The Washington herald., 1914-06-12
The Chariot Of the Air.
BY AIExANDER BLUME.

Less than decade ago the first actual flight OF
-than-air machine was made in this country
by two intrepid students of aerostatics Since that
time nearly 500 brave men have lost their lives IN
the consequent experimentation which led to the
development of the science of aeronautics. These
were lives laid down in the process by which man
masters the mysteries of fight and it will be due to
their sacrifice If the profession of aviator becomes
as normally safe that of the average worker.
Despite the tremendous mortality which has de-
vastated the ranks of the birdmen of the world the
number of aviators is increasing One marveis at
the seemingly foolhardy spirit that possesses these
men. The chances of sudden death are mutifold
and in the long it is almost inevitable but there
has been halt in the rush of asprants to the army
of aviators.
The aeroplane is delicate machine of canvas
and wires which the slightest break undue tension
will hurl to destruction. The perils of the gaseous
sea through which it navigates yet unknown; the
pilot has charts guide him in his course; danger
turks in the slightest gust of wind the momen-
tary hesitation of the engine is almost sure cause
of DEATH
But steadily goes on the work of rendering safer
and more stable the ship of the air. With fearless
hearts daily risking their lives in the testing
and demonstration of this work.
My friend the aviator is a college man of wealthy
family. He has taken to aeronautics through purely
unselsh motives and scientific tendencies, manifested
in his school days by love of this branch of physi-
cal science He has built his own aeroplanes, which
are considered models of skill and perfection.
One day he carefully inspecting his grace
full bplane, which stood before his hangar, spoke
to him regarding the perous character of his work,
but he did not seem duly impressed. He admitted
that who took to aviation were of necessity IA
tasts, but that thought of danger o death
while up in the air
"Pioting aeroplane" he explained demands the
utmost tension of mind and body the part of the
aviator He listens with intense concentration the
purrng of his motor endeavorng to detect the slight
est false beat He continually shift his planes
to adjust the angle OF fight compensate for
in the air to be encountered, through which you
drop like shot, and which constitute of the
gravest difficulties to be overcome.
Besides the pressure and density of the atmos-
pherc varies you know, waters and land; over
meadows and woods; open plains and inhabited
sections. 1t is hard struggle ofttimes to over
come the enormous pressure exerted the planes
and prevent yourself from forced landing. So you
will readily realize there is very little time to think
of possible contingencies"
He invited me for flight, and in spirit of
bravado / accepted The aeroplane was quickly in
spected. There opportunity offered for me to
retract, and resgning myself to my fate clambered
over the chassis and seated myself directly in the
center of the lower plane The engine started with
deafening rattle; my friend. clad in his tghttng
khaki helmeted and begogged, seated himself, and
at his signal the mechanics released the strainng
steed.
Swiftly it sped along the field for a few yards
and then left the earth. But experienced sink
ing sensation in the pit of the stomach is the
wont in fast elevator; only feeling of buoyancy.
looked down and Beheld the fields gradually falling
farther and farther away The aviator sat cool and
motionless, his legs resting on cross lever which
operated the back steering planes his hands clutch
ing two upright levers No conversation passed be-
the steady roar of the motor.
What wonderful exhilaration experienced
understand the thrilling joy of flying through the
air wings; the exquisite feeling one swooped
up down in long, gentle curves. I did not think
of any possible disaster-one only thought of the
pleasure of the flight Far below railroad en-
bankment; locomotive drawing long string of cars
rushed toward US: The engineer evidently whstled
to us, but though could see the blasts of steam the
roar of the whistle was lost.
The aeroplane tilted slightly veered round
TO begin return fight We had been travelling
against the wind, but now it at our backs and
we fairly flashed the ground. 1t seemed but a
short moment and the hangar we had just left hove
in sight. The aviator shut off power and in long,
beautiful glide, swooped down to earth coming to
stop within ten yards of our starting point So
gradual the angle of descent that l could not
tell the exact moment the machine touched ground
The history of aviation is touching one. 1t is
filled with rending events visions of aeroplanes col
lapsng in air and crashing earth bringing violent
death to brave and noble men; intrepid souls burned
to ashes by the explosion of fuel tanks dropping to
earth like birds pierced with bullets; thoughts oil
horrible and swift death throng through the mind
But the lure of flight; inherent in mans breast is
more powerful than the fear of his eshly body. The
Unsuitable craving to assume wings and emulate the
denizens of air is satisfied but being satisfied is again
felt.