The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1919-07-12


a height of about 1000 feet. When
last seen she was heading for the open
sea.
Mineola, n Y, July 9.-The British
dirigible R-s4 left Roosevelt Field
shortly before midnight on her re-
turn cruise to Scotland.
The great ship, held in leash by l.
900 American balloon men was re-
leased at l155 o'clock and foated
ieisurely up to height of 200 feet
with her motors silent. The motors
then began to whirl and the craft,
Aosing upward headed for New York.
The great searchlights playing on
the ship made her clearly discernible
to the thousands who had gathered to
bid her bon voyage. With three en-
gines-port, starboard and forward
running, and two others in reserve,
the R-34 glided off toward the south,
then swinging in westerly course
bringing her nose in the direction of
New York.
Favorable weather conditions We're
reported over the entire route save
for one bad spot III midAtlantic.
The big gas bag has been repaired.
and filled with hydrogen, and the en-
gines are in excellent condition and
ready for instant business, it was
stated Forty pounds OF official mail
is slowed aboard including two gold
medals of the aero club Of America
awarded to Captain Alcock and Lieu
tenant Brown, who flew the Vickers-
Vimy biplane over sea from New
foundland in the first no stop trans
Atlantic flight.
In statement tonight Maj. G. H.
Scott commander of the dirigible an
nounced 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.
Il am going to follow the line of
the southern steamship course he
said,' passing over New York before
starting overseas. If the present
weather conditions continue expect
to make the honeward trip in 20
hours and if favorable winds should
allow me to fly over the southern part
of England I expect to pass over Lon
don before proceeding to East For
tune.
THE only thing I am sorry about is
that l have to leave here so soon. I'm
fortunately I had only one night in
New York and would have liked to
have many more. All the sights have
been wonderful and hope to come
again. I'd like 10 take this oppor-
tunity to say that if any American
citizens come to our country I hope
can repay the hospitality they have
SO 'nrishlv bestowed upon me.
1.-THE climatic conditions over the
Atlantic are very bad for flying in
..a.ps like the R-34 Although the
R-34 has more than justified our
hopes, transatlantic flying in the fu-
ture must be done in larger and fas-
ter ships.
A thousand men were called out to
hold down the R-34 today during 35
mile wind which threatened to blow
her loose from her anchorage. To-
night everything was shipshape how
ever, two requirements have been
made in the crews. Sergts. f. L.
Turned and William Anders who were
members Of the R-34 advance party,
taking the place Of Wireless Operator
Edwards, and William Ballantyne the
stowaway.
The two new members Of the crew
are engineers and were selected in
view of engine trouble experienced in
the fight here.
Ballent, re. the stowaway said to-
night he was sorry he was not to
make the journey home in the R-34.
MT added that he would like to re-
main in America.
Il want to fight Benny Leonard.
the light weight boxing champion in
the United States" he declared. IF
am shipped home on steamer. I shall
get back here again as soon as can.
Ballentyne said on his arrival here
that he was "a bit of boxer and
had had experience in the ring in
England.
Pris. Cen. Lionel Charleston. Brit
ish aviation attache in the United
States. said the ship would employ
only the three engines on which she
started unless unexpected conditions
arose
With favorable conditions Maj. g.
II. Scott. her commander hopes 10
make the voyage in 70 hours sailing
over London before proceeding 10.
East Fortune, Scotland. if weather
conditions permit.
The R-34 had rot been scheduled 10
deDart until 8 or o'clock tomorrow
morning. The early departure was
decided shortly after $50 O'Clock
when Major Scott received report
from the United States weather bu-