Tulsa daily world. [volume] (Tulsa, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1905-1919, 1917-11-11

ana then caught a glimpse of the big
bag when il trailed within light of a
truant star.
But how large is this dirigible-
what are its striking features" in
truded the auditor.
Monsieur Julliats face sobered.
That monsieur" he said, gracious
ly, you must get from these specifi-
cations. Howeved, | will tell you this.
The fusilage, or gondola, is equipped
with pontoons which enable the dir
igible, to descend TO the surface Of the
ocean and rest there when the sea ID
"nooth.
Dirigihles are Carefully Tested.
Promptly at a designated hour-for
obvious reasons n night flight being
more desirable to the government
than a day one-Kna benshue, than
whom there is none better, leaped
nimbly into the gondola. buttoned up
his leather coat and started the huge
propeller. Mechanicians followed
suit. A few minutes later the big
machine rose gently and climbed intn
the night. The major portion Of the
2O-mile course lay over the city ablaze
with light and a considerable part
over a large body OF water. once be-
yond the lights of the city, Knaben-
shue had only the stars and his instru-
ments to guide him. With the precis-
ion Of the taxi drivers underneath
him. Kna benshue maintained the tria
speeds successfully. making every
turn in the air course and finally
vending his way to sea TO small tus
which marked the point where the re
turn voyage was to begin. So care
fully had the motor and the big I'm
which steer the monster been tested
that not a hazardous moment marrec
the flight. This marked the finish oi
the first flight. which satisfied tht
navy department officials and engi'
neers that 1t was capable of makina
its required speed.
Final Test Endurance.
The final test was that of endur
arce. To accomplish this it was nee
essary that Knabenshue cruise abou
leisurely among the clouds for hour:
and put the big craft thru maneuver'
which would convince the observers
beneath him that the dirigible wa:
airworthy and would keep our coasts
clear of hostile battle fleets. At times
the giant balloon attained an altitude
of 5000 feet and then again ii re
mained as low as 600 feet.
lD Elent HOURS.
For eight hours the dreadnausht o.
the air remained aloft, and all thu
time ii hung over the great city
somewhere in America" For eigh
hours the critics stood in the chill
night air. sometimes conversing in low
tones. but for the most part remain
ing silent with eyes glued to the sky
A dramatic picture, indeed, was Jul
liot, the "Super Zeppelin of France,
! who maintains that his aerial expert
ments and successes antedate those o
the late Count Zeppelin. The moon
beams caught him in restless pose
constantly pacing to and fro an'
stroking his imperial and breaking
now and then into vivacious speech II
French. Altho most of the lighter
than-air' craft now in use on th'
| British and French coasts are the re
suit of his handiwork, his eagernes
! to convince the American government
OF his great ability was conspicuous
At length, when the naval OFFICERS nae
announced their recommendauons
tears of ioy streamed down his cheek'
and his whole frame shook with emo
ticn.
What Has Made Frcnchmen Famous
Altho, during the past twenty, year
the famous French engineer had puli
many dirigibles for the French an.