Omaha daily bee., 1911-05-22
FRANCES WAR
CHIEF is KILLED
BY M0NOPLANE

BY M0NOPLANE
furry and 1t appeared as though the avi-
ator was about 20 dash into the cavalry
The pilots attention seemed momentarily
TO have been diverted from his course
and he made quick turn TO the left
toward where the party Of officials were
standing, Then he lost control OF the craft
altogether and 1t dashed violently into the
ministerial group.
The impact knocked NJ. Berteaux ten feet
away, where he lay in a pool of blood.
badly mangled. while under the wreokage
OF the monoplane lay Premier Monis, his
son and M. Deutsoh. Train and NJ Bounier
emerged from the wreck unlnjured.
scene Of frightful confusion followed.
Ffom all parts Of the field arose cries of
alarm and dismay and tens of thousands
Of persons broke through the lines and
moved toward the scene. The cavalry, by
repeated charges, managed to clear the
field and the injured men were given first
aid treatment BY the field surgeons. Il
was seen that NJ. Berteaux was fatally
hurt and that M. Monls was seriously in
jured. After the ministers had been cared
for the surgeons dressed the wounds of
Too Sudden to BE Avoided.
There are various versions as to the
cause of the accident, but everyone seems
agreed that It occurred with such rapidity
there was no time for M. Berteaux, M.
Monis and the others to escape. M. Her
sand. nephew Of Former Premier Dupuy,
whose newspaper, the Petit Partisan, ar
ranged the race, said:
M Berteaux was just asking me who
would be the next starter, and 1 was con-
sulting my program TO answer him when,
glancing upward, saw the monoplane
plunging and careenlng toward US.
Look out cried, and the next in
slant the wing of the aeroplane brushed
my side. Looking around 1 saw the min
lister Of war lying in a pool of blood ten
feet away, his arm severed as though by
surgeons knife. The minister's head was
horribly crushed and blood was flowing
from a cut in his throat
Premier Monis lay motionless, face
downward. thought him dead. M.
Deutseh. his face CHASTITY pale, was trying
to rise to his feet"
M. Monis Jr., said he thought he saved
his fathers life by pushing him Violently
to the ground the moment he saw the ma
chine plunginB through the air. The min
isterial party was hidden from the pilot 8
view by q detachment of cuirassiers. In
avoiding these Train crashed down upon
the group Ikea bolt from the sky.
Races Suspended.
NJ. Dupuy, Immediately after the disas-
ter gave out word that the races had been
suspended NJ Lepine issued a formal or
der to that effect. saying 1t would be i'm
possible to continue for large part Of the
aviation field was already covered by vast
crowds. <--ss, ~, sfts s-l
This afternoon the aero club decided that
the six airmen who had not started should
have an opportunity to do 30 tomorrow
morning.
M. Berteauxs body was placed In a
closed automobile and escorted from the
field by squadron of dragons with
swords at salute. while tens of thousands
OF persons stood uncovered.
Paul Doumer, former president OF the
chamber OF deputies, and the most init
mate friend of the family. communicated
the news OF NJ. Berteauxs death to his
wife. NJ Doumer said Madame Berteaux
showed admirable courage.
The body of the late minister of war
lies at the ministry In the same room from
Brun, was buried.
Premier Monis, while being taken from
the field in an ambulance repeated over
and over again In a low voice:
1T is nothing, It is nothing" and, when
he had somewhat regained a clearer
consciousness, said his injuries must not
interfere with the race. He did not know
that NJ. Betreaux was dead.
Children's Party Interrupted.
Doctors set the fractures without the aid
of anaesthetics. Nine. Monis had planned
to give children's party at her house to-
day. The rooms were fun of flowers and
the premier's wife was arranging these
when the ambulance arrived.
President Fallieres called on both Mines.
Berteaux and Monis. and the king and
queen Of Denmark, who we're leaving Paris
in the forenoon, sent their minister of the
household to express their gnef. The
American ambassador and the other
foreign representatives left cards OF
coincidence and sympathy.
M. Fallieres summoned his cabinet and
NJ. Gruppi, minister of foreign affairs, was
designated to fulfill the duties OF minister
OF war, pending further developments. and
temporarily to act as head OF the cabinet.
Reports we're circulated that Premier
Monis might resign and the ministry be
reorganized.
President Fallieres decided 1t would be
better for the king OF Servia to postpone
his intended visit. and sent a special mis-
sion to Basic. headed by NJ. Couliard-
Descos, the French minister at Belgrade.
TO inform King Peter officially.
The general opinion is held that the les
sons to be learned from the catastrophe
is that the rule prohibiting spectators on
/ the aviation field is one that should not
be violated even by members of the gov