Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1926-07-28

Continued from First Page)
that his talk with the President was
to acquaint him with the results OF
the experiments the Fords have been
conducting during the past year In
commercial aviation. He stated that
their results have convinced them that
the large, heavy monoplane operated
nv three motors is the most satisfac-
tory for everyday commercial use. He
had figures to show the President
that. while the cost at the present is
yorobab bly, in excess of the smaller
planes. the practical results are worth
the difference in cost. He pointed out
also that the durability of the large,
three motored plane makes it valu-
able adjunct in the event OF war. It's
carrying capacity and it's speed and
endurance. according to Mr.. Ford's
figures, single 1t out at this time AZ
the really practical plane for COM
mercial use.
Demand Will Cut Cost.
In his opinion the reduction In the
cost of airplanes for commercial and
civilian use depends upon the demand
for them. There has been noticeable
increase in the interest in commercial
and private aeronautics. He attrib-
uted much of this increased interest to
the Governments establishment OF air
mail routes. The Government, Mr..
Ford stated, has done much to en-
courage manufacturers to enter this
field.
The airplane which the Fords have
been experimenting with during the
past year. and for which figures were
etao 10 nf0
costs $37. 900. 1t has n speed OF 100
miles an hour and has cruising
ability equal that of the plane used
by Comdr. Byrd in his recent Arctic
flight 1t can carry one ton of use
full cargo. and by means of it's three
motors 1t Is infinitely more servicea BILE
and is afer. The machine is made of
| metal, which material Mr.. Ford told
the President has been found to be
more practical for this purpose.
While discussing the possible reduc-
ton In costs Mr.. Ford pointed out
that even at this early date the cost
could be reduced more than % per
cent If 100 planes were contracted for
at one time. He was unable to predict
just how long 1t would be before the
demand for planes would be sufficient
ly large to bring about mass produc-
ton such as is the case now in auto
mobile manufacture.
Interested in Commercial Aviation.
Mr.. Ford gave the impression that
the President was interested princi-
pally in the general interest being
! manifested throughout the country in
commercial aviation, and in the re-
suits of the experiments Conducted
during the past year by the Fords
The question of the airplane as an
important part of the national de-
tense was discussed during this con-
ference. While Mr.. Ford did not at.
tempt to predict that the airplane
would eventually overshadow the
battleship as the principal arm of de-
Tense, he did say that 1t is now a
most important factor, and that its
Importance as weapon of warfare Is
ra pidly increasing. The general bust
ness condition of the country was
touched upon. Mr.. Ford told the
President that reports received from
his agents and statesmen in all parts
of the country indicate prosperity pre-
walls practically everywhere over the
land. According to Mr.. Ford, there ia
no lack of prosperity in the so-called
corn.belt section OF the country. where
the agriculturists are pictured as be-
ing i'm serious financial straits be-
cause of the refusal of the administra-
ton to permit the enactment of radi
cal farm relief legislation.
Mr.. Ford was accompanied by his
wife. They left after luncheon on a
motor trip through Mslne.