Letters from Peking state that the Beaumont Commission, which is arranging the first aerial round-the-world Derby has practically finished its organization in Peking. It is stated that several Chinese aviators are intending to enter the contest, and certainly, judging by the work of those Chinese fiyingmen who were seen in France during the war, they should stand as good a chance as anyone. The Chinese generally have a fine sense for mechanics and they are quite devoid of nerves to worry them. Dr. J. C, Ferguson has been appointed Commissioner for China for the contest, and will have all information requisite. From a. general statement of the aims of the contest one learns that there will be liberal conditions as to time, route and methods. Dirigibles may equally be used with aeroplanes, competitors may choose the days for flying most to their taste, the total period in the air being checked up by the referees. It is even permitted to use ships, railways, etc., between points of control, but of course the prizes, which will total not less than $1,000,000, will go to those who do most and fastest air mileage. It remains to add that all commercial bodies are urged to enter representatives so as to stimulate a world-wide interest in flying, which is really the whole purpose of the contest.
Jan. 1.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.