Cleveland morning leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1854-1865, 1859-11-04
Thc Trnns-AlInntlc nnlloon.

THE lNFLATIoN coMMENCED-PoPULAR lSCREDU.
LfTY-APPLicATIoNs ron PASSENGER PRIVILEGES
The preparations for the initiation of the bal
loon were only completed this morning Since
yesterday the upper part of the balloon, with
the escape-Valve, has been suspended from a
rope that is supported by two high poles, ami
the netting that is intended TO cover the inflated
globe has been thrown over it. The operation
of arranging this immense mass Of netting over
the gradually expanded balloon will be attended
with much difficulty, and will require great
care and attention.
AT about eleven o clock this morning the lower
end Of the balloon, or rather the tubular pipe of
muslin that connects with the balloon, was
affixed to tho gas pipe. This gas pipe is ten
inches in diameter. The mouth of the muslin
tuke fits over it and the escape Of gas, excepting
into the balloon, is prevented by tight bandages
OF muslin. The process Of initiation had Just
commenced al noon TO day, and will be contin-
ed for several days. About one hundred and
| fifty persons were on the grounds this morning,
and the majority expressed freely the opinion
that the experiment was doomed to be failure
They gave no reasons, but, certainly, it would
appear that popular faith in ballooning is not
! even like unto grain of mustard seed
Mr.. Lowe is, however, not at all discouraged
| We understand from one cObnt cted with tho
enterprise, that he has received about five huud
red applications for the privilege of venturing
with him on the attempted trip TO Europe, while
the applicants have to pay from one hundred to
| fifteen hundred dollars for the chance. H..
The basket, which will be the abode of the
aeronauts during the voyage, also attracted
considerable attention. We have already given
a description Of it, and have only to add that it
has since been lined both 10 tho bottom and sides
with carpet aud with the net work of ropes ex
tending above it, appears like huge birds nest
hidden among the slight branches of willow
bush. II 10 not as large however, as the picto-
rial illustrations that have been published would
lead one to suppose.
| Mr.. Lowe was on the ground experimenting
affairs and answering the questions Of visitors,
Ofeourse, he was looked upon by some as a
heFo-by others as a fanatic.
The imitation will occupy several days, and
tho inflated balloon will be exhibited a couple
Of weeks before starting on the experimental
trip. Judging from the preparations made and
the expense Of the outfit, the experiment. must
be . very costly ono Mr.. Lowe has Published
long card, ia which he declares that ho does
not undertake the voyage 10 make money, but
rather to advance the science of Rcrostatics.
He gives the following reasons for being conf
dent of success in his proposed trans Atlantic
trip:
rFirSt-I have large balloon, which has a
eipacity of 725,OOO cubic feet; therefore, should
the envelope be no moro perfect than those
which are usually constructed, it will retain ts
power for longer period;
"Sceona--l have devised mechanical appliances
for raising aud lowering the balloon, while in
Che air, without expenditure oil the lifting power;
| ''Thrd--I have invenled an apparalus foI
Indicating the different currents below, so that
advantage can be taken ofthsse currents should
find myself going too far north or south,
Should any aceidest occur, orshould ths balloon
Rachnery fail TO accomplish its work, the me
tac lile-boat which will be suspended below
the car, is rugged with sails, and will prove
sufficiently stTongt TO endure any sea"
| The condition Of the weather will Of course
somewhat affect the SUCCESS of the preliminary
exhibition ofths balloon, but should il be pleas.
amt there win doubtless be large flock Of fvisi-
tors to the CRYSTAL Palace grounds during the
weekly r. Posi- ...,i u. -....rt.