Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-07-25
Believes Airship of Future Is
Not Yet Conceived.
THOUSANDS WILL PLAN IT
Aeroplane Possibilities Recognized
by Great Balloonist.
PAYS TRIBUTE TO DIR. ZAHM
Lieut.. Lahm Is Inspecting His Gas
Machine to See That It Answers
Specifications.

Capt Thomas S. BALDWIN,. one of the
pioneers in dirigible ballooning in this
country. and a veteran balloonist, Will
hold the attention of the aeronauts
throughout the world during the coming
month.
He has built the first dirigible for the
United States government. 1t will be
tried out before a board of army officers
at Fort Myer. Va. during the month OF
August AS this is the first step taken
by this government toward the applica-
ton of modern aeronautics to warfare,
although not nearly as far advanced as
other countries. otheer nations will watch
with interest the success Of these trials
as an indication of what the United
States government will do in the future.
Capt. Baldwin not only feels the re-
sponsibility which rests upon him, but,
in addition to having at stake con-
siderable sum of money invested in the
construction of his balloon. he desires to
be instrumental in demonstrating to the
people and the government of this ma
ton the vast importance of this newest
of all sciences and the advancement
that has been made
While confident of the ultimate success
Of aerial navigation. Capt. Baldwin does
not claim that his type of machine or any
other existing type will be the aerial craft
Of the future. His views are broad and
unlike most advocates of a certain type
of airships. he believes as much in the
ultimate success of the aeroplane as he
does in the dlrigible balloon or any other
type.
Unpacking His Balloon.
These views were impaired by Capt
Baldwin as he was experimenting the
unpacking of his dirigible in the balloon
liminary to the inspection of its parts by
signal corps officer. In speaking of his
airship Capt. Baldwin gave full credit
to those scientists and aeronauts whose
ideas and theories he has adopted in the
construction of his latest airship.
AS In everything else." said Capt.
Baldwin, so in aeronautics, a man fol-
lows system in working out his ideas.
And no two men use the same system in
endeavoring to solve the problem of aerial
navigation.
There are many ideas which 1 have
experimental upon, and others upon
which l will make further investigations
which have not Incorporated in my mill
fary dirigible for the army. owing to the
fact that the specifications had to be car
ried out and a machine produced which
could accomplish known results without
further experiments.
July l the Zeppelin dirigible balloon
made flight of twelve hours duration
In Germany This machine. one of the
best yet built embodies the ideas of but
one man. Count Zeppelin.
1T took a thousand men to perfect the
bicycle. Let a thousand men work on
the improvement of the dirigible balloon
and perfectly successful airship is not
too much to expect"
80 Baldwin Great Aeronaut.
Capt. Baldwin is one of the most ex-
perienced aeronauts in the country. He
bases his success upon the fact that he
has made study Of the theory as well
as the practice Of the science of aero
dynamics. Lincoln Beachey and Roy
Knabenshue. two Of the most successful
navigators of dirigible balloons. were his
proteges.
Baldwin is thoroughly familiar with
the theories advanced by various scfen-
fists and is an enthusiastic admirer Of the
late Prof. Langley, believing that the sue
cessful aeroplane will contain the practi-
cal application of many of Langley's
ideas.
II think" observed Capt. Baldwin.
''that DR.. Zahm of the Catholic University
knows more about the air than any OF
our scientists. o have followed his sug-
gestions with regard to the shape of the
gas bag.
what Mr.. Herring. one of the successful
bidders for a heavier-than- air machine,
will accomplish with his new aeroplane
Although he was associated with Lang
had original ideas"
Capt. Baldwin expressed his belief In
the ultimate success OF the tetranedral
cell idea upon which Prof. Alexander
Graham Bell is working.
While liberal in his praise Of the sue
cess of these who have given careful
study to aeronautical problems. Capt.
Baldwin is emphatic in his denunciation
of those who. without knowledge or ex-
perience. endeavor to deceive the public
with the idea that they can accomplish
things in the air which the most optimis-
tic aeronauts do not dare attempt.
1T is the failure of these men to make
good their rash promises which keeps
alive the skepticism Of the people as to
the practicability of aerial navigation"
was the comment of Capt. Baldwin.
Lahm Inspecting Balloon.
Lieut.. Frank P. Lahm. leading aeronaut
of the army. is today inspecting the vari-
GUS parts Of the Baldwin airship. which
arrived at Fort Myer Saturday and will
submit his report to Gen. Allen. chief
signal officer of the army, probably to-
morrow.
determining whether Capt. Baldwin's
craft fulfils all the requirements with re-
gard to strength. weight and stability.
Capt. Baldwin is confident that his ma
ments and Gen. Allen and the other sig
nal corps officers seem to be of like
opinion
Lieut. Lahm made an inspection of the
gas bag and other parts while in course
of manufacture at Hammondsport. n.
Y, last month His report proved salts
factory to the chief signal officer
The specifications for a dirigible bal
loon. published by the War Department.
and which resulted in Capt. Baldwin be-
ing selected as the successful bidder. are
exacting. They embodv the latest fea-
lures of successful dirigible balloons in
this country and abroad. While require
ments are severe. the specifications were
drawn up with all fairness to the in
ventors.
A preliminary draft of the specifica-
tions. which had been prepared in the
signal corps office was sent to the lead
ing aeronauts throughout the country
with request that they make any sug
gestions for the improvement of the
specifications. From the suggestions
made and with the cooperation of lead
ing authorities in aerodynamics residing
in Washington. the final form Nfor the
specifications was drafted Capt. Baldwin
will probably make the first preliminary
fight August !.
Would Witness Air Flight
NEWPORT. r. l.. July o5.-First Lieut.
-Prestioe-,