AIRSHIP SAFETY

Evening Post, Volume CVII, Issue 16, 19 January 1924, Page 7

AIRSHIP SAFETY

SCEPTICS IN AMERICA

SHENANDOAH ACCIDENT

GRAVE RISKS OF POLAR FLIGHT.

(UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION.—COPTRIQHT.) (AUSTBALIAN-NEW ZEALAND CABLE ASSOCIATION.) WASHINGTON,' 17th January. The assurances of naval circles regarding the safety of airships apparently have not dispelled scepticism in the House. The resolution of Representative Taylor has found a Senatorial echo. Senator W.-H. King (Utah) has introduced a resolution asking for an mii vestigation into the advisability of the construction of airships. The resolution stated that, owing to the danger of operation, the Senate should consider withdrawing the appropriations for their further construction from the Bill. Senator King said that the Shenandoah's accident showed the risk which the Polar flight would entail. It would be a virtual invitation to officers of the Navy to commit suicide. The flight could be of no possible assistance to the future defence of the country. Incidentally, the resolution gained impetus through a report that the repairs to the Shenandoah would cost approximately 100,000 dollars. Representative Taylor's resolution requested the Navy Department to inform the House what scientific facts could, be ascertained by the proposed Polar flight of ZR-1, and .whether the Dixmude's defects had been corrected in the« ZR-1. He also asked what the estimate of the probable costs of the flight was. •