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Aviation History
1909
1909 - 0042.PDF
JANUARY 16, 1909. CORRESPONDENCE. *#* The name and address of the writer (not necessarily for publication) MUST in all cases accompany letters intended for insertion, or containing- queries. ' , - , THE USUAL THING. ;, , 'To the Editor of FLIGHT. SIK,—I am sending you herewith a cutting from a leading London contemporary of to-day's date, in case it should have escaped your notice. Is it not disgraceful that such articles should find their way into the press? It is owing to this attitude that England was so far behind in the early days of the motor industry. As you are making a point of counteracting the habit of scoffing against this new industry, perhaps you might think it worth while to refer to the article in your paper. Yours faithfully, January 7th. - HOWARD T. WRIGHT. The following are a few typical extracts from the article in question—an article, by the way, which we are glad to see was promptly "exposed" in the Morning Post, the day after it had appeared in the evening paper :— " There is quite a boom at present in aeroplane matters. "Of course, it is always nice to see people enthusiastic about new undertakings in which they think they are interested. " Such indulgence in Utopian speculation may be amusing as a pastime, but, to my mind, it will be long before one can regard the aeroplane otherwise than as a means for experiencing a novel sensation. " The space an aeroplane occupies provides prohibitive limita- tions. It makes its use in large cities practically impossible, and more or less confines it to the parks and property of wealthy land- owners. Even in warfare, where so many important claims are made for the aeroplane, the low elevation of flight of the latter, and the excellent target the driver would make for the marksman, almost restrict the use of such an appliance to night time. "/ understand that the Aeronautical Society has acquired a stretch of ground of considerable area for experimental purposes. " No doubt during the coming year it will become fashionable to journey out there to witness experiments by scores of enthusiasts, many of whom will fail even to leave the ground." [As will be seen, there is a good deal of " I" about it, as well as much haughty patronage, for which the poor pioneer in a new field should, of course, be humbly grateful. But probably, in a similarly superior strain, ere long, when all the real hard work has been done, this self-same writer will be found graciously consenting to derive some pecuniary benefit to himself out of the valuable assets built up by those he now seeks to ridicule.—ED.] AN APPRECIATION. - To the Editor of PLIGHT. SIR,—I have just seen the first number of your new journal, FLIGHT, and would like to congratulate you on the happy selection of this name in connection with the important subject of aerostation. The word " Flight " is terse and comprehensive ; and, in pondering over the subject of flight, my mind reverts to the earliest recorded beginning of things : when " There was light." And in that marvellous account in Genesis of the sequence of Creation, each in order : earth, water, air, and the denizens thereof, we at last come to man, who had the power to evolve to a higher plane from his primitive condition as a defenceless creature, clothing himself with leaves and skins as a protection against the elements, cold and wet ; defending himself against the animal world. Onwards, through Tubal-Cain's time, devolving weapons and tools to provide his food, and requirements for tilling the soil and hunting wild beasts. Struggling with his fellow-men, each striving to gain what the other had laboured for. We trace his weapons from the Flint Age through various periods, in the shape of spear-heads, knives and arrows, with corresponding protection in shields and armour. Then comes "villainous saltpetre" explosives, mines, guns, citadels and ironclads, to the present century, when we find men armed to the teeth with Titanic weapons, both of offence and defence. Then, suddenly, we arrive at the dawn of another period—that of "Flight." And what may this not mean? Either universal destruction or universal peace. Clever writers, like Wells, have pictured horrors that cannot be contemplated of " flight " as a means of war. And Tennyson :— " Heard the heavens filled with shouting ; "And there rained a ghastly dew, From the nation's airy navies Grappling in the central blue." We, however, can hope otherwise; for in the Old Bcjok the Psalmist asks for " the wings of a dove " in order that he might be "• at rest." So, let us in this new year consider FLIGHT as the harbinger of peace and goodwill towards men. Wishing you every success with your new venture. I remain, yours faithfully, January 8th. HENRY EDMUNDS. PROGRESS IN FLIGHT. To the Editor of FLIGHT. SIR,—In Mr. Jack Humphrey's letter I read the words, "What of Voisin ? " May I still ask what of him ? Mr. Jack Humphrey seems very upset with him because he does not deliver some propellers he ordered, and then in the next paragraph says he can do, and is prepared to do, everything that they can in France. Why, then, does he not make the propellers himself, since he is prepared to make machines for other people in England, English made? I suppose a propeller is one of the little details they know more about in France ? Yours truly, J. T. C. MOORE-BRABAZON. AN ENGINE FOR MODELS. To the Editor of FLIGHT. SIR,—Referring to the letter of Mr. Eldridge in your issue of last week, it would be interesting to have particulars of your corre- spondent's requirements : power required, and how many cylinders, &c. Yours faithfully, Jan. 9th. W. O. S. P. S.—I am delighted with your paper. HOLYHEAD TO DUBLIN BY AEROPLANE. To the Editor o/" FLIGHT. SrR,—Mr. Wilbur Wright has succeeded in flying a distance of almost eighty miles. This is more than sufficient to cover the streak of water between Holyhead and Dublin, and the idea has occurred to us that a successful flight between the two places would excite an immense amount of interest, and incidentally afford an exciting experience to thousands of Irish people who would foregather in Dublin to see the first of those who attempt the trip successfully alight in the Phoenix Park. The idea, we feel sure, would prove attractive to aeroplanists, and if sufficient inducement were offered, no doubt Mr. Wright or some other flyer would make the attempt. We should be glad to contribute £, 100 to a prize fund to the first who accomplishes this feat during the year 1909, in the hope that other Irishmen, and especially those interested in the vitally impor- tant question of aerial flight, will join, and so provide a sufficiently alluring total. Yours, &c., MECREDY, PERCY AND CO., LTD. Motor News Office, Dublin. © © €> ® ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS- W.M. (Rotherham).—We will endeavour to take the matter up; and shall also be glad to receive details of your machine when you are able to furnish them. S.J. (Hirnant).—Any particulars you care to send us about your idea will be treated with strict confidence. We shall be happy to give you our advice and opinion. L. N. N. (Stockwell).—We note your views and will bear in mind your wishes. C.C. (Holloway). — We much appreciate your congratula- tions. Your letter has been forwarded as requested. H.H.G. (Putney)—Many thanks for hearty welcome. The time is, we fear, barely ripe for carrying out your suggestion, but at the same time we are fully mindful of our mission. W.O.S. (London, EC.)—We very much esteem your ex- pression of satisfaction. Any information concerning your own machine would be very welcome. ' 44
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