Omaha daily bee., 1917-06-28
U-Boat or Airplane?
~ ~
BN Frederic J. HQSEtn
Washington, June 2s.-Will the U.boat OF

washington, june <o.-WHi llc C-uodt Vi
the airpane win the war;
So far the U-boat has had the advantage, ow-
ing to its ability to operate in all kinds of weather.
The airplane is handicapped by thick atmosphere.
Now, however, summer Is here, with long
stretches OF clear skies, afording excellent op-
portunity for flying Already the duel has be-
gun Vive + airplane
It is obvious that the side which develops the
greatest number of efficient airplanes is going to
have a considerable advantage. Indeed. the in
venton OF super-airplane by either side would
undoubtedly throw the victory to it. The air
plane has already accumulated various improve
nents during the war. 1t has added to its speed
and to its weght-carrying capacity, while it has
benefited by several changes OF engines and appa-
ratus At the beginning OF the war an aviator
could photograph the enemy at no more than
Obtained e,H lsiIs at ' 5000 @ and So0o feet. '' may
The United States in entering the war at this
stage has the benefit of the Allies three years
experience. We know, for instance, without fight
ing three years to find out, that the alrplane may
prove the decisive factor in the war. Thus the
sooner the United States can manufacture air
planes and get them over to Europe the nearer
the defeat Of the Germans. At least so argues the
National Council OF Defense, which is taking care
OF our military problems. Thousands OF airplanes
and trained aviators are to be part OF our con-
trbution to the war. 1t is estimated that the
French and British governments are each turning
States is going to turn out like number as
soon as the machinery gets going.
Even the National Council of Defense, how
ever, must await the action OF American demo-
cratic legislation before the plan may be put into
effect. There is no use getting impatient. Con-
gress must discuss the wisdom Of the measure
and prepare extensive reports before the legis-
lative machinery even starts. The president has
asked for six hundred million dollars for air
craft and someone is almost certain to oppose
the appropriation of such large amount. There
must be something left in the treasury for United
States postofhces.
Aside from the question OF helping the Allies
the United States needs aircraft. For long time
we have had practically none 1t must be re-
membered with pride that the airplane is an
American invention--or perfection. In 1908 the
Wright brothers took out patent on the first
practical heaver-than-ar machine. Subsequently
they offered it to the government for 100000
The government was not interested. The Wright
brothers therefore began to develop II on their
own account, incidentally acting as an inspiration
for the whole of Europe. By 1911 the large coun-
tries Of Europe all had their aerial fleets attached
to the armies, while the United States govern
ment was just beginning to realize sad mistake
Even then, however, no effort was made to
increase our aerial facilities. At the beginning of
the war we had three airplanes for the army and
three for the navy, but the atmosphere had to
be in unusually good condition before they would
work. AT the same time Germany ana England
had over 100 each.
Now, at last, in the third year Of the war, we
are waking up rubbing the sleep from our eyes
and suddenly discovering the enormous impor-,
tance of the modern airpane. A few months ago
the War department ordered few American army
officers to Canada. The officers went directly to
Borden, Ontario, where the Canadian govern
ment maintains one of its four aviation camps
The officers made notes on everything they saw
and then they visited one OF the Canadian techni-
cal schools. AS a result of what they learned
aviation has now been introduced into numerous
schools and universities which include the Uni
versites of California, Texas, Illinois, Ohio Mas
sachusetts, Cornell and the American Institute Of
Technology. Students taking the aviation course
are to spend six months learning the scientific
end of flying, its foundation and theories. Then
they are to enter government aviation camps.
So we are getting in line. The navy is expert
mentng with wireless by airplane and the coast
defense guard is planning system Of aerial coast
defense. American airplane factories are pre-
pairing to supply the government orders to
be shipped to Europe as soon as congress pro-
vides the money. We plan to have $4,000 air
planes, with aviators and mechanics, to send
against the Germans. We have set out to an
swer the question, "U-boat or airplane-which!'
in the right way.