The San Francisco Examiner from San Francisco, California • 2

THE SAN FRANCISCO EXAMINER- -TUESDAY, JANUARY 25, 1910. FRENCHMAN'S CONQUEST OF AIR IN PERILOUS WEATHER HRILL8 LIFE MERELY Starting the Bipfane on Its Ffirjfit; Befow Louis Paufhan Sitting at the Wfieef of His AeroDfane. MOST PERILOUS I EVER TRIED: TO PLEASE PE Prof, Hidalgo Says Aviator Has Something Wonderful in Store for To-Day. PilMJ i 'V "I Will Never Attempt Such a Thing Again, but You Deserved Something Daring," By Prof. J.

Hidalgo. (Professor of Inlverslty of California and Director of the Pa-oUIe Aero Club.) Paulhan est un brave aviatcurl The French aeronaut proved right to the laurels that have been HAILED AS HERO BY CROWD heaped upon hiin. by the marveloua flight which he made yesterday in tha face of the most trying difficulties. His prestige was first established as a daring aerial pilot at Bar-sur-Auba, France, in July. 1909, where he mads his first public flight In the preseno of a hundred thousand persons.

In view of the comparatively recent debut of the most daring aviator of all tlmea, it Is nigh Impossible for us to appreciate the stupendous strides he ha made In public favor. Anxious to Make a Flight. About 3 o'clock', after having waited for some Improvement in the weather, the big aeroplane (Farman) was taken from its hangar and driven to one of the corners 'of the inclosure. Paulhan, following his custom, 'made a complete and thorough search for flaws in the apparatus before taking the pilot' and, having satisfied himself as to its good condition, made his initial attempt. Turning to nie, the youthful aviator said he desired to make an ascent regardless of the inclemency of the RIDES ON WINGS Of1 WIND 12 MILES IN 12 MINUTES BY FREDERICK A.

BRANDT. 'iV'tej-'V''-'-'Vvs---'-' V- ii' m-Arv-ii. 'i Ppof.MontoomePuA6tounded j' Sets New Hark in Aviation weatner, in oruer that me people ui the city of San Francisco, who had twico traveled to the field, might not again be disappointed. i. The wind was blowing at the r5B Speeding a mile a minute against the screen of the sky, Louis Paulhan, the French aviator, made one of the Never Again, Says Paulhan Gratest Peril I Ever Braved SMASH WILL DO.

BEST TO RECORDS TO-DAY: CLEARY this connection it might be well to' state that Paulhan remarked in a casual tone, that the present were tha worst circumstances under which had ever flown. Long Battle With Gale. He then gave the order to start the propeller, as is customary prior to flight in order that it might gain momentum. P.ut his first, second, third and fourth attempts wore rendered fu tile on account of the heavy gale that was raging. Time and again he came a cropper in view of the fact that it was impossible to manipulate the elevation rudder on account of the inequality of the wind and the sloppy condition of the field.

At about 4:25 p. m. he succeeded in making one hip at an altitude of about thirty feet. This awoke the latent enthusiasm of tha spellbound mass, many of whom saw for the first time a hea vler-thnn-air machine traversing the unmarked highways of the heavens. Ten minutes later (at 4:35 he covered another lap at about the same altitude.

To this second lap of the field Importance may be given to tha manner in which he made his turns. Thev were the sharpest imaginable positively DrovinK the efficiency of the BY EDWARD CLEARY (Manager of Pnulhan.) Paulhan'a fight of twelve miles yes his flight over the fields I had. great terday afternoon was the moat hazardous trip ever made through the air. fears for his safety. When his frail craft shuddered and trembled and dived down beyond the trees I turned away, afraid that the brave little man his two-mile journeys around the track were dangerous enough and after that had at last attempted too much.

But Implored him not to attempt any By Louis Paulhan. The conditions under which my first flights in San Francisco were made at Tanforan Park were the most dangerous I had ever met. I only attempted flight because I did not want to disappoint the people of San Francisco. I hope I shall never have to fly in such conditions again. In fact I shall not fly again In such circumstances.

The wind was too strong. Money could not have tempted me to fly, but I felt that I owed the people much in return for their interest and the kindly feeling they have shown toward me. The flights showed what the machine could do. It was buffeted, but it withstood the strain. Flying in that wind was a severe test.

