The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1873-09-14

is still standing, and they have erected q
scattolding. preparatory to putting up
another column, cast from the pieces of
the old one. Everything is being re-
paired that was injured, except few of
the magnificent buildings entirely de-
stroyed. .ALPHA."
The FAILURE OF THE TRANS ATLANTIC
BALLOON WIsE's STATEMENT. -
The failure Of the Graphic balloon to
start on its transatlantic voyage, as ad-
vertised, has excited considerable COM
ment, and from all accounts, the whole
affair seems to have been very badly
managed. A reporter of the New York
Tribune called on Prof Wise, and the
Professor made substantially the follow
ing statement:
He said that his arrangement with the
Messrs. Goodsell was substantially us
follows: They agreed to construct such
balloon as he suggested, of materials
of good quality, and it was to be
equipped with approved scientific in
struments and facilities for the susie
nance and preservation of life. Iustead
OF acting on his recommendations, they
proceeded to build balloon after their
own ideas. They procured different
material from that which he suggested,
employed superintendent Of construo-
tlon, who was utterly unfit for the posi-
ton, and entirely disregarded his prof
Wise's) advice. Prof. Wise has merely
ON advisory position in the councils of
the enterprise. and whenever his views
differed from those of the managers.
they were disregarded. The balloon.
instead of being placed under cover ut
the shlp-house in the navy yard, WAS
exposed to tho action of the elements
for five weeks. until the material was
actually rotten and could not contain the
gas. Instead of having an ample force
OF twenty-five men at the grounds. for
the purpose OF initiating the balloon,
Donaldson and few boys were there,
and they. of course, could accomplish
nothing. The balloon was rent in seve-
raj places. and he was in doubt as to the
ability of the constructors to repair it so
rs to enable it to be of sufficient service
to demonstrate the theory which he had
so much ut heart.
In relation to the business details of
the balloon, Professor Wise said that
the figures had been grossly over rated.
lie had made an estimate of the cost of
construction, and presented it to the
managers Of the enterprise. He had
estimated that first class balloon. such
as he required, would cost $5, $50
Tho managers had not spent over 81 600
on the balloon which was now on exhi-
bition. They had advertised for contri-
buttons, which they declared would be
turned over to Professor Wise. On the
strength of this statement, n number of
subscriptions had been received-one
from scientific society amounting to
$1,000 This check had been drawn to
the order Of Professor Wise, and he had
endorsed it over to the managers, and
had not received anything out of it.
lie protested against his name being
used as butt for subscriptions, and do
clarod to them that if they did not cease
such misuse of his name, he would
expose the whole matter. Many of the
Implements and Instruments of the en-
terprise were contributed. grutuitously,
or Tor advertising purposes. The actual
outlay had been more than repaid by
the rates Of admission charged at the
exhibition of tho balloon.
To this display be was very much
| "'oAos, eo ho oiu uOO tuluh tuuC IL was
just 10 charge admission fees. He did
not think that he had been Justly treated
By tho Graphic. He had spent his sum
iner, all his energy and industry upon
the matter, and had remained in this
city at large cost to himself. All that
he had1 received was aboutlS195 for ex-
penses in connection with the balloon.
He particularly dwols upon the treat
ment of the managers in relation to his
book, which he had contracted to write
and publish. With perfect kno Wedge
of this subject, the managers had aa.
vertised by implication that he was to
edit this book in conjunction with some
of the people connected with them.
This had alarmed his publishers, and it
had been necessary for him to disolaim
all connection with this book. Prof.
Wise concluded by stating that he was
still desirous of prosecuting the enter
prise. and that if this balloon could be
repaired and made to demonstrate come.
thing practical, he would ascend.