THE HIMALAYAN HOMICIDE

Two English climbers die while climbing Everest

Everest Peak, which dominates the enormous Himalayan massif from its 8,800 meters. "abode of frost" has just repelled the third assault made by men.

A dispatch from Pharidsong announced yesterday in London that two bold English climbers, Messrs. Leigh Mallory and Irvine, were killed a few hundred meters from the summit and that their companions have returned to base camp.

It will be remembered that a first British expedition, led by Colonel Burg, had failed in 1921. Mr. Mallory, who was part of it, had renewed his attempt in 1922 with Colonel Norton and had reached an altitude of 8,200 meters, breaking all world records. This incomplete success had not satisfied him A third expedition, meticulously. prepared, set out two months ago, under the direction of General Bruce, to conquer the inviolate peak. General Bruce, ill, was soon to abandon it, and left the conduct of operations to Colonel Norton.

It was at the beginning of the month, on June 6, it is believed, that the catastrophe occurred. At that time of year, the monsoon, the terrible wind from India, which blows alternately from the Indian Ocean and the overheated plateaus of Central Asia, makes the ascent more dangerous than ever. Already the expedition had suffered terrible snow squalls which had driven it from its highest camp.

In one of his last messages, Mr. Mallory wrote that it was necessary to reach the summit at all costs before the arrival of the monsoon. The question, he said, would soon be resolved; the third time that we ascend the eastern glacier of Rongbuk will, whatever happens, be the last.

It was indeed, for him and for his comrade Irvine, a scientist attached to the expedition, the last attempt.

Everest keeps its secret. The god Himalaya, the Hindus will say, the father of the Ganges and its sister Ouma, has avenged himself for the affront that men have made him, by trampling its immaculate snows…

The news caused a great emotion throughout England, which followed with passionate interest the ascent of the British pavilion to the highest peak in the world.

Mallory and Irvine deserve admiration for the lesson in energy that they have given to men.