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SR --=---- VOL. 338. CLEVELAND, - JULY 9, 1908. NEW YORK No. 2 ----. : === LAUNCH OF NEW RED STAR LINER LAPLAND. The launch of the fine large steel screw steamer Lapland, which took place at Belfast on June' 27, is an event of considerable importance to shipping and international commerce. The Lapland, the latest and most notable addition to the Red Star line, has been constructed at Messrs. Harland & Wolff's yard and will be a fit companion to the other levia- thans of the deep that are constantly being turned out at that establishment. She will be by far the largest vessel sailing under the Belgian flag, being over 620 ft. long by 70 ft. beam, and 50 ft. deep. Her tonnage will be about 18,000 and displacement about 30,000. The vessel is being built in accordance "with the requirements of the. British board of trade and. the American and Belgian laws for pas- senger vessels, her construction thus illustrating that development of in- ternational commerce and unity which the Red Star line has done so much to promote in its important ser- vice between Antwerp and New York, Philadelphia, etc. The name of the vessel--Lapland--is also well chosen (as with the other vessels of the line), adding significance to the community of interests with which this well known company is identified in its commercial relations. The Lapland will be a worthy link in the chain of commerce which is binding ever more strongly together the old world and the new in ties of mutual inter- est and interdependence. The Lapland is designed to carry a large quantity of cargo and a large number of passengers--first, second and third class--for all of whom ac- commodation on the most approved principles will be provided--in fact, the new vessel in every respect will represent the highest excellence of the ship builder's art. The Lapland: ie: an exceptionally _ strong vessel, having nine decks and being built on the cellular double bot- tom principle, the double bottom ex- : tending the whole length of the ship, the depth of the inner vertical keel being 4 ft. 6 in. throughout, except- ing understhe engines where it is in+ creased to 5 ft, the object of this of course being to give still greater rigidity in the vicinity of tthe ma- chinery. The vessel has 10 water- tight bulkheads, being thus divided into. 11 watertight compattments. There is also a center line bulkhead in the cargo holds and between decks. The double bottom of course in ad- dition to being an element of strength and security, provides space for water ballast, which is also carried in the fore and aft peaks. The arrangements for cargo are of the most approved kind. There are six cargo holds, and the bunkers are arranged so that the vessel can be completely coaled from either side. When completed the Lapland will be a very sightly vessel, with four masts and two funnels. The cargo derricks are of the tubular type, and the oth- er appliances for working ship and cargo are also of the latest pattern. The first class state rooms in the Lapland are placed on the two up- permost decks and will be exception- ally spacious and airy. They are sit- uated on the shelter deck . forward and the bridge deck, and a feature in connection with this accommoda- tion is the number of one-berth rooms. There are also cabins ar- ranged en suite, with private lava- "tory and bath room adjoining. More- over, all upper berths in first class state rooms are folding berths, which gives a more roomy and tidy appear- ance than the ordinary arrangement. The first class saloon is situated on the main deck forward. It is-a hand- some apartment, the decoration con- sisting of paneled work finished flat white, relieved with carving and old gold. .-The.. room. will: seat .320).. te tables being arranged on ithe popular restaurant principle. In this room a balcony has been arranged over the center, with accommodation for a band, which will discourse music dur- ing meal times as in the continental cafes. ie The first class lounge and reading room, also the smoke room, are on the promenade deck. , The lounge is in oak, and the smoking room is also in oak, with Dutch tiles. The read- ing room will be in white, of very artistic design. The first class en- trance is in paneled oak, with ceiling 'of special design and handsome glass dome. There are also artistic glass domes over the smoke room and reading room, greatly adding to the attractive' character. of these apart- ments. The second class state on. the shelter and upper the second saloon on tthe main deck ait... Fhis isvalso, aiyery: fine; apart ment, decorated in white relieved with gold, and will seat 220 passengers. The second class. library is on the bridge deck and the smoke room on the promenade deck. The. permanent third class accom- modation is on the main deck aft and the upper deck, including a _ great. number of enclosed cabins. The total number of passengers and crew provided for will be nearly 3,000, and, in addition to the other attractions of the vessel, the different classes of passengers will have the benefit of large clear promenading spaces. In the'first and second class rooms are decks, and