Metropolis weekly gazette. (Metropolis, Ill.) 1???-19??, 1918-08-16
CHINESE FAD BRIGHT IDEA
However. Didn't Win Any
Approval From Aviator.


Approval From Aviator.
After completing his service in the
United States army Che enlisted in
1900. Raoul Lufberry roamed over
Japan and China and India. During
his travels he ran across an airplane
exhibition flight in Saigon. Marc Pour
pc, the famous French trick flyer. was
! transforming in the far East. lie gave
Iufhery employment rs mechanic, and
thus occupied in new and fascinating
pursuit, Lufbery continued his air
plane education for three years under
Pourpe. The experience lasted until
the beginning of the great war.
While performing in China the two
aviators We're struck With the unusual
warmth of their welcome and the re-
peated invitations they received ito
prolong their stay. They were over
Whelmed with gifts as well ~ with
praise, and received many marks Of
royal favor.
Their hosts examined The strange
bird again and again, received The IN
Ineligible explanations o. its mirac.
ulous flight made measurements and
drawings. ana exeitedly discussed the
problem with one another, while file
two foreigners examined the new gifts
that had been lavishea upon them.
Finally tie secret o. this prolonged
hospitality was out. Pourpe and Luf-
berry were conducted in state To II
neiellboring city. where The Chinese
experts had all This time been con
structing their first airplane. Ii was
Jar more marvellous to the airmen than
Was the original.
Upon approaching the inclosure the
aviatorS saw the admirng populace
roil back, disclosing to view a gorge
Gus spectacle--the first Chinese air
plane. Stepping nearer to study the
magnificent creation they heard the
subdued roar Of the engine above the
riotous clamor Of foreign tongues.
Politely examining the framework
and multicolored fabric. they found
the spars. struts and flooring to be
constructed of light bamboo. The
beautiful fabric was of the lightest
tissue paper.
The roar of the engine continued.
Placing an ear against the engine
hood, Pourpe tried to fathom this mys-
terry. The propeller stood motionless.
a splendid production of highly pol
ished teak wood and mahogany. but
undeniably Indifferent to the healthy
manifestations of engine power with
in. Several coolies anchored the inn
patient machine TO earth By holding
desperately TO its framework with all
their might.
The crowd was pressed back and
the airman cordially invited to climb
into the seat He demurred politely.
and inquired. with gestures. as To the
character of the motor and the fuel.
And could he examine the spark
plugs?
The engine hood was reluctantly re-
moved. \ huge swarm Of angry bees
was buzzing madiy within the glass
cage, rivaling in the intensity of their
fury. the noise Of POurpe's own power
ful motor. The Chinese had estimated
conscientiously the amount of weight
that could be carried by one bee and
after carefully weighing the new air
plane their mathematical experts had
inclosed enough bees TO carry the
whole weight. adding few extra bees
10 give n small margin of extra horse
power for emergencies.
But Pourpe was dissatisfied with the
soundness of these arithmetical caclu-
lations and declined To fly, much TO
the disappointment Of his new friends.
Laurence Lii Tourette briggs ia Cen
fury.