I am very glad to have had the experience, but as for another such flight never, never! he sized up the currents, and after finding the proper altitude held his more. course as true as art iScean liner. I told him I would announce that the No official time was taken. My opinion is that he went about twelve miles and reached an altitud 'of more elements were too treacherous for him to make any more flights. But even while I was making the announcement the Indomitable fellow was preparing than BOO feet.

for his spectacular Journey over the To-day Paulhan will do e.erythlng In his power In the way of aerial direction rudder and his perfect control of the machine under the mast Inauspicious circumstances. At a Mile a Minute. After two unsuccessful attempts Paulhan at last made one of his most wonderful flights. He passed over the tops of the trees, left the aviation field and headed for the Ran Bruno hills. Putting his wonderful bird-instinct into use.

he "felt" his way through tha flights. What be can do will depend surrounding country. He knew what he had to contend with when he started. But after circling the course and squaring away for upon the weather. He will sail high; he may sail far.

He will do all ho can. various aerial Btrata cautiously, duck ing now; then again, gaining momentum with the dir. he would make SOCIETY OUT IN PORCE I i a daring dash through a dangerous stratum of air to attain to some agree- hills of the Coast ranee mountains apparently at the height of tha mountains themselves the aviator flew. Miscarol and Masson Joined in Pleading to Keep Him From Defying Gale, talntv'of the early hours of yesterday, ell the sneers and buffetings of the Poubling Thomases and those who never can take an unpleasant situation with a smile. The morning promised another flay of disappointment.

It was distended with wind. The rain clouds poured across the sky. In the city the flags strained and straightened. The trees rhed their remaining leaves. Old Boreas r.ad things his way, and dashes of rain on a north wind do not mean aviation any more than they mean comfort.

Brave Inclement Day. Still, In face of the Inclement day, In spite of Sunday's disappointment, the hopeful people went down to Tan-foran in encouraging crowds. The man-bird Is, of a truth, the great attraction in modern life. At the track the people saw the gale tossing- the trees of the west fringe of the park. They saw "The Examiner balloon tussling and straining in the semi-shelter of these trees.

They saw a box-kite tug and worry at Its cord a box-kite that wirs feeling the angry air for a calm stratum. But seek as it would that box-kite could lind no calm. Assistants Try to Dissuade Him. The few of us who knew a smattering of aviation felt there was no hope. To our little wisdom there was no chance for flixht, for the aeroplane is In Its infancy.

It can barely creep nlong the carpets of the air. It oan-i yet stride the cloud, the lightning and the siorm. Hut raulhan ssid he would fly. Ills rssistants shook their heads dubiously. They talked their French in mournful tones.

The aviator was to risk 1 is life. He was foolhardy, they said. But he ordered them to (ret his big Farman biplane ready, and the foreign mechanicians looked busily to each cord and brace. Paulhan meanwhile talked easily, seemingly a man without worry or nerves. In his fuzzy aviation cap, ample, padded coat and rellow-top boots he continued to tell all that he would surely lly.

"When?" "It Is uncertain!" Paulhan was watching the wind; but the wind seemed to be watching Paulhan and saying that It had no favors to oner any little Frenchman who thought he could rise superior to San Francisco's uncertain aerial conditions. So there was nothing to do but wait. Those of ua who were In the paddock watched the preparation of the Far-man biplane and wondered that the little Bleriot monoplane already set up could have carried a man across the Kngllsh channel. Amateur mechanics in our company were much Interested in the putting together of another biplane and the work on the tail of a second monoplane. But the minutes crept on dlscourag-Ingly.

The time set for the flight was 2 o'clock; but 3 o'clock came and there seemed no better chance for an exhibition. At 8:35, however, Paulhan pave the signal for unleashing the roc that was to carry Slnbad Into the air If It could rise with him from the earth. "If" that was the word In everybody's mind. TVorkmen knocked props from the front of the paddock, and slowly the birlane was worked out Into the open. Then all the people set up a cheer and hoped against hope.

"Don't try it," pleaded MIsearoL. "Yes," said Paulhan. "I must." oS the big bird of four wings walked slowly out Into the soggy field. The band played the "Stars and Stripes" and the "Marseillaise." Paulhan soon climbed Into his seat. A stout asistant gave the 0-foot propellor blade a sharp turn and the powerful little gasoline engine behind the aviator pave a spit or two and then began to buzz.

