The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1910-11-18

placed. AS he prepared to start for his
last flight fox terrier that had broken
through the fence stationed himself di-
rectly in front of the machine, and bark
ing frantically, refused to be driven away.
As the machine rolled down the track one
of the wings swept above the dog. which
pursued the machine until 1t lifted into
the air.
In discussing his flights in this rare
atmosphere with representative of the
Associated Press, Johnstone declared he
would atetmpt no stunts as he cOnsid-
he believed he had solved the problems of
this altitude when he departed from his
determination. Hoxsey's daring flight far
over the foothills seemed TO have fired
him with a determination to outdo his
teammate, for the first spiral which he
made safely was by far the most daring
this meet
Walter Brookins received a telegram
from Wilbur Wright last night saying he
was leaving in company with Mrs. John
stone for Kansas City, Johnstones home.
and instructing Brookins to have his
body sent to that city at once. The mes
sage also requested Brookins to call off
the meet providing the Denver officials
consented At a late hour Brookins was
in conference with Promoter Harvey and
other officials of the meet, trying to ar
rive at a conclusion. Brookins indicated
his personal desire not to make any more
flights in Denver, but Hoxsey said that
he was willing to continue.
Wright crew rev of experts, advanced "a a
theory for the accident that is approved
generally in the Wright camp. 1t is that
Johnstone, after he realized that his ma
chine had lost it's balance. attempted to
right it by using the emergency warping
lever In his anxiety for quick results,
the mechantcian theories Johnstone jerk
ed the lever too sharply, swapping the
warping wires. The collapse of the wing
Mechanician Eichstaedt declares that
there was nothing wrong with the ma
tent.
Mars to Fly Today.
Denver, Nov. 1S.-Despite yesterdays
fatal accident. when Ralph Johnstone
plunged 800 feet to his death, the
aviation meet in progress here will con-
made by the promoters of the meet late
last night
Today's flights will be made by Arch
hoXsey in a Wright biplane and by ].
| e Mars in the Curtiss "Skylark," d
new eight cylinder sixty horse power
machine, the exact replica of the bi
plane that made a successful flight
| from a ship at sea to Fortress Monroe
e few days ago.
Mars viii make his first appearance
in the meet today. Walter BrookinS,
the third Wright aviator participating
in the meet, will leave today for Kan
sas City with the body of his team
mate.
Tributes to His Memory.
Philadelphia. Nov 1S.-Ralph John
stones tragic death at Denver greatly
! shocked Claude Grahame White and J.
Armstrong Drexel, who are in this city
| giving exhibition flights at Point
/ Breeze park. I knew Johnstone init
mately and 1 believe he was the finest
aviator I have met in America" >" said
I the English airman.
These accidents are Just the things
| that affect aviators and make them
! more careful, but even then accidents
are soon forgotten. Too many men
| are trying to outdO the others and it Is
! this that often results disastrously.'
| Mr.. Johnstone was as brave and
| daring an aviator as I have ever met
and 1 admired him greatly said Mr..
J DrPve1