Arizona republican., 1908-09-30

Pittsburg. From there he will go to Atlanta, Memphis and Nashville. From Phoenix he will go to Los Angeles where the winter will be spent. It is planned now for Knabenshue to build two or more air ships at Los Angeles. embodying his latest ideas. He has also been in touch with the Wright Bros. and recently was in Washington and it is understood that he closed up a deal whereby he will build a Wright aeroplane according to the blue prints furnished by that inventor. Next season Knabenshue will have a capable aeroplanist exhibit this new invention at fairs and celebrations It Is likely that Phoenix will be one of the places where this sensation in the aerial world will be exhibited, though nothing defr- nite has been concluded.
 Mir. Smith called on Weather obser- yer Jesunofsl<y and was assured that that official would do all4n his power to furnish fine weather during Knab- enshue's visit He also found that the atmospheric and other conditions at Phoenix. are always good for the pur- poses of the aviator. He secured some data which he will send to the ToIe- dOan
 Speaking of Knabenshue's ship. Mir. Smith stated that it was 112 feet long and 1711 in diameter. and contains 10000 cubic feet of gas The gas is manufactured by a gas plant which is carried with them and it costs about s360 to S400 to inflate the ship. When the ship is to be transported to another city the gas is released and is there fore dead loss.
 The gas is generated in six tanks and will lift 70 pounds more than artificial or natural gas. It Is a form of hydro gen almost pure and is made from sul- phuric acid and iron. The gas bag is made of silk coated with eight coats of varnish making it very similar to rubber, without so muct elasticity. The frame of the car carrying the men and engine is built of Canadian spruce. It is reinforced with aluminium castings The engine is a 16-horse power air cooled, four cylinder, and weighs no pounds. Everything is built with the idea in mind of uniting strength and lightness. The crank shafts on the in zine are hollow tubes and run in bronze bearings. The blades are of silk over spruce frame. The dirigible generally flies at an altitude of 500 to 15OO feet, at a speed of 35 to 30 miles an hour. It goes up from the ground heavy, that is balanced accurately weighted till it settles at a low height above the ground when the propeller end is turn ed upward the engine set in motion and the flight begins. When he de- -sires to ascent the propeller end is turned downward and the decent be- gins. Figures Ss circles and other evoluttons are made in the air.
 Nr. Smith says the Knabenshue flies much of the time for the love of the sport. Often he goes up in Toledo when there is no remuneration in sight, but naturally can not follow it an the time for his health and honor alone. It costs money Co run airships. and avia- tors may live in the air, but they can not live on #.
 Aeronauts generally do not believe that aeroplanes or airships will ever prove of commercial value. Yet there are more airships being built in the county today than ever before. Per haps 5000 are under course of con struction. and probably not one out of a thousand will fly. Knabenshue first came into notice when he navigated the Baldwin balloon at St. Louis fair where he demonstrated his ability to guide and keep under control the big ship. He has been very successful and his accidents minor ones. He will give a wonderful exhibition. and thousands will proclaim it the greatest sight they ever witnessed, when he appears here, MT. Smith will go to Los Angeles later and engage in the automobile business