The Washington herald., 1917-07-30
AEROPLANE TO WIN
AN ENDURING PEACE
Senator King Thinks Balance of
Power Rests in Air.
BY WILLIAM =. KING.

4 OHNA Ah~~NS -
BY WILLIAM ii. KING.
Unlted States Senator from Utah.
written for the Internation News
Service.
Within a few weeks, my son. Paul
P. King, will be flying over the
trenches in France. / hope he will,
at least; I say hope" for 1t Is the
boys ambition, and want to see
that realized. He is only 2 years
old. He resigned from the National
Guard of his home State with the
prospect Of a commission in the regu-
lar army to enter the Aviation Corps
Of his country. 1t is a perilous under
taking which he is about to begin.
had no objection when he told me
of his wishes. / want him to serve
his country and I want him to serve
1t In the way which will bring the
most effective and quickest results.
Ny one reason for projecting this
personal affair into this article Is to
emphasize my assertion, when say
that / believe aeronautics to be the
decisive factor of the war.
have been greatly interested in
the subject Of aeronautics for a num-
Der of years, because ] realized that
the flying machines would become an
important factor in wars among ma
tions.
OF course, 1t is apparent TO us now
that Germany's most powerful wea-
pom is her cruel and frightful under
sea offensive. She has violated the
principles Of international law. and
has carried on the most brutal and
barbarous policy, both on land and
sea, against helpless, inoffensive nom
combatants, neutrals, hospital ships
and Red Cross units.
Huns Build AIrshIps.
There is no question that Germany
is building a large number OF air
ships with which to continue her pres
ent methods OF warfare. 1t is OBJ
vious that the allies and our nation
must meet the clouds Of deadly air
craft with which she will assail armies
and navies as well as towns and the
helpless people therein. 1t may be
that the success of the war will be
settled by the clashings OF mighty
airships far above the blood-soaked
fields Of Flanders. Important as 1t
is that we send men and ships across
the sea, 1t is more important that
we build quickly and send to the
front at the earliest possible moment,
aeroplanes OF the greatest speed end
the highest degree Of perfection.
I was delighted with the attitude
OF the President and those having
the war in charge, when they urged
an immediate appropriation for air
craft and for preparing men to han.
die them. / have no doubt that the
aeroplanes, built by Americans and
manned by Americans, will contribute
materially to the victory which must
come over the Prussian forces with
whom we are at war An aeroplane
well handled Is as valuable TO US
as a regiment: the commander-in-chief
OF the army and his subordinates are
appreciating the needs Of the hour,
and. in my opinion, are discharging.
with fidelity and ability. the great
responsibilities resting upon them.
This war will be won by the United
States and our allies and an honor
able, enduring peace will result; and
in this contest. the aeroplanes and
the brave men who operate them and
who will be called upon to sacrifice
their lives. will be the factors OF
the highest Importance in this stu
pendous conflict.