New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-01-21
Airman Plans Record IN
Race from This City
to Panama Fair.
SAFETY FIRST IS
SLOGAN FOR CONTEST
Army Corps Advice Needed for
Planning Routes Expense
Is a Big Item.
By GORDON BRUCE.

New York TO San Francisco in three
days.
II sounds like somewhat OF a dream,
but Walter T. Brock says II isn't By
way of explanation 20 those who do
not know OF him. 10 may be said that
Brock il the gritty little American
who won the three biggest aviation
events on the other side OF the pond
last year Competing with such flyers
as Roland Garros, the prize Of France,
Brock walked or rather few. of with
the honors in the London 20 Paris.
London to Manchester and the Around
England races.
Now comes Brock with the announce
ment that he will enter the trans-eon-
tinental flight 20 be promoted by the
Panama-Pacifc Exposition. tie has
hooked up with Captain Thomas $.
Baldwin, who said yesterday that
Brock would compete. whatever condi-
tons might be imposed. Also, the
captain confided 20 the writer that his
man would win.
In recent letter to Captain Bald
win Brock expressed his views on the
proposed fight. lie prepared seven
DAY schedule which he stated could be
accomplished by any experienced avi-
ator. and which would give the people
OF the country a good opportunity OF
seeing the birdmen on their long
trip. For himself. II the go-as-you-
please rule Is adopted. three days are
sufficient.
Birdmen Discuss Big Race.
The big race was the principal topic
OF conversation in aeronautical circles
yesterday. Each participator in the
various discussions had his own little
route and an ample stock of unanswer-
able arguments with which 10 back
/ it up.
General Thomas NJ Moore, in charge
OF the Eastern headquarters Of the eN-
position, was the man who gave out
the most genuine appearing stun, how
ever Here is the burden OF his re-
marks:
This race is going 20 be conducted
on the level. The conditions are going
20 be arranged from the viewpoint OF
the personal safety of the aviator
That will be the main consideration.
/ Next 20 that will be the feasibility OF
the routes selected. We want every
man TO have a chance.
There will DE no wire pulling on
/ the part Of individuals or cities who
seek 70 benefit by the event. No mat
ter how much money a town may be
willing TO put up in prizes. u VIII not
be incorporated in the list OF controls
+ if making il brings an element Of dan
ger to the man in the air.
General Moore went on 10 explain
that he and his associates were not
going ahead blindly In the matter, but
intended 90 take no steps without con
ferring with the highest authorities
on every phase Of the proposition.
Best OF all. he asserted, that without
I question there will be az least S2OO,GOG
/ for distribution in prizes.
Seek Plan to Aid Aviators.
How this will be apportioncd re-
mains 10 be figured out. The great ex-
pense TO which entrants will be sub
iected makes il desirable that n certain
part Of the money be divided into
number Of purses, which can be won
for various accomplishments en- route
Such a programme would enable me
men 20 pick up expense money as they
go along, and doubtless encourage en- .
tries.
The chief difficulty will be 10 induce
enough ayators 20 enter, In view OF the
fact that the plan provides for three
starting points. New York. Boston and
Washington. II is generally conceded
that no less than ten flyers should
start from each point, and AT present II
is doubtful If there are thirty men m
the country who are equipped, IN the
matter Of experience and machines, 20
make the fight with any hope OF sue
cess.
Also. in the selection OF routes. the
cooperation OF the aviation corps or
the United States army should be
sought. The military ayiators have
had the most experience IN cross
country flying and know what is 10 be
avoided. IL is one thing TO take the
air over an aviation field and cut up
few capers and another 20 fy thou
sand miles over mountains, rivers and
forests.
Air Routes a Problem.
The idea that because man has
flown a given distance without alight-
ing il can be counted on Is wild op-
timsm, and serious care should be
taken 20 insure routes where landing
places are plentiful and where supplies
can be obtained quickly. Therefore. u
devolves upon the promoters OF the
race 10 call the practical ayiators into
consultation before final plans are
drawn up. Routes laid out by tneo-
rists over the nuts and coffee are more
than likely 10 result IN disaster.
Probably the greatest value OF the
flight 20 the Pacific coast will be the
demonstration OF the aeroplane as
nail carrier. General Moore said that.
through the efforts Of Assistant Post-
master General Stewart. he has been
assured Of the cooperation OF the de-
partment.
A slight idea Of what such a service
would mean 10 some communities can
be gathered from the fact that there
are several places In the canyon coun-
try where an hours fight OF an acria'
mail carrier would save a stage trim OF
three DAYS. And with the POSSIBLE
ties OF ar aerial fighting reserve that
the possession Of postal aeroplanes
would present IL is believed that
successful demonstration By the trans
continental flyers would result IN IA
yorable action BY the government.
Prevailing opinion among experts
Yesterday was that all formalltles, such
as obtaining the sanction Of the Aero
liuu OF HWftlN4H anu p"0fAN~ WV ~ 80
money. should be the drst steps taken
By the exposition people.
Expense Is Heavy Burden.
II is going 20 cos. the entrants
good bit Of money 20 prepare for the
event. and the sooner they know what
there il 10 work for the better chance
they will have. A machine for such
trim cannot be secured In a week or
even month. Longheaded airmen will