W. E. Eddy, of Bayonne, N. J., who has been
largely instrumental in promoting interest in scientific kite-flying.
Kites have been made of such power as to carry a heavy cable from one
point to another over some obstruction, or to lift a man some distance
from the ground for the purpose of observation. It is now planned to
make use of the kites for offensive and defensive purposes in connection
with the invasion of Cuba. These kites can be raised to an enormous
height and photographs taken of the country, or, if necessary, by a
clever device which slides on the string of the kite, dynamite can be
carried to a point over the enemies' camp or fortifications and dropped
into them.
It is also believed that the kite will be of great value for signalling
purposes, especially at night, as it will be possible to hoist electric
incandescent lamps to a great height above the earth and signal by
turning the light on or off in accordance with a settled code. Mr. Eddy
estimates that it will be possible to drop fifty pounds of dynamite at a
time from a distance a mile away; the plan is to send up these kites
from within the lines of the attacking force and drop the dynamite into
the fortifications of Havana. The men who fly the kites can remain out
of sight of the forts; and the kite will be such a small mark and so
high up in the air as to be very difficult to hit with a rifle-ball.
* * * * *
After a great deal of discussion in Congress, and many delays in
finishing our war-ships because of the price asked for armor by the
large armor companies, it was decided that the maximum rate--that is,
the highest price--that the Government would pay should be $400 per ton;
until this change was made neither of the great armor-plate
manufacturers would bid, and, as a result, armor was not obtainable.
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