Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1919-07-22
America Must Not Lag

\ carrying through its program of economy
Congress has made one serious hlunder.
1t has refused to make adequate appropria-
tons for the further development OF aircra IT.
1t has failed to appreciate the value of this
agency iii peace time 1t has not been inn
pressed by the startling achievements OF the
transatlantic flyers or become conscious OF
the significance of these amazing leaps across
that vast body OF water. 1t has cut down
both the army and the navy appropriations
for aircraft work. and for year at any
rate this country must remain in the back
ground.
This surrender of first place in flying will
not be agreeable TO the great mass of the
American people The conquest OF the air
was an American accomplishment IT was an
American who first proved that hcavicr-than-
air machines could remain aloft. could ma
neuver aloft and be kept in absolute control
while thousands OF feet from the surface of
the earth. This defeat Of the natural law of
navigation has been matter OF intense pride
10 the country which staged ii and made the
rest OF the world acclaim ii 4 pioneer.
The war was fought in the air quite as
effectively as on land or sea. The machines
which were invented here became one of the
most deadly weapons in the hands of all
armies; Germany would have been victorious
if its enemies had not outstripped it in battle
planes. The war would not have lasted one
year ii Germany had possessed no aircraft
at all. The value OF these engines OF
offense and defense has been established be-
You'd all possible question. and if there is an
other conflict the chances are that il will be
waged in the heavens.
Since the war ended the great victorious
nations have turned their attention to the
peace possibilities OF flying craft. Two
heavier-than-air machines have flown across
the Atlantic. One dirigible has made SINH
lar voyage. 1t has been demonstra ed
definitely and significantly that this country
no longer can look upon the Atlantic as a
barrier against possible enemy. The Amer-
can coast line is now open TO attack from
the clouds attack. moreover that can
only be repealed by warships that navigate
in the air.
1t is not necessary 10 be an alarmist in
order TO realize the importance of keeping
abreast of the world in air control ANY
child might understand that if America is TO
protect itself in the future against possible
foes. it must be prepared 10 command the
supremacy Of the air above it: TO that end
the army and navy should be given the
utmost latitude in the development OF the
craft.
The fact that a great deal of money was
wasted during the on flying machines
is no argument against the expenditure of
further sums in that direction 1t is ad-
mitted by II interests that the original $64O,-
100000 appropriated for air fleet was
largely disspated. That water has passed
over the dam. Nothing is to be gained By
hroodng over il or by holding ii against the
War Department. 1t is the future that is
now 10 be provided for, TO be safeguarded
and 10 be looked 10 for results.
The present Congress has been niggardly
in dealing with this question, but the chances
are that the next Congress will not fall into
the same error. Public opinion will have
made itself felt by the time further appro-
priations are TO be made.