Evening star., 1924-09-07
Round " orld Flyers Planes
Will Be Civen to Smithsonian
Growing Exhibit, Ho,oeuer, Has already
Taxed AccOnnodati0ns-NC4 Stored
for Lack of Space.

used by Brig. Gen Mitchell at the
front in France: full-sized seaplane,
the F-5-L, much like the NC-4 used
on the transatlantic flight; an aero
marine scouting plane: the De Havi-
land used in the first flight from
Mineola, Long Island. to Nome, Alas
ka: the T-2. which was the first plane
to make a nonstop flight across the
United States. flown by Lieuts. o. G..
Kelly and ]. A. MacReady, in 26 hours
80 minutes and 3S rs seconds, on May
2. 1923; a Fokker machine. captured
from the Germans; another Spad used
at the front by American avators and
riddlsd with bullets in air combats;
an early Martin bomber. a LIE Pere
type plane, a model of dirigible, a
m odels Of the NC-4, and various types
of airplane engines.
Naturally the impending acquisition
or the planes which will have been
the first to encircle the globe rouses
IN officials Immediately concerned a
more decided desire for adequate
housing. They have now enough ex-
hibits to fill 10000 square feet, or
building the size of the old museum.
AS 1t is. some of the valuable planes
are suspended In air. so that other
exhibits may be accommodated on the
floor, and this arrangement is perilous
to priceless possessions.
Aid to Inventors.
The NC-4, last displayed on the
Monument grounds. Is believed to be
deteriorating in storage, since no re-
pairs to wings and other parts are
being made and may not be made for
an indefinite time. The Navy Depart
ment may be able to build hangar
for it on the Smithsonian grounds
out Of the departments own funds.
but this is problematical. A definite
program in Congress Is declared to be
the only feasible way to meet the
need.
Much more benefit comes from the
aircraft displays than the gratifica-
tion of tourist interest, 1t is stated
authoritatively Inventors and stu
dents come to study the old models
which offer suggestions for develop
ments of the greatest Importance.
Lack of housing space. however,
prevents the accumulation of a repre-
sentative display. many gifts being
available that are not made. There
are no racing planes in the exhibits.
for instance. as well as other types
which should be on hand to round
out the progress of aircraft from
the beginning to the present.
L. >. Makes Many Records.
The United States is making so
many world records with planes. and
these planes have such historical
value, that an urgent need of fore
sight by Congress in housing them is
emphasized by Army and Navy men
as well as Smithsonian officials. The
corrugated iron building now con-
tanning much of the display costs
about $4,000 annually for upkeep
and is neither adequate nor in keep
ing with the Federal Governments
prestige.
Nearness othese epochal events
and developments perhaps makes
many persons fail to value the planes
at their true worth, but future
generations, with the same perspec-
tive We have on Columbus voyage,
or the first steam locomotive, will
condemn this age severely If a short
sighted. niggardly policy deprives
them of exhibits that now may be
so readily obtained, especially, say
officials, if the planes finishing the
thrilling first air trip around the
world are not saved.