New-York tribune., 1918-09-08
Italy Honoredb byU. When
Steamer T lave Is Launched
Countess Nacch d Celere Wife of the Italian Ambassador
Chrstens 9600-Ton Vessel at kearny Named After
River Where Daz's Men Hurled Back Invaders

KEARNY. \. j.. Sept. THE first
step to cement the good will OF the
Allies toward America on the seas, IN
war and peace, was taken to-day, when
the Emergency Fleet Corporations
9.600-ton steamship Piave, christened
in honor of the Italian nation, was
sent down the ways in the presence OF
distinguished gathering of American
and Allied military and diplomatic rep
lesentatives.
More than 5000 riveters and ship
builders. who had stopped work in
honor of the launching, together with
their families. gathered about the plat
form. They cheered themselves hoarse
as the Countess Macchi di Cellere, wife
of the Italian Ambassador. broke q
bottle of champagne across the yes
sells bow and sent TIT plunging into the
waters Of the Passaic on schedule time,
.he flags of the United States and Italy
Aying from her head.
General Diaz Cables Greetings
That the naming Of the ship for the
river on which ltaly's historic victory
was won last year had found a warm
response in the hearts of the fighting
sons of Italy was evidenced by a cable
gram from General Diaz, commander of
the Italian armies. The message, read
by the Italian Ambassador from plat
form draped with the flags of the
Allies, said
"To the good ship Piave, christened
by the noble American nation after
the river of the Italian victory and
the redemption Of the whole Italian
army, fighting on its well-defended
line and ready to. move forward 20
fresh battle for the triumph of the
common cause, the army sends its
most heartfelt greetings. DIAZ."
To foster this feeling of good will
complete report of the christening
ceremonies, together with the speeches
made by Count di Cellere and Governor
Walter Edge of New Jersey, viii be
cabled abroad and read to the Italian
armies IN the field
Message from Hurley
The report will include the following
telegram from Chairman Hurley Of the
United States Shipping Board. received
here just before the launching:
"Italys valiant part in the worlds
is brought vividly to mind at the
mention Of the Piave River. No more
fitting name could be given 10 "a ship
that is to do its share in defeating
plans of the enemy who has thus far
failed to break through the strong
deiences thrown along this historic
stream. We Americans may we'll feel
honored IN christening one OF our
bridge of ships the Piave that river
"a oh BE- Gr,b+
spirit of Italy"
Brilliant Crowd Attends
The members of the Piave Commit
tee. with Mrs. William jaw as chair
man, met the guests of honor at the
Ritz Carlton, in New York. at o'clock,
and came here by motor, going directly
10 the launching stand. Women we'll
known in society, diplomats and mill
talv officers in brilliant uniforms
trudged alongside sturdy American
shlnWorkers, in soiled overals and
jumpers and neither group felt out Of
place
lust before the launching }ittle Miss
Dorothy Iselin. daughter of Mr. and
Mrs. Arthur lselin, and granddaug ter
OF Mrs. Jay, presented Countess di Gel
lere with sheaf of flowers containing
tho Italian national colors
After Governor Edge and the Italian
Ambassador, introduced by Robert Nc
Gregor, superintendent Of the Federal
SShipbnllding Company, had spoken
briefly. the American and Allied guests
repaired to the administration building,
where a luncheon was provided. 1t
was noticeable here that Count di Gel
lere ate standing and chatted with an
American chauffeur, and that amitv
between the two nations was carried
even to the repast. for lobster salad
and spaghetti were served together.
Governor Edge Speaks
Governor Edge aroused the enthusi-
asm Of the crowd when he said
One is douby Impressed by the
fact that we are here to christen the
steamship Pave, a name which will
live forever in America and in all de,
mocracy as the greatest of all monu~
ments to Italian courage and resource
fulncss. | hope that this great ship.
"lth It's great name, will be Of as val
liable service to civilization and It's
need as has the all-important victory
OF the Plave Of the Italian forces.
am inclined to the belief that
Uncle Sam should take the American
business man into his confidence and
trust him to utilize the merchant ma
Ilne after the war in such a way that
1T VIII again carry the flag to the seven
seas of the world and there, forever.
maintain it not only as the symbol of
commerciai supremacy, but also Of
business integrity, trade honesty and
international Justice and democracy
In the brilliant gathering at the
launching stand were the following
members of the Piave Committee:
Baron E. De Cartier Minister from
Belgium; Sir Lowther and Lady Grant.
General White. Professor Ettorc Ca
DORM and Mrs. Cadorin, Mrs. Herman
Duryea, the Rev. Dr. William T. Man
ming. Mr.. and Mrs. Arthur Iselin, Mrs.
William Post, Princess Eugenia Rus
poll and Pierre Mali, the Portuguese
Consul
Great Britain sont three representa-
tives in uniform-Colonel Walter Will
son, D. S. o. NJ. c.; Lieutenant Frank
Badgley, NJ. c.. and Commander Belt
OF the Royal Navy. Even the newly
recognized Czecho- Slovak government
was in the gathering, Captain Vladi-
mir S. Hurban, doing the honors
The Italian delegation was the larg-
est in number, and included Romolo
Tritony, the Italian Consul General;
General Emilio Guglielmotti, Military
Attache; Colonel Bindo Binda, head Of
ItoIi,. M,J;torv M;rr;or No,xr