Norwich bulletin., 1911-05-26
Fought With
Eagle in Air
AVIATOR GILBERT HAS EXCITING
EXPERIENCE IN RACE.
FIRED TWO SHOTS AT BIRD
This Ended His Troubles from That
source-vedrine Only One Of the
Trio Likely to Finish.

Madrid May 25.-With the excep-
ton of the crossing of the Alps by
George Chavez on September %, 1910,
a feat which ended in his death, the
third stage Of the aviation race from
Paris to Madrid for the Petit Partisan
prize of $4,000, and $4,000 additional
offered by the Spanish Aero CLUB
proved to be the most severe test the
aeroplane yet has been subjected to-
and two of the three contestants. it
would now appear, have been forced to
abaEdon the fight.
Over DesoIate Ranges and craes.
Gilbert, Garros and Vedrine began
the third stage of their Journey from
San Sebastian at an early hour this
morning, only a few minutes separat-
miles of the route is almost entirely
over desolate ranges, the crags vary
ing from 1000 to 5000 feet in height.
DazzIed and Scorched by Sun
A fall would mean certain death,
and to make a fresh start would be
impossible in the mountainous coun-
try. The aviators were alternately daz-
zled and scorched by the rays of the
southern sun or drenched and blinded
by the mountain mists.
Gilbert Fought With Eagle.
They had also to contend against
feathered foes. Gilbert fought the first
recorded battle of the air. A large,
fierce eagle, escpying a strange rival
from his eyrie. swooped down to give
battle to the airman. Manipulating the
levers as best he could, Gilbert with
his hand CROPPED in his pocket for
revolver.
Two Shots Rid Him of Bird.
He first fired two shots at the king
of the air, who dropped behind.
| Whether he was hit, outpaced or scor-
ed off, the aviator, thankful that the
bird did not return to the fray, did not
pause to see
Royal Family at Aerodrome.
From an early hour King Alfonso
and other mem bers of the royal fam
| lily, the rank and fashion of the cap
| ital, and fifty thousand persons brought
| from all parts by fourteen special
trains thronged the aerodrome at
Getafe. They waited patiently
\ throughout the long day, cheering inn
| partially all anno7Slcements relating to
! the progress of the aviators, their
| breakdowns and their attempts to re-
| ascend.
| Watchers Greatly Disappointed.
| I When finally at sundown it was
| learned that even the indomitable
| Vedrine had been temporarily beaten
| by the natural obstacles Of the route
| and accident to his machine. the spec
tators were too tired to express openly
| their disappointment, and dispersed aft
er watching the evolutions Of mill
tary aeroplane.
Vedrine May Finish.
/ From the latest dispatches reaching
| the committee in charge, it appears
| that Vedrine alone is likely to finish.
| He passed over Quintapslla. and cross
ed the city of Burgess at a great height,
| but later was forced to descend. He
| telegraphed to the aero club saying
| that he could not proceed for some
| hours, and the club authorized an ex-
| tension of the time for the completion
| Of the race.
| Gibert's Machine Wrecked.
| Gilbert landed at Olaza gutia, about
| forty miles from San Sebastian, but
when he attempted to make a fresh
start, his machine was capsized and
! partly wrecked, although the aviator
/ WAS not hurt There is little proba-
| bility that he viii be able to repair the
| aeroplane within the time limit.
| Garros Stalled in Mountains.
| Garros is stalled in a mountainous
| spot near Andoain, six miles from San
| Sebastian. The mature of the ground
| makes a resting place Impossible, and
it is understood that Garros has aban-
| doned the contest.