Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1919-07-24
This Is Latest Theory Advanced in Explana-
 ton of Disaster.

Chicago, July 23.---As a result of the newest theory. that the naval radio currents produced the spark that ignited the Goodyear dirigible airship which plunged in flames thru the roof of bank building, resulting in the death of 13 persons, one of whom succumbed today, and injury to 27 others, Monday afternoon, naval communication officers will aid the authorities in fixing responsibility for the disaster. It was ascertained today that technical experts had sug- gested the theory, because the big ship sailed over or near the trans portation building, from the roof of which are projected the antennae of the naval radio station.
 Lieut. F. H. Mason of the Great Lakes naval training station, district communication service officer, while refraining from agreeing With the theory, said he would cooperate with the Investigating officials.
 Pilot John Boettner, of the illfated dirigible, said he had not been aware of the location of the naval radio sta tion.
 H. M. Byllesby, head of a large engineering corporation and foreman of the coroner's jury of technical men said experts already had suggested the radio theory to him.
 Teller Thirteenth Victim
 Marcus Callopy, foreign exchange teller of the Illinois Trust & Savings bank, through whose roof the blazing blinp crashed, exploding it's gas tanks and spreading fatal flames, died today, the thirteenth fatality. Nine other employees of the bank were killed, five of them girls,
 Col. J. c. Morrow, chief air off cer of the central department of the army, the principal witness at to- days session of the inquest, was a passenger on the 0irigible on trip preceding the fatal one. At that time he said the ship was in safe condition. The pilot he considered competent. He thought the possibil- ity of sparks from the exhaust ignit- ing the gas bag very remote. but said he had not formed an opinion as to the cause of the accident. Colonel Morrow, however, urged federal ex- animation and licensing of commer- cial pilots.
 Goodyear Eager to Aid. G. M Stadelman, vice president of the Goodyear Tire and Rubber com pany and three other officials arrived today from Akron. Ohio They immediately announced that thev were anxious to disclose fully, all facts concerning the accident and said that Pilot Boettner, and w. c. l Young. chief of the comnanv's aero nautical forces, who directed the ! assembling of the dirigible here, would testify at the inquest. The two men had refused to testify yes terdav on advice of attorneys. In a statement issued bv Mir Stad- elman tonieht he said the officials wished to "public1v express their re- pret for the tragical consequences to the accident"
 While no determination Of the cause could "n'itigate its calamini- tous character" he said. they asked. in justice to their men. suspension of judgment by tho public as to their responsibility. "We have asked" the statement continued. irrespective of what these investigations nav dis close as to our responsibilitv. to he allowed to afford all possible facili- ties for the care of the persons and far,ilies afflicted"
 The company is conducting it's own investigation. the statement said in conclusion, and the findings, after completion. will he placed immediate Ivy in the hands of the proper authori- ties.
 iGor,r,o onxy pronoroc