The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1919-07-05
Giant Dirigible Flying Over
Nova Scotia Sends Out S. O. S.
L. 5. Navy Department Hurries
Three Ships to Assistance.
"BLIMP" NEARLY OUT OF FUEL
Fear for Safety of Balloon if
Forced To Come Down.
No Landing Place on Coast but
Field on Long Island.

Halifax, n. s., July 5.-The R-34
was still proceeding under her own
power at 2:15 p. m, according to
wireless message received here. She
passed over Maitland, Hants county,
N. s. at $3.50 o'clock. headed for the
Basin of Minas. according to telephone
advices. Maitland is SO miles north
west of Halifax at the head of the
Basin of Minas. which is a tributary
to the Bay of Fundy.
Washington, July 5.-Encountering
head winds over Nova Scotia and with
the petrol supply rapidly becoming
exhausted the huge British dirigible
R-34 today wirelessed the navy de-
partment for help. The navy immed-
lately responded by ordering the Sa-
tilla, fast steam yacht in government
service. and two destroyers. to rush
to the assistance Of the airship.
The R-34 appears to have been SO
severely buffeted by unexpected gales
that she has been unable to make the
progress expected. and with the gas
oline dangerously low was believed
in peril of becoming practically a dere-
lict of the air at the mercy OF the
wind.
First Cry of Distress.
The first cry of distress from the
R-s4 was picked up by the navy sta
tions. 1t said that flying across Nova
Scotia the air dreadnaught had en-
countered strong head winds and
that the petrol was running short.
Five minutes later another message
was received addressed to the navy
and signed by Lieutenant Commander
Landsdowne an American on the di-
rigible.
This message asked whether a de-
stroyer could proceed, If required, to
southern end Of the Bay Of Fundy to
take the R-34 in tow.
Admiral Benson. acting secretary OF
the navy in the absence of Secretary
Daniels and Assistant Secretary
Roosevelt, ordered the steam yacht
and the destroyers to proceed imme-
diately to last reported position of the
R-34. The yacht was at Cross Island,
Maine. 40 miles from the northern
Maine border and the destroyers were
attached to the first naval district,
headqua rters at Boston.
Fear For Her II Forced to Land.
Navy officials here, in sending the
three vessels. did so as a measure of
precautiOn, as a single craft might not
be able TO handle the huge air
ship, especially if strong winds pre-
vailed. lneTe was no positive dSSuT-
ance that the R-34 would need help,
as it's MESA ges merely asked II a
destroyer could be sent IF required" +"
II the gasoline supply should run
out before the RIA reaches Roose-
Welt field and the crew OF the airship
attempt landing, it was feared the
diriEible would be wrecked as there
is no field in the United States
equipped to handle the airship and
anchor It, other than Roosevelt field.
where the navy is in charge of oper-
ations and where a big crowd today
awaited the British aircraft's arrival.
Should the R-34 become helpless in
the air, 1t was believed thai even the
three navy craft ordered to the scene
would have great difficulty in haul
ing II to sheltered location where it
could be Debated.
one plan suggested was that the
destroyers tow her to a point on the
coast nearest to Roosevelt field, so
she could make a dash for the land
ing grounds with the small quantity
Of gasoline remaining in her tanks.
Message From R-34.
The message to the navy depart
Flying across Nova Scotia Strong
head winds. Petrol beginning to get
short.-Commandin Officer"
The second message read:
could destroyer proceed, il re-
Fundy to take his majesty's airship
R-34 in tow w?-Landsdowne"
Lieut. Commander Landsdowne, U.
s. ". is on the British dirigible.
A third message was received as
follows:
signals strong. Position 1921
north, $500 west. Course southwest
true. Running out of fuel after flight
from Britain. Please tell me il your
destroyers are coming.
(SiEned)
Commanding Officer RIA"
Sails to R-5f's Assistance.
Boston. July 5.-The navy con-
vcrted yacht Satilla sailed this after
. noon from Machias Bay. Me. to the
assistance o-the R-34. 1t is Thought
she will come up with the dirigible
about o'clock
The destroyers Kalk and Bellard
are being made ready at the Boston
navy yard and will proceed to the
(Continued on Page TWo.l
only Two Killed I'm Revolt
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