Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-07-26
His Departure From Calais
Watched by Anxious Crowd

CALAIS. July 26.-"If I can't walk,
will show the world that can fly"
And Louis Bleriot. with his crippled
foot, has proved his words and has
crossed the English channel on the
wings Of his little monoplane.
When Bleriot new away from the
shores Of France he left behind a pair
of crutches on which he had been
hobbling about up to the moment OF
taking his seat in his monoplane and a
group Of spectators filled with admira-
ton at the mans daring, but fearful OF
his fate.
The applause when the monoplane
rose in the air was restrained by anx-
iety and keen suspense, during which
the group grew into q great crowd.
When. however, word came that Bleriot
had reached England a mighty cheer
went up. which was the beginning Of
celebrations everywhere.
Steals March on Rivals.
In spite of his injured foot. Bleriot
stole march on his rivals. Latham and
Count de Lambert. The former, de.
ceived by the high winds of the day
before. thought that q start would be
impossible Sunday morning. while Lam
bert had gone to England to pick out a
likely place to land.
At a conference of the aviators Satur-
day night it was decided that the tor
pedo boats should be at the disposi-
ton of Latham and the destroyer at
men decide to start.
1t was midnight when the rivals sepa-
rated, Latham going to Sangatte and
Bleriot sleeping at Calais.
At o'clock Bleriot proceeded to the
nod at % To Ill
pushed out. To the handful OF people
who had gathered there the spectacle
of this man, hobbling on crutches.
dreaming Of flight to England had
SON tn e awe-inspiring' even terrify-
Bleriot was quite cool. He cast aside
his crutches and took his place in the
monoplane. on which he had already
hoisted a red flag, to guide the rescuers
in case he should fall.
Monoplane Flies Easily.
The monoplane rose easily and made
two circles above the land Peasants
aroused by the whirring OF the motors
appeared at their doors and cheered
Shortly Bleriot descended His motor
was running perfectly. and he had con-
firmed the fact that he had favorins
south-southwest breeze.
The critical moment was at hand. An
zani, the constructor of the MOTOR
stepped forward and. set the motor in
motion. Bleriot pulled down his cap
and settled himself calmly in his seat,
waving farewell, and at 4:36 the aero
plane rose and sped seaward
Fourteen minutes later, flying high
above the water it was lost in the
mists overhanging the channel The
hearts of the onlookers beat fast. and
they screened their eyes until the mono
plane was a mere speck and finally
disappeared. the destroyer in pursuit.
Bleriot's feat has aroused the most
intense enthusiasm in aeronautical cir
cfes. where the achievement Is regarded
as well earned victory for daring. The
French Aero Club and the parliamentary
aviation commission telegraphed their
congratulations. the latter adding:
Reckless Aviator Popular.
''Hosanna. for the peace Of the
world
Bleriot is one of the oldest and most
popular of aviators In France. and Is the
winner of the Osiris prize of $4,000. In
conjunction with Gabriel Voisin. the
aeroplane manufacturer, for their con-
tributions to the progress OF aviation.
Only yesterday he was decorated with
the Legion Of Honor.
He is a graduate Of the celebrated
srhnol NJ TraneA Ha In thu