rate of 127 miles an hour. That was accomplished by Marriott in a
racing automobile at Ormond Beach in 1906, when he went one mile in
28 1-5 seconds. It is doubtful, however, were it possible to achieve
a rate of 300 miles an hour, that any human being could resist the air
pressure at such a velocity.

At any rate there can be no question as to the aeroplane attaining a
much greater speed than at present. That it will be useful there can
be little doubt. It is no longer a scientific toy in the hands of
amateurs, but a practical machine which is bound to contribute much
to the progress of the world. Of course, as a mode of transportation
it is not in the same class with the dirigible, but it can be made to
serve many other purposes. As an agent in time of war it would be more
important than fort or warship.

The experiments of Curtiss, made a short time ago over Lake Keuka at
Hammondsport, N.Y., prove what a mighty factor would have to be reckoned
with in the martial aeroplane. Curtiss without any practice at all hit
a mimic battle ship fifteen times out of twenty-two shots. His
experiment has convinced the military and naval authorities of this
country that the aeroplane and the aerial torpedo constitute a new
danger against which there is no existing protection. Aerial offensive
and defensive strategy is now a problem which demands the attention
of nations.




CHAPTER II