Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-08-24
AIRSHIP'S FINE FLIGHT
ROUNDS FLATIRoN BUILDING IN
NEW YORK WITHOUT MISHAP.

The Toledo IL, A. Roy knapensnues oir-
ship, made a second successful attempt
yesterday afternoon to navigate the aerial
ocean above the city Of New York. Start
Ing from the vacant lot at ed street and
Central Park west at 2:14 in the afternoon.
he went south as far as the Flatiron build
ing and returned safely to the park. where
he landed without trouble.
All the morning the crowd gathered about
the tent set up in the vacant lot on the
cd street corner, and when driven out by
the police pressed close about the fence
with eyes glued to the cracks like the small
boy at a ball game. The reserves OF five
precincts and large squad of mounted
men surrounded the place to prevent a re-
currence of the scenes of last Sunday, but
they were helpless in the crowd that had
gathered by the time Knabenshue was
ready for the start.
Before getting under way In the airShlD
Knabenshue made a trip downtown in an
auto to learn a bit about New York's geog-
raphy. Last Sunday he mistook the Times
building for the Flatiron. which he had in
tended to circle, and he meant to make no
mistake on the second trial.
Attracted Immense Crowds.
AS the big cigar-shaped balloon that sup
ports the framework and driving machinery
of the airship came into view above the
could be equaled only on the Polo grounds
when the home team gets home run with
two out and the bases full.
The airshIp rose straight in the air for
some distance and then turned west and
circled over the park. A faint clicking and
whirring descended from the sky as the
motor was started. and then the airship
turned her PROV south and shot down
Broadway
The crowd now grown to many thou
and falling over every obstacle in the way,
so fixed was their attention on the wonder
above.
Automobiles. cabs delivery wagons and
lowed the course of the Toledo II. and the
housetops and roofs Of the Office buildings
were black with people staring at this
strange ship Of the heavens.
Successfully Handled.
The wind was from the west blowing six
miles an hour, and the Toledo II made a
great deal Of leeway, drifting as far east
as I'd avenue. AS the airship neared 23d
street knabenshue turned her PROV again
toward Broadway and began his flight to
windward. For time the Toledo seemed
to make little Roadway against the air cur
rent. but presently Knabenshue let her
head fall away until, at slight angle to
the direction of the wind. she began to
forge ahead. In several long lacks Kna-
benshue worked enough to windward to be
directly over the Flatiron. He was very
high up at the time, but he says that he
found the air currents troublesome even
then, and he FASTENED to get away from
the dangerous locality.
Heading north with the wind abeam. the
Toledo easily beat 9th avenue elevated
train on the way to the park At 2:45 she
slid through gap in the trees and landed
lightly on the turf on the ball ground near
the 59th street entrance to the park. The
crowd charged in and swarmed over the
lawns. but they were held somewhat in
check by the mounted policemen, and fair
order was maintained.
With Knabenshue still on board the ship
was lifted on the shoulders of his assistants
and carried in triumph to the lot at cd
street.
Hero Besieged by Women.
When the good-looking aeronaut climbed
out of he machine in the Enclosure he
was surrounded by a small crowd of enthu-
siastic young women who begged for his
autograph. One golden-haired damsel
threw her arms about Knabenshue's neck
and gave him a hearty kiss. He didn't
look displeased. and several other young
women were about to follow Goldenhair's
the tent by his manager. Have you for
gotten the fate Of Hobson?" asked that
wise one. and thereafter Knabenshue
sheered to port or starboard every time
petticoat hove in sight.
The highest point reached by the airship
was about 5000 feet above the city. At
that height 1t was visible from nearly every
part of Manhattan. The crowds gathered
on every street corner to gaze and wonder
and every elevated train had its platforms
crowded with the skygazers.
The spectacle had queer effect on the
people. Many became quite hysterical and
perfect strangers met on the common
ground of wonder and grew friendly at
once. Men laughed and shouted in much
the same way, doubtless, when the Fulton
first steamed along the Hudson.
After the flight Knabenshue met Leo
Stevens, the builder of the California Ar
row, and the two began arrangements for
an airship race, which they hope to pull off
in New York some time this fall.
After the talk with Stevens, Knabenshue
sent cable of congratulation to Santos
Dumont, who made successful fight on
Tuesday at Trouvile. 1t Is said that the
two aeronauts follow each others move
ments very closely as they expect to meet
some day in competition.
If weather conditions are favorable. Kna-
benshue may make other trips over the
city. He leaves on Saturday for Columbus
Ohio, where he is to sail the Toledo III on
September s.