The Washington herald., 1909-07-31

While the detachment OF the Signal
Corps doing guard duty at the barn Of
the Wright brothers aeroplane, on the
parade grounds Of Fort Myer, took a
little cat-nap yesterday morning about
daybreak. William Patrick Armstrong,
an inventor Interested in perfecting plans
for an improvement on the world-famous
machine. took a look at the biplane.
He saw what he wanted 10 see, and
came back 70 the city more than ever
satisfied that he has a plan for an
attachment that will bring the aeroplane
to the ground with the hghtness Of
touch OF a sea gull. in the event Of the
engine coming TO a stop.
He says II is a safety device, and Will
in no way add TO the buoyancy or speed
Of the aeroplane, but will add to the
value OF the invention. In assuring safety
TO occupants Of the machine, should the
ehgine stop, and n descent from high
altitude become necessary. Under ordi-
nary conditions tho attachment he says,
will prevent damage or injury to the
aeroplane and passengers In making a
landing.
Came to Washington.
William Patrick Armstrong IS a me-
cbanic who for nine long years spent
life OF hardships and adventures in the
Nome (Alaska) gold field. leaving that
section about seven months ago with his
share Of gold dust. He headed for Wash
ington 70 perfect an invention and or
ganize a company for its manufacture
and sale. In his purpose he was unsue-
cessfuL
Since he has been IN Washington he
las given much thought and study 10 the
Wright brothers idea Of a ACCOMPLISHMENTS
machine, and has not missed an opportu-
nifty to see those daring navigators Of the
air make their tests at Fort Myer. His
attention has been directed 20 an attach
ment for the aeroplane that will bring
it to the ground under all conditions bird
like.
After tossing In my bed all Thursday
night" said Mr.. Armstrong, revolving
plans IN my brain for the perfection OF
the attachment, between 3 and 4 o'clock
yesterday morning I jumped ont OF bed,
dressed. with 4 new thought in my mind.
and hurried toward Fort Myer.
My object was 10 get q close look ut
the Wright aeroplane. and I succeeded.
When reached the military reservation.
Il was a little after daybreak. A death
ike stiffness made one believe no could
ear himself think
II made my way toward the barn In
hich the aeroplane was stored and
{ iarded by the soldiers. but saw no one.
approached the shed IN which the ma
1ine Is stored and made a circuit OF a
! jrtiOn OF the building 70 see If I could
get a view Of the machine The door was
closed and all was quiet within.
when I had passed nearly around the
building. some one came out OF the door,
and approached the place where I was
standing. I moved away and passed
around the building. The soldier followed
as far the the door. which he entered
and closed. He, or some one else then
rponed ore of the windows. That was
lucky chance for me. I watched and
Fhen the man inside was not looking my
way, I got a view Of the aeroplane. Later
I went toward the front OF the building
and found the door partially open, and
got q fine view Of the front of the ma
the general principles Of construction.
Ordered to Leave.
Just then a soldier came out and de.
manded 10 know what was doing there
I told him 1 was only wandering around
He ordered me away and told me not e
come inside OF lines he indicated. I lef
and came back TO the city.
I'm convinced that from a close OBJ
servation Of the aeroplane that 1 have
a plan for an attachment that viii ado
much 20 its value and safety.
80 firmly am convinced Of the practi
cabllity Of my plans that yesterday after
noon I addressed a letter to the Wright
brothers. Offering to sign a contract &
build my attachment. under certain con
ditlons, and that II Il did not prove al
that I claim for Il II should cost then
nothing. I expect TO hear from then
tomorrow or next day at the latest, after
which I may have more TO say"