The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1911-10-09
ROBINSON WILL
FLY DOWN RIVER
Interest of Aviation World Now
Centres in Proposed
Trip.
Especial to The Times Dispatch.l

Especial to The Times Dispatch.]
Washington, October S.-Plans for
the coming great Down the Missis-
sippi River flight" to be made by
Hugh Robinson In Cur.tss hydro
plane, are rapidly nearing completion.
and the interest of the entire aviation
world Is at present centred, in this
epoch making undertaking. so wide
spread has this interest became that 1t
has. overshadowed all other cross
country and long distance flights that
Nave recently held the centre of the
aviation limelight.
Robinson has personally, utter a
thorough investigation, selected, as a
starting point OF this great Hight. Lake
! Calhoun at Minneapolis. The time for
his departure has been set for October
Ii. and there will be no delay in his
getting away, with the one exception
of unavoidable bad weather conditions.
The plesent plans call for the flight
to follow the Mississippi River from
Minneapolis to st. Louis. Owing to
its very great Importance as test
and experiment in aerial navigation,
the distance to be covered may be ex-
tended to New Orleans.
To this pressure is being brought to
bear from many citizens organizations
u. y.
who see in the achievements of the
hydroplane. new and vital feature to
aid In the development of their great
waterways, are also behind the move
lous civic bodies who are pushing the
development OF the Mississippi, Ohio
! and Missouri Rivers as great natural
waterways, are also behinr the move
inent to have the hight extended
Robinson's hydroplane has been
perfected TO the highest point of ef-
ficiency for the flight Extra parts
addit!onai motors and other accessor-
les OF equipment have been sent to
various points along the river route
that no time may be lost in case OIL
mishaps. In order TO complete HIS air
ana water journey in the shortest pos
sible time, Robinson will not make any
detours inland from his course for the
purpose of giving exhibitions for re-
muneration. as the entire plan of this
stupendous undertaking Is free OF ali
advertising features.
The object OF the flight is to demon
strate the value of the hydroplane as
an aerial craft over other types be-
cause of the ease and safety with which
long journeys may be made by follow
ing water routes; the advantage being
mat the aviator can make easy and
safe landings on the water. which are
not possible for the aviator making
long cross-country nights, and who in
case Of an emergency or acc dent, has
much difficulty in finding a cleared or
proper spot TO land.
Another interesting feature of the
Hight Is that Robinson Will be APP
pointed special mail carrier by Post.
mnster-General Hitchcock. During the
Mississippi River flight experiments
VIII be made to show that the hydro
plane can carry mail matter in a
shorter period of time. between certa n
of the river cities. than by the rail-
road schedules maintained.
Robinson, on September 2s, gave Il
spectacular exhibition. with his Curtiss
hydroplahe, at Evansville, Ind, and
over 10000 people lined the banks of
NJ ohio River to witness his machine
sport in the air and on the water.
Lieutenant r. q. Eilyson and Lieu
tenant j. II Towers, the United States
naval officers detailed to the aviation
corps. who recently finished their
course of training at the Curtlss
school at Hammondsport. have been
assigned to Annapolis, in charge of
the navy's aeroplane station. These
officers Will instruct such naval officers
as are assigned for aviation duty by
the Navy Department at this station.
III" 'hes WIN hiso conouct series OF
experiments that are contemplated by
the Navy Department In connection
with the future use of the aeroplane
in warfare.
Lieutenant Ellyson and Captain Paul
w. Beck. of the United States Army,
were both successful participants in
the recent Nassau Boulevard meet on
Long Island. successfully competing
against the older exhibition aviators
| and won many of the events. captain
Beck had the honor of carrying the
r-General and a bag of mail
o. one of the days and helped make
history. as this was the first time the
| head OF The postal service ever ac-
lively performed the duties OF post
man.
Nm RHln n n n aRR