Washington sentinel., 1853-10-13

ATTEMPTED BALLOON ASCENSION. an
nouncement of a balloon ascension, to be made
by Mr.. George Elliot, Monday afternoon, had
the effect of placing in motion, apparently, at
least one-third of our citizens, who could be
seen moving in curious thousands towards
Franklin square, adjoining which was the en-
closure from which it was announced the bal
loon and its intrepid royagear would depart on
their aerial journey. Upon entering the en-
closure, about 3 o'clock, it was evident, from
the comparatively small number present, that a
large majority of the congregated thousands
adhered 10 an economical determination to re-
main outside and take chances for view of
the attractive exhibition. The wind, which
prevailed quite strongly towards the southeast,
caused the imitation to proceed slowly, and the
balloon, which required the united efforts of
some twenty strong men to retain it in position,
swayed to and fro in the most nngovernable
manner. The gas used on this occasion was
the carbonated hydrogen the same as
that dispensed by the gas company of our city,
and the balloon being % feet in diameter and
32 feet in height, between seven andeight thou
sand feet of gas was required to furnish the
requisite ascending power.
About four o'clock a small pilot balloon was
despatched without difficulty to the ETHEREAL re-
gions, and shortly afterwards the aronaut at
tempted to depart in the same direction. but the
ascending power being entirely too weak, the bal
loon, after futtering around the fence of the en-
closure, was seized by the attendants and sup
piled with large additional quantity Of the as
cending vapor. The second and last attempt
to ascend was then made by the intrepid
eronaut, and after zigzagging around the EN-
closure for short time the balloon cleared the
fence, but had proceeded only short distance
towards Baltimore street, when the car came
in contact with the back building of dwelling
Eouse, and, notwithstanding the mronaut tum-
bled out all his ballast in double quick time,
the obstinate balloon, after humping around
chimneys and gable ends, settled sullenly down
In the midst OF the street. Mr.. Elliott who
fortunately escaped unhurt, with the exception
of n few bruises, had no sooner touched the
ground, than the congregated thousands, who
rushed headlong towards the spot surrounded
him with the most excited gestures. A large
number of desperate ruffians who had been act
ing in the most outrageous manner throughout
the afternoon, closed around the aeronaut, and
some, more wilfnlly malicious than the rest,
commenced cutting with their knives large
gashes in the balloon, and, the gas escaping
therefrom, nearly stihed hundreds of the SUR
rounding spectators.
The city police, who were on the ground IN
large numbers, Immediately seized those en-
gagged in cutting the balloon and whilst en-
ployed in this laudable task one of the rufians,
with his knife, made a cash towards Mr.. Price,
Of the eastern district police, which cut apart
his clothing and barely missed severing his
flesh. Some six or eight of the disorderlies
were finally secured and safely lodged in the
western district station house. 1t is needless to
sl,uN &.
was prevented by the outrageous conduct of the
ruffians present, and their demeanor indeed
throughout the afternoon, rescmbed that Of
denizens from Pandemonium more than beings
cast in the mould of human form. From the
antagonistic spirit displayed by large number
OF the Young wildfires present. there is little
doubt but bloody, murderous conflict would
have ensured but for the energy and efficiency
displayed by the policemen present, whose con
duct was worthy Of universal praise.
Bali. Times