The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1874-05-19
BARNUM,S BALLOON PROJECT,


WHAT THE EUROPEAN SCIENTISTS TOLD MR..
BARNUM-wHAT Is NECESSARY TO SUCCESS
AND WHAT PHINEAS PROPOSES TO DO.
A reporter of the New York Times called
on p. T. Barnum as soon as he arrived in
New York from England, and the great
Snowman had this to say, in regard to his
transatlantic balloon journey: Mr.. Barnum
said that in the first place he had no aspira-
tons or expectations to cross the Atlantic in
balloon himself, and in the second place he
would not advance money to assist others in
doing so until he was reasonably satisfied
that the trip could be attempted without any
extraordinary risk to seronauts. Professor
Wise and son, of hiladelphia, were very anx-
iOus TO essay the feat, as were also eight Off
ferent aerouants in Europe One of them. a
prominent official in the English mint, had
written to Mr.. Barnum stating IL at he would
make the transatlantic trip in a balloon if it
Were prepared as he designed. He further
saio that should Mr. Barnum decline to
take any interest in the enterprise because
of the danger attending the voyage, he would
be guilty of a great piece of folly, inasmuch
as there was really nothing to fear. Professor
Hodsman, of Dublin, crossed the Irish chan
mel last year In a balloon, and assured Mr.
Barnum that there was little risk in
the adventure. On these assurances, then,
the question, and visited several parts of
Europe, and consulted eminent scientists in
relation to It, Nearly every one assured
him of the practicability of the undertak-
ing, 50 he turned his attention to
the cost of preparing balloon. and the best
means of paying for it. Professor Hodsman
told Mr.. Barnum that he had constructed a
balloon, inflated it, and left The gas in it for
thirty days, and not a leak or break was
found in il at the expiration of that time II
Mr.. Barnum would have such one mad
for him, Professor Hodsman would willingly
attempt to cross from America to England.
The voyage would have to be begun in
America, according to the theory of Profess
sor Nadir, of France, who says that he has
known positively for fifteen years or more
that strong current of air from west to
east prevails at certain altitude. BY its
means, both scientists told Mr.. Barnum
that the passage could be made
IN FoRTy-EIGHT HOURS.
Not altogether satisfied with these state
ments, Mr.. Barnum determined to push
his inquiries further, and visited Prof. Gla-
shier, of Greenwich Observatory, and Pro-
lessor Coxwell, a well known ascentionist.
They did not agree with his other inform
ants altogether. and therefore Mr.. Barnum
hesitated to complete his arrangements for
the experiment. However, having consid-
cred the project so seriously, he determined
ascertain how it might be attempted. He
met Mr.. Wilkinson, manager of the Crystal
Palace, Sydenham, and laid the subject be-
fore him. That gentleman was enthusiastic
and agreed, in the event of Mr.. Barnum's
resolve to carry out the project, To inclose
a saloon in the Crystal Palace 70, by 80 feet
wherein the balloon could be constructed
under the eyes Of the public. In other words
the girls and artisans could be seen at work
preparing the balloon,its appurtenances, lite
boat, canning provisions, and making all the
preparations, by all who paid the admission
fee. The money so obtained would be used
TO defray the expenses OF the experiment
The kind of balloon recommended by those
in favor of the voy age is as follows: IL must
be made oftulle silk, properly seasoned. and
rendered air tight. There are to be an innel
| and outer balloon, fitting closely as hand
and glove. but totally independents of each
other 80 far as their integrity is concerned
The whole is to be so feet in diameter, five
square yards TO the pound; il must hold
| rs, 900 feet ofeas, and possess alifting power
of 1900 pounds. Mr.. Barnum went to
| Spitalfelds, Manchester, Lyons, and other
places, to ascertain the probable outlay
necessary to produce the desired balloon
and learned that he would have to spend al
least S3O, 900 in gold upon it. He next con-
suited with Negrette and Zambra, the phil
osophical instrument makers in London,
and made a conditional contract with them
| wherein they agreed to furnish the aero
nauts with the best instruments for aerial
navigation possible, and to manufacture
with particular care two aneroids, record al
an altitude of $4,000 feet