Then that white bird with the yellow legs started across the field. The people cheered and then held their peace. Faster and faster went the bird- Up tilted the forward planes and the bird 10. --e. There came the thrill.

But the bird was not to fly far. It gave what was more like a couple of long leaps, going ten or twelve feet into the air and a few hundred yards (ach time. Then Paulhan shut off his engine, and the big bird settled slowly and somewhat lgnomlnlousiy. There was no such thing possible as falling Into that wind, which gave the biplane an ugly lurch each time it left the ground. As it to take revenge for shoit flight, however, the wind took hold of "The Examiner" balloon that had been brought across the field, dashed it against the fence and ripped It Into tatters in less than a handlurn.

Surely this man was risking his life In fooling with such a gale. P.ut the biplane was brought hack to face th wind, and at 3:45 Paulhan tried cgain. He got exactly the same result He could not master Mie storm, but Hew for those long leaps again. This time he (lew bak to his starting point with the wind behind him, and 'anded In some shallow water. Vs the wind kept up.

and as a third i brought no iliflTcnt result from other two, a trainload of people left grounds, more or less content that had fwn flight of tiie man bird. suddenly at 4:25 tliere was the "There he goes! There he goes!" Sure enough. Paulhan, coming down wind, had secured sunVb-nt nio- Intum to get well Into flight. He ied gracefully at the southern end the grounds and flw past the shont- grand stand, thirty or forty feet jm the ground. There he settled In if place from which he started This was real fight, and the people on, waiting for more.

Soon the aviator repeated his circling of the 11. Id. This carried the time well on to 5 o'clock, and at last the wind let down just a little. Paulhan stuck to his machine, walling, waiting, waiting for his chance. It was nearly 5:30 when it came.

The sun had reddened the angry west. The big round moon was showing in toe eastern sky. W.ilrr! went the propellor. 'H's up egalu!" shouted the crowd. f'oniing down the wind from the northern end of the track the biplane at lust climbed the uncertain aerial iMairway into the upper stories.

saiied out over the fringe of trees st the southern end of the grounds. Here was tllght Indeed! Keeping on and going higher he turned Into the wind end hoaxed for the hills that shut Tanforan from the sea. He kept on until he was lost to sight from the grand stand, but peon lie was seen headad northward By Prof. J. J.

Montgomery. Associate Member of the Faculty of Santa CInra College and Expert on Aviation. To a student of aerial navigation Paulhan's first flights in "The Examiner" aviation meet are almost beyond belief. Though I have been experimenting with aeroplanes for many years, I had never seen a power-driven craft in operation until to-day, and the Paulhan flights show the wonderful beginning that has been made iit the flying. In meeting the conditions at Tanforan Paulhan set a new mark in aviation and displayed a daring equal to that of a man who walks into the breach of a fortification in the face of a death-dealing fire.

The wind was 'riot only strong but there were, discouraging local conditions. As the wind came over the obstructing trees back of the course it was thrown into waves, like waves of the ocean. He had to set his steering gear to make his airship rise. It took the highest skill to keep it rising steadily as it struck these waves. Paulhan showed unparalleled daring.

Way back in 1884 I sailed from a mountainside in San Diego county in the first gliding machine. At times I was CO feet in air. When I jumped clear of the mountainside I did not know what the outcome would be. Paulhan must have experienced the same feeling when he really gave aviation a new record by sailing in conditions never before met, and that made the outcome dangerous. Of course the heavier-than-air machines of the day are but the marvelous beginnings in the world of scientific flight through the air.

After studying these machines I can see where many changes can be made to advantage. discovery of the true curves of scientific flight can be learned only by experiment. It means 'cut and fit' for a long time. But every day improvements are made, and with the inspiration of such daring as we have seen the development will come with startling rapidity. Any man who saw Paulhan's flight in the teeth of the gale will not deceive his friends if he tells them he has seen one of the greatest of history's performances in the upper air.

Considering the weather conditions. I should estimate his speed at about a mile a minute: and personally believe Others prominent In the stand were: Hrlncgar, Mrs. E. P. Henry, Mrs.

