Gilpin observer., 1908-07-23

So many are the inventors OF air
ships and aeroplanes to-day, SO numer-
Gus the experiments in aeronautics
and SO frequent the flights Of venture
some pilots of at least partially sue
cessful airships. that scarcely has the
record made by one man grown cold
ere a new record Is waiting to be
chalked up on the score card. The
rivalry between these men for the
solution Of the secret of air navigation
is indeed warm, and the interest of the
public Is growing keener every day.
Europe few years ago had long
lead in the new sport, or scientific
study. whichever you may choose to
consider it, but America is making
long strides in the art Of balloon max
ing and balloon sailing, and may yet
be the land in which the secret Of sue
cessful and practical airship naviga-
ton is discovered, for not only is she
eager to learn all that the experts of
other lands can teach her. but she is
making investigations along lines
Of her own.
Delagrange. the famous French avi-
ator, who has been making successful
long-distance aeroplane flights in diff
ferent parts of Europe, will, it is said,
visit America some time this summer.
This may give increased impetus to
the Wright brothers in their efforts to
solve the problem OF the heavier than
air airship.
On August 13 the United States war
department will begin the first Official
test OF gasless flying machines at
Fort Myer. Va. These are Of incalcu-
liable Importance. because IL the flying
machines do all the government has
laid out for them to do it will simply
be a question of turning out machines
rapidly enough to meet the demand.
In the development and use of diri-
gible balloons the European govern
ments have surpassed us by leaps and
bounds, but in the realm of mechanical
flight we are long way in the lead.
Prof. Langley, the Wright brothers, A.
NJ. Herring, o. Chanute and other
Americans progressively discovered
and developed the basic principles of
the heavier than air machine. and men
like Delagrange and Farman of France
have only adopted what our inventors
worked out.
Two flying machines will go into the
arena at Fort Myer One of them was
built by the Wright brothers and is
being guarded day and night in their
factory in Dayton, o. The other. built
by A. NJ. Herring. is locked up in the
builders laboratory in Philadelphia
fria a
machines will be shipped to Fort Myer,
where they will be set up and begin
jockeying for the final heats. Both
builders will have large tents. or aero
dromes. erected near the grounds in
which to house their machines. for the
trials will last 30 days or more.
The machines will be tested for dis
tance. speed, endurance and in every
other function requisite for serviceable
scouting ships in actual warfare. A
five.mile rectangular course will be
measured off, and commission named
by the war department will act as
judges.
The Wrights will receive $4,000 for
their machine, II II makes 40 miles an
hour. and 10 per cent. additional for
every mile better than that speed For
every mile under 40, a reduction of ten
per cent will be made down to 36
miles an hour, and II 1t falls below that
record It will be rejected. Herring is
to receive 100000. with the same
conditions OF increase and deduction.
But this is not the only big offer of
prize money for the successful air
ship. The Michelin brothers Of France
have offered 100000 francs (about
$52. 2.OOO) for n long flight of the aero
plane. In a letter to the president of
the Aero club of France the Nichelins
offer a cup and a special prize. to be
bestowed upon an apparatus heavier
than air which fulalls tie following
conditions:
Annual Cup-Each year before jan
uary 81 Except for the year 190S) the
Aero club shall fix the program Of the
contest, which shall close the first OF
January following. 1t shall decide the
dimensions of the track. the turning
points, the heights. ETC.. and all the
conditions under which the flights
will have to take place along the
track. which must be closed circle.
Tke. winner Is to be the flyer wtA by