The Washington herald., 1907-08-26

Tromsoe. Aug. 25.-Harry de windt
and William le Queux. who are now
here preparing their LapIand expedi-
tion. have received a dispatch from
spitzbergeE saving Walter weIIman
asoends to-day"
With the ascension Of the WeIlmaa
airship at spitzoergen, the hopes Of those
who wish to see the north pole reached
BY man are renewed. Prepared at great
expense and in charge Of a man exper-
fenced in the periIs Of arctic explora-
ton, the Wellman expedition IS wsn
equipped to brave the perils Of the
North
Nor have these perils been underesti-
mated. Even before the start Of the
aerial dash for the pole, there have been
grave perils to overcome. and constant
watchfulness has been necessary to pre-
vent disaster.
Writes OF Difficulties.
Writing from Camp Wellman, AZ Spitz-
bergen, to q friend in the United States.
Mr. Wellman says. under date Of July y:
For more than a week now we have
done little else than make a fight for the
safety Of our big airship hail, and We
believe We have won the battle.
Since the hall was partly demolished
by the storm Of July (. such winds have
blown most Of the time, and the greatest
part Of our working force has applied its
energies directly to the repairing and
strengthening Of that structure. some
quotations from my journal VIII give an
IDEA Of how We have passed our time
during the last few days"
Mr Wellman then quotes from his
journal:
July 11-Ten years ago to-day An
dree and his two comrades sailed from
this spot in their balloon, the Eagle
To start for the north pole in a balloon
was more than brave. II was an act
Of desperation. We certainly should
not have the sort OF courage required
70 attempt a ike feat. But an airship.
craft that can be propelled and
steered. and, within certain limita-
tions. be made 20 go where YOU want il
10 90. that is different At least, we
believe 50; and TO this belief we pin
our faith
BY the end Of this month the Amer
lea should be inflated. her car attached.
the suspension adjusted. and the ship
ready for a trial the first calm day"
Description of Balloon,
The airship in which welIman is to
make hiS dash is Of the most approved
type. Since it was first constructed il
has oeen made eighteen feet longer. and
its lifting power increased by 5000 pounds.
giving total lifting force Of 1880
pounds. The balloon IS 1S4 feet long and
80 feet in its greatest diameter. its cubic
volume being 265,O00 cubic feet With the
single exception of Count Zeppelin's air
ship, this is the largest ever built.
The keel or backbone Of the airshlp
consists Of a steel tank. Is inches in
diameter and rs feet il length. with
capacity for holding 1-200 gallons OF pet
rol. At the stern Of the vessel IS a r1d-
der Of some 800 square feet. in the form
Of bicycle wheel which. despite its
great size. weighs only thirty pounds.
4 little forward Of the center is placed
a very heavy motor, built for endurance
and safety. Of 70-hOrsepOwer, and hay
ing a weight Of 900 pounds.
The pTopellers are placed in the center
on either side Of the vessel They. consist
of two blades Of steel. Il feet IN diameter.
and capable Of $50 revolutions per minute.
The living quarters Of the airsftip are
in triangular bunk-like spaces within the
inclOsed steel car These are capable of
accommodating ten or twelve men, twelve
dogs, together with tse provisions and
equipment
Garry Ten Months Supplies.
The total weight Of the steel car and
tank is $500 pounds. The motors. screws.
and machinery weigh 1850 pounds. In she
tank will be carried $500 pounds Of De.
rrOl. capable of running the motor for
$50 hours at normal speed Of fourteen
knots.
The total radius Of action is believed
to be 2,5oo miles. or double the distance
from the base of the pole and back
again. The balloon viii not ascend more
than 300 to 500 feet, and a guide rope viii
trail over the surface of the earth. IN
stead of employing a steel line, a leather
tube has been made. fifteen inches in
diameter and 150 feet long and weighing
about !, ace pounds
This is filled with reserve food weighing
1,2o0 pounds, and is suspended from the
airship by means Of a steel rope. The
airship viii carry 5000 pounds Of food. or
enough TO enable the crew to subsist on
its own stores for a period of ten months.