Rensselaer Republican, Volume 25, Number 27, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 2 March 1893 — "O'ER THE DEEP BLUE SEA.” [ARTICLE]

"O'ER THE DEEP BLUE SEA.”

Th* Stnrerad Stripes Float Frond and Free The ocean steamer, City of New York was rechristened at New York, on th* 23d, with impressive ceremonies. Presi dent Harrison and a number of member of tho cabinet were present. The even 1 American shipping. Not for a generatioi have the stars and stripes floated over ar ocean steamship. A mighty cheer went up from theguesti on the steamer as tho President ascended the gang plank. Tho President shook hands with many friends, after which h* was escorted to the main saloon. Everything was ready for him. Tho President took the end of tha halyards and, in the most informaTTashlon, haiifcd away. The flag, been held by two sailors, was then broken out to the breeze and the President hoisted it to the peak of the staff, declaring the first vessel of the only American trans-Atlantic lino in commission. At the same time tho union jack was hoisted by sailors on tho jib boom staff, the English ensign was hauled to the foretop mast, and the new house flag of tho lino, an immense blue eagle on a white body, was sent afloat to the main top and the new mail flag was floated to the mizzen top. It was a most unique and informal ceremony. Simultaneous with the appearance of "old glory” ovOf the staff-rail, the guns of the Cmddgo oCgab to talk again, firing the national saldtfi Of twenty-one guns. The navy yard ih Brooklyn also responded with twenty-one guns. It was storming at that time and the trip of the New York down the bay was canceled. ' Congressman Bourke Cockran made a brief address, by way of opening the ceremonies, and formally committed to President Harrison the task of unfurling the flag from the masthead. Responding the President spoke as follows: Mb. Cockran and Ladies and Gentlemen—lt.gives me pleasure to consummate here today by the act of lifting this flag legislation to which I gave my hearty support. I have felt as a citizen and as President the mortification which every Amercan must feel who examines into the standing of tho United States in the merchant marine of the world. I believed that we had reached an epoch in our development when the great work of our Internal development was so far consummated that we might successfully take up the work of recovering our fair share In the carrying trade of the world. [Applause.] We lift the flag today over one ship, a magnificent -specimen of naval architecture, one of the best afloat on any lea. That event is interesting in itself, but its Interest to me is in the fact that this ship is the type and the precursor of many others that are to float this flag. (Applause.] I deem it an entirely appropriate function that the President of the united States should lift the American flag. Immediately the silken stars and stripes were run up, and then a string of streamers were unfurled, extending over the mast-heads to the bow and stern of the big liner. The President’s flag topped the main mast, the Company’s new house flag floated at the fore and the mail flag was lisplayed at the mizzeu mast.