Dodge City times. [volume] (Dodge City, Kan.) 1876-1892, 1879-04-26
BIZ BALLOON TO EUROPE.


King, the Aeronaut, Proposes to Cross the
Atlantic.
Samuel A. King, the aeronaut, thinks
he has made discovery in the con-
struction of balloons which will enable
him to navigate an air-ship from Ameri-
ca to Europe. He writes to the New
York Herald explaining why previous
attempts have failed, and says.
These reasons are plain, as I have
stated, because the manner in which
aeronauts have managed and operated
their balloons. Isit possible to operate
them so as to prolong their carrying
ability? This is question which has
long vexed those versed in air voyaging,
and it is one which l am prepared
after series of very careful expert
ments to answer in the affirmative. and
/ may speak confidently Of my ability
to make balloon voyage of a months
duration, sufficient with thirty-five
mile breeze to circumnsvigate the globe.
The experiments in which have been
engaged almost exclusively for the last
two years have demonstrated to my
satisfaction that it is not only feasible
to construct balloon that will maintain
the bulk of its lifting power, but that it
is also easily practicable to keep it
atioat and in transit for this length of
time.
The results of my experiments have
been laid before a number of gentlemen
of ample means in your city, and they
have taken sufficient interest in the sub
ject 10 place at my disposal the funds
necessary to enable me to continue my
experiments until shall have attained .
result that will abundantly justify me in
undertaking transatlantic voyage in
balloon. l have secured an eligible and
convenient location on ManhattanBeach,
where I shall establish an aeronautic OBJ
servatory during the coming season. I
shall construct here wooden Enclosure,
IS feet high and 200 feet in diameter,
for the purpose of affording my balloon
and apparatus proper protection from
the winds. shall have two spheroidal
balloons, each of diameter of S. feet,
and of capacity of about $50, 900 cubic
feet of gas. l shall, of course, work
but one balloon at time, but shall pro-
vide the extra balloon in case of damage
to the other. shall construct my own
gas works and initiate with hydrogen,
which is far superior to common gas
and has nearly double the lifting power.
Thus equipped, 1 shall be able to con-
duct captive ascensions from the sea
coast during the summer season and
make observations ON the state of the
atmosphere and the prevailing direction
of the winds from various attitudes. l
shall use q cable 1000 feet in
length to elevate and lower the
balloon, and this cable will be
worked by steam hosting ap.
paratus. 1t is my purpose to make
these ascensions during both day and
night, except when the weather pre-
vents, and I shall thus be able to record
a great variety of observations and ex-
perienccs which will be of incalculable
use to me in the future. Thus equipped
with experience derived from actual ex-
periments during large number of as
tensions made under every possible con-
dition, propose to fit out a balloon in
which it is my intention to make the
transatlantic attempt in earnest. This
effort may not be made until the spring
or fall of 1880, as it will require several
months in which to construct the proper
apparatus, which will entail an air ship
of double the size of those shall use in
my captive experiments. My Observa-
tory at Manhattan Beach l expect to
have in thorough working order by the
18th of June next.