The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1924-07-14
By ADMIRAL w. r. FULLAM,
U. S. N. (Retired).
Eminent American Naval Authority.
Copyright 1924. by International
News SerVtce,)


Copyright, 1924 by International
News Service.)
1t is we'll that the progressive,
patriotic and business men of the
United States are beginning to
realize the vital importance of air
navigation. 1t is not too much to
say that the whole world is today
awakened as from a profound sleep
by the rising and dazzling light Of
air power.
Under the auspices of the Ma
tional Aeronautic Association, the
writer of this article, during the
past two years, has visited forty
five cities in every section of the
United States, addressing chambers
of commerce, business mems clubs,
educational institutions, and other
gatherings of interested men and
women with the object Of empha-
sizing the commercial advantages
of air transportation, air mail, etc,
not only as an element in our
daily business and peaceful home
routine, but as a much needed re-
serve air force for national defense.
Support Is Found.
In every one of the forty-five
cities visited there has been intelli.
gent and enthusiastic appreciation
in the coming of this new era. Men
and women, everywhere. give ex-
preston to strikingly original con.
ceptions Of dominating power
that is so rapidly rising above the
worlds horizon. One of many
examples of the layman's CONVEX.
sion to aeronautics is found in the
remarks Of a prominent citizen Of
one of our western cities in intro
ducing the writer, who was 20
address the chamber of commerce:
He said, in effect:
"A new ocean has been dis
covered 1t is far bigger than the
Atlantic, the Pacific, the Indian or
the Arctic oceans. 1t covers them
all! 1t flows over every continent.
it envelops the whole world. 1t is
the Ocean of the air. And on this
new and greatest OF oceans ships
of all kinds, big and little; levia-
thans and small vessels, passenger.
mail and freight boats; yachts and
pleasure craft are now beginning
to navigate. In peace and in war,
this modern system of transporta-
ton must inevitably become
powerful factor in the daily life of
every country, and an everpresent
influence in international and inter
continental relations the world
over"
1t would be difficult to paint n
truer picture of the future of air
navigation! The army, the navy,
the civil departments Of our GOV
eminent, the Congress, and the
country at large, may well stop,
look and listen. The wide-awake
man on the street" is at once
sounding an alarm and intelligently
leading the way. We have only to
follow!
Practical Situations.
There is no need Of exaggerated or
sensational statements in preaching
the gospel of air power. Jet Is
very briefly review the trend toward
practical, useful business aeronautics
today in different parts of the world.
We pass over the triumphS Of
American aviators during the past
five years in winning world records
and in navigating every ocean ana
every continent, as our gallant filters
are now doing on their homeward
flight around the globe. 1t is the
strictly practical aspect of the mat.
ter that must be kept in view.
The trans-continental air mail
service is now assured. The lighted
zone from Cleveland to Rock Springs,
Wyo., illuminated by lighthouses
and beacons totalling 100000, 900
Cundle power, brings the coasts with.
in thirty-four hours of each other
No sooner is this service started
than we find that cities in every
State are clamoring to be linked to
this cross-country line. No city will
long accept any other mail servi 20.
lrter-city flying everywhere to carry
mail, lightweight merchandise and
passengers must soon develop. Our
business men will demand it.
Americans will not be content to
be left behind the rest of the world.
They note that all the capitals of
Europe are now connected by com
rnercial air lines, England is nro.
lecting both airplane and Zeppelin
lines to India and Australia. Holland
is thinking of an airship line to
Java. Spain is dreaming of a sim
liar line to Argentina.
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