The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1909-05-04
WRIGHTS AT THE WAR OFFICE
TO CATCH UP IN AVIATION
BRITAIN MUST HUSTLE.
So Says Orvllle At Reception OF Engineers
Both Mum rs TO the Government
Plans-Gold Medal and Hearty Cheers
-Feasting and Talking In London.
Special Cable Despatch 10 THn SUN.

hV~oNhho Sho ea S1e
Special Cable Despatch 10 TIL SUN.
LONDON, May 3.-Wilbur and Orvill,
Wright, who arrived in London from tn,
Continent last night. were present to-da,
at a luncheon given at the Carlton Hote
by the Aero Club. They met there repre-
sentatives OF the British War Office il
the persons of Col. Sir Edward Ward
Permanent Under Secretary Of State
Major-Gen. Sir Charles +. Hadden
Master General Of the Ordnance and
member Of the Army Council; Major.
Gen. j. S. Ewart, Military Secretary al
Army Headquarters, and Brig Gen. Geralc
F. Ellison. Director Of Organization. Il
is believed that the interview will have
important results.
The luncheon was private and there
were no formal toasts. When the guests
assembled they found that the chef hao
prepared a surprise in the shape OF 6
miniature aeroplane in sugar. which wal
hanging above the table.
Later in the day the Wrights called
at the War Office and saw Secretary
Haldane there.
After dinner at the Ritz the Wrights
were received at the Institute OF Civil
Engineers by a crowd OF aeronauts and
others. who CAV them a fervid welcome
There was little formality about the pro-
ceedings, but much cordially was ex-
pressed in the few laudatory speeches.
Col. Capper in his address expressed
the hope that the next time the Wrights
came to England the society would be
able to show a machine which would be
able to compete in a friendly manner with
theirs. The Colonel appealed to the
assembly to demonstrate its esteem for
the visitors. Thereupon all those present
rose and gave several d~eafening cheers.
after which the president presented the
brothers with the society's gold medal.
Wilbur Wright expressed his thanks
for the reception and medal in a brief
speech, which was devoted mainly to an
appreciation Of the society's work.
Orville Wright also expressed his thanks,
after which there was an informal pow
wow. The visitors good naturally sub
mitted to a crosslre Of questions and ex-
planned many details OF their work. They
also inscribed their autographs for a
number of the members. Somebody
asked Orville Wright what England ought
TO do in order to get abreast OF other
nations in the matter Of aviation. He
replied simply: Hustle
Many attempts were made to draw
something from the brothers in regard
to their visit to the War Office. but they
automatically referred all inquirers to
the authorities. Asked IL the report was
true that they would return in July to
conduct experiments for the War Office,
the brothers replied that they could not
talk on matters concerning the Govern
ment.
The brothers are besieged with inter
viewers at their hotel. They have granted
a number OF three minute interviews.
Major Capper, chief Of the Aerostatic
Office OF the British Army. representing
War Secretary Haldane. called at the
hotel to-o,y and had a conference with
the Wrights, who decline to discuss the
nature Of it.
They have received a handsome offer
to visit Buenos Ayres in May Of next
year; but owing to the fact that they
would have + make flights on Sundays
should they 20 thither. the invitation is
not likely to be accepted. The Wrights
will sail for New York on the Kronprinzes-
sin Cecilie next Wednesday and will go
direct to Dayton, Ohio.