The Washington times., 1909-10-28

rode Yesterday was at one time under
her control.
First Woman To Drive Machine
Even the spectators of the flight were
ignorant of the fact But the few mo-
ments in which Mrs Van Deman plotted
the machine gave her the distinction as
being the first woman in the world
to drive an aerOplane.
1T all produced such funny sensa-
ton I have hardly yet had time to
analyze it," said Mrs Van Deman Il
couldn't keep my feet still. and j
couldn't tell whether il was the jar Of
the engine that caused it or whether
was shiVering from the cold.
Perhaps both were responsible.
didn't mind this so much, for J. was
soon lost in the glorious feeling that
] was flying, flying through the early
morning air as bird when 1t awakes
and takes wing.
you cannot Imagine" she continued
what a beautiful sight it was that
stretched before as as we neared the
south end OF College Park. Wilbur
nudged me, and said, Look down
there. / looked. and ] shall never
forget the picture that greeted me
Scenic Effects Beautiful.
GAS far as We could see. in the direc-
lions of Bladensburg and Benning, the
earth seemed covered with gray man
lie OF course. it was the frost. But 1
have never seen frost sparkle so as
that did in the early sun. 1t rejected
back in our eyes as though we We're
sailing over field of diamonds And
still we sailed-sailed without a care or
a thought, except that il was good to
live and 10 be part Oh the WonuelIul
creation about us.
Then 1 understood why it is that
birds sing when they fly.
Again. Wilbur nudged me, and this
frs1 e-n-e re,sA II
the levers. I replied by leaning forward
a bit and taking both of them His
hands remained near IN case or an
emergency.
Feels Mastery of Air.
'sThere was no appreciate difference
after I took the levers. except that 1
began TO feel IN myself the power OF
mastery of the air.
I have never experienced such sat
isfactory feeling as came TO me then. 1t
was as If all the struggles of mankind to
master the air were eliminating their
enthusiasm OF victory in my thoughts. 20
1t is not difficult TO understand how
airs. Van Deman mustered the courage
10 be the first woman TO ride in an
aeTODlane in America She IS full OF
life and enthusiasm. She has tried most
every Out-of-dOor sport. and she has
mastered every one she has tried.
Known As LADY Jack"
In army circles she is known as Lady
Jack. This name has followed her
since she was lutte girl in California
where her father was a prominent miner
and cattle owner. The men who worked
for her father called her Jack be-
cause she was fond OF taking vigorous
exercise. Then. when she became older.
the title settled into Lady Jack the
only name by which she is known 10
her most Intimate friends
LADY -5sCk has two thorough bred
Jumpers stabbed in Washington and
rides most every day. Frequently she
goes as far as Great Fails, and has
taken q number of ffty-miie rides. Her
faVorite horse is Nedra, an animal that
had very vicious temper until Mrs.
Van Deman took him in charge and
broke him.
''Nedra takes me over hve-foot fences
without the slightest trouble she said.
Riding is my next fayOrite pasume TO
aerOpl ardBg. I can run an automobile.
too. but, then. i think autOmObiling is
tame compared with riding. You never