The Washington herald., 1911-07-02

at IS for each. ascension. If were, to
use hydrogen gas at S a thousand feet,
instead Of coal gas at so cents, the in
fiation alone would amount to $50. Ny
balloon, The Boston, cost $500. II will
lift 1,600 pounds-basket and equipment,
700 pounds; anchor, Is pounds; two pas
sengers, $50 pounds, and sand ballast. SIS
pounds A barometer, to measure the
elevation. and statiscope, which indi-
Gates whether one is going up or down,
sell for SIS One may rent a balloon of
an aero club for $50. I can stay IN the
air. with a passenger, for two or three
hours. Every man has his own opinions
or delusions concerning the value Of the
thing he pays for. / have given you the
figures. You must arrive at your own
conclusions regarding the expense OF bal
looming. There are, I confess, cheaper
forms of entertainment"
But isn't one likely to be killed while
slylarking around In the heavens?
"That happens" Mr.. Glidden replied,
when one hits the ground. As Darius
Green observed, flying is all right-the
trouble occurs in alighting. The man
agement OF a balloon is simple, but the
pilot must be experienced and quick
witted There is little danger Of an ex-
plosion in midair IL the balloon Il given
Sufficient vent When there Is an ex-
plosion. the wreckage turns into a para
chute, and. unless tree or a building Is
in the way, the man IN the basket es-
capes unhurt."
Incidentally" I said. you are also
engaged in promoting a beautiful road
from Washington TO Gettysburg as a me-
mortal to Abraham I4incoln?'
The Lincoln Road to Gettysburg.
Yes; 1 am secretary OF the associa-
tion. We thought OF bridges, build
ings, shafts. and statues, and concluded
that a splendid road would be more
dignined and enduring. George Wash
ington is honored by the biggest and
highest shaft in all history. Another
shaft would be inartistic and unbe-
coming. Lincoln was not a soldier and
IT would be improper. therefore, to put
his efigy on horseback. One-tenth OF
all the equestrian statutes In the
world, moreover, are scattered through
the streets and parks OF the City OF
washington. There are memorial
bridges and museums without number.
Our idea was TO begin something beau
tifuI. Impressive. and sufficient and to
keep on building II for years to come.
after travelling abroad. Hon. James
T. MeC1eary, president OF the associa-
H..
the Applan way. built three centuries
before Christ. and stlll used by the
people of Italy, although the temples.
tombs. and villas which lined 1t once
have long since vanished or are IN
ruins, was the finest OF all the COM
memorative works in Europe. Appius
Claudius Caecus did not know that no
was building an imperishable monu-
ment to himself. but II Is there to-day
a useful highway and marvel OF in
destructibility.
Thus we decided upon q road lead
ing from the White House TO the bat
tleheld at Gettysburg, where the ma
tional government has already spent
S7.000.o00. The road viii be seventy
two miles long. There viii be room
for wagons. automobiles, and an elec-
trio railway. IN the center OF the road.
throughout It's length. there will be
q narrow lawn. broken with shrubs.
flowers. and fountains 1t Is a noble
conception. ! think. and win, / hope.
be authorized by Congress. The road.
II Is estimated. will cost $4,000. 900. IL
built and maintained it7ought to last
forever
tcOmrighl isil. b. JAMES .. Nuroyl