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I therefore made a contract for three planes and three pilots, to fly at the meet for the sum of $22,500 in addition to any prize money we were able to earn. 
   
We had a contract at Denver, Colorado, the exhibitions to take place at Overland Park where the state fair was held each year. We sent Brookins, Hoxey and Johnstone with three new aeroplanes. As I was to go ahead making further dates, I was in Los Angeles and issued instructions to the boys. Johnstone was to try each day for duration, Hoxey for altitude and Brookins to do the fancy flying. Not being there with them, the boys conducted themselves to suit their own wishes and ignored my instructions. Ralph Johnstone, for the benefit of the grandstand, tried to execute the Spiral Dip too close to the ground, turned over on his back and crashed. He was killed instantly. 
   
For the next few days the exhibition was not snappy. It lacked something although the boys attempted to do their best.
   
The planes were shipped to Los Angeles and a third plane arrived from Dayton. Phil Parmelee arrived to take his place in the second Dominguez meet.
         
SECOND DOMINGUEZ MEET

At Los Angeles, I found that a number of pilots had arrived with their machines. Our old friend Dick Ferris felt that since he was the promoter of the first meet he was the logical person to promote the second meet. Knowing Dick and his methods of procedure, I decided against his proposal and notified the pilots to hold off making any kind of contract until it was decided whether or not the meet was to be held at Dominguez. The boys all respected the request.
   
A representative of the Pacific Electric Company called on me