Waterbury evening Democrat., 1907-03-22

f1iAtCliSA TO Ao "itbC0o thV hCsA1 great international balloon race. and St. Louis has been designated as the flight city by the Aero Club of America because of it's central loca- tion, and also because it affords op- portunity for records flights whatever the direction of the wind. The rare privilege of holding this airship con test in this country comes as a reward dor the victory won by an American Reronaut. Lieut.. Frank P. Lahm, in the international contest last year. year. His triumph is of such recent occurrence as to be still fresh in mind, and we recall with what pride Ameri- Ean newspapers heralded the achieve. ment.
 Especially did the victory bring sat isfaction and enthusiasm to the Aero Club of America for it claimed Lieut.. Lahm as an honorary member and his triumph not only brought it prestige among the ballooning fraternity of Flu. rope and brought to this side of the water the magnificent international challenge cup offered as prize by James Gordon Bennett.
 And now the Aero club is actively engaged in making arrangements for the contest this year at St. Louis. It is determined, and hopeful as we'll, of retaining the cup on this side of the Atlantic Eight nations-France, Ger many, Great Britain Belgium, Switz- erland, Italy, Spain and the United States--each with three balloons, are entitled to compete, and the contest will be in all respects international It is estimated that the great Euro pean balloon contests of 1906 were each witnessed by 100000 spectators, and it is hoped that this race of 1907 will command at least equal interest. It will require all the resources of the Aero Club of America and all the en- ergies of it's members to properly or ganize and conduct this contest. This will. of necessity, be it's chief task for 1907 and to this all else must be sub ordinated.
 It is hoped that the history of the Americas cup will be repeated and that the international cup has crossed the ocean never to return. The club has been assured that three balloons of 2,200 meters. the maximum capac- ity permitted under the rules, will be available for its champions. There are already many applicants for the honor of being chosen as one of the three defenders of the cup, and it is certain that there will he large field from which to make the selection.
 The greatest interest has been dis. played throughout the civilized world, and special facilities will be offered to all aeronauts visiting St. Louis for this contest. Through the liberality of various citizens and organizations of that city the Aero Club of Amer. ica has been able to offer cash prizes amounting to $2.500. to be distributed among the contestants winning re spectively second. third. fourth and fifth places. This is in addition to the sum of $2,500 to be given by Mir Bennett to the winner of the cup The Aero Club of America also offers a prize to the contestant remaining longest in the air.
 As further stimulus to ballooning Inc Aero club has founded and offered Tor competition challenge trophy to be known as the Lahm cup and to be held in turn by each of its members who exceeds the distance--;02 miles covered by Lieut.. Lahm in winning the International cup.
 The Aero club will endeavor to in ,roduce and popularize in this country the various contests in connection with ballooning which have proved SC attractive in France. These include the pursuit and capture by several balloons of pilot balloon having a certain start; also contest by sev eral balloons. the winner to be the one who lands nearest to given spot designated on map beforehand Prizes will also be given to automo piles which shall start in pursuit ol balloons and reach them within s given interval after their launching.
 The Aero Club Of America is lest than two years old. having beer formed in the summer of 1905 witf the purpose set forth in the constitu ton of promoting and developing tho science of aerial navigation. Pounded by men who had almost without ex ception never made an ascension in { free balloon. the club has in one veal of existence earned for itself a posi- tiou in the world Of sport and it is ts be hoped it has opened up brilliant career for itself in the future.
 Although the Aero club is the frs organization of aeronauts to be formes on the American continent, it has has