Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-07-23
.LANGLEY'S AIRSHIP
ALLOTMENTS MADE BY THE ORD
NANCE BOARD.
Two of $25, 900 Each Out of Regular
OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES of the
Smithsonian institution.

Much interest has been manifested in re-
gard to the source of the money expended
by Prof Langley In the construction of his
airship and the experiments with 1t which
he Is now conducting. Statements have
been made that an appropriation was made
by Congress for 1t. and others that the
money has been donated by private indi-
viduals interested in scientific matters.
AS to any specific appropriation by Con-
gress, 1t is ascertained that there Is nothing
In the annual appropriation bills directly
authorizing the use of government money
for airship experiments. save the possible
application to that use of a portion OF a
fund of 5000 given the Smithsonian Insti-
tuition for scientific research Of a general
character. 1t is not known what, II any,
part OF that amount has been used for the
Langley airShip.
Employees OF the government. however.
are utilized. 1t IS said. in working the ship
and setting 1t up. and the resources OF the
Smithsonian drawn upon to that extent
Allotments Made by Ordnance Board.
1t is ascertained, however. that the board
Of ordnance and Notifications made two
allotments of $4,000 each $4,000 in alb.
November O. 1898. and December 10. 1885,
respectively, for the construction and
test Of flying machine. under direction Of
MIR. s. P. Langley. The allotments were
made out OF the regular appropriation for
the board of ordnance and Notifications for
the current year. of which the following
is a copy
Board Of ordnance and fortihcation.-To
enable the board to make all needful and
proper purchases. experiments and tests
to ascertain, with a view to their utiliza-
ton by the government. the most effective
guns small arms, cartridges, prOtectiles,
fuses, explosives. torpedoes. armor plates,
and other implements and engines Of war,
and to purchase or cause to be manu-
featured. under authority Of the Secretary
Of War. such guns, carriages, armOr plates,
and other war material as may. In the
Judgment OF the board, be necessary in
the proper discharge of the duty devolved
upon 1t by the act approved September
%, 1855: TO pay the salary OF the civilian
member OF the board of ordnance and for
tfficatton provided by the act Of February
"a. 1891. and for the necessary travelling
expenses Of said member when travel
Ing on duty as contemplated in said act;
for the payment OF the necessary expenses
OF the board. including a per diem allow
ance to each officer detailed to serve there
on when employed on duty away from his
the test Of experimental guns. carriages
and other devices procured in accordance
with the recommendation of the board OF
ordnance and fertilization. 100000: Pro-
vided, That before any money shall be ex-
| pended in the construction or test OF any
| gun, gun carriage. ammunition or imple-
ments under the supervision Of the said
board the board shall be satisfied. after
| due inquiry. that the government OF the
| United States has q lawful right to use the
inventions involved In the construction OF
such gun. gun carriage, ammunition or Inn
plements. or that the construction or test
| is made at the request OF person either