Guild Saved

Hard by Lake Constance dwells a band of craftsmen skilled at a unique trade--the building of zeppelins. The late Graf von Zeppelin taught them the technique of their art and paid them well. During the War all Germany looked to them to float tons of explosives over London. Then came Versailles, and the building of zeppelins for Germany was forbidden. Almost, the great Zeppelin factories were ordered destroyed. Almost, the "zeppelin guild" on Lake Constance was scattered. These things did not take place because the Allies, covetous of reparations, agreed to accept payment in zeppelins.

The last zeppelin with which Germany paid now glides over U. S. cities, rechristened the Los Angeles. Since she nosed out of Friedrichshafen* to fly the Atlantic, pickings have been lean for zeppelin workers on Lake Constance. Last winter Dr. Hugo Eckener, president of the Zeppelin plant, toured Germany in an effort to raise funds to build a zeppelin that should fly across the Pole--failed. What to do? Must the great zeppelin plant break up after holding together heroically during the eight years since the War?

Indefatigable, resolute, Dr. Eckener, a jolly soul when times are brisk, set out for Madrid. It is said that he traveled third class as far as the Spanish border. There he changed to first, rendered immaculate his portly form, stepped off his train to sell zeppelins to Spaniards who did not think they wanted them. . . .

From Madrid to Friedrichshafen glad tidings came at last. Dr. Eckener announced last week that the Spanish Government will subsidize the Zeppelin works for five years to the tune of 30,000,000 pesetas ($4,590,000).

Monster dirigibles, larger than the Los Angeles, will be built to fly in four and one-half days from Seville to Buenos Aires--now a 20-day voyage by the fastest ships. Confident, sanguine, Dr. Eckener declared that within three years each dirigible will be making twelve round trips yearly.

*On the German shore of German-Swiss Lake Constance. Not to be confused with Frederikshavn, Denmark.