The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1911-07-11

after a series OF thrilling incidents ana
an accident which would certainly
have. sent the balloon and men to de-
structiOn except for the cool Judg.
Tneut and quick and sl1illful work OF
Pilot Jacobs. The accident was caused
by the valve at the top of the balloon
Incoming. ianmed so that gas could
not escape under the rapid expan-
sion of the sun. This caused the bal
loon to shoot up into the sky with
friehtful and unchecked rap1d1ty.
T became unconscious with the sud-
den rise to three miles altitude. Pilot
Jacobs took the one great risk by
whose. successful outcome alone the
balloon could be prevented from r1s-
inc several miles higher and asphyXi-
ating both of us. He pulled % tne c9Eu itl
tearing open the ripping panel ht-
tie away, allowing gas to escape ana
the balloon to descend.
The danger lies in the fact that gas
Y,ressure usually forces the rip COM
pIeteIy open so that the collapsed bal
loon is precipitated to earth. In this
case the descent was rapid as the as
cent and only the extraordinary act1v-
ifv Of both of us brought about safe
RAFFE EMERSON.
Kansas City, July 1.-THE Million
Population club balloon passed over
Moline. Ill. early today. 1t is believed
to be leading in the race.
Kansas City. July 11.-Forced to de-
-,and from 5000 feet where they en-
countered terrific thunder storm and
--,,iooic conditions, Clifford 3. Harmon,
rilot and Augustus Post aid In the bal
- 75evv York were compelled today
iard at Fremont Iowa, and give UP
+Iefr Dlace in the elimination race for
+be lanes Gordon Bennett cup both
men landed safely ana aIler packlhs
tbeir balloon, which was uhlhIufeo'
s4arted with it at noon for New York;
Shortly before noon, as far as learned
ali of the other six contestants were
stiu in the air. making good progress
and travelling in a northeasterly olrec-
ton, over Iowa and limos. -,..
In a message sent from fremont
before he and Mr.. Harmon left for the
oest Austus Post described their ex-
ner.ierces since leaving Kansas city.
.sr,l,e New York sailed we'll until mid
night last night in northeast dlrec-
Serri6c thunder storm. The balloon
erose 10 5000 feet and the temperature
dropped to 30 degrees.
* cvclone vortex sucked US into the
center and we were lost in clouds witt
15cLtuinar playing all around US
s.rTbe thunder clap shook the basket
and the vibration felt like huge sledge
hammer was striking IT,
@enter the Dalloon was twisted and toss
ed like a cork in Niagara rapids. Har-
mon and I had to hold on to the sides
of the basket while it dropped and rose
with frightful rapldlty-
.Orr ballast was coon exhausted anC
we were carried down to the ground
without being able to check the bal
loon. We decided to make a landing
although it was o'clock at night anC
SO dark we could not see
we we're dragged nearly a mile be
escape by the rip panel and valve. W.
stopped on the property Of Pete
Deutzchlc. Fremont, Iowa.
Harmon and I are all right excep
for a severe shaking up. Our balloon
was packed and shipped this morning
4, We are leaving at noon for New York
= Fremont IS 15S miles northeast .
Kansas CITY"
Had the Best Start.
Great interest centered around tn,
balloon New York because it held th'
best starting position, the last, and
because Augustus Post.who assisted Al
ian r. Hawley pilot the America II t,