Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1909-06-10
In Success Of Wright
Bros. Shown by Letters
Which viii Be Presented Them
In Book Form To-day.
1sstlmonlals from Governors Of
States and Scientific Bodies.

Washington, D. c., June Sine au-
toeraph letters written by governors Of
states and scientific bodies, which will
be presented to the Wright Brothers
Thursday in book form at the same time
that they receive the Aero Club medals
indicate the wide spread interest in the
work OF these two inventors and the
views of public men regarding the fu-
ture Of aerial navigation. Some OF the
letters show a remarkable familiarity
with the scientific problems of flight.
The letter from Gov. Noel, of Missis-
sipi, follows:
Until very recent years the navlga-
ton of the air was limited to balloons
filed with gas which were subject to
nc control as to direction of fight,
drifting with the air currents. OF late
years, experimenters of the leading
nations have devoted much time and
thought to the problems offered, of be-
ing sustained in the air and of control
ing ard directing flight. The result of
these endeavOrs has been the dirigible
balloon, a spherical gas bag, whose mo-
tor power is an engine operating pro-
pellers, the aeroplane, the hellcopter,
and the ornithOpter. In the solution OF
this problem Of aerial navigation, two
Americans, Wilbur and Orville Wright,
have attained the largest success with
the aerODlane The dream OF few
years ago mas become a reality. The
heavier-than- air machine is now an
accomplished fact The demonstrations
of the aeroplane in Europe by Wilbur
Wright has been the wonder and ad-
f,,yn hnn,jSt,haraS Tha de-
plorable accident which happened to
Orville Wright at Fort Myer. when
Lieutenant Thomas F.. Selfridge was
killed and Mr.. Wright seriously
wounded causes us to realize that sci
ence claims it's victims before success
can be attained"
Speaking of the future of artificial
flight, Governor Noel says: Whether
aerial navigation will change the mod
ern 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 a carry power, is for the flu
ture to prove. Certain it is that Amer
leans should feel proud that the Wright
Brothers have placed our great coun-
try in the forefront Of aerial navigation.
l rejoice that the Aero Club of Amer
lea has so wisely decided to present
gold medals to those two who have adj
vanced the standard of navigation Of
the air so far to the front and won
their honors SO modestly."
Governor Harmon, of Ohio, the home
state 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 a special pride
in Wilbur and Orville Wright because
they nave shown, as many others have
done, that Ohio can win distinction in
other ways than the furnishing of dis
tinguished men for public life in the
state and nation. II do not know
enough about the newly discovered art
of flying to say much about it," adds
Governor Harmon, though the longing
for wings which has been expressed by
men in all wages. often comes over
me, and l am sure l shall enjoy them
if they come within the reach of or
binary people"
81 congratulate the Wright Brothers
and the Aero Club on the splendid
progress which has been made in
BtvOnduVICS, Is TIE SeHliIIltHl tx
pressed by Governor Stubs, of Kan
sas. 'In their recent sojourn in Flu =
rope. these enterprising young men
have reflected great credit not only
upon themselves but upon their coun-
try"
Expressing his regrets for being I'M
able to attend today's ceremonies at
the White House. Governor Davidson,
of Wisconsin,. says, Tin 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 difficulties, re-
joiced with them in the success they
have had. and wish them all good
things i'm the future"
DR. Ira Remson, president of the Ma
tional Academy of Sciences. on behalf
OF that body congratulates the Wrights
on their wonderful success. in which
he pays tribute to their personal quail
fications. 1.-THE problem upon which
you are engaged Is a scientific problem
and success in dealing with 1t can only
be reached through the use of the seize
entific method. This method is not
alone the possession or those trained
in the Universities. 1t is often uncon-
sciOusly employed by those who are
said to work by intuition. One who
accOmplishes great things by intui-
ton Is called genius. To this name
you are fairly entitled. The National
Academy is not mindful of the fact
that great results are not accomplished
simply by the use of method. In
telligence. patience, skill, courage, are
essential to the higher flights and these
you have shown. yourselves to possess
in the highest degree AS men. we are
thrilled by the exhibitions you have
given us of the possession of these
great human traits. AS Americans we
rejoice that our fellow cOuntrymer
have excelled.''
Expressing great faith in the future