Arizona republican. [volume] (Phoenix, Ariz.) 1890-1930, 1911-08-20
KEENEST INTEREST IN
PROGRESS OF AVIATION

The keenest interest in flying is to
be found in Japan. where the govern
ment is now actively engaged in ex-
lperiments for military purposes" states
James c. Mars, the American aviator.
according to consular report of recent
date. In an interview given to the press
in London on his arrival from a tour
lof the world, Mr.. Mars said:
When we arrived in Japan. we found
several aeroplanes in disguise because
the officials did not understand how
TO manipulate them. After observing
our flights, however, they set to work
again, and when we left they were hard
at it. We sold them one aeroplane in
Japan which, we had reason to suspect.
was for the government. During our
tour we sold so Baldwin aeroplanes
Most of these were to private individu-
ais, though | believe the one sold at
Bangkok was for the king of Siam"
Great Britain is enthusiastic over fly
ing, although it has been somewhat
backward so far in going into the man
ufacture of aeroplanes extensively. THE
trouble with the development of the
aeroplane business in England is the
fear of capital to invest" writes Ben
jamin Chase. consul to Leeds THE
work being done generally is by men
of small means and in a small way.
but they are gradually getting estab-
lished. American concerns having
money at their command to come into
this field will find it profitable. as many
people are taking up aviation in York
shire and a strong aero club exists"
John l. Griffiths, of indianapolis.
consul general to London, says that in
terest in flying is increasing near that
city. During the first week in May. at
HendOn," he writes the state depart
ment. IAN exhibition was given to show
the uses to which aeroplanes could be
put in time of war, and especially to
emphasize the desirabi of their en-
ployment To locate the enemys position |
This exhibition was largely attended, !
and ascents were made by a number |
of members OF parliament and govern |
ment officials. Twelve machines were in |
the air at one time.
ITO illustrate the use of aeroplanes |
for dropping explosives, a 100-pOund |
weight was dropped three times from |
an aroplane at heights up to 500 feet |
and in each instance fell near the mark |
prepared In another instance two /
lighter missiles were dropped from !
height of 1000 feet with fair accuracy. |
The experiments in military reconnOis-
sance demonstrated. it is said that with
armies in the field observation by caro-
planes will play a very important part
in the operations of war"
Germany. France. Austria Hungary
and Belgium are all reported to be
greatly interested in the progress OF
aerial navigation. There are no less
than 100 establishments in the German
empire occupied with the construction
Of aeroplanes or of their motors" states
Thomas H Norton. consul to Chemnitz.
"Of these some AZ are devoted cx-
to the manufacture of motors
adapted for aerial navigation as well
as for marine purposes. In 46 estab-
Iishments, aerOplanes. or their parts
and accessories. are manufactured The
of both motors and COM
plete aeroplanes busies other works.
"Aeronautic interest in Germany con-
centrated itself at first on the con-
struction of airships of the rigid or
semi-rigid types. but only seven com
panies are occupied with the building
Of airships. These seven firms are
regularly engaged in the construction
IF recognized and well tested types of
lrigibles Two more will shortly be
added A satisfactory model of this
-ype has not been publicly exhibited.
although a fairly successful steel aero
plane has been introduced in France
South Africa, India, China, Mexico
md Ecuador have each had glimpses
If model aeroplanes. and Of these coun-
ries. China and Mexico have witnessed
exhibition flights by "birdmen." Ac- I
,ording to the American consuls, how
,ver. the natives take little interest in {
he progress of aerial navigation and {
many of them look on flying machines !
"a evidences Of Satan's handiwork." I