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local park with whom he had previously corresponded.  I solicited the state fair.  At the State House I met Mr. W. W. Miller, Secretary of the State Fair.  This annual Ohio State Fair was conducted as a state educational exhibition displaying animals, farm products, manufactured articles to the general public and in addition, there were racing events on the half mile track.  As the management was more or less political the fair was not conducted by regular showmen; it had each year a very healthy deficit which the State always paid.

   Mr. Miller had been criticized earlier in the day and had been told the losses would have to stop and that the fair would either have to carry itself or it would be discontinued.  Although the last year's deficit had been paid he was not in an optimistic mood when I called.  He looked at me with cold eyes and said, "What can I do for you, young man?"  Not knowing about his troubles and filled with youthful confidence and optimism, I told him I had the greatest exhibition and drawing card in the world and would like to make a contract with him to exhibit it at the coming fair in September.  He looked glum and sad but inquired what I expected to be paid for my valuable services.  When I told him I wanted $5,000 for the week's exhibition he almost fainted.  Gasping for air he waived me aside but I persisted and laid on his desk several large photographs of the airship in the air and on the ground.  I showed the enormous crowds that had gathered at Toledo and told him how much cash we had taken in at the gate in the twenty minutes before the flight.  I talked fast and to the point.  I saw his interest was quickening and that he was following my talk alertly.  Then he asked questions and we discussed every phase of the situation.  He finally called