The Montgomery advertiser., 1909-06-11
TRIBUTE TO WRIGHTs
TAFT AWARDS GOLD MEDALS TO
 AvIATORs.
The President Extended the Apprecia- tion and ConGratulnttons of American People to Wil-
 bur and Orvflle Wright.

Washington, June 10.-The appreci- atfon, good will and congratulations of the American people were today ex- tended to Wilbur and Orville Wright, the American aviators, by the Presi- dent of the United States.
 The occasion was the presentation of the gold medals awarded to the Wright Brothers by the Aero Club of America, to commemorate the conquest of the air. Tn the presence of dis tinguished statesmen, foreign diplo- mats, the members of the Cabinet. noted scientists and prominent aero- nauts and aviators, the' two inventors of the first successful flying machine heavier than air. received the first pub lie recognition of their achievements from their fellow countrymen.
 President Taft, in handing the med als to the brothers. expressed keen ad- miration for their work and ventured the belief that the flying machine will be the basis for the future aerial craft and made the prophecy that the dawn of the age of flight is here. The Wrights were introduced to the Pres ident by Representative Herbert Par ing tribute to their personal qualifica- ttons.
 4. Holland. Forbes. the winner of the recent national balloon race, and act- ing president of the Aero Club of America, turned the medals over to the President on behalf of the Aero Club.
 Miss Catherine Wright. sister of the aeroplanists, accompanied her brothers and was quite as much lionized. After President Taft had congratulated the Wright brothers individually. he turn ed to Miss Wright and said. "and I want to congratulate the most import ant member of the family" Preceding the presentation at the White House, luncheon was given at the Cosmos Club to the Wright brothers. and the visiting members of the Aero Club of America by the Aero Club of Washington. The day was one of celebration in honor of the wrights from the time they arrived in the morning until o'clock tonight, when they left for Dayton.
 The two brothers walked together to the office of Gen. James Allen, the chief signal officer, to consult him about the oficial trials of their aero. plane, which are to be resumed by Or vile Wright, c. B.. Taylor. the me- l chanic who accompanied Orvflie to Fort Myer last summer win set up the aero plane at Fort Myer, and 1t is expected that flights will be resumed on June 21. The tests must be concluded by June 2S,s but 1t is expected the time will be- extended if necessary.
 Orvi1le Wright said the machine will be practically identical with that used by him last year. with the exception of an improvement on the guy wires supporting the rudder. The same mo- tor that was used on the machine that was wrecked will be used in the new aeroplane. It will be sent to Wash ington early next week.
 Before leaving for home tonight, the Wright party were entertained at din- ner by Charles Jerome Edwards, treasurer of the Aero Club of America.
 In presenting the medals President Taft said:
 T am glad-perhaps at a delayed hour=to show that in America 1t is not true that "a prophet is not with out honor save in his own, country It is especially gratifying thus to note great step in human discovery by paying honor to men who bear 1t sc modestly. You made this discovery by a course that we of America like to feel is distinctly American-by keep ing your noses right at the job until you had accomplished what you had determined to do.
 T had a predecessor who. if areo- nautics had proceeded as far when he left office as they have today, would not only nave gone down under the water in a submarine boat would have gone up into the air in a flying ma chine.
 There may be some good reasons why some Presidents have not figured in aeronuatics. see that these gen. tlemen whc have flown in the air are constructed more on the plan of the birds than some of us.
 Many great discoveries have come by accident, but you gentlemen planned what you wished to find and then worked 1t out until you found it.
 T congratulate you on the result congratulate you on the recognition tItat you have received from all the crowned heads of Europe. and I, con- gratulate you that in receiving 1t you maintained the modest and dignlfled demeanor worthy of American citizen ship"