The San Francisco call., 1909-11-14

cents per ton mile, but by their gasoline trucks
at to cents per ton mile
Furthermore and coincident with the development
of macadamized state roads, commercial houses will
equip their drummers with autos.
Automobiles will become cheaper smaller. simpler.
That is already the marked tendency along lines of
manufacture. Now the greater problem is reduced
cost of maintenance. This problem centers around
tire expense A cheaper. perhaps better. substitute
for rubber must and will be forthcoming. No pas
senger automobile of the future should cost more
than $500
But the future of automobile manufacturing the
greater future by far lies along building of heavy
freight trucks Those of the present day. particularly
in this country very crude, unwiedly expen-
sve operate. With their perfection may expect
their general in the country towns large cities
Freight traffic in the big cities eventually be
handled in long haus by subways. And the passenger
subways of today will then give place moving plat
forms, also underground, of course.
Shrinking of the Globe
All this mode of development has to do with the
shrinking of the earth. Distances everywhere within
the Cities throughout the states, the continent
around the world, must be shortened. More work.
more speed, results must be crowded into the
short days There must be delay of distance on
land water.
Already we have trains that enable a broker or
New York and Chicago, and the newest grey
hounds are getting Europe and America nearer to-.
Sether hour by hour. as
But after land and water-what? Why the con-
quest of the air. 1t has already begun
Aeroplanes will in time be common as are auto
mobiles today but the sphere of these heavier than
air machines will be restricted in all probability
very light passenger traffic and short flights. 1t is
certain however that they will be greatly improved
of Spee nd is al
these improvements may their field useful
THE aeroplane of today" says designer and in
ventor has proven that flying machine is prac-
ticabe thing, but that is all. Now must perfect
them
First of all, the friction surface must be greatly
diminished AS parallel illustration take the de-
veopment OF the hydropane boat from the steamship
The latter is broad and bulky presenting large frc
ton surface against the water The hydroplane when
at top speeds miles hour. has already been OBJ
! tanned and 60 miles is possihle-is elevated clear
out Of the water and rides small planes.
"The aeroplane OF today is altogether too broad
and clumsy Why not get rid of all this unnecessary
friction surface and make them narrow. have In
mind ribbon style, which will allow the machine
to be heightened or shortened wil-in other words.
furled liked SAIL
'Aeroplanes then will compose the mosquito fleet
of the future the heavy and freight traffic
of the skies will be carried by airships.
They, too. will be greatly changed. The gas bag
will be longer, more slender and sharp pointed at the
ends that the air will hasten instead of retard its
progress at present by resistance in front and by
suction behind Air will be used in central compart-
ballast and the propeller will be stationed
along the sdes like the side wheels of old fashioned
steamboats,
"shall we have Mauretanias of the air? Why. yes.s
I look to see arships 1000 feet long, with heavy
passenger facilities and speed attainment of at
least 60 miles an hour That will bring Europe
within 48 hours travel of this country. Perhaps the
entire commerce Of land and sea Will also eventually
be handled by these air monsters.
Really the problem of their practicable construc
ton is not so difficult the building of docks to hold
them. They are safe enough in their own element
the air. They beat 40 mile wind and make
it harmless But. how to anchor them-that is the
greater question. s.s ks
NOW you may take another step forward. From