New-York tribune., 1909-09-12
CURTISS OUT-FOR PRIZE
TEST FLIGHT At BRESCIA.
Corers 81 Miles in - Minutes II
Seconds for Grand PrIr.

Brescia. Italy Sept. 11.-Glenn Fl. Curtiss the
American aviator started flying for the Grand
PriS late this afternoon. He covered the first
lap. ten kilometres C621 milesl in 10 minutes
and seconds; his second in q minutes and -
seconds: his third in minutes and II seconds;
his fourth in q minutes and 30 seconds and his
fifth in minutes and 55 seconds. This gives
him total for the five laps of 40 minutes and
II seconds.
This rate Of speed is below that made by
Curtiss at Rheims. His hest time there for ten
kilometres minutes and II 3D. seconds.
Bleriot at Rheims, covered the same distance in
minutes and AZ 40 seconds
Curtiss was franticay applauded as his air
ship sped around the course. There were cries
of Viva the American." handkerchiefs hats and
parasols We're waved in the air and the women
threw kisses skyward.
Curtlss was showerad with congratulations.
many of the other aviators pressing forward to
shake his hand. as even among them his victory
would be popular Curtiss himself was modest
and seemed to think nothing of his performance.
merely remarklng that he had greatly enjoyed
the view during the fight. This, however was
accepted in a semi Humorous way as a prac-
tcal system of keeping tally of the rounds was
put into operation on account of the difficulty
an aviator finds in counting the laps when he is
preOccupied in driving his machine at great
speed
During the flight five men were stationed on
the course. at the instance of Cortlandt F.
Bishop. and at the close of each round one stood
up and waved a signal flag, and a special signal
was given at the close of the race.
Curtss estimated that he had covered about
thirty-flve miles. as he had lost considerable
ground on the corners and had been carried
somewhat out Of his course by the wind. He
said he might have gone faster. but purposely
went at an easy pace on account of the dis
tance, fifty kilometres. which he considered
long journey, and he wished to save his motor
As a matter of fact. his motor worked per-
fectIy
Rougier, in the height contest reached an alti-
tude OF JIG metres, although this record may
not stand, as the time limit was past.
Gabrielle d'Annunzio. the dramatist has ac-
ceptsd an invitation to make flight with Cur
tisS Sunday.
The Grand Prix race goes to the flyer making
fifty kilometres C31O5 miles) in the best time
and carries an award Of $1,000.
Curtiss's most dangerous competitor is be-
leved TO be BIeriot. who has not yet flown. The
wind was still blowing strongly to-day. and
While Bleriot made an attempt to fly he was
Obliged to land after covering half mile He
simply crossed the line to avoid penalization in
the Grand Prix contest. Rougier crossed the
HNN4AS
one Of his wheels.
The number of soldiers on duty at the aero
drome was doubled to-day, for the purpose of
maintaining order
Cortlandt F. Bishop. president of the Aero
Club Of America. gave a dinner tonight Sig
nor Puccni the composer. was among the
guests and proposed the health and success Of
Mr.. Curtiss
Curuss VIII fly next week at the aeronautic
eAmnltlon at Frankfort, Germany. All the con-
oltons governing his appearance have been ac-
cepted The only difficulties still to be overcome
concern the handling by the Swiss and German
railroads OF Mr.. Curtiss's bpane as baggage on
the train on which he himself travels. This con-
cession was granted by the French and Italian
railroad lines. Mr.. Curtss is arranging also to
snip his biplane on a North German Ilovd
steamer reaching New York September IS as
ne wishes to fly during the Hudson Fulton cele-
nration- as well as at st. Louis. Chicago and
Indianapolis. =
The committee having the aernplane races in
charge was obliged to-day to ,return $4,000 10
the people who bought tickets yesterday. for the
reason that no flights were made