The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1909-08-29
CURTISS UPHOLDS
AMERICAS HONOR


Continued from Page One.
he encountered peculiar atmospheric
condition that required the utmost skill
20 solve. There was no breeze. but ke
said the air seemed 10 boil under him
and the aerOplane pitched. almost throw
ing him out OF his seat. He could not
account for the phenomenon. but said
Il proved 10 him that his machine Is
faster in a lively wind than in dead
calm.
Except for the achievement OF Curtiss
and Bleriot's recapture Of the lap record,
the day was the first dull one Of the meet
ing, The aeropianes were almost always
alone IN the air, there being no stimuli
taneous racing. There was not an ex-
citing incident, the nearest approach 20
one being when Sommer's wheel smash
ed as he started. whirling his machine
around IN a perilous fashion.
No Accident Resulted.
But no accident resulted. Bleriot was
bent on taking the lap record from
Curtlss. His first effort was three sec
onds too long. He tried a four bladed
propeller. and then one with two blades.
but FIVE more attempts proved futile.
After his sixth attempt. in which his
monoplane was damaged enough 70 re-
quire two hours to repair II. he burst into
tears.
His perseverance was rewarded IN his
seventh attempt, when, using a four
bladed propeller. he Gu. eight and tive
fifth seconds from Curtiss time. His
rate OF travelling was more than forty
eight miles an hour.
The wind increased toward midday,
and from the time Curtiss finished until
after 4 Oclock the avaiation meeting be-
came q garden party. The crowd, which
was larger than any that attended on
previous days, many special trains bring
Ing visitors from Paris and London.
walked about the grounds and chatted,
being happy and contented. The sup
pliers Of refreshments, taking advantage
Of the good trade, raised the price Of
sandwiches 20 20 cents and refused 20
supply tea unless champagne accom-
panied the order.
Mrs. Roosevelt, accompanied by her
daughter and two sons, arrived about 5
o'clock. together with Ambassador and
Mrs. White. when the flying recon-
menced. Bleriot waited until 5:l2 for his
attempt 20 win the international cup.
Latham, after vain attempt on the Jap
record on his larger Antoinette machine,
transferred himself to bis smaller ma
chine, No. 10. and after some beautiful
high fancy soarings and tuTnings before
the stands. started twelve minutes later
than Bleriot
A military dirigible balloon. reputed 10
be the fastest IN the army. did a lap
IN the official time OF 1851. the wind then
blowing eight miles an hour.
For the passenger race Lefebvre, with
one passenger. did a lap in 9.52 Far
man, with one passenger. did lap In
the same time. and then with two pass
engers did the distance In 1883. All the
passengers were men.
Miss whitney Did Not Fly.
The Figaro's announcement that Miss
Whitney was going TO be a passenger
was not fulfilled, nor did the daughter
OF the late Rev. Mr. Bacon. a celebrated
English balloonist. find a PILOT who was
ready TO take her up. although she
offered 800 for the privilege The pas
senger race will be continued tomorrow
The committee, wishing 10 recognize the
great work done by the mechanicians en-
ployed by the various aviators. have In
sttuted new prize. Every aviator start
Ing between and o'clock tomorrow
VIII receive FIVE francs for every kilo-
meter he covers between those hours.
which sum he will divide with his mech
anicians
Descents for fresh supplies OF petrol
and oil viii be allowed. Pilots covering
the three longest distances will receive
1000 1000 and 800 francs. respectively
This clever as well as generous idea OF
the committee will encourage flying dur
ing the usual dullest hours on a day
when there is likely 20 be the largest at
tendance.
The committee has an objection 70 Far
man under consideration. Farman had
received a written authorization from the
racing committee Of three TO change his
motors. but the sigEers OF the protest
maintain that the racing committee was
not qualified TO give such authorization
for a change which transgressed the
regulations.