The Washington herald., 1911-07-14

her he was going to do his best to-day,
and renewed this pledge to the scores of
friends who crowded around him to con-
gratulate him in the lobby of the hos
telry last night
II think l have shown Washington that
can fly all right" he said. Il was de-
termined when I started out to-day to
break few records and give the Capital
few thrills. If have not done so am
disappointed. tried to make the great
est flight of my life to-day, and I will
make a better one tomorrow If can.
This flight to-day was far superior to my
soaring over New York City ten days
ago.
My motor was working splendidly to-
day, and was absolutely certain when
1 started out 1 would have no mishaps.
The atmospheric conditions were right
also. I think Washington should be con-
vinced by this time that 1 was not in
fluenced by commercial considerations
altogether when 1 came here"
As a matter Of fact, Atwood is a heavy
loser on his Boston, Washington cross
country trip. He wrecked one machine
in Atlantic City which cost him $1,000;
the transportation of a second machine
by automobile meant an outlay Of $3.50,
and the purchase of Charles K. Hamil-
toms Moth, in which he flew TO the city
yesterday, cost him 50, T25. Outside of the
$3.50 which he accumulated in Atlantic
City, he made no money on the trip.
Money Prize Proposed.
A special meeting of the Chamber Of
Commerce will be held to-day, however,
for the purpose of considering the ques-
tion of awarding a substantial money
prize to Atwood. It probably will follow
the noon luncheon, at which the Bos-
tonian will be the guest of honor. DIR.
A. r. Zahm and Brig. Gen. James Allen,
of the Signal Corps, have been selected
to take charge Of arrangements for
speechmaking at to-day's function.
Atwood will leave the Chamber Of
Commerce rooms by / o'clock at the
latest and automobile out to College
Park, jump into the Moth, and prepare
for the flight to the White House.
He expects to land directly back of
the fountain on the White House grounds
between and 2:SO o'clock. He has OBJ
tanned the consent of Secretary HiIles
to alight at this point. President Taft
and few friends will watch the bird
man make the landing. He VIII receive
tho aviator In the rear portico and pre-
sent him with the gold medal struck
In his honor by the Washington Aero
Club.
The presentation will be preceded by
a reception in the East Room of the
White House, when President Taft viii
meet the members Of the Washington
Aero Club and number OF army and
navy officers interested in aviation.
IT hope Atwood will not have 'spilr
in the White House grounds" said the
President yesterday. otherwise the
same fete might happen to me as hap
pened to the French war minister when
he witnessed the opening Of an aero
race"
Great Day Promised.
II the programme Is not interfered
with. this should be the greatest day
Washington has ever had In aviation
Yesterdays flight was only an appetizer.
and Atwood is determined to gain fresh
laurels before leaving the Capital
II has not been exactly determined
when the Bostonian will leave the city.
He has under consideration a ten-stop
hight between New York and Chicago.
for which e prize Of s%,ooO 4 alleged to