Page:O que eu vi, o que nós veremos (1918).pdf/97

 riot, the Farmans, the Moranes, etc., were pioneer aviators, have been no longer so for many years, and are also used by their Governments for the construction and organization of air navigation. Clement, Delauney, Marquis de Dion, Renault, etc., were all "chauffeurs", but are now considered the inventors of motorsport and are in charge of its construction and organization.

These gentlemen were "chauffeurs" or "aviators", as I also was. I am not anymore, and neither are they; but, the gift of inventors, the aptitude of organizers and builders, and this knowledge of the needs of the art that they invented and practiced, remained to them, and their governments have known how to take advantage of it.

The title of aviator that they keep giving me, without me deserving it, for 10 years now — the last time I flew an airplane was in 1908 — also has, for me, another unpleasant side, and that is to disappoint friends and admirers in the cities I pass through.