Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1907-10-20
SPORTING CALENDAR
 FOR COMING WEEK

New York, Oct 19.-Pre-eminent among the sporting events carded for the coming week is the great interna- tional aerial competition, to be held in St. Louis. Balloning as a sport is rapidly gaining in the public favor and the gathering in St. Louis on Mon day of the leaders in aerial navigation from all nations will attract world wide attention. As the automobile succeeded the bicycle as means of recreation, so the former is likely to be tranSplanted at no distant day by the balloon. A big delegation of Aero club members from New York is al- ready in St. Louis, and balloonists from score of other American cities and from several foreign countries will participate in or witness the con- tests for the championship trophy of the air
 The opening day, Monday, will be marked by the start from Forest Park,
  position, of the race for the James Gordon Bennett international aero nautic cup. This trophy is emblem attic of the balloon racing champion ship of the world. In order to become the permanent property of any one club, it must be successfully defended for five consecutive years.
 In the first international race from Paris last September the cup was won by Lieutenant Frank P. Lahm of the United States army, who repre- sented the Aero club of America.
 In next weeks contest, the United States will have three contestants, England three, France two and Ger many three. Italy and Spain, owing to failure to file applications in time, will not compete. The contest will be for distance, the balloon covering the most ground before alighting to be The winner It is possible that lack of wind may make it necessary to award the prize on the basis of dura- tion, or time spent ill the air. but this is unlikely.
 In addition to the principal trophy 1000 will be awarded to the second balloon in the race, $750 to the third, $500 to the fourth and $250 to the fifth. A supplemental prize of $500 will be given by the Aero club of America for the balloon remaining longest in the air.
 Lieutenant Frank P. Lahm, the win her of last years contest; J. c. Mccoy and Alan R. HaWley. all aerOnauts O1 note, will pilot the three great gas l bags which will represent the Aero club of America in the contest.
 France is represented by two of its most daring air explorers. Alfred lt Blanc and Rene Garnier. The Aero club of the United Kingdom has sen Hon. c. s. Rolls, Griffith Brewer an( Professor A. K. Huntington as pilots with Lord Royston as an alternate Captains Von AbercrOn and Heidmanl and Oscar Erbsloh will pilot the thre, German balloons.
 It is possible that Lieutenant Lahm owing to recent severe illness, may no be able to pilot his balloon, the Unit ry E. Herzy will act as his substitute
 While all the foreign competitors are formidable, the United States hal apparently the most to fear in defend ing the blue ribbon of the skies iron the French aeronauts. In the entire world there are not two more harden ed ballooning sports than Alfred lt Blanc and Rene Gassier, designated | by the Aero club of France to defend 1 it's blue and buttercup design at tn: St. Louis contest.
 In addition to the race for the Ben. nett cup, there will be contests during the week for all sorts of aerial craft in which the St. Louis Aero club has offered thousands of dollars in cash prizes.
 Other sporting events of the comins
 eek include the following:
 Monday-Racing meet of the Metro politan Jockey club begins at the Ja- maica track, to last eleven days. Jack Goldswain, lightweight champion of England, will defend his title against Young Josephs in London.
 Thursday-"AllAm autoMo- bile show of the automobile club, ard third annual exhibition of the Aero club of America opens in Grand Ca:i. tral palace, New York.
 ? Friday-Indoor championships of the Amateur Athletic union wills begin iii Madison Square Garden, New Yo,k, lasting through Saturday.
 Saturday-Third annual meeting Of 4Lo vY-;+od II,,+c C.,opu ncco.;otl m