St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1892-03-31
SHOOTING AIR SHIPS.
Russian Military Official In
censed at Spies Out
Of Reach.
A German Balloon Corps TAX
ing Leisurely Observa-
tions Of Forts.
The Present System Of War
fare Likely to Be Laid
on the Shelf.
Indignation, Mingled With
Fear, Inspired by the ST.
lent Visitors.

ST. PETERSBURG. March 80. The
presence of balloons over the forts and
encampments in Poland is becoming
more frequent than ever, and this fact
is causing much Indignation among
army officers, who are helpless to pre-
vent military secrets from becoming
known to the German officers, WHO are
taking observations from height that
places them beyond the reach of any
bullets aimed at them.
One of these balloons from the Ger
man frontier recently appeared at
Kovnon. 1t lowered above the fortress
until the officer in command became so
greatly exasperated that he ordered
some soldiers to fire at the balloon. and
if possible to bring it to the ground.
Had the soldiers been able to hit the big
silken bag floating so high in the air and
make hole in it it would have meant
a horrible death for all its occupants,
but the range was too great and the
powder burned in the attempt was use
less. The Germans continued their OBJ
servations, in no way bothered by the
firing, and when they had concluded
they returned whence they came. The
impression grows stronger daily that
the Germans have at last solved the
long-studied problem of aerial nayiga-
ton.
Under Perfect Control.
These balloons that have appeared
over various places in Poland are under
perfect control. They move in any di-
Nd M
perceptible OBJECT Oh them. In fact, i'll
at least one instance it is known that
the balloons sailed directly against
strong wind. The motive power en-
ployed and the means adopted for steer
ing are utterly unknown. but all the
facts in connection with the appearance
of these balloons go to show that they
are perfect air ships.
The possibilities of a perfect system
of aerial navigation are thoroughly I'M
derStood by Russian officers, but they
are absolutely helpless to guard against
them. 1t is the fact Of this utter help
lessneSs that renders their indignation
more deep and bitter. A few nights ago
the inhabitants of Warsaw were startled
by an intensely bright light that fell
from the sky upon their city. All eyes
were turned upward, but nothing could
in small focus. Many people in their
excitement thought it was comet in
close proximity to the earth, and were
greatly frightened.
Suddenly the ray of light swept in
another direction, and when their eyes
became accustomed to the darkness that
followed. they could see far up i'll the
sky balloon. Then it dawned upon
the people that it was au electric search
light that had caused the brilliant illu-
mination and that the Germans were
continuing their observations of Russian
defenSeS with its aid. The balloon re-
manned over the city until l o'clock in
the morning, when the light was eXtin-
guished and the balloon, heading toward
the frontier Of Prussia, disappeared.
Becoming Numerous.
Later another balloon was seen over
the Proushort railway station. 1t re-
manned stationary for time and then
started in the direction OF the fort works
near Kelets, where it lowered for
while, when it returned across the
frontier. Reports of similar occurrences
have been received from SoSnovitSy and
other places along the frontier. The
balloons came from Prussian ST.
leSia in the night time, and pro-
JcClCu Tie VI pow oCol Su
lights in every direction. The balloons.
which were at a great height, remained
stationary, sometimes for the space of
forty minutes, and would then proceed
in any desired direction. There is no
doubt that the steering apparatus.
whatever it is, is admirably adapted Tor
its purposes, for the balloons appar
emily answer to it as readily as does
vessel to her helm.
Russian officials hold that with man
ageable balloons the whole system OF
warfare will be changed. 1t is Seif-evi-
dent that none of the present fortifica-
lions would be able to withstand an at
tack from above them. Shells could be
dropped with most unerring certainty,
and no city could defend itself from All
enemy far up III the air, beyond the
reach of any missile. Even modern can
non with their great range could not at
present be used against balloons, for the
reason that gun carriages have not been
made that will allow OF a perpendicular
elevation.
Father Forbes Leaves France.
PARIS, March 30--Father Forbes, the
Scotch Jesuit, whom the government
ordered 10 leave France for using Ian
guage of an insulting nature in regard
to the French army, left the country
today. He proceeded to London.
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