Evening star., 1928-05-03
TAKES OFF AT $3.50 AM.
Italia Likely TO Land in Norway on
1,T00-mile Trip.

1.T00-mile Trip.
STOLP, Germany, May 3 Op).-The
sturdy dirigible Italia, which withStood
a night Of buffeting by adverse weather
on its trip from Milan. Italy, on April
1915, was headed north today for the
fringe OF Arctic wastes which 1t Is to
explore.
Taking of from Seddin Airdrome,
near here. at 3:20 am., the airship,
which Is carrying an Italian expedition
TO explore North Polar lands, mad on
board two passengers who once before
crossed over the North Pole IN a
dirigible-Gen. Umberto Mobile. COM
mander Of the expedition, and Titiana,
Its fox terrier mascot. They flew over
the Pole In the Norge two years ago
with Roaid Amundsen and Lincoln ELS
worth
Likely 10 Land En- Route.
The Italia will 60 TO Kings Bay,
Spit2bergen. where the supply ship
Citta di Milano, which viii be used as
a base for explorations. Is awaiting the
airship's arrival. II is some l.7O0 miles
from St0lp n KINGS BAY and it Vas
thought likely that the dirigible would
land en- route nc vadsoe. ON the north
.rrl rim Of Norway, 70 take on additional
gas and benzine. The route was
tentatively set TO cover about 800 miles
from Stolp 70 Vadsoe. passing over
Gothland and Stockholm.
The Italia has more ambitious pro-
gram than that mapped for the Norge.
Several flights during the Spring and
Summer viii be made from the base at
Kings Bay. One will be to ascertain
II any land exists on either side of the
route followed by Peary. Another will
be made TO Lenin Land. formerly
Nicholas II Land. The ship carried an
Italian flag to be dropped at the Pole
and a wooden cross with a spiked base,
which was presented to Gen Noble by
Pope PiouS, TO be fixed In the ice there
Titiana seemed doubtful at the start
whether she would join her master on
this new adventure in the Arctic. For
while the dog stood by the wife and
daughter of Gen. Mobile rs the Italia
was made ready. Then, apparently de-
Gliding to brave polar wastes again, the
terrier jumped into the gondola.
Start Delayed Day.
The start was originally set for yes
terday morning, but bad weather ct
Spitzbergen held the Italia at the
weather conditions improved and news
OF the arrival OF the Citta di Milano
at Spitzbergen was received. Prepara-
tions TO start were begun at once.
Two hundred cavalrymen pulled the
snip from the hangar onto the flying
Held. Giant searchlights we're focused
on the ship. Gen. Mobile stood, mega
phone In hand. issuing orders as the
ship was pulled forth and talking to
his wife and daughter Once the Italia
was clear OF the hangar. Gen Mobile
hade them an affectionate farewell and
climbed into the gondola
AS spectators cheered the airship
ascended rapidly. For minute search
lights outlined it as It headed north
ward. Soon II was swallowed up In the
darkness and the hum of It's motors
could be heard dying away.
Expects 10 Confer With wilkins.
Capt. George H. wilkins and Lieut..
Carl b. Eielson, who flew to Spitzber-
gen from Point Barrow, Alaska, we're
expected to greet the Italia on It's
arrival at Kings Bay Gen Mobile was
anxious 10 consult with them on flying
conditions encountered and observations
made on the polar regions
The ship was almost prevented from
starting by fire which broke out In n
furniture factory soon after the Reichs-
wehr troops arrived TO pull IL from the
hangar. The Fire Department for a
time seriously considered calling on
them for aid. but the fire was brought
under control In time 10 permit the
troops TO help In the Mobile expedition
Gen, Mobiles parting words we're II
hope TO return by way of Germany
with rich scientific results"