Christened

The ZR3 left Lakehurst early one morning and reached the Anacostia Naval Air Station near Washington two hours before the Presidential party was scheduled to welcome it. Accordingly, Commander J. M. Klein gave Washington a treat by a peaceful two-hour cruise over the city. When the time finally came for the ceremonies, the ZR3 misbehaved disgracefully. Six hours flight had made a dent in the fuel supply carried on board, and the huge dirigible was too light and buoyant. Several hundred sailors hanging on heavy tow lines could not haul her down, and when one of the tow lines snapped, to the discomfiture of the straining gobs, she sailed off again. Admiral Moffett was obliged to give radio orders for release of some of the precious helium, before the ship could be maneuvered into position against the platform where the President and Mrs. Coolidge were standing. "I christen thee Los Angeles," cried Mrs. Coolidge and pulled a ribbon which released a flock of pigeons. Fastened to the pigeons' legs were quotations from St. Luke and references to angels. Secretary of the Navy Wilbur, scripturally minded always, had found therein the name for the ship--not a fighting ship, but a messenger of good will. Other cities, not far from Los Angeles, saw rather in the christening a flattering compliment from a favorite son of the cinema capital. They resented it. Said they: "Why not San Francisco? Why not Seattle?"