Evening star., 1926-05-08

scratch, and her tired crew, red-eyed
and unshaven, most OF them having
been without sleep since leaving Lenin-
grad. dropped happily from the cabin
down the hill for breakfast. They
were almost too tired TO eat and nov
most of them are sound asleep. one Of
the first to leave the cabin was Col.
Mobiles mascot the little terrier IL
tina, which pranced out into the snow
and for Il few moments chased q big
Eskimo dog. which was vastly amused
at the assault of the tiny newcomer.
II was $50 am. when the Norge
was brought to rest after trip OF 1872
hours from Nadso, one OF the most
difficult Journeys ever undertaken by
a dirigible. The distance Travelled was
/ 400 kilometers. as the Norwegian
coast was followed for some time.
When the Norge struck out over the
ocean she was navigated 50 success
fully that Bear Island was raised
exactly over the bow and the naviga-
tiou from there to the foreland was
Just as precise.
Commander Is Proud.
Col. Mobile Is vastly proud OF the
Norge's record In gasoline consump-
tion and has revealed that the TRIP
might have had an even more drama
tic conclusion. Fifty-two hundred kllo-
grams of gasoline were taken aboard
et Teningrad and only 2 400 We're con-
sumed between Leningrad and Spitz-
bergen. So pleased was Col. Mobile at
this result, he said that it had been
discussed during the last hop whether
~, not TO 60 on to the North Pole.
then returning to Spitzbergen, as
there was more than enough fuel, but
the idea was rejected for fear capt.
Am,1ndsen and Mr.. Ellsworth would
not approve. ,.s
to sleep, lay in bed in his brother
room, chatting and receiving messages
of congratulation. One was from Rob
ert Underwood johnson, former Am
bassador to Italy, who wired his good
wishes.
II think this is the greatest achieve
nient of the dirigible," said Col Mobile,
mot only because of the distance
travelled and the schedule maintained,
hut because the airship proved her
strength and flexibility under trying
conditions. Between Leningrad and
Vadso we had q. strong wind, coming
at times in squalls, and although the
shin bent and sweTved under the
blows of the wind, she did not break
and kept her course. I am absolutely
is the best for adverse weather con
ditions, and I am sure the trip to
Alaska will be accomplished easily.
This is the worst part of the trip, and
it has been q supreme test"
Radio Finder Big Aid.
Col. Mobile and Capt. Gottwaldt,
radio expert. are also convinced that
the radio direction finder is of great
assistance in dirigible navigation. Be-
cause of the swinging of the ship, par
ticularly in a wind, it is difficult to get
hearings exactly, but they can be OBJ
OF great value in checking the posi-
| ton.
The mtors behaved well, but one had
been stopped for repairs on the way
over because the oil obtained in Russia
was poor. This motor will be replaced
before the polar flight starts. 1t was
not q serious mishap but replacement
is the easiest method Of repair. The
motors were not affected by the cold.
The ship will be carefully overhaul
ed. the lost hydrogen will be replaced
and in four or five days the Norge
| will be ready to leave. She is resting
in the big hangar, canvas ends hay
ing been raised to protect her from
the Arctic winds. Down the hill in
front oil the hangar, the American
rivals are patting the snow down for
a take-off for the big Fokker and
Comdr. Byrd.
In the next day or two it will be de.
cided how many men are to go on the
Norge on the transpolar trip, for
Col Mobile and Lieut.. Riser Larsen
wish to reduce the passengers to q
minimum so that the greatest amount
of fuel can be carried. The water bal
last tanks are to be filled with gaso-
line and gasoline in small cans car
ried as additional ballast.
tCopyrisht, 1890. hy the New York Times
AAA %, Leuis Globe -Democrat.l