ed to the aeroplane and the dirigible.

The then type of aeroplane could not rise or descend vertically, and
only kept in the air when at great speed. The dirigible balloon was of
the Zeppelin type, and was not always dependable.

It was decided to invent a machine that could easily rise and descend,
and could rest in the air and be independent of all atmospheric
conditions. So a State flying machine factory was commenced in England
on Salisbury Plain.

The first trouble arose when the building was being erected. Many
workers objected to what was called the waste of labor. It was pointed
out that under the Socialistic rule, the product of labor had to go to
labor, and as the building of the flying machine factory was not
producing food or clothing, and the workers on it had to be supported by
the labor of the whole community, it was making a distinct class of
them, which was illegal. However, the Government went on with the work.

The first machine made was not successful. Then an agitation ensued that
it was not equitable and just that the community should support any
labor engaged in such a foolish enterprise. It was demanded that the
factory should be closed, and the workers set at useful employment,
instead of being a burden on the state and reviving the old system of
classes.

I remember reading at the time that a leader in the experiments named
Cooley, pointed out that the successful machine would save much labor in
after years, by giving more efficient means of transport, and that when
the successful machine was built the whole community would enjoy the
result of the labor expended on it.

[Illustration: "The First Wright Aeroplane."]

He pointed out that in the production of the first aeroplane, the Wright
Brothers had spent years of effort in the solution of the problem of
aerial navigation, and that a vast amount of labor and material was
consumed before the first practical machine was made, so it was,
therefore, reasonable to consider that much expenditure of labor and
material would have to continue till the perfect machine was found, and
that it was worth it all to win that ideal means of transport. The labor
of the hand and brain to achieve the perfect flying machine would have
to be directed either by a capitalist or by the State. There were now no
capitalists, and it was, therefore, the duty of the State to take the
matter up notwithstanding the so-called waste of labor and material.

He pointed