The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-10-24

F -.IIuu=.iIv -vu.v- .C.t because in the far turns 1t continued beyond the inner course of 25 kiio- meters. used for the hourly speed con tests each day and edging past the stables. swings back over two clumps of trees and, at one point, close to a house.
 The Frenchmen contend that the rules of the Federation Internationale prescribe a course in which any avia- tor may alight at any time and wher- ever he chooses. They say that, be- cause of the proximity of the stables and the interference of the trees, they would not be free to alight for repairs, as they are privileged to do under the rules. and that the house mentioned above stands so close to one of the pylons that the aviator has only 30 yards in which to pass between the two. Furthermore they point out that racing monoplane, driven by a 100- horsepower engine has to take the turns so wide that 1t would pass over the roof of the grandstand. which is an infringement of the rules and disquali- fies the aviator.
 Iatham's Objections
 Latham stood by while Walter Mumm, his manager, expounded objections in English
 What do you think about it?" La than was asked.
 He replied in a volley of impetuous French and his hearers understood him to say:
 Do you want me to commit suicide7' but Mumm, as interpreter, explained that what he intended was more nearly to be translated after this wise:
 If I should tell you gentlemen half what I think about the course it would be equivalent to committing suicide.
 Alan A. Ryan. the son of Thomas For tune Ryan, and chairman of the com mittee arrangements, was asked if he had heard anything of dscontent in the French camp 'No,' he said. "All know is that some of the Frenchmen tried to bring IA or 15 guests onto the field to show them their machines, and that we would not allow 1t I shouldn't have paid any attention to gossip If had heard It." James A. Blair, one of the aviation committee. admitted that he had heard some mutterings from the Frenchmen. but added that nothing had been sub mitted in writing and no notice had been paid to informal communications of any sort And there the matter stands until advices from Paris determine decisive ac- ton from the French camp.
 Wind Is Too High
 When the bomb and bugle sounded for the first distance event this afternoon the 
 20 to 25 miles an hour, and 1t was fresh- ening every minute The sky was clear and 1t was painfully cold. Four starters were announced, but after eight minutes delay only Grahame- White and Moissant came out White lifted his machine into the wind and rose cautiously. He needed all his caution for even at height of not more than 70 feet he pitched like a ship in a storm and in alighting careened to one side and splnters went flying into the air. His whgrring propelled had touched and both blades were smashed to flinders. Moissant never got of the ground. but his machine was much more badly hurt. The wind picked 1t out of the hands of his mechanics and let it fall again. Both his planes were crum- pied, his rudder was broken and his crank shaft bent. White said his dam age could be repaired in a couple of hours Mossiant hoped to have his ma chine repaired by next Tuesday. Both his machines are now out of commits sion and unless he can borrow or rent one he will not be able to fly tomorrow
 After these two accidents the code sig nal. "the wind little strong" went upon the announcement board. By this time 1t was a stiff breeze. rated at 25 to 30 miles. and though the official automo- bile raced over to the hangars, not an aviator came out The Wright team Hoxsey. Brookins and Johnstone, were all willing and anxious to fly, but Will bur Wright allows none of his machines te % ont on Sunday and although the management pleaded with him over the telephone he remained obdurate At o'clock the events for the day were den- nitely called of.