Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1920-08-17
BIC OCEAN-GO|NG
SHIP COMPLETES
FIRST TRIP HERE
of Best Modern Construc-
tiOn, and Has Sailed
Seven Seas.
DESPITE HANDICAPS, MAKES
VOYAGE UP JAMES EASILY
Commander Lowell Says Dock
ing by Captain Ladd Was
Superb Seamanship.
MAYOR AINsLIE is DELIGHTED
DESPITE HANDICAPS, MAKES
VOYAGE UP JAMES EASILY
MAYOR AINsLIE is DELIGHTED
|OHcials Sec New Era for Rich
mond In Establishment OF Line
tn New York.

Just back from voyaging the seven
Frances. soon TO DO rechristened
the City Of Richmond. one Of tho
atanchest vessels In the American
merchant service, moved majcsticall,
into place alongside the Richmond
municipal wharf at 7:l5 o'clock las.
night. completing the maiden trip in
augurating regular steamship service
between Richmond and New York
Though the boat encountered the
most unfavorabie conditions on tho
river and was handicapped by poor
coal and inefficient frcmcn, the trip
was highly successful, and was with
out accident all the way from New
York TO Richmond.
Pays Tribute tn skipper.
Commander John Quitman Lowell.
who was present. declared that the
docking OF the big ocean, going ship
at the municipal wharf was one OF
The beet pieces OF seamanship he had
ever witnessed In his long and varied
career in the United States Navy. He
paid fnc tribute 10 Captain Ladd,
In command OF the Lake Frances. and
TO First Mate George Whitchurst. not
only for the landing, but their skill
ful handling OF the vessel In the
James River. First Mate whitchurst,
who piloted tho ship through tn
river and who is to be captain OF tn
Lake Sterling when II Is put In the
service. said they had no trouble
Whatsoever in rounding the curves
and negotiating the narrowest chan
nels.
1t is estimated that eight TO ten
thousand people gathered at the
wharf on small craft and on the
hillsides, to welcome the new ship
and celebrate the re-establshment Of
water transportation between Rich
mond and the outside world. The
crowd began to gather as early as 5
o'clock. and many had to leave before
the boat finally arrived.
Encountered Fog nt Capes.
Tho Lake Frances Travelled on
schedule time until It encountered n
fog at the Virginia capes yesterday
morning and lost a few hours. Some
OF the lost time was regaincd durlnJs
the day, though the supply of coal
WAS declared 10 be inferior and fire
men failed to keep up tho steam re-
quircd to make maximum speed
These defects. along with disorganized
conditions on the river, will be cor
rected at once.
Commander Lowell said that the
river was in the worst possible condi-
tion for the handling Of such YES
sci. and that the successful voyage
OF the Lake Frances. in spite OF these
conditions, is but an Indication OF tho
efficiency in service that can be main
tained when conditions are improved.
There is need of dredging. mark
crs are out OF position and other
requisites to safe navigation need
correction.
Praises Richmond People.
j. Harry Philbin, manager of sales
for the United States Shipping board,
and personal representative of Rear
Admiral W. S. Benson, chairman OF
the Shipping Board, who was pres
ent at the docking, was enthusiastic
over tho successful handling of the
vessel on It's maiden trip, and was
eloquent in his praises of Richmond
people for their enterprise, not only
in the re-establishment of river
transportation, but in their w.s1om
I'm the purchase of a type of vessel
that is held as of tho highest tyne
Tor all CLASSES or service In the
world.
This ship has been sailing the
seven seas and has been around the
world declared Mr.. Philbin. It Is
considered tho most efficient type Of
vessel now constructed and is in de-
mand for ocean service by several
of the leading maritime nations OF |
the world. 1t is most significant
of the far-sightedness OF the Rich
mond people that they secure such a |
vessel for their service. It's SUCCESS
full voyage up the river today and
It's easy docking at the city wharf IS
n distinct triumph and demonstrates |
tho wonderful adaptnbiHty OF this
type OF vessel. The Lake Sterling,
soon to be added to this service, Is
the same type identically."
This is a great day in the history
Continued on Second Page.)
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