The record-union., 1895-08-23
UNCLE SANS WAR BALLOONS.
Tho Commanding OfIlcer in Direct
mmunicatiOn.

The Commanding OfIlcer in Direct
communication.
Balloons for warfare are a feature of all
up-to-dato modern Governments. The
big European armies have well-organiZed
balloon corps, and it is interesting 10
know that Uncle Sam is doing something
in the same line, says the New York
UOrtd.
That this Government is interested in
the alr-tiights of science is shown by the
experiments, not only at the Weather
Bureau but in the Signal Service. Out
West, at Il fort near Denver, the Govern
ment has balloon in The course of con-
structiOn which is to be used as an aid IN
war. The shape is that of an ordinary
balloon, but drag-rOpe will connect it
always with the ground.
1t will carry several officers. whose
work Will be 10 watch the enemy'S move
ments, to study the disposition and
strength OF his forces, to make photo
graphs of The field and get all information
possible. An instrument called the tele-
telegraph will be taken in this
balloon, and by means of the wire con-
versation can be carried on between the
| occupants OF the basket aud the General
on the field below. Telegraphing can
also be done by the same Instrument,
which has been recently perfected by an
officer OF this branch OF the Government
| service
Bicycles are used by the Signal Service
| men and on coil OF the wheel the wire
is run and paid out as the machine pro-
crosses. Thus, when the balloon has
started up, the officer on the wheel races
| Tor the tent OF the General and the tele-
! phone wire ls carried along and let out
! till the tent is reached. This wire make es
! direct communication between the otli-
GERS on the field and the man in the air,
l.. /,
OF the enemy and can thus give important
| information 10 his superiors.
The General commanding can thus
! give his orders from absolute knowledge
of the enemy's strength and the DISPOSE
! ton Of his men. This will be OF In
calculable value to the mode of fighting
of the future. This balloon, of course, is
designed not to fight, but to be a watch
| dog and keep sharp eye on the enemy.
In the event of shot from tho foe, the
| balloon would be SO high up as to make
! its effect uncertain. But even if it were
struck, there is attached to the top para
| chute which would enable the officers TO
descend safely into their own camp. This
! parachute is part of the Silken web Of the
| ballOon-wOven into the top SO that it is
always spread and ready for action
! Should shot pierce the bag, the silk
would collapse, but the upper frame,
which ls already parachute. would sim
ply let the car slowly down to the earth.
The French Government is said to have
fine balloon built for use in war. 1t is
! kept in a large garden, and no one is al
! lowed to see 1t, nor has any drawing been
made or photograph taken, 1t is said
that this balloon will net only float, but
that it can be guided and steered as read
i!y as ship. II is expected that it will
be on exhibition in the coming World S
/ Fair at Paris.
The French balloon is said to be cigar
shaped envelope, within which is the gas
and Il small bag, which is to be pumped
full of air. An electric motor drives in
the rear a screw propeller. 1t is said that
the airship will be able to make a speed
Of at least twenty five miles an hour.