The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1904-06-30
PIONTS TO DUMONT.
Police Seem to Think Aeronaut Cut
His Own Gas Bag.

st. Louis, June 30-Lieutenant Colonel
H. P. Kingsbury, U. S. A, command
ant of the Jefferson guards, who had
been investigating the attempted de-
mont's air ship, has made his report to
President Francis of the Louisiana
Purchase exposition. Conlmandant
kingsbury says in part:
I learn from Lieutenant Walsh, Sc
cret service, who has investigated the
matter thoroughly, that Mr.. Hudson
told him that ne several times yester-
day afternoon spoke to Mr. Dumont Of
watchmen over the balloon and placing
the cover on the box. This Mr.. Du-
mont failed to do, only partially re-
placing the cover, as he stated that he
desired to get all the air possible in
contact with the balloon. If air had
been essential to the balloon, as much
could have been obtained if a strong
wire netting had been placed over the
top of the box, the cover of which was
only about half removed anyway.
"One of Mr.. Dumont's assistants is
said to carry a large strong knife. OW
ing to the strength of the numerous
folds and thickness of the balloon en-
velope some such knife as this would
have been necessary to cut the balloon.
"A casual examination of the build
ing in its present condition could not
fail to convince any one that even with
a vigilant watch it would be a very
simple matter for a determined person
to do what was done.
Il am told that Mr.. Hudson stated
that the balloon could be repaired here,
at least temporarily in from two to
five days.
THE above report is a compilation of
personal observations, reports of my
subordinates and conversations with
the secret service men,
The Mr.. Hudson mentioned in Col.
Kingsbury's report is Perry Hudson,
superintendent marine section, trans
~ 4-,Af hi
The rumor became current in st.
Louis that Mr.. Dumont could tell who
damaged the gas bag, and a statement
to that effect was published in an after
noon paper. When shown this state
ment Mr.. Dumont said to the Associa-
ted Press: 1T is ridiculous. What mo-
tive could 7 have for such an act? It
is claimed that wanted to force the
fair mana cement into granting me
concession to show my air ship and
charge admission, but that is not true.
] can not see why any one should make
such an accusation against me. I GER
tainIy have nothing to gain. It viii
probably cost me s., 00o before the dam
age is repaired. ] have the gas bag
packed and ready to ship, and hope to
send it away for Paris tomorrow. I
myself shall go TO Paris and superin-
tend the repair work"
professor Meyers has said he can
repair the damages here. Why do you
not let him do it % was asked.
Because replied Mr.. Dumont, Il
do not think Professor Meyers or any
one else this side of Paris can make the
repairs. If Professor Meyers repairs
the bag he can go up in the ship.
will not trust myself in it.
Il shall leave all the machinery of
the air ship here and take only the
damaged bag to Paris. I expect to re-
turn to America in about six weeks and
will then make an ascension"
Chas F. Morrison, who was arrested
and confined in the fair police station
on charge of having welded the knife
on the gas bag, was released, the auth
critics being of the opinion there wasn't
sufficient evidence to justify holding
him longer.