Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-10-01
RIVAL AIRSHIPS FLY.
E. G. Boice's Trial of Santos-Dumont's
Machine at BRIGHTON.

The New York Tribune of today says:
The first successful flight of an airship in
America took place yesterday afternoon at
Brighton Beach 1t was about $3.50 o'clock
when the few people scattered about the
place noticed the huge Santos-Dumont air.
ship No. 6 Unexpectedly emerge from It's
aerodome and rise gracefully into the air.
In the basket was seated Edwin c. Boce,
who had, with other gentlemen, obtained
possession of this famous airship some time
ago. 1t rose steadily for 1000 feet, when
the navigator steered his ship first in one
direction. then in another, in order to test
the steering gear, finally setting off for
Sheepshead Bay, hoping to be able to sail
around the statue of Liberty If all went
well
Mr.. Boice was speeding away toward the
northwest, when suddenly, at 4:O5 p. M, an
other airship swept from its aerodome and
started its flight upward. 1t was the ship
of Leo Stevens. which had been building
at Manhattan Beach, and long considered
a rival of the Santos-Dumont machine. The
two ships now held the air, and the ex-
cited spectators below looked for a most
novel race
At first the Stevens ship rose almost d.
recty into the air for 1900 feet, but 1t
was soon seen that it was unable to make
strong Roadway against the upper currents
of air. In spite Of all steering the Stevens
ship was carried over toward Sheepshead
Bay road. lowering every second Finally.
at West l street. West End, three-quarters
of a mile from the starting point. 1t struck
a telegraph pole. Mr.. Stevens extricated
himself and was aided down by a gang OF
Brooklyn rapid transit men who were just
then passing in an emergency wagon. The
balloon was badly torn. 1t was carted back
to it's aerodome at Manhattan Beach.
The Santos Dumont ship was also doomed
to meet with mishap. Everything went
we'll with Mr.. Boice until one Of the rear
guy ropes, which should have been pulled
off at the moment of ascent, caught In the
clutch Of the propeller and hfndered Its
movement. There was nothing to do but
come down, which Mr.. Boice forthwith did
in a mastery manner. letting the gas es-
cape so gradually that the great airship
alghted with little jar. No damage was
done to the machine. with the exception OF
the bending Of the propeller slightly. The
flight covered a distance OF nearly two
miles.
Mr.. Boice considers this trial trip Of the
Santos Dumont airship a decided success
He proved conclusively that he could steer.
and that the ship could be made to move
against the wind. Had 1t not been for the
unfortunate tangle he would, In all proba-
bility, have gone many miles.
The feat of Mr.. Boice was said to be re-
marka BILE, not only for the successful ma
neuvering of the ship. but also for the
courage Of the navigator. For. although
with no experience in air sailing, he de-
promised attempts here, that he would sail
No. 6 himself.
Mr. Stevens said that his sudden appear
ance was due to his desire not to have his
machine beaten by the Santos-Dumont ship.
He intends to compete for the $4,000 prize
offered the man who can sail an airshp
over a prescribed course at the St. Louis
exposition.