Katherin Itotliiu, Misa Geueviovt Voorhies Hotlnn. Mra. J. W. Keyw, Mrs.

Cliadbcmrue, Air. sod loisa. Mr. nd Mnk Wm. Mrs.

W. Kigum, Miss Belie Gkoluuiu. lira. William bievcuj. CoL 14.

It In the Automobiles. that to-day's nieht is one or ins speed iest aerial journeys high speed being most hair-raising flights of his career at Tanforan Park late yesterday afternoon. Darting about In the fading light between, a retreating sun and an early risen moon, Paulhan remained In the air for twelve minutes at the end of a storm that had wrecked a captive balloon and slven other evidence of Its violence. The venturesome Frenchman rode In a Farman biplane, and his spectacular Might took place after he had made six unsuccessful attempt to breast the gale. Ignored Assistant's Pleading.

Dldler Masson and EduardSIlscarol, associate aviators of Paulhan, pleaded with him not to attempt the flight, declaring that the venture was suicidal. The conspiracy of wind and rain that had prevented Paulhan from flying the day before had so nettled him, however, that he decided to take a desuerato hazard, rather than disappoint the big gathering of spectators a second time. Paulhan succeeded not only In astonishing the multitude, but achieved a performance that made the experts on aviation marvel over his skill and daring. Paulhan was scheduled to attempt his flight at 2 o'clock, but It was 3:20 p. m.

before the engine began to work satisfactorily. Starts in Temporary Lull. He waited until 3:25, and then took advantage of a temporary lull in the storm to signal the mechanicians to release the biplane. The machine soared a distance of about thirty feet In the air as soon as tt was released and speeded toward the northwest, dipping up and down In its transit. Less than forty seconds later It descended In the northern -end of the field, its wooden runners enmeshed in a clump of small shrubbery.

Paulhan's assistants wheeled the machine back to the southern end of the field and he made a second unsuccessful attempt to fly. He encountered blustery gusts less than a dozen feet from the ground, although the tops of the gum trees on the western stretch of the course appeared to be almost motionless in the wind. 100 Feet on Fourth Effort. It was not until his fourth attempt that the aviator accomplished his first real flight. The biplane then ascended almost a hundred feet from the field after he had made a part circle of the course, but the storm developed such unexpected severity that Paulhan narrowly missed being overturned.

In steering the machine at the southern end of the field after a zig-zag course the churning currents almost whirled it against the roof of the paddock. The lower plane of the machine dipped around giddily, and for a tense second or two It appeared that he was to lose his seat and be hurled to the ground. The machine righted In another moment, however, and Paulhan lighted in front of the grandstand. P.y this time It was close to 5 o'clock. Paulhan Not Satisfied.

The crowd began to file out from the grandstand arid board trie waiting trains for the trip back to the city. lut Paulhan, It appeared. Was not satisfied with the result of the afternoon's exhibition, and made a sixth attempt. Although It was of short duration it appeared to give Paulhan Immense satisfaction. A familiar v.hir told him that his engine was working almost faultlessly.

Ho again gave the signal, and when the machine was finally released It took the air as readily as a before the wind. Paulhan flew directly northwest, soaring ahout twenty-five feet above the ground. He was just about to venture on a higher ascent when one of the rotary cylinders stopped working, however, and he was obliged to alight again. Two minutes later the Olinder was righted, and the machine was turned around and headed southeast. Tumult of Cheering.

Paulhan soared to a distance of fifty feet above the field, which he rounded in a wide ellipse heading north. He then Jerked the lever, which sent an absolute necessity in order that ttis aviator might hold mastery over the Not even a day of fruitless waiting in the rain, of crowded trains or skidding motors could discourage the aviation enthusiasts of society. There were scores of automobiles filled with maids and matrons at Tanforan yesterday, and as many more journeyed down to the meet on the Southern Pacific trains and the United Railroad electric cars. And happily, too, they stayed to the end, when Paulhan rose In his machine to a dizzy height and gave to San Francisco its first demonstration craft in the squally weather that ob Among those who braved the bad tained throughout the entire tay. MAKES $50 OFFER FOR TRAIN DELAY AS PAULHAN FLIES of daring and flight.

