Evening star., 1933-08-22

The new speed record set by the
Italian steamship Rex in crossing the
Atlantic is associated in the public
mind, with the return home of Gen.
Balbo's air armada, as establishing
Italys year In transportation enter
prises. There is some feeling that the
two events offer challenge to other
nations and are likely to create rivalry.
The crossing by the Balbo group Is
accepted as history making event,
but the steamship record is viewed by
some observers as likely to inspire action
by others.
"The next few Summers on the At
lantic," thinks the Cincinnati Times
Star, may produce what William James
called q moral equivalent OF war.
That paper suggests that "the reputa-
ton Of being the fastest ship afoat Is
an asset Of no mean commercial i'm
portance, as the popularity of the
Bremen and her sister ship, the Eu-
ropa. has amply proved" stating that
"of late years this competition for the
Atlantic blue ribbon has developed into
q kind Of international sport, followed
with steady interest by travellers and the
general public, and backed by state
treasures" The Times-Star predicts
that "the rivalry will be intensified
now that the chief competitors are
Fascist nations" Referring also to Gen.
Balbo, 1t concludes that ''this is eW-
IDENTIFY Italy's year."
"The blue ribbon of the Atlantic, "
according to the Providence Journal,
"is quite as imaginary as the Equator,
but it Is quite as comprehensive, de-
spite its physical non-existence. That
paper adds that "the speed champion
ship Of the Atlantic has now passed
from Germany to Italy, at least for the
time being" The Journal believes that
"either the Bremen or the Europa may
soon again be heading the list" for
record speeds in ocean crossings are
subject to various hazards, and adverse
weather conditions or slight mechanical
dificulties for brief period may easily
battle the best efforts of commander
and chief of the engine department. +"
It Is also pointed out that "the Cunard-
er Mauritania was the speed queen OF
the Atlantic for some 20 years, but that
Is a longtime record that appears un-
likely to be equaled by a ship Of any
nationality"
Keep your eye on the Italians; they
are going places!" exclaims the Jersey
City Journal, recalling the feats of Gen.
"Verily, the Italians are stepping out!
It behooves the Anglo-Saxons to look
to their laurels" The Hartford Times
calls the Rex achievement "a graphic
bit Of national and commercial adver-
tising," and remarks that "as Musso-
lini had virtually ordered the captain
to 20 out for the record, there Is plain
ly seen q determined effort to capitalize
whatever advantage there Is in operat-
ing the fastest ocean liner afloat." The
Times suggests that speed contests are
costly; that added millions must be
built into the vessel, and fuel con-
sumption, Is well as wear and tear. Is
greater"
NFIail to the Rex!" is the tribute of
the Newark Evening News, observing
that rivalry Is never-ending, ana re-
marking, Something tells us the chal.
lenge will not remain long unanswered
The Evening News feels that there Is
that about speed that appeals TO the
human mind" This form OF record
making Is accorded its own place ny
that paper, with the statement: I'VE
have come to think of late of transat-
lantic crossings in terms Of the air
ship, but the steamship has refused to
consider those feats as practical. After
all, the steamship has established its
place as freight and passenger carrier
that atrships have not yet >assailed
Travel across the seas surface Is still
practically the only way"
The Balbo reception in Rome arouses
much interest In the United States
where he was received with praise
Caesar In all his glory" says the Oak
land Tribune, never returned to Rome
to receive more enthusiastic acclain
than that which greeted Gen. Italo Bal
bo and the intrepid members of hi'
mighty air armada" The Atlanta Jour.
nal call4Vkhe fight e triumph Of lead