The Washington herald., 1906-11-11

the Iong-disance race sixten balloons repre-
senting number Of the leading countries Of the world
started from Paris September 60 few imagined that
the slim. rather boyshooking American officer had any
chance OF carrying off the prize.
Among the contestants were of the most noted
aeronauts Of the generation There SantosDumont
whose fyinsmaeine experiments have made him famous
there Count Henry de la Vaux accounted the world
champion baIoonist there C Rolls Of England;
signor WiiIer of Italy, and others who have been
made famous by their daring trips amid the clouds
Lieut. Isahm however traversed the longest distance
covered in the race He landed near Whtby on the
northeastern Of England, about AS miles from the
starting point.
believed ne could have gone considerable dis
lance farther but had descend because the
rent blowing him toward the tempestuous North
He alighted within a mile of the water.
His nearest competitor Wiler. sailing Italian
balloon Ee covered $40 miles, landing in England
cid Count de Ia yaulx the leading French representa-
tives who covered 2S5 miles.
WON $500 IN MONEY, TOO.
c. S Rolls the English representative descended at
Sandringham near London, not far from where De la
Vaulx reached earth
Not only did Lieut. Lahm win for the Aero Club Of
America the beautiful cup that ben presented for
competition but a cash prize of $500 Withal he is
exceedingly reticent regarding his achievement
This young man. whose victory for his country in
peace indicates what he is likely do in war is a
native Of Ohio. and was appointed to West Point in
1897
1901 he entered the army as second lieutenant being
promoted his present n July 1905 From 1903
the beginning of last summer he was an instructor
of modern languages at West Point.
During the summer he to Saumur France
for season Of training the French School Of Rid
ing As the season had not opened there when the
balloon planned the young officer an en-
thusias in aerial flights volunteered to take part as
the representative of his country
Permission was readily given by the army autbori-
ties who recognized the possibilities Of baIooning in
and believed that the intelligent young officer might
determine number of questions which were deemed
important of solution.
When Lieut. Lahm asked short time ago to tell Of
his prze-winnng trip through the clouds. he declared
that it not easy matter. MY principal and
strongest recollection Of It is that just beautiful
voyage" he said
A BOOM FOR AMERICAN BALLOONING
He persisted in modesty atbutng his victory to good
with prevailing His apparently
intimate acquaintance with these, however after so short
balOoning experience, speaks for itself the same
time adding no small degree of credit to Americas SPORT
ing record
'of course" continued the finest thing about it is
the great that will given TO American baoon
by holding years international race in our country
and after the virtual Introduction of the
sport there
1T been pretty generally agreed that holding next
years race in America means great deal for the
sports future It VIII require little more effort n, b
are enthusiastic enough for that and then thew are
generally well of"
While getting out map show the course Of the
contest Lieut. Labm said that his only regret was
that the race could been Of greater Jenp4b
His description Of his experience the famous race
reveals the possibilities Of new which may be
common and popular before many years have passed
Leaving Paris, he stated we followed a current
that almost directly westward into 2 glorious
moonlight night soon floating over the English
Channel.
nel"-he was accompanied by Mai H B Jersey. also
an American-'for had plenty Of ballast to cast
overheard in We needed to go higher
THAT nsht-Sunday-thinss went well enough, but