seemed so formidable,
had disappeared.

The most important of the great shipyards which were producing the
American cargo ships was at Hog Island in the southwest part of
Philadelphia. This shipyard may indeed be called the greatest shipyard
in the world. Before Mr. Schwab became Director General much criticism
had been launched at the work that was going on there, and an
investigation had been made which resulted in a favorable report. On
August 5th the new shipyard launched its first ship, the 7,500 ton
freight steamer, Quistconck, in the presence of a distinguished throng
among whom were the President of the United States and Mrs. Woodrow
Wilson. The ship was christened by Mrs. Wilson, and the President swung
his hat and led the cheers as the great ship glided down the ways. The
name "Quistconck" is the ancient Indian name of Hog Island. The crowd
numbered more than sixty thousand people, and special trains from
Washington and New York brought many notable guests. President and Mrs.
Wilson were escorted by Mr. Hurley and Mr. Schwab, and apparently
thoroughly enjoyed the occasion. An enormous bouquet was presented to
Mrs. Wilson by Foreman McMillan, who had driven the first rivet in the
Quistconck's keel.

Shortly after the armistice it was announced that the Hog Island plant
would be acquired by the United States Government. The real estate,
valued at $1,760,000, was owned by the American International Ship
Building Company, and the government had invested about $60,000,000 in
equipping the plant. At the time the war ended thirty-five thousand
persons were at work and a hundred and eighty ships were in various
stages of completion.

An interesting feature in connection with the endeavor to "speed up" was
the competition in riveting. Early in the year in yard after yard expert
riveters were reported as making extraordinary records, and prizes were
offered to the winners of such records. Later, however, such contests
were discouraged by Chairman Hurley and by others. The best record was
made by John Omir, who drove twelve thousand two hundred and nine rivets
in nine hours at the Belfast Yards of Workman and Clark. In the
accomplishment of this feat on two occasions he passed the mark of one
thousand four hundred rivets an hour. In his best minute he drove
twenty-six rivets.

The ships constructed by the Shipping Board were of steel, of wood and
of concrete, and at times considerable difference of opinion existed