New-York tribune., 1909-10-03
WRIGHT STILL In HOPES
CCRTISS NAY TRY AGAIN.
Wants $4,000 Fee for Flying, but
Cant Control the Heather"

Owing to the high plane which the Hudson
Fulton Commission wish to conduct the aeronautic
features Of the celebration it was made plain yes
terday that there would be no flight by a bipIane
at Governors Island to-day. The winds prevented
flights yesterday.
The next news laden breeze however brought
tidings from the Curtiss camp. They were frag-
mentary tidings to the effect that although Mr.
CuTtiss had purchased ticket for Hammondsport
N y he might not leave the city last night, in
which event the stiffness of Sunday might be
routed by propeers Of the Golden Butterfly.
Wilbur Wright said yesterday he would not fly
on Sunday, no matter how perfect the conditions
might be. He meant to stay in town though until
he made at least one good flight. The length Of IT,
the direction he will take. the kind of records
he will break, if any, cannot be foretod. Mr..
Wright says he may not himself make up his mind
as to these interesting details until after he has
left the reporters. wide-eyed and running far be-
low. There are one two towns in Texas that
have not yet been mentioned as his probable desti-
nation. but he refused yesterday TO confirm the
rumors that he meant to try for any Of the other
places.
Mr.. Curtss and William j. Hammer. secretary
OF the committee, walked and by the frequency
and evident sincerity of their gestures apparently
talked for hour the bleak sands of the
starting grounds while the shades of night were
falling Like shadows a the men
passed TO and fro the spectators intelligent 70
the theme OF their discourse. but ignorant OF the
matter. Cnquestionably money was the topic.
While the arms of the men were eloquent up
to certain point when the flyer and the secretary
returned to the sned. present could tell
how the subject had been disposed Of il. indeed, a
settlement had been effected Asked regarding his
plans, Mr. Curtiss said:
Il wish I knew what to tell you. Perhaps may
find way to stay until Monday or l may
go to Hammondsport and possibly return for a
flight here Monday I am most anxious TO give
a good fight here before CO."
VIII you receive the 5000 Mr.. Curtiss. provided
you make no further effort to hy?" asked.
That is a thing that makes me feel not just
right" he said. that the commission should raise
any complaint about paying me the money. I can
not control the weather"
Friends of Mr.. Curtiss say he has been under a
heavy load for many weeks, and is showing the
effects of it. They speak Of his numerous and
conflicting contracts TO fly at various points in the
country, his business responsibilities Hammonds-
port and his diss ppointments here in the matter
OF his own poor showing and that made by Captain
Thomas s. Baldwin, whose dirigible balloon. that
failed to travel far. was equipped with Curtiss
motor.
James VI. Beck. chairman Of the aeronautics
committee visited Governors Island yesterday. but
when asked about the Curtiss contract said;
Il do wish the wind would go down.
Mr.. Hammer. after the shadowgraph interview on
the beach, declared: Il have nothing to say
VIII Mr. Curtiss fly at the island on Sunday"
1T Will be pretty il he does. but I going to
rest; need it, he added.
The Curttss machine was in its shed last night
but the mechanicians were holding themselves in
readiness to pack up the aeroplane and move it at
any time.
Late last night Mr. Curtiss issued the following
signed typewriter statement;
There is who is disappointed than
am that the weather conditions have prevented me
from making flight which could be witnessed by
large number of the people during the last week.
Although had strong Inducements to remain in
Europe 10 make flights / returned to this country
and made an agreement with the HudsOn-F Fulton
AerOnautic Committee to do my best TO make
flight time between September % and
October ,, provided the weather conditions were
favorable
While l have fulfilled the conditions of my con-
tract, desire to make every effort to make n
other flight before going to ST. Louis, where
have a contract to be with my machine. In the
hope that there may be a favorable opportunity
Ia make fight here, l have set aside important
business engagements elsewhere and will remain
at Governors Island until Monday, il necessary
10 get favorable conditions. ! will not take any
unnecessary risks in windy weather. but l will
do my best give New Workers another OppOr-
tunity to see my machine in flight.