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astic about their proposed flight to the pole and are convinced that it is the only way to get there. If the balloon does not get them to the pole they expect it at least will carry them beyond Grant's Land, where Peary always has wished to establish a base of supplies. The aerial navigator and the explorer have spent the summer and early fall in Spitzenberg planning the establishment of their main base of supplies, and the dash in an airship for the coveted goal that has cost so many lives and millions will be made next June. Wellman and Hersey were the lions of the ship on the way over from Havre. Hersey especially was the object of admiration from the foreigners because of the distinction he attained in winning the balloon race. Wellman was regarded with particular favor because of his bravery in risking the perils of the Arctic regions in the interest of science.

The explorer will remain here five weeks and then return to Paris to superintend the construction of his airship. Hersey will join him in June next, with the rest of the expedition, and they will start out on the quest of the pole. 

EXPLORER IS ENTHUSIASTIC.
Wellman spoke enthusiastically of his proposed flight into the ice zone. He said he had established headquarters with the first section of the expedition in Spitzenberg on June 2, and a week later the second section arrived. The greatest difficulty encountered was that he found the valley in which Andree inflated his balloon a mass of ice. The shed, the biggest in the world, 185 feet long and 85 feet high, and the same in width, was built in that valley. Dynamite was used to make a clearing in the ice to build the shed, and seventy tons of supplies were placed in it. The shed, gas house and engine room were built before the explorer came away, and he said everything was in readiness for the dash in June next.

It was explained by Wellman that the reason the attempt was not made at once to scale the ice mountains was due to his determination to be absolutely prepared in every way for the trip, with an efficient engine to carry him and Major Hersey. He said he had not acquired "cold feet," as certain newspapers had asserted, but that he had kept a cool head. The start might have been made, he said, as Major Hersey had found the meteorological conditions exceptionally favorable, but both agreed the preparations must be made with deliberation and not haphazard.

The airship will be called "America." She is in Paris. She will be made larger in every way, and when complete will be 180 feet long and 52 1/2 feet in diameter, will contain 260,000 cubic feet of gas, and will have a lifting power of 18,250 pounds. The car is to be built of steel and the work will be done in Wellman's shop by his own men. The explorer is confident he will be able to make the far northern side of Grant's Land and there establish a base of supplies. Once there and well provisioned, he thinks he will be able to get to the pole. 

SHOULD KEEP THIS CUP, TOO.
Major Hersey told about his balloon race and hoped Americans would take a greater interest in ballooning now and keep the cup here, just as the yachtsmen keep the American's Cup. He said ballooning was a great deal less dangerous than automobiling. His expertness in meteorology is said to have enabled him and Lieutenant Lahm to win the race. He studied the air currents above Paris and in western France with good results. 

With the distinguished Americans were several of Herr Conried's songsters, including Mme. Cavalieri, who comes over for the first time; M. Journet, who has been singing at Covent Garden; Pol Plancon, M. C. Rousseliere, a tenor who has been singing in Paris; M. Simart, and M. and Mme. Soubeyran. Others arriving were Mme. Borsche de Fermon, M. Chalmin, Comte de Charnace, Mr. and Mrs. G. L. Kingsland, Mrs. F. Smith and Baron and Baronne de Plange.

Not the least interesting among the arrivals was José Zelaya, 11 years old, son of the President of Nicaragua. José has been at school in Brussels for the last four years, studying French and German among other subjects, and has not seen his parents in that period. He was met by a representative of the Nicaraguan Government, and he will leave for his home in the early part of next week. He crossed the ocean without a guardian and became a general favorite, especially with the opera singers. The little fellow said he was glad to get here, because he hadn't seen his parents for such a long time. In Brussels he stayed with friends of the Zelaya family