Americus times-recorder. [volume] (Americus, Ga.) 1891-current, 1919-05-28
Over The Hills and Far
Away A Cross Country Flight
BY LIEUT.. RENA j. HENDER SON. OF sOUTHER FIELD

We came down. 1t was a very empty
field when we landed but we could
see people beginning to arrive a long
time before we got there. They seem
ed to spring from the ground. | had
a feeling that they lived in trenches
like the armies abroad and simply
came up when they knew we had
landed. In fifteen minutes there was
a large enough crowd to crafty the
ambitions Of any visiting airmen. We
4 received greetings, gas, advice, dinner
and respectful attention. 1t was a
grand and glorious feeling. Our chest
measures increased accordingly.
We started in new line of direc-
ton the next time and by following
! this course carefully sailed into view
of the town where we were supposed
to demonstrate in less than an hours
time. According to schedule and adj
vertising the aviators were supposed
to stunt over the town before landing.
We stunted. The crowd below seemed
to enjoy the sight, but we were look
ing for the landing field and could
not get down too quickly.
| After circling the city a few times,
We spotted man out in the middle
of small open space, furiously wav-
ing white flag. We were not sure
whether this was to indicate a land
ing or token that the town was ready
to surrender. An adjoining lot was
also cleared. After giving a few
waves of his flag the signaler went
over to the other lot and waved some
more. l thought he must be sending
himself a message by the wig-wag sys-
tenn and after sending it from one
field went over to the other to re-
ceive it.
Little to Choose.
There was little to choose in either
field. 1t seemed probable that an
attempt at either one would result
in half of the ship staying in one field
while the rest of it continued to the
other location. This might prevent
a feeling that partially had been
shown to either place, but is not fav-
orably regarded by pilots who desire
to fly later.
After circling the field and trying
several angles of approach Lieut..
Stout allowed the ship to nestle to
the ground without damage. AS we lit
he remarked Il wonder what they call
this landing field?' l told him l didn't
know, but it was my idea that after
he tried to get out of it with the ship
the government would rename it Stout
Field-5ut neither of us would read
about it.
That was the only remark we had
time to make for the inhabitants were
coming to greet us. If roll call of
the population, both urban and SUI
burban had been taken at that moment
the report would have have been: Sir
all people are present and accounted
for"
According to custob the pilot went
W IllO upu OllASC W WIZ News
home that we had arrived. l was left
in command of the ship. Cortez didn't
get so much attention when he landed
in Mexico as l received during the nex1
few moments. Seeing but one of us on
the grounds, every one wanted to shake
hands with the ship. Shaking hands
was all right but feeling the ship
was different proposition and the
reception was conducted something in
the following manner, the chairman
Of the Victory Loan committee doing
the introducing.
A Busy Receiver.
"Gyad to meet you Mrs. Jones'"
(shake) Get off that elevator" this
to a spectator advancing in the rear.
pleased to know you Miss Smith,
(shake) Hey you, let that wing alone,
waving back a crowd of citizens at
the side.
Greetings, Miss Brown, tickled to
see you" (shake) Stop wiggling that