New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-10-09
THE LANGLEY ATRSHTP.

If the outcome of the final experiment at
Whitewater Va. was not entirely unexpected
it must at least awaken regret. Concerning
the practical usefulness of airships, except for
military reconnaissance and geographical ex-
ploration in regions which are difficult of &C
cess. The Tribune has always been profoundly
sceptical Nevertheless, for the purposes just
specified they may be worth what they cost.
Moreover, the principle on which the Langley
machine relied for its ability to keep a1oat
had and still has, much TO recommend it. From
the flights of Lilienthal, Pitcher and Chanute,
and from Professor Langley's own tests with
models at intervals during the last ten years,
there was reason to repose faith in the funda
mental idea of the aeroplane In consequence
of the enormous sums of money and the great
amount of time devoted to the eliminating
venture on the Potomac. the public had begun
TO feel hopeful. though not sanguine as to the
result. Obviously the merits Of the system
were not fairly exhibited on Wednesday.
good many people will suspect therefore, that
Professor Langley was not altogether fortunate
in the choice of a deputy TO direct the details
of construction and operation. That impress
sion. whether just or unjust. will intensity
whatever disappointment may be experienced.
Whether further experiment under the au-
spices of the secretary of the Smithsonian In
y
though the damage done by this weeks mis-
hap may not prove 10 be as serious was
feared at first, the restoration of the airship to
its original condition must be attended with
expense. Perhaps changes in the frame and
machinery may also be thought advisable, and
these would call for further outlay. The aero
plane has fallen into temporary disfavor how
ever, and Professor Langley may find it hard
10 raise any more money, even If he has the
inclination to follow the matter up.
The theories involved in the Langley ma
chine, or at least the most important Of them,
are likely TO receive fresh tests in other quar-
ters during the next few months. After an
interval Of several years Sir Hiram Maxim has
again turned his attention TO the subject: and
while he is still reticent regarding his latest
project It is safe to say that he will stick TO
the aeroplane. in which he once had great conf
dence When he abandoned work along this
line he had shown that he could propel heavy
craft horizontally on a railway track with
swiftly revolving screws. It will be remem-
bered. too, that the premature lifting of his air
ship from the rails. though resulting in an M
fortunate wreck, demonstrated the soundness
of his general policy.
Professor Bells recent work with the tetra-
hebron kite was based on the same principle
although the form Of his mechanism differs from
Maxims and Langley's. \ kite is pulled from
in front instead of being pushed from behind
hut it rises and stays aloft because of the same
characteristic of the air that the Whitewater ex-
periments were designed TO utilize In time
Professor Bell will need TO supply his kite with
engines and propellers. That equipment will
be less novel. though. than the peculiar shane
he has adopted for his kite. He believes that
this will give him an increase in lifting power
In proportion TO increase In size-somethinG
which cannot be expected from the Hargrave
or box kite, and which that distinguished
mathematician, Simon Newcomb declares is
impossible with the ordinary aeroplane. Ex-
perence dictates caution I'm entertaining expec.
tation with regard to fresh ventures. but II IS
clear that the development OF aerial naviga-
ton has not received a serious setback from
,l,;c --ooI-se Incidents