Springfield globe-republic. (Springfield, Ohio) 1884-1887, 1885-01-11

Ghortsr time. I fancy mat the intensity =
proporsIonsd always to the distance. Don't
youp
The mans earnestness increased. and he
assumed an air Of mystery. He resumed:
But may not be killed Indeed, don't
mean to be. If l were l would not cara
Did know should would take the leap eE
the same No man goes into battle or faces
my danger without soms hope Of coming out
safs. Generally he makes provision to that
end. which, however faulty, affords him
hope l will do the same. I've got CON
trivance, simple as an umbrella, and easy as
q cane to carry, which sprung at the right
in tant will land me like a bird, whose wings
let it come down from any height in perfect
safety. I have never used 1t, but I believe
1t will work If it don't it will matter little
will have the supreme pleasure OF jumping
from the monument and in the passage to
the earth experience the most delight
sensation that man has ever had"
That tho man was upset in his mind was
evident l encouraged him to proceed, re-
marking that as the monument was about
completed he might be deprived of the oov-
eted opportunity to make ths leap. He said:
II was detained on the way. ! intended to
make the leap about the last thing before
the workmen left the top. was there in
time for 1t, but could not get the chance
Ny idea was to have Gen. Casey employ me-
in some capacity that would take me to the
top, and at the last moment make the leap
in sight OF the assembled multitude But
shall do it yet I'll find a way. 1t Is not to
immortalizs myself, or anything o: that
kind that l have In view, but solely the
ecstacy of the fall Of $50 fest to the earth
saving the few feet after have spread my
contrivance for letting me down easy, or, as
l have said, to the utter extinction Of
vitality which would otherwise ensue.
Gen Casey will miss q great opportunity il
he don't jump of, a. his concluding act in
the construction. It would be an immense
feat II the last man on the outside, when
he removes the last stick Of the scaffolding,
instead Of crawling through the opening to
come down inside, don't jumn, he will be a
fool
Isuggested that the capitol dome would be
a great place to practice at leaping
"No," said h., 'it wouldn't do at all. I've
examined It There are too many obstacles
It's the sheer leap of $50 feet that will give
the sensations l want to enjoy. It takes ten
or twelve minutes to be hoisted up inside OF
the monument I would expect to come
down in less than half q minute. Think
what would be crowded into that brief space
of time-ths exhilaration the ecstacy of
fslling from such height l will do 1t yet.
1t will be something l will have all to myself
whether light like bird or am crushed
into jelly"
To the question when he intended to take
the leap, he said: II mean to do it on dedi-
cation day, Feb. "a l will find way by
that time Once on the top. and those OPEN
ings not stopped, am sure to make the leap
II have to walt ten years will do it !
was born to do 1t. What greater thing is
there in this worldf It's my mission II l
don't do it," and here the NAH drew near,
and in a low voice, with strange delibera-
ton, added-"if I don't do 1t, if they won't
let me, will blow up the monument with
dynamite. I've got it ready. know tue
opening where a charge can be placed that
will bring the monument down to the last
stone The work Of thirty-hve years will
tumble to the ground in five seconds It's
the sensation seek-the sensation of LEAP
from the monuments top. II am deprived
Of that I'll have the satisfaction Of seeing
the monument come dc wn. That will be the
next best thing to the leap I'll do It! I'll
do it! Ahai'
At that the man made of at a rapid pace
and have not seen him since.