The Washington herald., 1910-02-20

ence entered upon sketch of the work
Of Samuel Pierpont Langley dS34-1S06J in
the realm of aerial navigation. He made
it clear to his hearers how Prof. Langley
had discovered and set forth the princi-
pies Of the pressure Of the wind as tend
ing 10 solve the problem of sustaining a
machine in the air that should be cap
able Of bearing no inconsiderable weight
1t were hard 10 conceive Of a rapid sketch
Of scientific progress told in happier
terms than the story OF Langleys expert
ments as outlined by Or. Bell Every
one was pleased with this intensely inter
esting paper, pervaded as il was with
sympathy and embodying a genuine trib-
ute 10 a brother inventor. a great leader
I in science. Nothing could have been
happier than the words with which il
closed. Quoting Langley's own language,
that having demonstrated the possibility
Of mechanical flight. for the next step.
which is the commercial working out Of
the idea, it is probable that the world
viii have 10 look to Others" the speaker,
turning little to his left. added. and
the others are here" All present broke
into applause
The scholarly Senator Henry Cabot
Lodge then arose and with admirable
taste expressed the satisfaction. shared
by every one who heard him, that this
great achievement should have been the
work OF Americans.
The Chief Justice. taking in hand the
two medals, signaied to the brothers
Wright to come forward. The scene was
almost the picture Of schoolboys ap-
preaching, at the end of the term, TO re-
ceive the reward Of well doing from the
head master. Chief Justice Fuller said,
in that genial way Of his, that there was
no speech for him TO make. but that his
was the pleasure to act. TO give the med
ais As he handed to each brother the
sold medal thus wOrthily won there was
.clapping Of hands from every quarter Of
the room.
It was not a formal ceremony. but
rather the quiet manifestation of a pro-
found good viii, a hearty recognition of
merit Of the highest class bestowed by
grateful representatives Of the American
people.
Wilbur Wright. in a low yet distinct
voice. said few words in reply. He ex-
pressed the pride and gratitude of his
brother and himself. Evidently his words
had not been studied He was perfectly
sincere, it was apparent in declaring
that the pleasure with which they re-
ceived this great honor from the Smith
sonian Institution surpassed everything
that they had previously experienced.
He acknowledged in terms not TO be mis-
understood the magnitude of the debt due
to Prof Langley. In this confession he
stood in hearty accord with what had
been uttered by DR.. Graham Bell. Then
in concise language he made It clear that
there was much of a scientific nature yet
TO be learned in this field His remarks
evinced a grasp Of principles involved
and a disposition to apply himself to
study for the sake of science itself that
must have elevated the estimate of his
character in the minds of many an indi-
vidual present. One gladly saw in Wilbur
Wright the student as well as the man
of action. He closed his brief remarks
by expressing a hope that the Smithson-
ian Institution would continue TO encour-
age those who labor in the field of air
navigation.
NO one who had been privileged 10 wit
ness this impressive proceeding could
fail to discern its deeper meaning. Quiet
and simple as were the exercises. it oc-
CURED to all that they noted an event
which some day will be looked back upon
as memorable landmark in the progress
OF science Not the least happy circum-
stance Of this presentation IS the convic-
ton that 1t once again brings to the
American people an enlarged conception
Of the service that from time to time is
rendered to the world by this great ma
tional endowment-the Smithsonian Instl-
tuition.