The state herald., 1898-09-30
BIG WAR BALLOONS.
The Governments Interesting Exhibit at
OmahR.


Omaha. Sept. 21.-Unclc Sam Is very
much in evidence at the Trans-Missis'
sippi Exposition. The various depart
ments of government are well repre-
sented and the exhibits in each class
are attracting widespread attention
contributing largely to the success OF
the exposition ms whole.
Perhaps the most noteworthy fenture
of the War Department exhibit is u
large collection or relies or trophies of
the campaign In the vicinity OF San
tiago. A Spanish battle flag. the frs,
trophy captured by the American army
In Cuba, is on exhibition here, together
with Mauser rifles, machetcs, flags
cannon balls, shells. cartridges and
other articles taken from the battle
fields near Santiago de Cuba. Til,
large captive balloon which wns used
by the American forces In the advance
upon Ell Caney and San Juan hill l.
attracting unusual popular interest
This great war balloon. which Is part
of the government exhibit at the eX
position. was manufactured for the
War Department nt Frankfort, n. Y.
of pongec silk. Its capacity Is 2l ,OW
cubic feet, sufficient TO carry four per
sons. This balloon is equipped will
complete telephone and telegraphic ap
paratus. Communication is established
by means of insulated wire, paid out n,
the balloon ascends. \ complete photo
graphic outfit is also part of the equip
ment. One or other Of the big balloons
makes several ascensions daily from
the exposition grounds.
The daily drill of the United States
lifc-saving crew In the basin in front
of the government building on the ex.
position grounds affords n highly In
teresting spectacle. and is witnessed
by thousands Of people. The drill por'
trays the methods by which the gov
crnment lifc-saving crews on the coast
line rescue unfortunate seamcn or voy.
ayers.
The War Department In the great
government building presents many
unique features. Here will he seen 4
very handsome series of lay figures
both mounted and dismounted. showing
the various uniforms of officers and en-
listed men of the United States army
from the Revolutionary period up tc
the present time. pack mules, will
pack saddles. showing the old and new
styles Of transporting supplies; n series
of very Interesting models, supplied by
the engineer corps. among which may
he mentioned mortar battery and life
gun battery, also n complete submarln,
mine group. showing how our Sc.
coast harhors are protected In time OF
war: n large collection OF ancient and
! modern guns and rcvolvers. including
those now In use In the United State,
army. Relies of the famous Greeley
Arctic expedition are also shown, To
gcther with slcdrc manufactured 10y
the party and distress signal used h,
them. The various apparatus used b,
the signal corps for day and nigh
signaling are also shown In this ex
hibit.
A very Interesting collection of ar
tlcles from the Medical Department OF
the army Is also shown. Here can b,
seen a series Of pathological specimen.
showing military injuries. model bospi
tai, hospital railroad train. hospital
travois and litter medical aud surgical
chests. model OF the Mower hospital
the largest hospital ever erected In III,
United States.