New-York tribune., 1909-09-30
TURNS LIBERTY'S HEAD
Continued from FIRST page.

ton, and in an instant more the aviator was
soaring
Two circles were cut over the starting grounds
and then he swung out over Buttermilk Channel
20 the end, turned west at the northern end OF
Governors Island and came back TO the start
ing point He completely circled the island.
having involuntary dipped little when saluted
by the whistles of the tugs. steamboats, and
factories. distance OF about two miles was
covered in this first flight Mr.. Wright was In
the air seven minutes and ten seconds. The
landing seemed little rough, but no damage
was done. In making his last turn the aviator
rose about twenty-five feet above Castle Will
Jams. From little distance the passing ap-
peared dangerous.
A STARTLED MISS LIBERTY.
Word was sent out the reporters that Mr.
Wright would soon again mount his paradise
bird OF the air. Each boat from Manhattan
brought excited visitors. Several hundred per-
sons grew tense when, at 1917 o'clock, the pro
peliers were started. and only a few Of the
spectators knew that Mr.. Wright meant TO
circle the Statue of Liberty. The weather con-
dtiOns were ideal. soft steady breeze came
from the west. Directly into this the aeroplane.
which is silver in color. left the monoran. with
the aviator in charge. at 10:1S:Q o'clock.
Straight almost as an arrow the wings Of
Wilbur flew TO the Statue Of Liberty a mile
and quarter away. The crowd was too en-
crossed 10 cheer. but stood tiptoe instead only
then was the intention OF the aviator pierced
and understood by all present. A thousand
whistles seemed TO make announcement to the
world that there something under the
sun At 1919 o'clock the flying machine was
over the sea wall. and the total loot Of the
startled smokestacks must have reached the ear
Of that immobile lady. the quest of a great
man.
AS the aeroplane few across the Upper Bay a
seagull bewldered by the noise of the new in
truder. luttered back and forth amid the roar
OF the propeers, and at last settled down on
the top OF
Suddenly there appeared beyond the curve OF
Castle Williams. the bow OF the Lusitania, bound
for Liverpool. 1t il she had risen from
the sea 20 give contrast to the scene. Her decks
were fringed white with flying handkerchiefs;
a cheer that sounded faint came floating across
the water. But Wilbur kept steadily on his
virgin way. AS Irishman who was present
said:
Wright is now where the hand of man has
never set foot
COULD HAVE TOUCHED GODDESSS HAND
He would keep inviolate his appointment with
Miss Liberty, and at 1922 o'clock it was that
the most unusual visitor she had ever received
began 10 show her what a man from Ohio could
do when put to it,"
1t then he waltzed around her. his wing
tips palpitating exutantly as he safely made
the turn. He went high enough in the air to
touch, IL he had had the time the uprased
hand OF the goddess. He returned at once 10
the island. having been away less than five
minutes
Miss Liberty was reticent and Mr. Wright the
nrr-ho r,l.o ,4-go,
changed. so the truth may never be known.
But the crowd on the island was glad TO see
him back. and. after flying half circle. Mr.
Wright seemed 10 pick out a particular spot
for landing, and ended splendid graduated
descent Dy almost swimming into the sand
There no jar; the machine lighted sauarely
but when the soldiers were pulling the aeroplane
back TO the monorail one of the bipanes WAS
broken.
Ferryboats, Sandy Hook boat and various
nervous tugs around the island stopped all prog
ress during the fight.
Shortly before O'Clock Mr.. Wright and Will
lam J. Hammer. secretary OF the aeronautics
committee of the Hudson Fulton Commission.
left the island for luncheon at the Singer Build
ing. Mr. Wright whom thousands at the Bat
terry were waiting 10 see in the air. passed I'M
noticed under his tightly drawn black derby hat
through the surging mob. In his wake. though
unconsciously, were three well fed. curious farm
ers.
BUCoLIC DISCUSSION.
Il tell you the flag the steeple is blowin
and that means they'll be iyin' to-day" said
one
ITS the Norwegian Consul's flag that see
over On that tower there" said No .. pointing
20 the identical spot, by, where II was
proper for that emblem TO be exhibited
II can't be seeing that far" said the most
elderly OF the three, pipingly. "but where is the
place for us TO get tickets for the balloon ascen
sions?"
They were told that Mr.. Wright expected 70
fly up the Hudson River shortly after 3 o'clock
Old as he was, the last speaker said he wouId
wait for the show 20 begin and his knees trem-
bling with excitement. he started off with his
companions in search OF vantage point
During luncheon Mr. Wright was asked how
iast hls machine was going on It's way bact,
from Bedlow's Island
made no particular observations" he