Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 177, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 6 August 1918 — CHINESE HAD BRIGHT IDEA [ARTICLE]

CHINESE HAD BRIGHT IDEA

Attempted Reproduction of Machine* However, Didn't Win Any Approval From Aviator. ;

After -completing his service in the United States army (hfe enlisted In 1907), Raoul Lufbevry roamed oyer' Japan and China and India. During his travels he ran across an airplane exhibition flight, in Saigon. Marc Pourpe, the famous French trick flyer, was barnstorming in the far East. He gave Lufbery employment as mechanic, and thus occupied in a new and fascinating pursuit, Lufbery continued his airplane education for three years under Pourpe. The experience lasted until the beginning of the great war. While performing In China the two aviators were struck with the unusual warmth of their welcome and the repeated Invitations they received to prolong their stay. They were overwhelmed with gifts as well as with praise, and received many marks of royal .favor. Their hosts examined the strange bird again and again, received the unintelllgtble explanations of its miraculous flight, made measurements and drawings, and excitedly discussed the problem with one another, while the two foreigners examined the new gifts that had been lavished upon them. Finally the secret of this prolonged hospitality was out. Pourpe and Lufbery were conducted in state to a neighboring city, where the Chinese experts had all this time been constructing their first airplane. It was far more marvelous to the airmen than was the original. , Upon approaching the inclosure, the aviators saw the admiring populace roll back,, disclosing to view a gorgeous spectacle—the first Chinese airplane. Stepping nearer to study the magnificent creation they heard the subdued roar of the engine above the riotous clamor of foreign tongues. Politely examining the framework and multicolored fabric, they found the spars, struts and flooring to be constructed of light bamboo. The beautiful fabric was of the lightest tissue paper. The roar of the engine continued. Placing an ear against the engine hood, Pourpe tried to fathom this mystery. The propeller stood motionless, a splendid production of highly polished teak wood and mahogany, but undeniably indifferent to the healthy manifestations of engine power within. Several coolies anchored the impatient machine to earth by holding desperately to its framework with all their might The crowd was pressed back and the airman cordially invited to climb into the seat. He demurred politely, and inquired, with gestures, as to the character of the motor and the fuel. And could he examine the spark plugs? The engine hood was reluctantly removed. A huge swarm of angry bees was buzzing madly within the glass cage, in the intensity of their fury the noise of Pourpe’s own powerful motor. The Chinese had estimated conscientiously the amount of weight that could be carried by one bee and after carefully weighing the new airplane their mathematical experts had inclosed enough bees to carry the whole weight, adding a few extra bees to give a small margin of extra horse power for emergencies. But Pourpe was dissatisfied with the soundness of these arithmetical eaclulations and declined to fly, much to the disappointment of his new friends. —Laurence La Tourette Driggs in Century.