AERONAUTICS: Balloons

A fortnight ago 18 balloons shot into the air from Solbosh Plain in Belgium to compete anew for the Gordon Bennett Cup,* presented in 1906† by the son of the James Gordon Bennett who founded The New York Herald. This cup was won for a third time, and, according to the rules, outright, by Belgium last year; but through the generosity of the Belgian Aero Club in redonating it for competition, this year's event was made possible.

From the outset only three aeronauts had a chance: Ernest de Muyter, who won the race in 1920, '22, '23, '24, Belgium, Wade T. Van...

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