The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-10-04
TWO BALLOON AsCENsIoNs.
An Interesting Day mt the Southern Expo
sition at Raleigh.

RALrraH. n. c.. Oct. 3.-lSpscial. Things
went merrily at the Exposition grounds to-
day. IL was an ideal day The sun shone
brightly. and the weather was delightful.
TIE ba loon ascension was announced 20 take
place In the morning. and more favorable
day for 10 could not have been chosen. peo-
pie began going out early in the day and the
grounds began 10 FIJI UP with people. A great
many ladies went out and were on the ground
ia large numbers.
The balloon ascension came of about II
o'clock and was probably one Of the most
successful which has ever occurred. Pro-
fessOr Dennis, OF Terra Haute Ind made the
ascension u a height OF about 5000 feet
and then dropped from the clouds in his
parachute, landing gracefully and easily upon
bis feet
The process Of initiating the big rship was
begun early in the morning. and by 1890
O'Clock the pear-shaped monster began to
stand up with it's curved sides pu1ed out by
hot air. which was pumped intoit. and which
was soon 10 carry Il skywards. Finally, the en-
tire balloon WAS inflated and ready 10 ascend.
II stood straight up with its gracefully taper
ing base upon the ground. and gently swayed
aud tugged at tue ropes which held it down.
GOODBYE.
Professor Dennis seated himself in the ira
peze. One by one the ropes which held the
restless monster down were thrown OF, and
at signal from Professor Dennis the last
one was cut The professor shoute Good
bye" and the balloon shot up like q hurri-
cane. In few moments the balloon
reached dizzy height. and at this
point the great air ship began to toss and
careen as if agitated by conflicting elements.
Once It turned almost upside down. and it
looked as If the gas would escape and the
balloon collapse. The aeronaut was jerked
about and swung to point above
the balloon. For moment his po-
s.ton appeared to be one of extreme
peril, but the balloon soon righted
itself and began to climb steadily higher and
higher The great balloon and the daring
aerial navigator had now reached dizzy alti-
tude of at least 5000 feet. and as the crowd
strained their eyes they were horrifed 10 see
the aeronaut drop down like a shot. ii looked
as If he was falling toward the earth with ter
rife velocity But quickly huge umbrella-llke
arrangement spread over his head and his
downward rush WAS checked. 1t was then
seen that the professor was descending IN his
parachute. and as his descent gradually
slackened its speed he noated airily.about,
swinging under the big umbrella and per-
forming gymnastlc feats on the trapeze.
The parachute settled gracefully down and
landed not moro than hundred yards from
the point at which the balloon had gone up
Professor Dennis stepped from the trapeze
unhurt and was beseged with congratula-
tlOns.
LADY AERONAUT.
This afternoon there was another ascen-
sion more daring and successful than that OF
this morning This time Mrs. Dennis, wife
OF the morning aeronaut. made the trip:
going TO height of at least 1000 feet and
descending safely in the parachute. landing
about a mile from the starting point. The
balloon ascensons were the sensation OF the
day and attracted large crowds.
VIRGINIA DAYS.
The management announces that the first
three davs of the next week will be Virginia
days at the Exposition, and that Mr. White
head, Commissioner Of Agriculture OF Viz
gina, and several distinguished gentlemen,
will be present 10 represent the State.
Governor Holt to-day honored the requisl-
ton of the Governor of Georgia for viii
Wilson, who is wanted in that State for the
murder of man named Johnson. Wilson
has been captured in Whiteville, in Column
bus county.