Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1908-03-17
NoIsELESs GUN Is HERE.
Maxin's Invention Terrifying In War
and Peace.

and Peace.
Hiram Percy Maxim, son Of Sir Hi
ram Mixim, who invented the machine
I granted patent for silent firearm,"
and this new weapon in the eyes Of
experts, threatens to revolutionize the
world Of firearms.
BY the device of the younger inven-
tor. now formally announced as fully
perfected the discharge Of rifle or
revolver is rendered practically noise
less. This possibility, combined with
| the use Of smokeless powder intro
duces a new factor upon the stage Of
warfare. The "silent firearm,' so mil
itary experts say, led to entire re-
equipment Of the armies Of the world.
In the hands of the sportsman, too.
the noiseless weapon offers possibili-
ties hitherto unknown. On the other
hand, If within reach Of the criminal
classes 1t presents a new and difficult
problem with which the authorities OF
the world may have to cope.
| ollih6'' 10 ~ 'hot tiiS
ern automobile should have been fac
tor in contributing this new weapon to
the world. Yet Mr.. Maxim, who resides
at Hartford, Conn.,. asserts that the
silent frearm" really was as accident,
resulting from his long and careful
study of the problem Of silencing the
constant explosions incident to the
running OF an automobile engine, for
the principle involved in the new wea-
pom Is similar to that made use of in
the automobile muffier, the report due
to sudden release of gases at the muz-
zle Of firearm when the discharge oc-
ours being prevented through the ac-
ton of valve which allows the gas to
escape gradually and with but slight
kissing sound.
The result Is obtained by means Of
~iston valve sliding across the bore
Of the barrel Immediately after the
bullet passes. This valve is actuated
entirely by the pressure Of the gases
themselves and is not operated by any
intricate mechanical device.
Preventing the gases from escaping
suddenly and provoking a consequent
loud report, this valve allows them to
issue gradually through a series Of
small holes thus obviating all noise ex-
cept slight kissing sound The valve
then resumes an open position and a
safety device prevents the firing Of an
other cartridge unless the valve is in
its proper place. Further. ammunition
Of various kinds may be used, ranging
from leaden bullets and ordinary gum
powder to forged steel projectiles i'm
PEELED by smokeless powder.
Military experts, apprised Of the new
invention, assert that 1t holds the pow
err to force revolution Of modern meth
DDS of warfare. BY the use Of this
noiseless weapon skirmishers could
work along an enemy's front and shoot
down pickets without their presence
being noted except on discovery Of the
slain. Sharpshooters would be anabled
to pick off their victims without re-
ports Of weapons betraying their po-
sitions. The extended front Of an en-
tire army carefully masked by under
brush or natural formations, might
even operate with tremendous execu-
ton before it's position could be accu-
rately defined by an opposing force.
Therefore. the force equipped with this
weapon would hold an initial advan-
tage overwhelming in it's possibilities.
In the world Of sport 1t Is held by
the inventor that the new weapon
would render it possible for a man.
properly concealed, to kill at his leis-
ure probably every deer in a surprised
herd, as no alarm would be sounded.
From his cover on shore man armed
with his noiseless gun might pick off
every bird in a flock without alarming
the lessening number to flight.
Because of its dreadful possibilities
in the world Of crime many police Of
ficials already have insisted that the
manufacture and disposal Of the new
device should be safeguarded by law.