, 1912-07-24

indicates the closeness of the relation he.
tween the two. Together they studied. ex.
perimented, invented, and dared. Each has
an equal claim to be called "the creator
of the aeroplane," "the Edison of the air,
the foremost figure in aviation" and even
"the first man to fly" for although it is cur
rently reported that it was Wilbur who first
actually rose in an engine-driyen, heavier.
than-air aereplane, the brothers would never
make q positive statement to that effect.
Wilbur was the elder-he was but forty-fve
years old when he died last week-and pro.
badly he was the leader in scientific investi-
CATION, while Orville may have been the
more active as an experinenter; but they
worked as a unit, and together they evinced
determination, reticence, persistence, and
audacity. Wilbur Wright was the son of q
Bishop of the United Brethren, and O high
school gave him his only nominal edu-
cation, although in the true sense the broth
ers carried on their Own education with
continuous Notwithstanding and study
ing intelligently in ma themat cs,science, and
engineering. They were printers aud then
bicycle dealers, but in ca h business they
were inventors also. Twelve years ago or
more they became intensely interested in
the experiments with air-gliders then carried
on by Professor Langley and others, aud
at Dayton, Ohio, began to make and "try
out" first kites, then gliders AS with all
great inventions, others were trying for the
same end several American and French
e~xperimenters were closely nearing practical
results but 1T is coOcedel that the fights
of the Wright brothers at Kitty Hawk,
North Carolina, in 1898 with o twelve-horse-
power motor a~eroplane formed the first real
success of a practical air machine; the first
fight covered half a mile in ifty-nine Sc
conds. Next came their invention of warp
ing planes, by which the making of dir
curves and safe steering became possible.
How the Wrights ever survived the stage
Of early experiment Is often q matter of Won
der. The answer is found IN their character
they proved their scientific theories TO the
last point they were always courageous,
never reckless. Their latest experiments,
the precise result of which is still in ques-
ton, were directed toward the acquiring Of
safety ana stability in aviation the one
thing absolutely necessary to put the
art on a thoroughly practical basis. One
series of experiments ia North Carolina
last year is reported to have shown in
actual practice that their new stabilizer
or eqailibrator could hold the a~eroplane
still in the face Of Il gale. What this means
IS only too plainly shown by the long list
of deaths of a~viators. This leads directly
to the fact that unstinted praise should be
accorded to the Wrights because they have
been O conservative influence in the field Of
aviation; by precept, ex ample, and by com
mand when they had the right to command,
they have fought against the Eecklessness of
performers who have dared death in unnec-
essary feats to thrill spectators at a show.
Personally Wilbur and Orville Wright have
been true Americans of q type of which we
may all be proud; quiet and unassuming,
they have taken the honors due to their great
achievements modestly, and have acted with
self-respect and dignity. There is no more
brilliant chapter in the record of American
uvention-long and noble rs that record is
than that which tells of their marvellous
conquest Of the air. = Ou1ook. .June 8th,