One
suggestion is to place a reasonable scheme before the great
shipping companies in case they will care to find the necessary
capital and form subsidiary companies.
Another suggestion is that the Government should make
arrangements to subsidize commercial airships. The subsidy might
take the form of insuring them. If the burden of insurance is
taken off their shoulders, it is considered feasible to promote
companies which will give an adequate return for capital
invested. The Government could also give a financial guarantee
if mails are carried, in the same manner as is done by shipping
companies.
In return for this the Government could at the outbreak of
hostilities commandeer all or any of the airships for war
purposes and so save the number to be kept in commission.
By this means the Government will have a large number of
highly-trained and efficient personnel to call upon when the
emergency arises, in the same way as the fleet can call upon the
R.N.R. This system appears to be the best in every respect, and
it cannot be denied that in the long run it would be the most
economical for the country.
The airship has now arrived at the parting of the ways, and at
this point we must leave it. The flying in war has been
concluded, the flying in peace has not yet commenced.
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