Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-10-04

NA.>oAo III octODeF ALL Is In
readiness for the start of the big inter
national balloon race tomorrow The
James Gordon Bennett worlds champion
ship cup will be fought for by represent
atives of three nations-the United States.
France and Germany.
The nine great aerostats are laid out at
the ascension field ready for initiation.
The fact that all are rubberized balloons
that natural gas will be used, and the
prospect that ideal weather conditions
will prevail make it more than probable
that a new distance record will be Gre
ated. The winner is expected to land in
New England or eastern Canada
Enthusiastic balloon fans" focked to
the grounds by hundreds today to watch
the preparations Of the famed aeronauts.
Tomorrow the hundreds will be thou
sands. judging from the high ebb of inter
est in this city, and it is expected that
the militia and United states regulars
which have been detailed to police the
grounds will have their hands fuil TO
keep the crowds in check The local regi-
ment Of the National Guard and a reg1-
ment from St Joseph are assisted by two
companies of regulars from Fort Leaven-
worth and St. Louis. Grandstand ar
rangements have been made for the ac-
cOmmodation of 10000 crowd.
America Has Won Twice.
An American victory will mean that
the Gordon Bennett cup passes out of
existence as a trophy for competition
America has won the last two races, and
a third consecutive triumph will give it
permanent possession.
Lieut.. Frank P. Lahm. l.. 5. A., winner
of the first International race, is head of
the American team. He represents the
Aero Club of st. Louis. The other Amer
lean representatives, Capt. John Berry
and William F. Assman. are also repre-
senting St Louis. Berry flying the colors
of the Million Population Club and ASS
man seconding Lieut. Lahm in unfolding
the honors of the Aero Club OF the
Mound city.
The greatest competition is expected to
come from the German team. Ingenieur
Hans Gericke of Berlin is veteran. and
one of the most skillful German aero
nauts. With his balloon, the Dusseldorf
he finished second in the international
race of 1910. Lieut.. Leopold Vogt of
Saarbeucken, will fly his same craft, the
Hamburg III, in which he took fifth in
last years race. The third member of
the German team, Freiherr Won Poh of
Hamburg, is also an experienced pilot
Probably the most famous Of the French
team is Alfred lie Blanc, who has com
peted in many Of the more important con-
tests in Europe. His teammates are
lCuDONcl w CiDy ooNt AoAi'
Lieut.. Lahm First Winner.
The Gordon Bennett cup race has been
the classic of ballooning ever since the
cup was first offered by the millionaire
sportsman. The first race was won by
Lieut. Lahm, who brought to America
the honor of holding the next competition
for II. Herr Oscar Erbsloeh of Germany
won the second race, which started from
st. Louis The third race, from Berlin,
resulted in victory for Edgar A. Mix, an
American, and the 1910 contest was
scheduled for st. Louis. Alan r. Haw-
ley and Augustus Post of New York sue
cessfully defended it by flying LII miles
into northeast Canada. Hawley was Of
team, but he was unable TO accept it be-
cause of the press tof business. Last
years race. in addition to France, Ger
many and the United States, had Switzer-
land as a contestant.
The America III, which was the balloon
flown by Hawley and Post in their victory
last year, will be used by Lieut.. Lahm in
the race that begins tomorrow. 1t Is con-
sidered by experts to be the best balloon
ever constructed for long-distance
event.
simultaneously with the start of the in
teInational race, three other balloons Will
pilots striving to break the distance rec
ord and win the Llahm cup. donated by
the young army officer for the American
record holder. One Of these fiiers is a
woman, Mrs. Charles A. Coey of Chicago.
Of the two other balloons. the Kansas
City II will be piioted by II. E. Honey
we'll of st. Louis. The pilot for the
Topeka II has not yet been selected
Will Begin at 4 O'Clock.
The first starter in the interna tional
race will arise at o'clock tomorrow aft
ernoon, the others following at fve-min
,ta ;nteyyaJs which will place the last