The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1892-03-26
SPYING IN AN AIRSHlP
MORE EURoPEAN VAR RUMoRs.
Germany Toying With Balloons to Gain In
formation About Kussia's Military.
Foreign Affairs.

WARSAW, March 25.--Rumors Of war FIJI the
air here. and they are given the appearance of
truth by the presence in Poland of an immense
number of soldiers. who have been gathering
from many parts of the Russian dominions
II may be, however, that this massing of
troops is not for offensive purposes, but
merely with the object Of preparing for the
usual spring manuuvers. But the proximity
of these large bodies of troops to the Prus-
sian frontier. whatever the object of the
military authorities may he, caused q
general feeling of uneasness that the
least spark may start confiagration,
the result of which no one can foreteil.
This feeling of anxiety has been added 70 by
the fact that the German authorities are
evidently taking steps 10 learn from per-
sonal observation the strength and dlspOsl-
ton Of the Russian forces.
A STROKE OF ENTERPRISE.
They are not trying 10 learn these facts OF
military Importance through spies, out are
using balloons as the means TO attain their
object. OF late. in fact ever since the report
circulated Of the arrival in Poland OF large
numbers of Russian troops. several balloons
which came from the German frontier nave
been seen lowering over the Russian tortresseS
and camps These balloons are believed mere
TO form part of an extensive German balloon
spy service.
Recently balloon was floating above the
fortresses at kovno. SO certain were the ON
GERS stationed there that the object OF the
ballOOnists was to learn military secrets that
orders were given 10 fire upon the balloon.
Notwithstanding the long range OF the
modern rife it was impossible TO Int
the balloon. which was at very high
altitude, and its occupants. by means OF
glasses. pursued their investigation entirely
undlsturbed by the bullets aimed IN their dl-
recton. close watch was kept upon the
balloon and the watchers were surprised 10
find that it appeared to be under perfect
control.
After lowering about the fortress for no
little time it returned 10 the German frontier,
its occupants evidently having gained the
knowledge they sought for.
yERITABLE AIRsHIf.
A more surprising incident occurred few
days ago at Dombrowicke. eighty-fOur miles
west of Warsaw Here a balloon was seen to
give fiat contradiction to the belief that aerial
navigation is mostly, if not entirely. matter
of wind currents. This balloon made
its appearance sailing against the wind which
at the time was blowing a fresh breeze
When it had reached point above the mill
tary camp it stopped for time and was then
manGuvered in a manner that showed 1t was
provided with o highly perfected steering
apparatus.
The Russian military authorities believe.
and the handling of the balloon over Russian
territory gives good ground for the belief
that France and Germany possess an efficient
balloon steering apparatus that will render
balloons an important factor in warfare.
The possibilities of balloons in war have often
been discussed, and il it proves true that
it is possible to send them in any direction
desired. new and most dangerous element
will have TO be guarded against by the com
manders of armies. This will prove most
perplexing problem. for at present there is no
from fire directed upon them directly from
above by an enemy who is safely beyond rifle
ranoe