Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1881-09-13
The Balloon Ascensio,s.

At 6 O'Clock yesterday morning the process
of initiating the colossal envelope Of the air
ship, the Great Northwest, was begun. The
gas for the purpose was manufactured in eight
large tanks, being connected with the neck OF
the gas bag by means of large tin conductors.
The labor of initiating the balloon required the
services of a little army of assistants.
At about 4 o'clock fully 100000 cubic
feet of gas had been put into the balloon. The
sight was grand and imposing one. The
large air ship rising nearly one hundred feet
into the air, symetrical and shapely-a mar
vel of mechanical beauty.
The willow basket was then attached. 1t
was about six feet by eight. On the outer
side, and directly beneath the seat was ar
ranged a row of life preservers. consisting OF
forty.eight three-pound fruit cans, hermetic-
ally sealed and covered with canvas.
The total weight of the balloon, netting,
cordage and basket, without any freight, is
about $40 pounds. Everything used in the
composition of the above has been carefully
inspected by Prof. King, and are of the very
best material procurable.
Chas. NJ Faye, of the Tribune, is the COM
missary of the expedition, and under his su-
pervision 34SH pounds of provisions were
stored away, sufficient to feast the little crew
for month. Among the above was gallon
of fresh oysters, the present of &. F.
Jones.
Besides the above full set of scientific in
struments from the United States signal
bureau, and one of the latest improved Edison
electric lights were taken aboard.
The balloon was freighted as follows:
Prof. King.
L. L. Holden, of the Boston Journal.
James Credman, of the New York Herald.
W. G. Nicholas, of the Chicago Times.
W. Upton, of the United States signal SER
vice.
Chas. NJ. Faye, of the Minneapolis Tribune.
E. R. johnson, of st. Paul.
Sand ballast to the amount of 1000 pounds
was suspended to the ring and arranged
around the side.
Anchors and long coil of rope were taken
on to provide against accidents.
Before starting communication was had
with Gen. Hazen, of the United Signal ser
vice, which assured the aeronauts that the
winds were most favorable to the project
carrying them south of the lake system OF
the Northwest, into the heart of the United
States. After hearty hand-shaking and fare
wells,
ALL WAS READY,
and the aeronauts, seven in number, stepped
aboard, and Prof. King cried out
ssLet her go!" Up the beautifu
Northwest sailed, slowly drifting to
ward the south. When at a slight distanc'
above the crowd, Prof. King cried out:
"Ladies and gentlemen, good by" Thi
was greeted with uproarious applause ant
waving of handkerchiefs and hats, respondal
to in like manner by the occu
pants of the balloon. The balloon arose t,
an altitude of about one-half mile, when il
Immediately began to descend. Sand was cas-
out, but without much effect, and at poin
not far from Minnehaha portion of the bal
loon disappeared from sight behind the top
| gan to rise and was soon at a high altitud
and sailing away to the south.
Quite a number of Chinese balloons wer
| sent up, creating considerable merrimeu
among spectators. These balloons wer
| effegies of men and boys.