The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1909-06-10
President Taft, in White
House East Room, Pre-
sents Trophies.
DISTINGUISHED MEN
DO THEM HONOR
Statesmen, Scientists, Diplomats,
and Officials Gather for
Glimpse of Aviators.

After years Of experiment and doubt
and disbelief upon the part Of experts
and laymen. aeronauts and scientists.
and after months just passed, during
which kings and eInperors and scientists
of Europe paid them homage, Orville
and Wilbur Wright received this after
noon. at the hands of President Taft.
tie magnificent gold medals of the Aero
Cub OF America, the first official recOg-
nation which this nation has given to
them since they began their record
breaking flights so many months sgo.
President TAFT. standing in the his
toric East Room OF the Executive
Mansion. famous in the history Of the
nation. faced a remarkable gathering
of scientists. statesmen, warriors,
diplomats, and all the distinguished
people who are TO be found on any great
occasion in the Capital of the United
States. Even the President this after
noon was accorded a second place in
the eyes of the Thousand or more who
witnessed the presentation.
Most Of the crowd had seen the Chief
Executive often. but only few had
ever laid eyes on the two mel. who to-
day are known as the conquerors or the
air and the premier aviators OF the
world.
idiss Wright Honored.
Miss Katherine Wright, their sister.
who, on account of her devotion TO her
brothers, her ability TO fly with them.
sr4,ya=e frfsr.ear i'm fhosv
cess IS almost as well known came in
for alnaost as much attention as did the
la.o hrotherss
Ths pa senfstion was as simple IS It
was befitting The Wright brothers,
accompanied by A. Holland Forbes. act
Ing president Of the Aero Club. walked
over 10 the White House just r few
minutes before 2.31. the hour 1or the be-
ginning of the ceremonies. The East
Room was filled with beautifully gown
ed women. men IN frock coats, officers
in gold braid and spick and span uni
forms. The roses and palms which dec
GRATED the wide. high-ceilinged room,
lent The little touch OF color that was
needed.
Representative Herbeis Parsons was
the fret speaker. He made a brief ad-
dress. referring 10 the two brothers in
terms glowing with praise.
Then A Holland Forbes stepped for
ward with the two medals in his hands.
With a few words OF explanation and
communication he bowed and handed
them TO the President.
Taft Takes Medals.
While the eyes OF the thousand were
fixed upon him. Mr.. Taft. taking the two
gold medals of the nations apprecia-
tion lfor they may be so called with a
speech fun OF understanding OF the
great work that the Wrights have ac-
complished. he handed them the two
medals. The big crowd sWayed with the
emotion OF the moment and applause
came from every quarter Of the room.
After the presentation the two broth
ers found that they were not yet
through. Hundreds OF the best known
men and women in the Capital pressed
forward and were introduced. While
the two aviators are the most retiring
men in the world, they greeted every
one with a smile.
The two medals. identical in design,
were he work of V. D. Brenner, OF
New York. One side Is blank with the
exception Of a small representation Of
the Wright seropIsne IN fight at the
top and miniature reproduction OF the
Aero Clubs seal al the bottom.
on the other side. beneath the words.
Continued on Seventh Page)