The San Francisco call., 1910-08-28
BALDWIN'S AIRSHIP
CLINGS TO GROUND
Attempt to Fly From Fort Baker
to Preside Deferred Until
This Morning
Should Gale Continue Birdman
VIII Transfer His Expert
ment TO Alameda

Al the top OF the tall Flagstaff in
iFont Of Major Rucl1man's quarters at
Fort Baker yesterday morning the gar
rlson banner Tipped and tapped in the
gusts that came over the ridge from
on the Pacific Through the Golden
gate ship sailed in without tug
and with its sails but half set There
was indeed a fine blow stirring. And
IVY Baldwin did not attempt to span
the Golden gate with his biplane
Nobody blamed Baldwin for clinginx
10 the shore. The wind was brisk at
reVellle and brisker at 'breakfas taps
as hungry civilian styled the first
mess call It was as brisk at lunch
taps 1t was not the weather for
seronautics.
Baldwin, who is balloonist of wide
experience and an aviator with the
record Of some flights al Webster sta
ton, nine miles west of Sacramento,
had his biplane ready for action and
All tuned up when the government
launches that left the transport dock
at o'clock reached Fort Baker which
is the north hinge Of the Golden gate.
GIRL BALLOONIST IN PARTY
The aviator stayed over night at
ort Baker 10 be ready for early action.
Among the visitors from San Fran
cisco were members Of the San Fran
cisco aero club. including Miss Geneve
Shaffer, the girl aeronaut who has made
several sensational balloon ascensions
and who wants to make more. Other
members Of the club present were
Cleve T. Shafer, Roy c. Scott and
George H. Loose.
About o'clock Baldwin slipped off
his coat and pulled on a red sweater,
which matched the facings on the uni
forms of the artillery men at the post
and had his machine trundled out on
the parade ground.
WIND TOO HIGH FOR FLIGHT
Baldwin's mechanicians started the
propeller. after the aviator had
climbed into his seat, and the biplane
Ssped helter skelter across the patch.
a captain. in dress uniform, made a
nne sprint for eafety and got away
with ii. That was more than the ma
chine did. The wind was too high and
the slope Of the parade ground wa
the wrong way, so Baldwin could not
Iift ms machine clear from the ground.
he skilfUliy coasted down hill to
the starting point and made another
try. with the same result
Military etiquette and army regula-
tions then demanded the parade ground
for the morning inspection or line up,
and the biplane was hauled back out
All the while the wind was tapping
the flag. bundles Of fog were being
crammed over the hill from the sea and
the bay was choppy. A - mile wind
was blowing. and not only was it
blowing but il blew in gusts and puffs
which is the most evil way a wind may
behave, in the opinion Of the aviator.
ANOTHER ATTEMPT PLANNED
Baldwin thought that he might be
bic TO make some flights around the
parade ground. even if the leap across
the Golden Gate was impossible, but
he gave up all idea Of aviation at
noon.
II the weather conditions are salts
factory this morning Baldwin viii
make his attempt TO cross the Golden
gate and it is probable that the army
VIII have two launches at his disposal
TO pick him up if he should fall in
the bay.
Baldwin is determined TO cross san
Francisco bay. If the weather condi-
tions prevent the trip from Fort Baker
TO the Preside grounds he Will try q
flight from Alameda 10 some point in
san Francisco, probably near San
Bruno The prevailing winds from the
west would be suitable to such a fight
as an aeroplane is at its best flying
into the teeth Of 2 wind. But Baldwin
is most desirous Of spanning the Golden
gate in his 30 foot biulane.