Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1897-06-03
was as interesting as anything in my
THE DESCENT.

was as interesting as anything in my
career.
II believe l was the first circus pro-
prietor in the world to employ a pro-
fessional to make a balloon ascension
and a parachute jump prior to each
afternoon performance, picking up an
aeronaut named Ed Billings in an
Ohio town.
"Now, Ed was good aeronaut, en-
tirely devoid of fear, and made leaps
with the parachute from greater
heights than had ever been made be-
FORE" Col. Rice resumed. THE only
trouble was that Ed was too jovlal,
and at times drank too much whisky.
More than once had spoken my mind
to him on the subject, and, as he did
not heed my remarks, l made every
ing my circus on the day when he
should in the natural course of events
fall from his balloon or parachute and
be killed. With the same foresight 1
made a study of aeronautics and para
chute leaping, until felt competent to
fill his position when made vacant
The occasion for my services came at
White Water, Mich, when, at ascen-
sion time, Billings lay under wagon
suffering from sick headache
when it became evident that must
make the ascension and jump, / did
not hesitate, but, DOMINIC a tinsel suit,
entered the car and began my first
journey skyward, amid chorus OF
unsurpassed EXPLANATIONS of ad-
miration from an immense throng of
spectators. AS / saw the earth drop
ping from me and the human forms be-
low growing shorter and smaller, until
they appeared like the tiniest insects, l
contrived to maintain my nerve, and,
leaning over the edge Of the basket, or
car, bravely threw kisses to the gaping
crowd almost beneath. When had as
cended nearer heaven than l had ever
been before-say / 200 or 1900 feet-I
prepared to make my maiden leap, be-
ing particularly careful that my every
movement should be seen by the crowd
of spectators away down beneath ON
the earth.
After a time 1 pulled open the es-
cape valve Of the balloon, which slow
ly began to descend after remaining
stationary for brief moment. Then
clutched the trapeZe bar, which was
attached to the parachute, kissed my
hand TO the expanse of upturned faces
below, shut both eyes, and made a
bold jump out into space and shot like
an arrow earthward. My feeling at
that critical moment can best be de-
scribed as one of all-goneness, but
grimly and desperately clutched the
bar in my hand, and, with heart in my
mouth, anxiously awaited the sharp
swapping sound which would announce
the opening Of the parachute. But the
sound did not come. Great God! how
the seconds flew by and still the &C
cursed canvas did not open. Though
darling earthward rapidly, fatally
hope did not desert me.
Suddenly the despaired-of swapping
sound rang In my ears. Thank God
the parachute had opened! / was
saved, and that, too, at the last posi-
BILE moment. My descent was at once
checked, and the earth was not 200 feet
away. 1t was with assumed ease thai
1 finally landed upon the ground, and
doubt IL any, save the circus people, in
that great crowd knew how near had
been to death.
when Billings subsequently learned
of my perilous leap with the para
chute and narrow escape from n terri
BILE death he came with tears in his
eyes, and, taking my hand, vowed
that he would never again touch an
intoxicant." Inter Ocean.