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perfect and the trip was made without the slightest mishap. It was about five o'clock in the afternoon. As the public was not expecting to witness a demonstration at this time, especially after a storm, the impression created throughout the city was greatly in our favor. The return trip to the grounds was accomplished quickly with the motor running perfectly. I was as pleased as was the management.
Our visit at Ft. Wayne was a continuous success and nothing occurred to mar the impression created by the first trip. Transferring the gas to another and much larger balloon of the same type we tried it out using the same power plant and undercarriage. This was one of the experiments that had been delayed until the proper opportunity. We, therefore, measured a course to fly over and then made three flights timing each accurately. We found that the airship lost nearly one third of its speed, due to the increased diameter and length of the new balloon. This was disappointing but could not be prevented.
We next shipped to Columbus, Ohio where the boys could prepare the outfit while I made a trip to Minneapolis to meet Charlie Stroble and Hamilton who were doing well with their exhibitions. Charlie Hamilton proved to be a fine pilot. His judgment was perfect and he was careful to safeguard himself and the outfit wherever possible. This second ship was functioning perfectly and I became convinced that it would pay us to build more airships to use during the season of 1907.
Labor Day was the opening day at Columbus. The weather was perfect and the grounds were packed with people. The fair management was greatly pleased and I made four flights during the day. The first was made in the morning over the city. I called on Governor Harris which necessitated my making a landing on the