New-York tribune., 1909-02-21
KING SEES WRIGHT FLY
ALFONSO IN ENTHUSIAST.
Promise to Queen Keeps SPANS
Ruler on the Ground.

KHLer on the (TfOuHd.
Pau. France Feb. 20.-King Alfonso OF SPAN
who arrived here from San Sebastian last night
to-day witnessed two successful aeroplahe
eiqbts bv the Wright brothers, the American
aviators. after which he entertained Wilbur ana
Or,iIe Wright Hart o. Berg, their European
b,,stpesa manager and the Mayor OF Pau at
luncheon.
During the luncheon the King kept up a lfvely
conversation, principally on the subject OF ava
ton He admitted that he was sorely tempteo
IN make 2 flight but said that a good sololer
could not break his word. Then laushluslE' Ao
exclaimed: Il really think that If mad stayeu
eva minutes longer 1 could not have put the
tempter behind me-
Again congratulating Wilbur Wright on his
achievements the King humorously remarked
that the only record he had gained was tnat
for vouthfuIness among the sovereigns, out ne
had even lost this first to King Manuel OF
Portugal and then to the infant Emperor OF
China.
1t had been generally supposed that his maj
estv would take advantage Of this opportunity
70 he the first sovereign TO make a trip in an
aeroplane belief that brought out a large
crowd but it was learned that the King
had promised his wife, Queen Victoria, not 10
90 aIoft under any circumstances He kept his
pledge, although II was NVAS N'ANO--N
would have liked to be a passenger on one OF
the flights
The King left Pau in motorcar for the flying
ground. at $40 o'clock this morning. He was
accompanied by the Marquis de Viana, Quinones
de Leon. a member Of the COrtes, and Mr. Berg
An immense crowd had gathered in the field oy
9:i5 when his majesty arrived The KING was
formally received by the Mayor OF Pau a1ter
which the Wright brothers, Miss wright theI
sister: Nine Berg. Mile. de Lassane. the daugn-
ter Of the Mayor: Count de Lambert, Lord
Northcline and NJ CIemenceau son OF the
Premier Of France. were presented TO him
The weather was ideal The sun shone bright
" and there was no trace OF wind. The aero
plane was already in position. and at $50 O'Clock
Wilbur Wright mounted IT and was OF he
made a splendid flight of twenty-eight minutes
He circled in a figure within short radius
then he flew high in the air. later descending
and skimming over the ground. Finally. the
machine disappeared in the direction Of the
racecourse and lost to sight. Fourteen
minutes later 1t reappeared, coming from the
opposite direction. During the flight the King
remarked that he did not think aeroplane flying
so dangerous as automobiling. and several times
he repeated that he could hardly restrain him
self from making an ascension.
When the machine had come to earth King
Alfonso congratulated Mr.. Wright heartily, and
upon the invitation OF the American he occupied
the passengers seat while the inventor explained
in detail the working OF the levers and the oper
ations OF the wings. At the request of the King.
OrviHe Wright then explained the accident at
Washington last year in which Lieutenant Self
ridge lost his life. and pointed out the improve
ments designed to prevent similar mishaps in
the future
The King then suggested flight with a pas
senser. and Wilbur Wright took up Count de
Lambert for thirteen minutes. leaving the en-
tire direction OF the machine to the passenger.
Throughout the entire exhibition his majesty
was enthusiastic, and he predicted a great fut-
ure FOR the aeroplane- Twenty photographers
were present and took great many pictures.
but the King seemed TO enjoy the clicking Of the
Instruments. and made no objection
Hart O. Berg. the European business manager
OF the wrights, had an interview with the King
night at which the arrangements for his
majesty to witness the flights Of to-day were
After the King had told of his
promise not to fly he laughingly recalled the
Cabinet crisis produced several years ago. when
Premier Maura resigned because the King had \
not needed his warning run his automobile
slow er through the streets OF Madrid. COntinu-
ing he said he soldier above everything
else and that he had come to Pau TO witness the |
flights so that he might be able 10 discuss the
question Of aeropanes with the Army Council
at Madrid and confirm the opinion previously
formed that the aeroplane when developed. was
destined TO become OF the greatest Importance
in war. He said it was his fervent wish to be !
the first sovereign to fly, but he had given his |
solemn promise before he left home not to be |
led into making attempt. Mr. Berg explained |
the indescribable delight of gliding over the /.
cushioning air, but the King sighed and said:
Yes. 1 know. but I have given my word
His majesty very much interested in hear |
ing a recital OF the success Of the Wrights; how !
they became interested In aviation. their long !
struggles, and their final success and the COM
plete mastery OF their machine. He then dis /
russed the eventual OF the aeroplane i'm war /
He questioned the suitability OF the aeropIane /
In general offensive operations on land but he !
said he thought IL invaluable for land scouting !
and coast defence. The King manifested 1
also much interest in the new gun silenCer in !
vented by Hiram Maxim, and he arranged to /
have sample silencer sent TO Madrid where /
he will consider equipping the Spanish army
rife with the instrument.
King Alfonso called on the prefect. and took |
an automobile drive through the suburbs. visit
ing the racing stables. He will go to Faux
Bonnes tomorrow 20 witness the ski contest
and then return to Madrid.