The Washington times., 1908-09-18
Lieutenant Killed in Aero
plane Accident Had Been
Ordered West.
HIS DEATH BRINGS
GENUINE SORROW
Army Man al Expert in Aero
nautics and Keenly Enthusiastic
Over Experiments.

One Of the saddest and most signih-
cant features Of the aeroplane tragedy
was the fact that Lieutenant Selfrldge
had 6iGden nearly all his friends in
Washington good-by- before he went up
IN the aeroplane.
Orders had come TO him in the morn
ing TO report at St Joseph. Mo, and
he was to have left Washington today.
Before going on the field yesterday. he
had packed his suitcase. He had made
g round of visits, bidding each Of his
friends farewell, and his grip was never
more hearty or his sr-ile more CHEEKY
He was on the field early, and was
Full of enthusiasm at the prospect Of
going No with Wright Just before
stepping into the machine. he took Off
his coat and campaign hat. handing
them to q friend with the laughing re-
mark. Il guess I won't need them UP
there" When the airship came smash
ing to the ground and the two men were
eXtricated from the wreckage. these
things came back to the young officers
friends with significant force
In every circle in which the young
OFFICER moved. expressions of genuine
SORROW at his death were heard today.
Army officers Give Tribute.
Army officers. scientists. and persons
In many walks OF life who had known
the young fellow, Joined in tributes Of
the most sincere admiration for him
and regret at his loss. Men who knew
him only slightly felt almost per
sonal sorrow in his death. and through
out the city the frightful tragedy is
being universally regretted.
Lieutenant Selfridge was tweutv-six
years old, and the enthusiasm Of his
years was put into his love for aero
nautics. He was regarded as one of
the foremost authorities IN the service
on aerial navigation. and in order 10
assist In tests by the Signal Corps. he
was detailed TO that branch Of the serv-
Ice from the artillery. He belonged TO
a FAMILY which has made its mark In
the nations history.
Inc young officer was a native Of San
francisco, and had intended following
in the footsteps OF others in his family
by entering the navy. He was appofnt-
ed an alternate. but the appointee passed
his examination. In 1899. he was an
pointed TO the Military Academy from
california and was graduated in 1903.
ard vas commissioned a second Iieuten-
ant in the artillery corps.
He was detailed 70 the Signal Corns
year ago, at his own request. in order
that he might participate in the aero
nautical experiments being made by the
War Department.
Nephew OF Rear Admiral.
Lieutenant Selfridge was a nephew Of
Rear Admiral Thomas o. SeIfridge. and
had an uncle who is an officer in the
army His interest in aeronautics began
several years ago, before the project
OF utilizing any sort Of aerial construc-
ton had appealed to the War Depart-
ment Two years ago the young officer
went TO Or. Alexander Graham Bell and
asked permission TO observe DR.. Bells
tetrahedral kite experiments at Cane
Breton. DR. Bell seemed highly pleased
az the Idea. and Lieutenant Selfridge
obtained permission from the War De-
partment-
The result OF the tests is a matter
OF scientific history. TIE keen knowl-
edge and enthusiasm OF the young Off
Ger won the warm friendship Of DR.. BeIl
and Lieutenant Selfridse was the first
person 10 be taken up in the kites. He
made number Of balloon ascensions.
the first being In army Signal Corps
balloon, No 10, last April, from the
gas works In Southeast Washington. He
made more than a dozen ascensions last
spring IN the aeroplane invented BY
Glen Curtis at Hammoadsport, n. Y,
and after Capt. Thomas Baldwin had
turned his dirlgible balloon over to the
Signal Corps at Fort NIyer he made a
number Of asceDsions in the balloon.
Expert at the Engine
These tests brought the young officer
even more prominently 10 the notice Of
scientists and the War Department, for
he proved to be as expert at the engine
as at the rudder.