Boxes from which the storm drove their fair occupants Sunday were well filled vesterdav bv the most select of "Here Is fifty dollars If you will San Francisco, who acclaimed their ad stop this train for two minutes to let u.i see than man fly!" 1 This was the startling offer made miration for the daring aviator by applause. The Right Rev. Bishop O'Connell occupied a box Rbout the center of the grand stand. His guests were the Rev. a conductor of the Southern Pacific roads in their machines were Mrs.

Calhoun, who chaperoned the Misses Calhoun and Miss Alary Keeney. Mrs. George Pope entertained a party In her car, as did Mrs. Robert Oxnard had with her her sister, Mrs. Sallie Stetson Winslow.

Mr. and Mrs. A. W. Foster motored down with the Misses Lou and Martha Foster.

Miss Helene Irwin was accompanied In her landau by Miss Julia Lang-bcrne. Mrs. Howard was a guest the Huntington party. With Mr. and Mrs.

B. Folger were Mr. ond Mrs. Fred Sanborn, Miss Hughes and Orrln Peck. In the Davis machine were Mrs.

Carter Pomeroy and her two daughters. In the C. A. Spreckels party was Spencer Eddy. Mrs.

Henry T. Scott entertained a Jolly party. Anton Borel was there with a party of Ave. K. W.

Hopkins took a party down from Menlo In his touring car. E. I. de Laveaga entertained a party of seven. A couple of the James Flood machines were there from ft.enlo Park.

Others who motored to' the track with friends were: J. Rogers, the Rev. Charles Hann, the train upon which President Christian W. Smith, of the Coffin-Kedington was riding Tanforan Park yes-tsioay afternoon while Paulhan was Rev. P.artholmew Kerany, the Itev.

mekir.g his lest flight of the after Cantwcll. James Murphy, J. Rogers and Daniel Lillv. Mr. Lilly Is a nephew of Archbishop Riordan and is on a viglt noon.

Hut not at twenty-five dollars a from Chicago. Charles Henshaw of Oakland occu minute would the conductor bring his the forward plane upward, and the machine shot two hundred feet in the air. A tumult of cheering broke from the grandstand and every part of the field. It was the highest altitude attained by Paulhan during the afternoon, and the spectators were wild with enthusiasm. The aviator continued to mount higher and higher, and in less than a half minute was riding over the northern fence of the field at an altitude of 600.

then 600 feet. Scurry Back to Park. Two Southern Pacific trains filled with passengers were about to leave Tanforan for San Francisco when Paulhan's biplane was seen speeding toward the hills 601) feet In the air. The effect was magical. Shouts went up, and in a few moments the trains were deserted and more than a thousand persons were scurrying in the direction of the aviation field again.

Those who could not suueeze Into the jammed entrances hurried up and down the railroad tracks and contended for vantage points from which to view the progress of the aviator's flight. Paulhan was lost for a couple of minutes behind a stretch of buildings, and when he was next seen again ho was returning in the direction of the aviation field. Describes Figure "8." The spectators who had remained on the field witnessed the full wonder of his performance. Jockeying his canvas-rigged craft at an altitude of 650 feet. Paulhan fenced with the contrary currents and proceeded In the direction of the trees on the western stretch of the course.

He went the full length of this stretch of trees, when ho made a sudden turn aod went straight west. The trees hid him from view for 'a few minutes, but he reappeared again and headed for the southeastern extremity of the course, after describing what suggested the vague figure of an S. The rtd disk of the retreating sun and the sulphur-colored cymbal of the early risen inoon flanked either side of his course as Paulhan turned the southern end of the avaiatlon field and benan to descend. His machine appeared no larger than a box kite, but It continued to loom larger as he proceeded up the course. When he finally alighted In front of the grand stand It was almost dusk.

pied his box and In his party were Kirs. Francis Crowe. Miss Ida Henshaw, train to a stop. The aeroplane sailed out of range of the car windows. The dlssrrolnted passengers will have to make pome other opportunity to see Miss Cellnore Karl.

Ransom iienshaw and Malcolm Crowe. pauinan in ine air. Mr. and Mrs. Henry T.

Scott and a Smith, who Is an ardent follower party of six guests viewed the flights from a box. Miss Margaret Calhoun and Miss of the higher sports, caught glimpse of the bird-man while the train was speeding toward Menlo Park, where Smith has a country home. The conductor was in the car. Mary Keeney were In the Calhoun box. A.

