Rensselaer Republican, Volume 17, Number 36, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 14 May 1885 — WASHINGTON. [ARTICLE]

WASHINGTON.

The Ordnance Board of the United States army has recommended the construction of a monster war balloon for the use of the Government, and Gen. Russell Thayer, of l’hila dfelphia, the inventor, has received instructions, to begin work. The board recommends that a balloon of seven tons ascending foree be constructed and that trials be made with it. It will be the largest balloon ever constructed in this country, and will have a diameter of sixty feet. The." dirigible” war balloon,” as it is called, is a cigar-shaped machine, pointed at both ends, and, unlike ordinary balloons, sails through the air longitudinally. The motive power is compressed air. Tons of dynamite percussion bombs may be carried into the clouds, and dropped while the balloon sails over a camp, or fortification, or fleet of sh’ps. President Cleveland will hereafter receive no callers Saturday. He finds it necessary to devote at least one working day each week to the transaction of public business without interruption. Secretary Lamap. has made a definite announcement to the effect that the cattle kings must leave the Oklahoma strip in the Indiau Territory. He frankly says that it will take some time, but makes a firm declaration that if the settlers are not to be allowed on the land the rich cattlemen will be kept off as well. ” .