AERONAUTICS: Balloon Races

Five balloonists (one was disqualified, one ripped his bag early in the race, a third, an army entry, came down after 350 miles) were competing in the national elimination contest for the honor of representing the U. S. in the Gordon Bennett cup race. This cup has been held by Belgium for two years. Starting from St. Joseph, Mo., the men sailed southeastward with many adventures, trying to cover the greatest possible distance before being driven down. W. T. Van Orman in the Goodyear III succeeded in beating his only competitor, Capt. H. E. Honeywell in the St. Joseph, by 40-odd miles, covering a distance of almost 600 miles. The winner thus became entitled to a purse of $1,000, the Litchfield trophy, in addition to the right of representing the U. S. in the international balloon race.

Ballooning is the most fascinating and skilful of sports. Yet it is more than a sport. It requires the most careful study of meteorology and gas buoyancy. From the balloonists are drawn the most skilful airship pilots and operators.