On the other hand, Mr. Hudson Maxim declares that the exploding of the limited quantities of dynamite that can be carried on the present types of aeroplanes, on the decks of warships would not do any vital damage. He also says that many tons of dynamite might be exploded in Madison Square, New York City, with no more serious results than the blowing out of the windows of the adjacent buildings as the air within rushed out to fill the void caused by the uprush of air heated by the explosion. [Illustration: The Lebaudy airship “La Patrie.” As compared with the first Lebaudy, it shows the rounded stern with stabilizing planes, and the long fin beneath, with rudder and dipping planes.] As yet, the only experience that may be instanced is that of the Russo-Japanese War, where cast-iron shells, weighing 448 lbs., containing 28 lbs. of powder, were fired from a high angle into Port Arthur, and did but little damage. In 1899 the Hague Conference passed a resolution prohibiting the use of aircraft to discharge projectiles or explosives, and limited their use in war to observation. Germany, France, and Italy withheld consent upon the proposition. In general, undefended places are regarded as exempt from attack by bombardment of any kind. Nevertheless, there are straws which show how the wind is blowing. German citizens and clubs which purchase a type of airship approved by the War Office of the German Empire are to receive a substantial subsidy, with the understanding that in case of war the aircraft is to be at the disposal of the Government. Under this plan it is expected that the German Government will control a large fleet of ships of the air without being obliged to own them. And, in France, funds were raised recently, by popular subscription, sufficient to provide the nation with a fleet of fourteen airships (dirigibles) and thirty aeroplanes. These are already being built, and it will not be long before France will have the largest air-fleet afloat. The results of the German manœuvres with a fleet of four dirigibles in a night attack upon strong fortresses have been kept a profound secret, as if of great value to the War Office. In the United States the Signal Corps has been active in operating the Baldwin dirigible and the Wright aeroplanes owned by the Government. To the latter, wireless telegraphic apparatus has been attached and is operated successfully when the machines are in flight. In addition, the United States Aeronautical Reserve has been formed, with a large membership of prominent amateur and professional aviators.