The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1919-07-10

handed up into the gondola by Miss
Ida Mulgannon, daughter of the Post
master at Mineola. 1t was marked
New York to London via R-34."
At 10:45 Commander Scott and his
entire crew summoned the newspaper
men to flying headquarters and babe
them good-by. Then they bundled
into motor cars and disappeared
under the shadow Of their great ship,
Every one Of them was sure the
LADY" as they call her, would bring
them safe home.
II would like this opportunity Of
saying" was the Commanders final
word. that II any American ever
comes to England I hope I can repay
some Of the hospitality that has been
bestowed on US here"
Weather conditions were right w.
r. Gregg. the Weather Bureau expert
at the field, said they could not be
, better more than once in q twelve
month. And the R-34 was .&-pFime
coalition for tho'tohs voyage.
..--At.-fo o'clock Major Scott rushed
from the field to a telephone to call
Gen. Maitland Of the British Air Min
istry. The General was somewhere
in Manhattan. The commander of
the R-34 telephoned him:
"You had better hurry up over here.
The wind Is freshening and we had
better get aboard right away"
He hung up and went back to the
field where the R-34 was moored and
where the engines we're tuning up.
He made another inspection and then
went into consultation with Lieuten-
ant Commander Zachary Lansdowne
Of the United States Navy. who few
from England with him.
Lieut. J. D. Shooter, the engineer
Of the craft, dressed for the ride
home, took a woman's purple silk
stocking from his pocket, wrapped it
about his neck and said:
That's my good luck charm"
He then fastened his head helmet
and started toward the diriglble.
Ready At o O'Clock.
At 0 o'clock the final word ready"
was said. 1t found all Roosevelt
Field on its toes. This was so even
Of the R-34, for instead of riding
aloft as she had on other nights she
was held close to the ground. The
final molecules of hydrogen were hiss
ing through the long pipes into her
giant lungs and the final drops Of
gasolene and ballast were dripping
into her tanks. The cool evening
with the fresh breeze from the south
made possible a maximum load Of
both. This augured well for the start
Of the journey.
This was borne out by the general
air OF cheerful readiness about the
field. At $3.50 Col. E NJ. Lucas Of the
advance party came over TO the wait
ing newspaper men and said:
"we are getting ready now to start
for home. The crew Is sleeping near
by. Weather conditions are satisfac-
tory. We want to get Off about mid
night. The last supplies are going In.
and we are having a last look at the
engines as a precautionary measure.
The R-34 is ready. The weather man
will have TO do the rest"
And he did. His last word flashed
nom Warrington confirmed the OBJ
servations at the field as to the swift
ness with which q, Western storm was
approaching.
Probably becoming dangerous
Thursday morning." 1t said of the wind,
which. after freshening in the late at
'ternoon, died down suspiciously toward
10 IN the evening
Roosevelt Field presented a rare set
ting for the scene of busting activity
and cheerful efficiency of the men in
charge Of the flight. The great R-S4
doomed over everything. A giant white
seorchlight was aimed straight at her
nose Of glistening red. white and blue,
with the rampant Scottish lion in the
centre. Half her silver body was bril-
liant in this spotlight and half was in
moon struggling through the spotty
sky. and OF weaker searchlights Of yell
low from either beam and astern.
The field itself was in almost total
darkness, save along that side border
Ing the old country road, where q long
double rank Of motor cars grew rapidly
as the evening wore on. Their occu-
pants had como on the chance Of see
ing the departure and insisted on stay
ing when they found the departure i'm
minent. Their powerful lights cleaned
like row of gems and carpeted that
part OF the field with glowing white.
Even the tired doughboys underneath
the big bag. holding hard to ropes and
hand rails, cheered up. They bear the
''limies" no real Ill will, though they
curse them soldier fashion. But they
will be glad to have them go. for their
task has been a heavy one. Just when
they were expecting to be mustered out
and go home,
All show Relief.
The officers at the field showed no
less relief. The presence of tho great
ship. though a professional experience
that none of them would forego, has
been a heavy responsibility. So too with
the officers OF the R-84. They have had
bully time. They say SO. But they
want to be away.
There was one affecting parting at the
field this afternoon when Lieu.-Col
William Hensley Of the American army,
returning az an observer in place OF