y be derived from these experiments; which
is, that when an aerostatic machine is attached to the earth by
ropes--especially when it is at a considerable height--the wind, blowing
on it, will drive it in its own horizontal direction; so that the cords
which hold the machine must make an angle with the horizon (which is
greater when the wind is stronger, and contrariwise); in consequence of
which the machine must be severely strained, it being acted on by three
forces in three different directions; namely, its power of ascension,
the tension of the ropes, which is opposite to the first, and the action
of the wind, which is across the other two. It is therefore infinitely
more judicious to abandon the machine entirely to the air, because it
will then stand perfectly balanced, and, therefore, under no strain
whatever."

In consequence of the report of the foregoing experiments, signed by the
commissaries of the Academy of Sciences, that learned and respectable
body ordered: (1) That the said report should be printed and published;
and (2) that the annual prize of six hundred livres, from the fund
provided by an anonymous citizen, be given to Messrs. Montgolfier, for
the year 1783.

FOOTNOTES:

[31] Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette.

FRAMING OF THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES

A.D. 1787

ANDREW W. YOUNG JOSEPH STORY

It was a "critical period of American history" in which the
fundamental or organic law of the United States, the Federal
Constitution, was formulated. That instrument has not only
commanded the reverence of American patriots--statesmen and
people--during a century and more; it has engaged the
attentive study and aroused the respect and admiration of
foreign students and critics of political institutions.
"After all deductions," says Bryce, it "ranks above every
other written constitution, for the intrinsic excellence of
its scheme, its adaptation to the circumstances of the
people, the simplicity, brevity, and precision of its
language, its judicious mixture of definiteness in principle
with elasticity in details."

The story of this Constitution is as plain and simple as any
in American annals; yet its real features have sometimes
been missed even by friendly commentators. It is a mistake
to say, with Gladstone, that "it is the greatest work ever
struck off at any one time by the mind and