The Washington times., 1909-09-04
AERO CLUB HUSTLES
TO GET AERIAL MEET
Members Take Preliminary
Steps to Bring Great
Carnival Here.

washington today put forth strong
bid to secure the grand aviation carni-
val which it is proposed TO hold In this
country some time next year.
A group Of enthusiastic members Of
the Washington Aero Club met this
morning az the offices of Charles J.
Bell, president Of the american Security
and Trust Company, and took the pre-
liminary steps by which it is hoped this
crowning event of the aviation world
viii be brought TO the National Capital.
A telegram has been sent TO the Aero
Club of America, under whose official
sanction this carnival win be held, ask
ing that Wasbington's bid be consider
ed in competition with other cities; in
itial plans with q view Of raising the
necessary money have been discussed;
a representative Of the Government has
been appointed to decide on the proper
site for holding the aviation meeting;
and 70 all intents and purposes a serious
and formidable plan 20 clinch this class
ic Of the aerial world has been launched.
The preliminary meeting at Mr.. Bells
offices was held at 11:3Q o'clock, with
Prof. Willis I. Moore, Prof. Albert
Zahm, John Barrett. director of the
Bureau Of American Republics, present
in addition to Mr.. Bell, who was made
chairman of the meeting. After an IN
formal discussion of the subject Of
aviation In which the great advantage
OF holding the carnival in the Capital
was wildly pictured it was decided
that a committee composed OF those
present, together with Major Squler,
Of the United States Signal Corps,
should meet with a committee Of the
Chamber Of Commerce TO arrange def-
mite plans for cooperation This meet
ing will De held at Mr.. Bells otnces
next Tuesday morning at 1851 o ciocR'
when plans for raising the sum nee
essarv to finance the affair-at least
slO0O00-will be decided upon
In addition 10 this step telegram
was Immediately sent TO A. Holland
Forbes, OF New York, acting president
OF the aero Club OF America, aOSlng
that washington be selected by the
club az the proper place IN Wnlch 10
hold the great event
Cities Covet Meet.
Under the agreement with the Euro
pean aeronautical society which held
The recent aviation meeting at Rheims.
France. the Aero Club Of America is the
organization in this country that has
fuu power 20 select the city to hold
the coveted honor.
The meeting developed intense enthus-
fasna on the part of the initiatOrs. Mr..
Bell said that he did not doubt the abll-
ity of washington business men 10 raise
the necessary funds in the event WASH
inston drew the prize The advantages
Of holding the carnival here, he declar-
ID, would more than compensate the
city for the money spent. II was con-
ceded by all the members that 100000
would be required 70 cover the expenses,
which would include prizes, the building
Of stands and sheds 10 cover the flying
machines. and hundred and one other
II was made plain at the meeting that
washington would have spirited COmpe-
tition from other cities desiring the car
nfWGl RcEfIng New YORK. the nr1nrfUTf
Western cities VIII, 10 rs understood,
make a determined night for the event.
Chicago, Minneapolis, Indianapolis, St
Louis. and Cincinnati all want to cap
ture II. and they VIII spend money law
ishly TO do so. Several Of the members
indicated that they feared the Western
cities more than they do New York, be-
cause all of them have come forward
with great enthusiasm and ample
money, the factors that count when a
= city is bidding for such an event
Major Squier Investigates.
This authority was given to the New
York organization becac its represent
alive wa the only one from this coun-
try present at the Rheims carnival.
without the official sanction Of the Aero
Club of America, therefore, no city in
the United states could hold an affair
OF this kind with any chance OF sue
cess, because the foreign aviators would
not be present.
In addition 10 this action. the preIim-
mary committee named Major SQuier 10
investigate and select a suitable site for
the carnival Major Squier Is regarded
a r particularly fitted 10 decide this qCes-
ton because he has only recently inves-
tiEated and inspected various sites with
In a radius OF thirty miles or Washing
ton in connection with the selection ut
the site on which the Signal Corps Of
dcers viii receive at the hands Of Orviile
and Wilbur Wright their instruction
into the secrets Of the Wright biplane
Maio Squier was not present at tlis
mornings meeting. but he viii be ap-
prised of the action taken, and will be
authorized TO expend whatever money
may be needed IN making his inspec.
ton.