Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1919-06-21

Gliding majestically into the Po-
tomac the bg steel freighter Vanada,
9.4OO tons dea9weight, was launch
led at 2 O'Clock this afternoon at the
plant of the Virginia ShipbuiMing
Cogponati ton without a hitch. This is
the third ship to be launched by
this corporation since it started op-
lerations in Alexandria.
Mrs. H. F. Morse, wife cf the
Twice president of the corporation
&snashed a bottle Of chanlpa gne
lover the prov of the ship as she left
(the ways.
Mrs. Morse presented pretty
picture as she stood on the christen-
ling platform, dressed in a pretty
blue suit with hat to match and car
(rwing boquet of pink noses and
Ifems.
Bteaks Bottle of Wine
AT a signal given she with her
bright hand uplifted. let the bottle
conAe down with considerable forces
land the foaming wine scattered over
1.-The ship and a little also on the
lfresses of some Of the women stand
ling beside her Including the dress
fof Mrs. Morse.
ii The camera men kept Mrs. Morse
busy taking pictures as did also the
movie men.
There was hearty laugh from the
crowd assembled on the platform
when one of the camera men re-
marked: "Mrs. Morse Just as you
break the bottle on the ship look
this way
The Vanada went out as far as the
channel bank and soon was hauled in
to the company's pier where she will
be completed. It is expected that this
ship MiM be completed within the
next six weeks: =
Launching Pretty Sight
The launching was pretty sight
as the Vanada left the ways. The Ma
rine Band from Quantico played pat
riot;c airs, the siren at the yards let
loose and there were lusty cheers
from the throngs assembled as the
ship proudly glided into the river
with. her colors flying.
The launching was attended by ap-
proximately 10000 persons including
Senator's, congressman, and host OF
other distinguished guests together
with practically all of the officials OF
the Virginia SlMpbuilding Corporation.
Distinguished Guests
Among the distinguished guests in
attendance were Gov. Westmoreland
Davis, Senators K. B. McKeller, John
W. Simmons, Lee S. Overman, Chas.
+. McNary, Senator and Mrs. Hard
ing. Senator and Mrs. Lenroot, Rep
rasentatives Robert A. Southworth,
John F. Fitzgerald, James 6. Nora
han. Hon. C.. G.. Carlin. former Con-
pressnlan, Admiral Moore. U. S. N,
J. w. Stewart, sherwood. System
of Ship Construction, New York; W.
+. Gallher, president of the Amerl-
can National Bank, Washington; Geo
G. Sharp. chief surveyor. American
Bureau of Shipping; Capt. Charles A
McAlhster, U. S. Coast Guard and
f. P. Bertholf, U. S. Coast Guard;
Hon. D. C. Roper, Collector of Inter,
aal Revenue; Rudolph Forester ano
Thomas Brahany, White House; J. L
Wilmeth, director of the Bureau OF
Engraving and Printing and num-
ber of others.
Luncheon After Launching
immediately following the launch,
ing came buffet luncheon which
was served in the company's com.
nsissnry. "A large number of in.
vited guests were present at the
luncheon ard all greatly enjoyed
themselves.
Following the launching the cam
era men made Governor Davis pose
with Mrs. Morse for. picture.
Gunston Hall Complete
On Monday, the freighter Gunsto
Hall, the first ship built by the Vii
,l: 81,