Los Angeles herald., 1909-02-13

enemy's stronghold when a vigorous attack
was made and their guns soon sllenceo. 30
overawed were the Paraguayans that IN a
few hours they sent in flag of truce and
the war ended.
With nv knowledge of construction and op-
Grafton of the largest globular balloon Dy
many times ever constructed and which Is the
strongest and best form, together with the
present light and powerful engine construc-
tion to go with them, should never again
think of directing artillery fire other tnan
that which the balloon itself could accomplish
with its tons cf powerful explosives and surer
aim under the system l have perfected 20
destroy fortifcation or fleet of battleshlps
navy yard to prevent new battleshlps
from becoming troubIesome-and do this while
entirely out of reach of land or naval ar
tiliery.
Fifty of these machines be built at the
cost Of one battleship, any one of which would
be worth for war purposes more than a
dozen of the largest warships ever built.
Since have already demonstrated by actual
tests that airships be made and operated
that can carry twenty tons and retain their
lifting force indefinitely "a year at least with
out reinfation), I could should occasion re-
quire it, build aerial warship in six months
that could be operated with such terrible effect
that it would fully demonstrate the necessity
of great international congress which could
successfully declare against wars of all kinds.
Aerial Navigation Useful
Then aerial navigation, which is now at
our doors, can be employed for the more legiT-
innate and better uses OF science, pleasure ana
commerce well as explorations now impos-
sible without an air navigating vessel that
can carry heavy weights and propelling ma
chinery.
cessful demonstration by the of aero
planes. This is a branch of air navigation
which first attracted my attention, and 1
have plans of such machine which L
sketched in 1857, which, when put in operation.
will prove successful has been proved by
a number of aviators, notably the Wright
brothers, to whom the greatest credit and
support should be given.
Since my first thoughts were put on paper
the box kite has been perfected. well as
very light internal combustion engines first
perfected for automobile use), and these two
machines combined are exactly what has SO
far enabled all aviators to navigate the air.
The Wright brothers we'll as that great
genius, Sir Hiram Maxim, according to recent
letters received from them, inform me that
they are working to improve and strengthen
the present mode of construction of aeroplanes,
while the design of my machine of flfty-two
years ago, in strength and efficiency, requires
no Improvement, and had possessed the light
powerful engine Of today the air would have
been navigated at that time.
Sees Great Development
These aeroplanes will have as many styles
and forms do wheeled vehicles of today,
and thousands of them will be in use to every
one of the heavy weight carrying balloons,
but their carrying capacity will always be
80
altitude Of the balloon will always be at its
mercy in times of war. The balloon, whenever
desired, can poise directly over the object 10
be destroyed and can never be reached by
shot or shell or aeroplane while the aeroplane
must keep in rapid motion and can hit no
object with accuracy without coming within
reach Of light rapid-hring guns.
Now if be permitted to digress from the
subject for moment, 1 would suggest a senti-
ment in which l feel that all members Of
the Loyal Legion the country over, as well
&c tha annIa ne tIa TT,fko
will heartily concur.
George Washington is justly known as the
father of his country. After passign through
innumerable great trials, during a long and
tedious war, with insufficient forces to sus-
tain him, victory at last crowned his efforts
and new nation was born with numerous i'm
perfections, which lasted with more or less
friction, however, until 1861, when God sent
Lincoln who wiped out the country's inher-
tied stains and established a NEW UNION
which is destined to last for all time as a
shining example to all the world
Therefore Abraham Lincoln, as the savior
OF his country, should at least stand on a
par with the great Washington, and the day
OF his birth be made national holiday by an
act of congress.
Not because it would make Lincoln any
greater in the eyes of the world but as a
duty which every citizen of the United States
owes to himself.
This epoch-making address on aero
nautics is being sent by Professor
quest that fund be established by the
federal government to subsidize and
encourage experiments in aerial nav
igation.
In most eloquent phrase and Ian
guage Companion Samuel H. French
responded to the toast Woman" tell
ing Of the struggles of Lincoln, whose
mother died when he was years of
age.
''The American Soldier was treated
in masterly fashion by Major John
A. Payne, U. S. 4.
Admiral o. w. Farenholt, U. S. NJ,
told in a brief review of the early
struggles of the navy and the needs of
the present navy of the United States.
THE M. o. L. L. u. S.: It's History
and It's Work. was treated by Colonel
w. R. Smedburg, U. S. A, recorder
of the order.
Old war songs were Joined in by the
entire assemblage Of guests Patriotic
selections were rendered at intervals
throughout the evening by the Alexan-
dria hotel orchestra, under the direc-
tion of r. J. AngeIotti. The banquet
and its appointments were under the
personal supervision of Assistant
Manager Joseph Reichl