Fern
andina, treasurer; E. L. Blackmond,
Miami; F. c. Bowyer, Tampa; w. w.
Hampton, Gainesville; w. Hunt Har-
ris, Key West; w. ]. Hillman, Live
Oak; T. A. Jennings, Pensacola; w.
A. Blount, Pensacola; T. T. Munroe,
Ocala; F. T. Myers. Tallahassee; w.
R. O'Neal, Orlando; w. F. Stovall,
Tampa; A. NJ. Taylor. ST. Augustine;
s. E. league, of Apalachicola.
| Reception on Board.
| Monday afternoon Captain Knapp
gave a reception on board the Florida
to Governor Gilchrist, his staff, and
other invited guests, while tomor-
row public reception will be given.
An amusing feature of the ceremon-
les was the presentation of gophar
as a mascot on behalf of the Pensa-
cola police department. The presen-
tation speech was made by Judge
Charles H. Laney.
To a favored few a beautiful SOU
venir of the occasion was presented
today by the silver service committee.
This souvenir is a booklet, handsome
/ ly bound in green calf leather, and
besides many other attractive fea-
lures, contains the names of all citi-
zens of Florida who contributed to
the fund.
Tonight at the San Carlos Hotel a
banquet was given to the officers of
the Florida. Covers were laid for
$50 guests, which include Governor
lGilchrist. his staff, prominent men of
affairs from all parts of the state, and
other states as we'll
While the officers were around the
banquet board the crew were enter
tanned at dance given at the armory
by the local companies of the Florida
National Guard. An informal recep-
ton was also given the visiting and
Pensacola ladies in the parlors of the
San Carlos Hotel.