Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1901-11-07

The first attempts to make ascen-
sions by means OF balloons were made
in Paris in the year 1855. Pilatre des
Rosters was the first and most illustri-
Gus of the long list of aeronauts who
have fallen victims TO their desire to
advance the art of aerostatics.
In July and August of the year 1888
balloons filed with hydrogen gas were
sent up from Paris. and in September
at Versailles the first balloon was sent
up freighted with living animals.
In the same year Montgoliier con-
structed balloon which he claimed
would be capable of carrying passen-
gers. his workshop being in the gardens
of the Faubourg St. Antoine. The bal
loon was sixty feet in height and forty
eight broad. Its exterior was richly
painted and embroidered. there being
represented upon il the twelve signs of
the zodiac. the arms OF the king of
France and numberless fleurs-de-lis and
lower down, amid a crowd of grotesque
heads and garlands of flowers. flock
Of eagles. with extended wings, that
seemed to be flying and supporting the
huge balloon upon their shoulders.
Below the balloon proper was con-
structed a circular platform Of wicker
work, covered with silk, which was
used as n car. This platform was very
large and was surrounded by n balus-
trade to prevent the aeronauts from
falling out. In the center of this plat
form or car was an opening, below
In1 hx-. oh "A
stove, which was TO he used for rarely
ing the air in the balloon, while in one
corner was a magazine intended for the
storing up of an immense quantity OF
straw, which served as fuel.
Pilatre DIES Rosters, generally alone.
but ut one time accompanied by the
Marquis d Arlandes and on another oc-
casion by NJ. Girond de Villette. had as
cended in the balloon without cutting
the rope which held it captive TO
height of 1,290 feet.
Rosters had much difficulty in obtain
ing permission from the king TO make
an ascent without being held down by
the rope. but consent was at last Sc
cured. and on the Goth of November,
1873. everything was made ready. Dur
ing the day the wind and rain were VIC
lent. and it was found necessary 10
postpone the ascent. The next day. the
DIST. the weather was more favorable.
and at 80 in the afternoon in the pres
ence Of the dauphin and his suit Pr
latre DIES Rosters and the Marquis d Ar
landeS set out together from the Jar
dins dc In Muette upon the first aerial
voyage ever attempted and performed.
The wind was still very rough and the
weather stormy. but in spite OF these
disadvantages the balloon rose rapidly.
Having passed over. Paris and be-
come free from all fear of getting en-
tangled among the buildings of the city.
the aerOnauts suffered themselves TO
descend considerably until they found
themselves i'm a fresh current of air.
which bore them in a southerly direc-
ton.
After proceeding n few miles farther
the fire was allowed 10 die out, and the
balloon descended about five miles from
Paris. When the aerOnauts returned TO
the Chateau de Ia Muette. they were
greeted with the utmost enthusiasm by
the assembled crowds. Benjamin Frank
lin was Il witness of the whole specta-
Gle. and when asked what he thought
of it he replied, Il have seen child
born which may one day be man"
Aerostatics had advanced to such n
degree that on the 9Th of January.
1875. Blanchard. a rival of Rosters.
crossed over the channel from Dover
to Calais.
Rosters was spurred ON 10y Blanch-
ards success and set TO work con-
structing balloon which. when COM
pleted. he called an aerOmontgolfier.
l. consisted of an immense balloon Of
hydrogen gas. with a large cylinder
placed under il, the use of it being TO
rarely the mir without losing gas.
When favorable day had arrived.
Pilatre for the last time made his