The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1902-12-17

favorable point OF observation. ana
then the operators can initiate the bal
loon and make an ascension. The
whole equipment Is compact and com
plete. A telephone connects the bal
loon with the automobile, and the OPP
orator of the latter proceeds in any di-
rectlon indicated by the aeronaut. In
this way the automobile carries the
balloon nearer or farther away from
the line of the enemy. The observa-
tions from the care of the balloon can
be taken from dozen different points
Of view. In the event of an unexpect-
ed attack from cavalry the automobile
would be ready for resisting It, The
cable OF tho balloon could be quickly
approached within shooting distance
the automobile would be ready for
savage attack. With the steel
shields raised in sloping positions the
bullets of the enemy would have little
chance to touch the operators, while
the sharp.shooters from behind the
shields could pick off the horsemen
with case.
Meanwhile the power of the auto
mobile could he shown in another way.
with speed that no horse could hope
to equal the machine could charge
down upon the cavalry and disperse II.
No horsemen would be foolhardy
enough to wait for such an attack.
| There would be a complete and de-
morallzlng retreat The automobile
could fight retreating battle equally
as well as front one. While running
rapidly from the enemy II could train
It's guns on them and fire with pretty
fair precision. On the whole the auto.
mobile party would be far safer than
cavalry or infantry, and so long as
the machine kept to the open country
and steercd clear of batteries 1t would
have fair fighting CHANCE to escape
from almost any trap laid for 1t. This
is so generally appreciated by the mill
tary authorities of Europe that extra
heavy types of these modern Jugger-
naut war machines are row in the
course OF preparation.
Military automobilism furnishes a
variety of sport which, in times Of
peace, has its excitement and risk
not generally obtained by those who
operate their machines merely in the
interest of personal recreation. In Eu-
rope the military chaueurs are prac-
tically exempt from local restrictions
concerning speed, and their endurance
and speed tests are conducted in a
manner to excite the interest of any
one familiar with automobile matters.
The military automobiles have the
iUb nf N N nn1 Arct n
Hungary at certain times of the year,
and in specified parts of the country,
and they are rushed across the country
at their highest possible speed. The
automobile courier is first entitled to
all the privileges of the highway
anJ the high speed machine must
make a record or lose the honors held
out for the quickest in the races.
There automobile couriers instead of
following some fine. wellgraded pub
lie highway, are supposed TO cross the
country and go through narrow and
rough by-paths which would test the
skill of the best chauffeur. The result
of such speed trials Is not to lower
any race record such as We are accus-
toned to hear about in ordinary races
on good roads, but the experiments
show the value and durability of the
machines, and testify to the skill of
the rough riders. For, in truth, the
military automobile courier is a rough
rider of the most modern type, and he
performs tricks and evolutions in the
fields that might we'll eclipse the work
of the best cowboy ON his broncho.
The military evolutions of the auto.
mobiles carrying Maxim guns are no
Ices interesting. but of a somewhat
different appearance. They select
likewise tho open country, and the ma
chimes are driven at great speed across
the country where few, If any. decent
roads connect distant points. The
machines must be heavy and durable
enough to make these rough trips In
all kinds of weather, and the operators
are not by any means sparing on the
: machinery or their own nerves. 1t is
the nearest approach to rough riding
III a modern battle that could very
well be imitated.-George f. Walsh
in the Automobile Magazine.