Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1889-01-04
Perilous balloon Ascent.

A CROWD Is TERRIFIED AT MANS AWFUL Peril.
Prom the Edinburgh Scotsman.
Professor Higgins made an ascent az Snarcs
brook the other afternoon. When the balloon
was about 300 feet high the parachute became
detached and fell into tree in Epping forest.
about a quarter of mile from the starting
point. Higgins held firmly 60 the ropes as
the balloon rapidly rose. and finally attained
the great height of 5000 feet Fortunately
Higgins kept his nerve throughout. and by iu-
diclous manipulation OF the balloon brought IL
gradually to earth. landing close 90 Enfield
lock. Higgins received a slight sprain 10 one
of his ankles, for which he was treated by DIR.
Elliot. lie returned Immediately TO Snarcs-
brook, and Addressed an enthusiastic crowd
of admirers, 10 whom he announced his in
tention of making another ascent from tho
same spot Higgins informed press repre-
sentative that he passed through varied AIR cur
rents, some very cold and others warmer.
Another Telegram SAWS: The balloon used was
the Eagle, OF 1000 cubic feet capacity and
owned by Capt. orion. the well-known aero
naut. There was no car, and the parachute
was attached 10 the side Of the balloon in
the ordinary way. so that Higgins might. at
the proper moment. leap from the car into
the air. The arrangements having been COM
pleted under the direction of Mr.. Maltby,
OF the Qneen's palace. Poplar who superin-
tended the previous ascents. Higgins gave
the signal. and the balloon shot up. soon at
tanning height Of 1900 feet. The aeronaut
was watched with almost breathlees anxiety
by the people M the grounds. When at the
height mentioned they observed the para
chute fall away from the balloon. leaving
Higgins suspended above. Something like a
panlc seized the spectators. especially the fe-
male portion. Dir. Maltby at once realized
the peril of Higgins position. and. notwith-
stanuing has confidence in the aeronaut's
courage and GOODNESS, considered. TO use his
own phrase. that Higgins was lost 90 earth"
rapidly vanishing from sight The balloon, 40
II afterward proved from a telegram received
at Sngresbrook. descended on piece of land
near Enfield Lock- distance of about z
miles-at a few minutes 90 4. and the reassur-
ing intelligence Was that Higgins had escaped
fate which Il was feared inevitable and
had sustained no worse injury than a badly
sprained ankle. He was brought back 20
Snaresbrook. and in answer TO pressing inqui-
rles stated that at the height of 1000 feet q
head wind caught the parachute and. pressing
il against the silk, broke the cord. The para
chute then fell below and became inverted He
retained his hold of the ring for a moment
but, realizing the peril of his position and the
futiity of attempting descent. he finally re-
leased the parachute, which dropped 10 earth
near Anger lane, Loughton. The balloon thus
lIghtencd. rose 70 a height stated at 5000
feet. Higgins did not lose his presence Of
mind. and. having fall control of the valve
lines. he did not dstrust has ability to safely
reach earth. lie passed over a portion Of
Eppmg Forest. but. avoiding "A descent near
the trees, came down at the place mentioned
making the descent very suddenly in order 20
avoid Enfield Lock. But for tins circumstance
Higgins would probably have entirely escaped
injury. When seen yesterday afternoon az
Snaresbrook by a press representative. the
aeronaut showed no trace OF his mishap except
a bandaged foot which be rested on a chair az
the inn. higgins is a short wiry man. about
thirty-eight years of age. Dr. Elliot. who was
called in to dress the injured foot, presented
Higgins with a sum of money in recognition of
his courage. and later IN the day other persons
gave him donations. When he left SnSresbrook
last evening for his residence at Hackney a
crowd surrounded the cab and cheered him
heartily he drove away.