BALLOONING.—Agreeably to the notice given in our last, Mr LAURIAT made the most assiduous exertions on Tuesday last to raise his Balloon, but his effort was not attended with that success which M L. ardently desired as well as the thousands who anxiously waited to behold the sight. Nearly an hour had elapsed beyond the time announced, when Mr L. after one or two efforts to ascend, found that there was not a sufficient quantity of gas to raise him from the ground. His son, a lad of only 9 or 10 years of age, who had ascended several times with his father, was desirous to undertake the perilous voyage alone. His father placed him in the car, and commenced releasing the Balloon; but no sooner had the car reached that elevation which presented the child to the audience, than prompted by a feeling of humanity for the lad, they rushed forward, seized the Balloon, removed the child, and protested against exposing its life in so wanton a manner. This was not done in a mob spirit, as has been intimated—no injury whatever, was done or offered to the Balloon. Those who were most active in rescuing the lad, felt a commiseration for Mr L. at the failed of his gas, and would have retired peaceably without a reproachful remark—but humanity prompted them to act. A short time after, it was understood that the lad was to be permitted to ascend the height of the rope to show the balloon. As soon as it cleared the enclosure, the rope was cut, and the boy was left to his fate.—Towering in the air, he waved his flags—but he soon discovered a wide pond beneath him and the balloon descending. He now became terrified at his situation. "Save me father, save me, I am going into the water!" was the cry distinctly heard. The car struck the surface of the water,—but it was fortunately not many rods from the land, and he floated ashore in safety. We may be wrong in our judgment, but it does seem to us that Mr L. was reprehensible for so far catering to the excited and wanton curiosity of the audience, as to be willing to risk a boy, although his own child, in an adventure of the most perilous kind. The Aeronaut requires not only scientific skill, but also a well nerved arm, to shield against the many dangers to which he is exposed; qualities which no boy of ten years can possess. We trust Mr Lauriat will not again consent to another like exhibition,—better fitted for Rome in her gladiatorial days, than for that advanced state of society where humanity does or should occupy a more conspicuous place.—Journal.