Uorel and family were box occu For an instant Smith caught a pants. Mrs. L. L. Baker's party consisted of Mrs.

K. R. Stone. Miss Dorothy Chap Kvn. J.

F. J. F. Wells. Misa lrens Mavor.

F. B. Walcslee, H. M. Wnlkpr.

Capnell, H. O. Klimpse of the aeroplane. Then it Knhl, c. F.

Heiishnw, Tjler tiwynn, C. A. Colpmail, It. I Pftker, Mr. I 8'k inner, I.

Wfllkpr, B. O'Toole, Mi passed from view. man. Miss Dorothy Haker. Philip Bak er and Herbert Baker.

with a roll of bills in tus nana Smith made his snot cash offer to the The C. O. G. Millers had a party. corduetor.

Kveryono in the car hoped the conuurtor would accept. "Csn be done, sild the conductor. and the train sped on. Mf wC iUsmkta AERONAUT HOPES tug mMt TO MAKE WEE SON MASTER OF AIR Examiner Aviation Meeting The holder of this coupon, with full name and address jp- There Is Just one subject upon which 10,000 SEE FLIGHTS; MANY GO BEFORE DARING EXPLOIT Paulhan. otherwise a man of few words, delights to talk.

That subject Is a three-year-old "aviator" back in Ptiic lti snn. When he is anion his friends Or with Mine. Paulhan he tells what the ever have attempted," said he. "I will never attempt such a thing again. Hut the people of San Franctsco deserved something daring for all their patience, and I gave them the best I could In such a gale." And so it was that we saw the flight of the man bird and saw that it was good.

written thereon, may purchase at any branch office of "The Examiner" in San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, Alameda, San Jose, Burlingame, San Mateo and Redwood City a ticket to the Examiner Aviation, Meeting At TANFORAN FARX for January 25th for 50C admission tickets not purchased with "Examiner" Coupon will cost 31 -00. little aviator does and says and learns. Some day ho expects this lad to taka up the conquest of the air where his lather lays it down. as soon as me nine man is big enough he will he taken up in one of his father's ships. He will not in such conditions as those of vester.

CAN SAIL 70 POLE IN day. Paulhan dreams of some tine outside the track to the westward of the tall eucalyptus trees that act as a windbreak in ordinary breezes. Fights Way Into Wind. He was at least 610 feet above the earth, and fighting his way into the wind. Cheer after cheer was sent toward him from the delighted people, and he went on and on toward the north until he was again lost to view.

Soon, however, the swift man bird was seen sailing down the wind again a mile a minute -anti with a graceful Bwoop it alighted rigiit In front of Its alighted as easily as a seagull on the shore. Then th" chef ring, satisfied crowd swarmed for Paulhan to lift him up. Hut he dudged sway and took refuare In his saddling path! ir k. He had finished his course, he hud kept his faitli with tiie people of Sun Francisco. He had been In the stormy ar twelve minutes.

It Seemed an hour. "It was the most dangerous flight I still, warm day, when there is not AIRSHIP, SATS PEART Notwithstanding the showers and black clouds that foreshadowed a stormy afternoon, fully 10.000 persons traveled to Tanforan yesterday and waited to see Paulhan fly. The grand stand was packed early In the afternoon, the betting ring was filled and the north side of the park was black with spectators. They strained at the ropes that held them back from the paddock, where the air craft was housed. They fringed the west side of the track.

Many lift before the sensational flight. In which the aviator dared death to show, that he was afraid of neither "Ind nor rain. They had seen clr-the course twice, however, beforr hey thought the end of the Uuy'i jieetlng hud coma. NAME 01 sir. worn nis Dig nipiai! shall be working perfectly, and wheW the future hero of the heigius sl-a sail, snug in the passenger Wat, Vl'aV a fathers hand upon the coiUrolIinK I lever.

I Mme. Paulhan has made vr.i I ADDRESS DATTON (Ohio), January I. Aero-planlng to the North Pole was pronounced a reasonable feat by Commander Fcary In a discussion to-night with Wilbur and Orvlll Wright, who exhibited a significant Interest in the problem. flieiu? with her husband, but has never had the couraue to tak the hoy with him Th aviator's ambition is to have his son the first boy wh ever tall the skies..