The Washington times., 1914-06-23

that they are a fine lot of chaps. al
ways ready with suggestions when
asked for and showing an understand
ing of the subjects they are asked TO
cover" Il am told that is the right
world that reflects creditably upon
their educations and mentalities. | am
free 10 say that / think manv of the
American newsp2permen and their per-
sonalities and methods might be copied
with profit in my own country.
Poem BY Dr.. Zahm.
am mentioning these matters be-
cause they were brought to my mlnd
by the big number of correspondents
on hand. There are in this little city
representatives. I am told. from Ill
the big New York papers, from Boston.
Philadelphia, Buffalo, Chicago, Cleve-
land, st. Louis, Montreal. Toronto.
and other places, and there were two
from London-representi the Daily
Mail. which is offering the prize of
$4,000, and the Chronicle.
To get back 10 the christening. Miss
Mason delivered a recitation that
was written for the occasion by DIR.
4. F. Zahm of the Smithsonian In
stitution at Washington, a noted
authority on aeronautics. 1 print 1t
herewith:
Majestic courser Of the sea and air.
Within this ample hold
Two nsviGators Dold.
The Atlantic Main abridging. are 10 bear
Glad greetings from the New World TO III.
Peace herald Of the century.
America l Chrcsten thee.
Proud billows Of the imperious ocean
Salute thy bow with Gentlest motion.
And while within this double wing
The unerrinG motors truly SIM.
NAV all the powers of the atmosphere
Sustain and speed thy glorious career.
Ae the boat was christened. the CurtIss
flying boat used for instruction purposes
on the lake went alOft. and in the
capable hands Of Mr.. Wildman, the
and turned and twisted several thou
sand feet above our heads. Some read
good omen in that. II my craft be-
haves as well l, too. shall believe in
signs.
My article. | think. has pretty we'll
covered the outward and public end
of the launching. As regards technical
details I should tell the men who have
shown such A deep and kindly interest
in the undertaking that one OF the
radiators reached the shops IN time to
he put in place. The other was de-
layed. but temporary one was put IN
place and will do quite well for the
trial fights.
II had been announced that the
wings were to be given a temporary
covering. which was to be replaced be-
fore the actual flight by the tinc Jap
anese silk. specially treated. that was
ordered for the craft. II reached the
works in such good time that It was
decided to put II on at once. Three
Coatings OF 'dope'-the technical term
were applied to II. and II is as firm and
resilient as a drumhead.
But ! regret TO say that my missing
instruments from England have not Yer
turped nm 7 tried out the SDerry drift
measuring instrument, and found II
cutie satisfactory This Is the machine
upon which l am relying tc tell me
how far am being driven odt or my
compass course by the winds. so that l
NAV readiust my course accordingly.
However with my specially designed
compasses. | believe that ! will have
rcGuced considerably the difficulties or
aerial navigation which Is tn" great
problem tn be- solved in such fight as
! am undertaking.
CCopyright BY Press Publishing Company