The Wrangell sentinel., 1917-11-22

hundred miles of coast line guarded by one aero. At this rate 5000 machines would be required each coast, 1000 at the lowest estimate. Compared with European powers now engaged in martial struggle Uncle Sam's present air fleet is insignificant. Are we then to be surpassed in this timely industry?
 The most effective answer U this problem according to the American code, is to build aeropldnes. " In 1900 we had 700 automobiles in the United States, in 1916, 3,ooo,- 900, this years output will add consid derabl e to the sum total. It is reasonable to suppose that a nation that does not consider impossibllities may set a pace in aeroplane manufac- ture hitherto unknown to the world. The first frtiits of the increase should be stationed as Admiral Perry suggests.
 The advantages of such prop- osition are all too obvious. With wireless equipment for each aero, a foreign foe approaching either coast would be discovered at some distance and alarms would vibrate along the arteries of military actiy- itv to the center of administrative power. Across the Atlantic the slow gains made by advancing trenches could be multiplied if a sufficient air force were steadily employed. A consistent campaign organized with invasion in view waged with a formidable array of aircraft would aim at internal action and perhaps ultimately des. troy the nunition storehouses of the enemy.
 To accomplish either of these practical suggestions a substantial air fleet must te created. The need of this power for defense has al- ways existed and now that we are conducting offensive measures modern war machines are essential tor early success. For our living ships we therefore demand mater ials and turn our attention to the most important of these, wood required for structural basis.
 For this purpose long list of North American native woods are found wanting when subject to trial. They fail to furnish the elasticity required or they are lack ing in the the strength test pecu- liar to aeroplane needs. The white spruce, especially the variety which the Alaska coast produces, has furnished a solution 10 the problem that confronts every builder lf aircraft
 Sitka spruce, as 1t is sometimes called, being inured to these lati- tudes, adapted to the rocky soils wherever the Pacific influences the north coast, is freely distributed throughout Southeastern Alaska, Whither commerce drives her legions to seek out and attack 1t. Whether on island or mainland it cannot be long secure from the pa- irons of the forests. That there are six creeks, three islands. two capes and a point, bearing the name Spruce, each endowed perhaps, by different discoverer, is none the less significant, if it is CO., incidental.
 Zarembo, Admiralty, and kuiu Islands have kept mill machinery at work for many Years, A new mill on the West Coast of Prince of Wales Island recently entered the competition with contracts for aeroplane timber in view. Quan. titles of desirable trees are being found in new sections but the market continues to remaln firm as the demand is increasing daily. The Wrangell Mill retains an or der which calls for as much spruce (selected) as they can supply, at h~,