COMMANDER BYRD'S FAREWELL

Evening Star, Issue 20023, 14 November 1928, Page 8

COMMANDER BYRD'S FAREWELL

[From Cue Own Cohiu'spo.ndent.] SAN FRANCISCO, October 15. There was something distinctly different from the usual marine farewells when Commander Richard Byrd and his soldiers of science sailed west with tlio setting sun from San Pedro, the port of Los Angeles, Southern California. They carried with them aboard the Norwegian whaler C. A. Larsen the prayers of every American for the success of their great adventure. A thunderous God-speed from 10,000 throats went out to Commander Byrd and his men as their ship shoved off from the Western Refiifcry pier. But this seemed puny compared to the bedlam of steamer whistles as the_ 18,000tou w'halcr slipped down the main channel, lined on both sides with merchantmen decked in bunting and ablaze with lights. Unexpected drama climaxed the expedition's departure. Just as the lines wero being released Commander Byrd slipped ashore for a last farewell with liis wife. Ho was followed closely by Richard “Faithful” Brophy, business manager, and a second after Brophy stepped to the deck the gangplank eyas withdrawn. The lingo steamer quickly fell away from the pier, and it was next to impossible to get the overloaded craft back to tbo pier. A launch was rushed to the aid of tbo stranded explorers, and they wore pulled aboard over '.he ship’s stern. As Commander Byrd was making this “pier-bead leap ” he gave America Ins final message. It was this: “This expedition is an American enterprise, sent out by all of my countrymen, and my uno hope is that when we return the nation will recognise the sacrifice and devotion that these men of mine have rriven, that our flag might fly at the south as well as the north end of the worjiTO TOUGHLST SPOT. “ Wo arc going to the toughest spot on the globe, full of conditions that we know nest to nothing about: but 1 believe I have here with me the right men for the job. “These men have unselfishly offered themselves for the advancement of science and to servo their country. We aro going, I hope, with the prayers of that country. So widespread has been the support tho people have given to our expedition that we felt it is truly an all-American expedition, and our countrymen may bo sure that we will try to be worthy of the confidence that has been placed in ns. “ There is one thing I should like to explain. Since for. scientific purposes wo are going to penetrate tho ice toward tho South Pole as far as it is humanly possible before we make our base, it will bo impossible for us to get started flying as soon as we otherwise could. “ Tbero will be big news about other Audits foiixc before jve act started, but

u-e shall remain for scientific reasons in the Antarctic a year longer than any other expedition. Therefore we do not desire to rush things or enter into a “ We have offered to Sir Hubert \\dkins, the Australian, onr landing facilities, as we consider that it will further advance science and sportsmanship to render all possible co-operation to other expeditions. We have done tho best we can in preparation. What happens now is in'tho laps of tho gods.” The C. A. Larsen, topping off the 10,000 tons of supplies and fuel she loaded in San Pedro, was visited by thousands from dawn until departure while lying at tho Californian dock. Scores of delegations waited throughout the day to present flags ami banners for Commander Byrd to drop over the South Pole, and when ho arrived at 4 o’clock in tho afternoon he graciously received them all. meanwhile shaking hands with thousands who strove for this opportunity.