Evening star., 1909-06-10

medals, indicate the widespread interest
in the work of these two inventors and
the views of public men regarding the
future of aerial navigation. Some of the
letters show a remarkable familiarity
with the scientific problems of flight.
Gov. Noel's Appreciation.
The letter from Gov. Noel of Missis-
sippi follows:
Until very recent years the naviea-
ton of the air was limited to balloons
filled with gas. which were subject to no
control as to direction of flight, drifting
with the air currents. Of late years ex-
perimenters of the leading nations have
devoted much time and thought to the
problems offered. of being sustained in
flight.
1.-The result of these endeavors has been
the dirigible balloon. a spherical gas bag.
whose motor power is an engine oper-
ating propellers: the aeroplane, the hell
opter and the Ornithopter In the sou-
ton of this problem of aerial navigation
two Americans, Wilbur and Orville
Wright. have attained the largest sue
cess with the aeroplane. The dream of
few years ago has become a reality.
The heavier-thanair machine is now
an accomplished fact The demonstra-
tions of the aeroplane in Europe by Will
bur Wright have been the wonder and
admiration of two hemispheres. The de-
plorable accident which happened to Or
vile Wright at Fort Myer, when Lieut.
Thomas E. Selfridge was killed and Mr..
Wright seriously wounded. causes us to
realize that science claims its victims
before success can be attained
Speaking of the future of artificial
flight. Gov. Noel says:
Whether aerial navigation will change
the modern methods of warfare. making
war SO terrible that nations will insist
on universal peace, or will make most
largely for the good and benefit OF
peace, as carrying power is for the flu
cans should feel proud that the Wright
brothers have placed our great country
in the forefront of aerial navigation.
l rejoice that the Aero Club of America
has SO wisely decided to present gold
medals to these two who have advanced
the standard Of navigation of the air SC
far to the front and won their honors
SO modestly."
Harmon Tells of Ohio's Pride.
of the Wrights. who is to take part In
the ceremonies at Dayton on the 18th
and 18th of June, asserts that the people
of Ohio take special pride in Wilbur
and Orville Wright because they have
Ohio can win distinction in other ways
than the furnishing of distinguished mer
for public life in the state and nation
II do not know enough about the newl,
discovered art of flying to say much
about it, adds Gov Harmon, Though
the longing for wings. which has been
expressed by men in all ages, otter
comes over me, and l am sure / shall
enjoy them if they come within the
reach of ordinary people,"
and the Aero Club on the splendid prog
ress which has been made in aeronau.
tics" is the sentiment expressed by
Gov. Stubbs of Kansas. In their re.
cent sojourn In Europe these enterpris.
ing young men have reflected great cred.
it not only upon themselves, but upon
their country"
Expressing his regrets for being un-
able to attend today's ceremonies at the
White House, Gov. Davidson of Wiscon-
sin says:
I'm common with the whole civilized
| world l have been greatly interested
in the experiments carried on by the
Wright brothers, have commended their
perseverance in the face of great diff
culties. rejoiced with them in the sue.
good things in the future
DR.. Remsen's Pride.
DR.. Ira Remsen, president Of the Ma.
tional Academy Of Sciences. on behal,
of that body congratulates the Wrights
on their wonderful success, in which he
pays tribute to their personal qualifica-
tions.
The problem upon which you are en-.
gagged is a scientific problem. and success
in dealing with 1t can only be reached
through the use of the scientific method
This method is not alone the possession
of those trained in the universities. II
is often unconsciously employed by those
who are said to work by intuition One
who accomplishes great things by in
tuition is called a genius. To this name
you are fairly entitled.
The National Academy is not unmind.
full of the fact that great results are
not accomplished simply by the use of a
method Intelligence. patience, skill
courage are essential to the higher
fights. And these You have shown