The Washington times., 1901-09-15
THE ORIGINAL AERONAUT
First Balloon Invented by Pilater
Des Rosters in 1888.
Many Air Ships Constructed in Paris
in the Last Century - FreiShted
with Living AnimnIs-Frnni>iin
Witnessed the Initial Ascension.

tention to the peculiar circumstance
that it has always been in France that
the most experimenting has been done.
and the greatest progress made, not
only in navigation through the air, but
in navigation under the water.
In the construction of submarine YES
sells France now occupies easily first
place, while it is generally admitted
that Santos-Dumont's machine, not
withstanding its recent unsuccessful
trial. marks a distinct advance on all
other aerial ships.
The first attempts to make ascenslohs
by means of balloons were made IN
Paris in the year 1888. Pilatre des
Rosters was the first and most Illus
trious of the long list OF aeronauts who
have fallen victims to their desire to
advance the art of rO-statics.
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 Montgolfier con-
structed a 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 it the twelve signs of
the zodiac. the arms of the King of
France and numberless feurde-lis,
and lower down. amid a crowd of gro
tesque 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 a car. This platform was very
large, and was surrounded by balus-
trade to prevent the aeronauts from
falling out. In the centre of this plat
form, or car, was an opening, below
which was suspended by chains an iron
stove. which was to be used for rarity
ing the air in the balloon, While in one
corner WITS magazine, intended for
the storing up of an immense quantity
of straw, which served as fuel
Pilatre des Rosters. generally alone,
but at 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 r pc which held it captive, to a
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,
11S3, everything was made ready. Dur
ing the day the wind and rain was vio-
lent, and it was found necessary to
postpone the ascent. The next day,
the 21st, the weather was more favor
able, and at 1:30 in the afternoon, in
the presence of the Dauphin and his
suite, Pilatre des Rosters and the Mar
quis d'Arlandes set out together from
the Jardins de la Muette upon the first
aerial voyage ever attempted and per-
formed. 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
in a fresh current of air,
which bore them in a southerly direc-
ton.
After proceeding a few miles farther
the fire was allowed to die out. and the
balloon descended about five miles from
Paris. When the aeronauts returned to
the Chateau de la Muette they were
greeted with the utmost enthusiasm by
the assembled crowds. Benjamin
Franklin was "A witness Of the whole
spectacle, and when asked what he
thought of it, he replied: Il have seen
a child born which may one day be
man."
Aero states had advanced to such a
degree that on the 7th Of January, 1885,
a rival of Rosters, crossed
over the channel, from Dover to Calais.
Rosters was spurred on by Blanch
ards success. and set to work con-
structirg a balloon which, when COM !
pIeted, he called an aero -montgolfier. |
1t consisted of an immense balloon of |
hydrogen gas, with q large cylinder |
placed under 1t, the use of it being to |
-arify the air, without losing gas.
When a favorable day had arrived |
Pilatre for the last time made his prep |
arations. He was assisted by a Bou- |
ogne physician named Roman, and on /
int. ta.a hoe.
xet. the ropes were cast off, and the /
balloon rose with the utmost majesty !
rom the earth.
When IL had risen about 200 feet it /
struck fresh current of air, which /
ook ii directly toward the sea. 1t soon |
'ound another current, which rapidly |
,arried it back again. 1t possibly may |
lave been the desire of the aeronauts to
descend to find more favorable cur
ent of air, for while opening the valve
o let the cold air into his cylinder. un-
n huge rent was made in
he balloon. The consequences were
and horrible. At that time |
he balloon was l 700 feet above the sur
ace of the earth. A few moments
Ifterward the two aeronauts lay on the
round dead, and horribly mutilated.
Near the spot where Pilatree des
sosiers was buried a monument was
III 1000 " tlle III
most miraculous crossing of the sea by
upon the yery spot of earth
n which that intrepid aeronaut de
cended.. He had become for France a
zero, and numbers of inscriptions are
till readable.
An Arkansas Snake story
Whenever the dog days roll around |
lways think Of a snake story l heard In
rkansas some years ago." said n gentle
ian who lives in this city now, "and while