Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1919-07-10

awarded to Captain Alcock and Lieut.. Brown, who flew the -Vimy biplane overseas frjom New Found land in the first nonstop trans-Atlan- tic 'hop" ito the British isles from North America.
 In a statement to the Associated Press tonight, Major c. H. Scott, commander of the dirigible, declared that he would fly over New York and if favorable winds on the other side offered, over London, on his homeward journey to East Fortune, Scotland.
 He added that if weather conditions remained favorable, the dirigible should reach home shores in TO hours.
 "The climatic conditions over the Atlantic are very bad for flying in ships like the R134," he said. "Al- though, the R-34 has more than justi- fled our hopes, transatlantic flying in the future must be rone in larger and faster ships"
 It took the R-34 about three min utes to rise to the height at which she began cruising. At 11:59, she was about 800 feet up, barely dis cernible and with no lights visible and was skimming along at speed of about 35 to 40 miles an hour.
 Brig. Gen. Lionel Charlton, Brit ish aviation attache in the United States, said that the ship would em- ploy only the three engines on whicF she started unless unexpected condi- tions arose.
 Presents Beautiful Picture. The great ship presented beauti- ful picture as she drifted up into the sky, bathed in the white light o1 three powerful searchlights. Just as she nosed out of Roosevelt field, the moon appeared from behind blacl clouds, partially lighting up the darl field, A few rain drops fell.
 At 12:01 lights along the deck O the dirigible which runs virtually tht entire length of the envelope inside were switched on and the great shil herself appeared long streak O light swimming in the radiance of th' searchlights.
 Up to 12:O1 the R-34 had driftec sideways in the current of a south west wind. At that hour, she nose' into the wind, now sailing at abou ] 900 feet, and one minute later dis appeared from the view of thu crowds at Roosevelt field. It wa just 11:5o. o'clock when bell ranl aboard the R-34 signalling that tn hour of the departure was at hand An officer on the ground with meaphone yelled All clear.'
 Major Scott, leaning out of tn port window forward, cried, "Cas off" and the RIA was headed fo home.
 Sails to Avoid Wind.
 The R-34 had not been scheduled | depart until 3 or o'clock tomorrow morning. The early departure wa decided on shortly after 9:30 O cloc when Major Scott received reno, from the United States weather bun moored craft were likely to swee Roosevelt field within a few hours.
 Just before the departure, Lieu R. D. Durrant, wireless officer, state that he expected to keen in radi touch with Roosevelt field for two c three hours after the start.
 The great Ship was straining an tugging at the ropes which held he to the ground when the start cam
 "Like a diver on spring boar : taking his last breath before diving the R-34 is taking her last breath ( hydrogen" General Charlton sai' "A sudden gust of wind would ill her off,"
 A few moments later. the comman to cast off had been given and wit the British union jack fluttering 2 her bow and naval ensign at he stern. the great ship scared aloft. After her first disappearance 2 12:02 the big dirigible again becam visible at 12:05. A moment later a the ship sailed over Mineola, fielt musicians sounded ''taps" as signs of good bye.
 The outline of the R-34 becam fainter and fainter fadine finally t point of light which tdisappeare at 12:18.