The morning news., 1888-12-01
THE LAS ST LEAP.
Augusta Frowns Down Parachute
Jumping.

Augusta FrOwns Down Parachute
Jumping.
From the augusta (Ga.) Chronicle of Thursday
No more parachute leaps.
the perilous venture of Charley Beasley
at the exposition grounds yesterday will, in
all likelihood, put an end to s uch feats in
Augusta.
1t is the belief of many who witnessed the
leap and descent that but for the bravery of
Mr.. Jack Waterman the @ronaut would
have lost his life
When tie balloon first went up, prepara-
tory to leap, the hoop of the parachute be-
came disarranged just as Beasley was pre-
pairing for the descent, and he saved his
life by quickly lowering the balloon to the
ground.
He had evidently given up the idea of
making the descent after this escape but
spurred on by the haunting remarks of some
present. he resolved to make the ascent and
descent later in the day. The care with
which the arrangements for the second at
tempt at the performance were made evil
denced the concern of those directly inter
ested. They seemed to realize that the feat
was q dangerous one, with the chances
something against the performer and tested
the apparatus thoroughly, and handled
ropes, &c, with caution. Finally the
aSc snt was made without hitch or him
feet had been reached the parachute
was detached from the balloon, and it and
the occupant of the basket attached shot
toward the earth with alarming rapidity.
As the earth was neared, however, the de-
scent became slower, and Beasley was
thought to be out of danger. UnluckiIy,
however the parachute, when eighty feet
from the ground, became entaugled in the
topmost branch of q tall tree, suspending
the man in a perilous position. He was
powerless to extricate himself. Should the
apparatus get out of gear he would be
dashed to the ground-likely to death
An excited crowd hurriedly gath
cred about the trunk Of the tree, and
thousands of impracticable suggestions for
the mans relief were made in as many
second. Permission to bring the hook and
ladder truck into use was gained, but proved
unavailable At this time, Mr.. Water
man signified his intention of rescuing
Beasley, and procuring a strong rope,
quickly and deftly climbed the tree. Secur-
ing the rope around the stout part of the
tree he ventured on a stout limb to q
position above the man, but below the
parachute. Tying the rope around his
body to secure himself in case the limb
should break. He then tied it about the
limb upon which he was perched, and
throwing it to Beasley, bade him slide down
the rope, which he did amid shouts from
the throng A moment later Mr. Water
man came down the rope with remarkable
velocity and landed among a crowd of adj
miring people, and was congratulated and
voted hero on all sides.
This adventure, following so closely upon
the tragic death in Columbus, has caused
the people to object more forcibly than ever
before, and strong pressure is being brought
to bear upon the exposition people to dis
continue them.
S. H. Cohen, who is in charge of amuse-
ments and special attractions for the exposi-
ton, recognizes the strong feeling which has
cropped out, and has signified his intention
Of doing away with parachute leaps if the
amusement committee of the exposition will
permit him.