Among the dead was that very distinguished and accomplished airman,
Air-Commodore E. M. Maitland, who commanded the
R. 34 ' when she crossed the Atlantic. Commander L. H. Maxfield, of the United States Navy, who would have taken command when the airship became American, was also killed. Altogether eight British officers and six American officers perished. We offer our deepest sympathy to the relations and friends, both in America and in this country. Although it may possibly be true that airships have no great *future before them, particularly for war purposes, it would be rash to assume that this disaster proves much. Much has yet to be learned about the strains of airships, and all that seems to have happened is that, owing to some shock or tension comparable to what seamen call a sagging or hogging strain—such a strain as caused the loss of the destroyer Cobra '—a girder gave way.
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