New-York tribune., 1908-08-10
LOSE ON FARMAN SHOW
AVIATOR NAY BE OUT. TOO.
Spectators Fe1c and AeropLane Er-
hibitions Mag Be Called off.

Henry Farman will probably return to France by
early steamer. In accordance with the terms
OF his contract with st Louis syndicate he has
been appearing the Brighton Beach racetrack
for little than week, but the crowds, for
reason. have not flown to see him fly It is
probable that those VINO Mr.. Farman make
his three flights yesterday afternoon will be the
last view his aeropane in motion in this country.
least for long time
Members of the Aero CIuo OF America. under
whose auspices the exhibitions were conducted. are
"up in the air. the almost complete failure
from financial point of view of the aeronautic en-
terprse It is understood that the club had no
financial interest in the undertaking. but its MEM
bers feel keeny disappointed over the lack OF pub
lie interest shown in the art of aviation as repre-
sented by who has won large prizes and
respectful attention abroad
The syndicate OF St. Louis men that was formed
to control Mr.. Farmans public exhibitions during
a period of ninety days in America was composed
of Samuel Bowman ". F. Sauerbrunn George w
Davis and Thomas R. MacMechen- A company was
organized, which was called the Aeroplane Company
and capitalized at $4,000. Mr.. Bowman was made
president and Mr.. MacMechen secretary. They came
TO New York City few weeks ago, registered at
the Hotel Astor. and announced that negotiations
had been about completed to bring Mr. Farn1an
here. The other members of the syndicate re-
manned at home and were referred to as wealthy
gentlemen willing to risk large sums in the for
wardng of aeronautics In America
II duly given out to the newspapers that Mr.
Farnan, after considerable debate, had agreed to
accept s24 600 for fifteen fights in America. TO be
given during period of three months, provided
all expenses incurred by himself and Mrs Farman
and his three mechanicians were paid The St
Louis men were also told, it said that they
must settle all charges incurred in the transport
ing of the aeroplane from France to America and
throughout his travels here Mr.. Farman demand
ed also IT was said. that 5000 be placed in his
hands at the time of signing the contract in Paris
The money was forwarded, contract arrangements
were completed and after vexat tious delays in ship
ping the huge machine and the giving of large
reception at the Hotel Astor by the Aero Club of
America for Mr.. Farman the opening days arrived
Ten thousand persons listened to the music.
watched the playful gambolling of toy test bal
looms grew uneasy the hours dragged by that
first day, and finally told that the wind was
blowing hard TO admit Of exhibition. Those
persons who know the effect of treacherous wind
gusts on such frai and delicate mechanism as the
Farman aeropane understood the danger Mr.. Far
man would have run in making any attempt to
fly week ago last Saturday. The majority, how
ever. disappointed and dspleased. especially
as they received only wind checks good for
other fight. instead of the money they had paid.
There has not been crowd of any size at the
racetrack since that day
Charles NJ. Hyde. lawyer Of this city and ".
A Eugeman, owner of the Brighton Beach race
track, Joined the aeroplane company Just before
the aerator arrived here Mr.. Engeman invested
$1,000, Mr. Sauerbrunn $4,000 and Mr.. Davis
$4,000. Of which 1t was said last night Mr. Far
man had received $500. 1t is understood that
the remaining s250G was used in preliminary
tertaning, such the charterng of a special tug
to meet Farman, hotel expenses, etc, and that
barely enough was taken in the box Office to
pay for the advertising
Mr. Bowman left the city for st. Louis several
days ago and has not returned. and so far as
could be learned last night. was not expected
back. The burden Of the strain has, therefore
fallen on Thomas R MacMechen, who is the
Hotel Astor