Evening star., 1909-07-19
so HIS CANVAS BIRD
FALLS INTO THE WATER
But Daring Aviator Doesn't Even
Get His Feet Wet.
PICKED UP BY TORPEDO BOAT
Tells Frantic Throngs at Calais
He Is Not Discouraged and Will
Try Again-Mach Not
Badly Damaged

CALAIS, July 1a.-Herbert Latham. the
French aviator. made daring but un-
successful attempt TO cross the English
channel in MS monoplane this morning
He got away splendidlr under perfect
conditions from the top OF the chalk
chff at Sangatte. and had covered over
half the distance Mt an average height
OF 80 feet when the motor slowed down
and he was obliged TO descend. The air
space of the wings, however, kept the
machine afoat, and the monoplane, lying
like wounded bird was stretched out
on the water when the french torpedo
boa, destroyer Harpon. which had kept
abreast throughout the journey, came
alongside and picked up the aviator. NJ
Latham was not wet, and still sat on
the saddle, which is located above the
wings and behind the motor, calmly
smoking cigarette. He Immediately an
nounced that he was not discouraged by
tho failure and would try again as soon
the machine was repaired. The in
juries to the monoplane were slight, the
principal damage being caused when it
was hauled aboard the torpedo boat de-
stroyer. The motor is intact
Spectators Keyed Up.
The watchers on both shores had an
anxious hour after the machine was lost
10 view behind, a thin veil Of fog on the
French side. and apprehension was not al
layed until the sen1aphore at Calais re-
ported that the HaYpon was returning
With NJ. Latham, uninjured. aboard. On
landing the aeronant was given 8 fran
tic reception.
The failure of the motor is attributed to
bad carburetor on the monoplane. which
when 40 feet In the air began to descend
When the machine was zoo feet above the
water NJ. Latham shut on the power and
the machine glided down gently. aiighting
the waves with hardly a splash.
In brief interview MIR. Latham said:
II cannot exactly say what stopped the
motor I tried to get the engine working
again, but could not. and was obliged to
fy gradually down to the sea. I be-
lieve that previous to the Inishap MAIN
tained an even flight 100 feet above the
water. It was unfortunate that the mo-
tor stopped, as everything else was IA
vorable and ! was going well at the time.
Never mind. will have another Antoi-
nette monopiane from Charlons, with
which another attempt will be made to
cross the channel within a week or ten
days.
NJ. Latham left Colois for Paris this
afternoon.
Everything Was Favorable.
Anticipating an early start this morn
ing. n Latham slept in shed OF the old
tunnel works at the foot OF the cliff where
the monoplane was housed, while n. Le-
bevasseur and the constructor Of the ma
chine, who was TO give the signal when
the start was to be made, slept on board
the torpedo boat destroyer Harpon of
cape Gris-Nez.
At the first streak OF dawn NJ. Latham
came out of the shed. clapping his hands
with Joy at the sight OF the smooth sea
The sky was overcast, but the wind was
hardly perceptible. few minutes later
gun fired on the Harpon confirmed the
daring aeroplanist's opinion that condi-
dispatched to Calais to apprise the au-
thorities that start would be made be-
tween and o'clock.
Great Crowd Watches Start.
While the monoplane was taken out
and pushed TO the top Of the cliff crowd
of several thousand persons assembled to
witness the start and the entire popula-
lion Of the neighboring villages lined the
shore below. Latham was in high spirits
as he carefully inspected every part OF
the machine. and on making several trials
with the eight-cyllnder motor found the
machine presumably perfect. There was
a wait OF an hour until the torpedo boats
end tugs, strung out in line toward the
horizon. took up their positions. Finally
all was In readiness and the monopIane
was pushed back 10 yards from the crest
of the elm. which has precipitous fall
of zoo feet to the sea. Latham was clad
in a knickerbocker suit and had donned
life preserver. He showed no signs OF
nervousness as he shook hands with his
friends on mounting the saddle Star,
the motor. he cried to his assistants. and
then with q nod of his head and the words
See you in Dover threw the startins
lever on, the machine running along the
ground with increased momentum nj
every turn.
Departs Amid Cheers.
Just before reaching the edge OF the
cliff the aeronaut touched the horizont al
lever and the machine, with Its white out
stretched wings, rose gracefully and
sailed over the shining waters amid a
roar OF cheers from the cliff and shores
The monoplane after leaving the cliff az.
cended gradually until il probably was
:.oO feet above the sea. Then straight a.
an arrow II continued it's flight towarG
the English coast. apparently under per-
feet control at a rate OF about thirty-hvt
miles an hour. The black-hulled de
.troyer Harpou kept almost under he,
aerial companion. and at the end or fif
teen minutes both disappeared III th'
haze on tn. horizon
When las, seen the ronoplane was onil
= brilliant speck on the horizon, with 4
IRAN cf blue Snldge from the motor. The
Harpor was below the horizon.
Thrones Simply Go Wild.
The docks and streets along the Tase,