Adventure Magazine Cover — page 196: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

190 It may also be of general interest that a French world-war veteran named Francois de Boige heads a powerful group seeking a concession in Mexico that would give service similar to that between Paris and London, Paris and Brussels and on the purely French routes, using planes of the Goliath F-60 type, each equipped with two Salms motors and Nieuport biplanes with Le Rhon and Clerget motors. It seems certain that something definite is at last to result along the lines of commercial aviation. It should also be stated that various mining com- panies have during the past two years taken up the matter of private airplane service between mines and shipping points; but the Government has so far refused permits to any of them, as also occurred in the case of the oil companies. As you doubtless know, private aviation has also been prohibited to date from the standpoint of general safety, although Mexico has at least one amateur aviator of stand- ing in the person of Mr. Alberto Braniff, one of the leaders in general sportsmanship along all lines, who very generously gave his plane to the Government to replace losses incurred by the air forces. Since the inauguration of General Alvaro Obre- gon there have been some very successful flights made by American aviators in our Governemnt service overland from the border to Mexico City, and [ notice that Captain Luis Colsa of the Mexican air forces was at San Antonio, Texas, early this May, hobnobbing with American flyers and getting in touch with our flying-camp methods and ma- chines. I take it that the unsatisfactory results of Mexico’s purchase of German planes and the fatali- ties among French and Italian aviators and me- chanics, as well as of Mexican flyers, has reacted favorably toward American planes and fliers; and it is doubtless true that under the progressive ad- ministration of the actual régime there will be many future opportunities offered American fliers here in Mexico. Personally I believe they will be along the lines of commercial aviation, especially since Gen- eral Obregon has very greatly reduced all military activities and has brought appropriations and army strength down to very low figures and has insisted upon spending funds along other lines that will lead to the quick rehabilitation of Mexico. Thank you again for your valued help.—C. R. MAHAFFEY. Mr. d’Orcy sent us Mr. Mahaffey’s reply, together with the subjoined note. So there you have the aeronautics situation in Mexico as it existed in the late Spring of 1921. We're trying to get the news to you at the earliest possible minute; but the magazine goes to press a long time ahead of the publication date which it bears, so that we can’t guarantee that the informa- tion is strictly up-to-date at the time it reaches you: ~ New York. I have only this to add, that Mr. Mahaffey’s in- formation as to Senor O’Neill having been replaced as the actual head of the Fuerza-Aerea is correct, and my latest information shows that General Gus- tavo Salinas has been appointed to succeed him. General Salinas is the brother of Colonel Alberto ~ Adventure Salinas, former head of the Mexican Flying Corps, who may be considered the real founder of Mexican aviation, Mr. Mahaffey is right: changes do continue rather kaleidoscopic and if you don’t get this lengthy cross- correspondence into print soon, we will have to write it all over. Incidentally an Ansaldo 6-seater cabin airplane has recently been shipped to Sefior Jorge Puflea at Chihuahua. This is a thoroughly modern machine and is to be flown from Chihu. to Mexico, D. F.— LADISLAS D’ORCY. Put at least five cents postage on all let- ters addressed to ‘‘Ask Adventure’”’ editors who live outside the U. S. Always enclose at least five cents in International Reply Coupons for answer. Glass Buffalo Eyes HEY’RE easier to get than the buffalo, I'll say: Question: —“Can you tell me where I can get arti- ficial eyes to mount a buffalo head?’”—ROLAND MattHews, Fort Musselshell, Mont. Answer, by Mr. Thompson :— You can get the eyes fer buffalo head at Art Taxidermy Studios, 1041 West Madison Street, Chicago, Il. Arguing with a Hold-up M8: WIGGINS describes a very cogent bit of eloquence: Ouestion:—“Here are a few questions that are probably a little out of line; but I think you can answer them, and will surely be thankful to you if you will. First I would like to tell you that I am cashier at the railroad freight-house here and handle quite a bit of money. I always have a good amount on hand on account of our location from town. The depot furnishes no safe nor weapon. I always take the money home. Would the circumstances warrant me in owning a pistol or revolver? Is there a permit to purchase a pistol and also one to carry one? How would I go about it to get a permit? If you can not answer these questions could you tell me where I could get information regarding permits?” — In response to your letter of the 28th ult., I would not advise you to carry a gun with the inten- tion of arguing out the matter with a hold-up man, unless you are already expert with one, and very fast on the draw. For the following reasons: The thug will shoot to kill if he thinks there is the least chance of resistance; very few highwaymen ever pay the extra penalty for murder, any officer will tell you. And they always have the drop on their man, too. Leave the money hidden securely in the freight- house, is my advice. I don’t suppose you are held COPMICLOO S (E@)