The Chanute times. [volume] (Chanute, Kan.) 1897-1913, 1909-05-07
WILL MAN FLY SHORTLY?

aeronautlcs and along many dl1feren
lines OF experiment. A great dea
of money is available for the work
of investigation and trial and fol-
special successful flights. The
leading governments are spending
money on various devices, many
inventors are constantly at work on
aerial problems, and aero clubs are
active and well supplied with funds.
A field of research that commands
the interest of nations as well as of
clubs and individual capitalists, that
is both a form of public business
and fascinating fad, is certain to
move ahead until it takes an estab-
lished place in the affairs Of the
werld, or proves to be barren idea.
What balloons merely inflated with
gas may be expected to do is an
ascertained matter, and their de-
gree OF dirigibility is reasonably
we'll known. Attention at this time
is chiefly centered on heavier-than-
air machines provided with motors,
and combining the principles of the
plane and the screw. These may
dispense altogether with gas and
depend upon power applied to sur
faces adjusted to the air both as a
supporting and resisting medium.
Air machines with fapping wings
have an unfavorable record, and
those that rely on the screw to
ascend vertically and remain at
desired attitudes, as we'll as move in
the directions required, are as yet
bat theory. Aeroplanes are max
ing distinct headway, but Sc far are
unable to start wherever they may
step, and to this sxtent are helpless.
But aeroplanes are the lightest and
mes: Inexpensive form of flying
machine yet pat in working shape,
and military bureaus have them
under examination. War depart
ments have decidedly concluded to
give aeronavtlcs careful thought and
see in them possibilities that may be
momentous. Perhaps any air
machines range of action for hostile
attack may be smaR, but thls is a
matter of conjecture. The air is a
uniform clement around the world.
1t calls fer no bridges or winter
quarters. The roads are always
open and movements by night are
as easy es by day. Prudence de-
mands v;gilant study when any new
resource is seen for offeRSe or ia
vasion.
In some respect all motors are
related, whether designed to operate.
on land or water or in the air. A
few days ago an automobile of $50
horsepower in New York reached
a speed of los miles an hour
Steamships run .S2 miles an hour
with turbines and some that have
been contracted for will be equipped
with gas engines. Motors for flying
machines will advance in like manner.
Back of airshipG, steamships and
automobiles is the increasing inclina-
ton of n ankind to trsvelfrem place
to place and from climate to climate.
All that tends to international
amenity will promote this desire to
Alsee the world" and to hare ready
access to the most interesting and
a agreeable spots. Mankind wishes
to be in motion both for business
and pleasure. InvsntOrs are con
WINGED that flying machines are fea-
sible. 1t can be said with scarcely
any reservation that they are now
practically assured. Eventual forms
are unknown. Some discovery may
a, any moment make human fight
in the air a simple and commonplace
natter. But if it must be complex
70 some extent there is no doubt
that the best methods will be found
and popularizsd for everyday life
Globe-Democrat.