Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1926-06-23
BYRD SPENDS NIGHT ON SHIP.
Stays on Ambrose Light to Avoid
Disrupting Reception Plans.

NEW YORK, June % R).-Back
from the sub-Arctic wastes Of Spitz-
bergen, the stanch little ship Chan.
tier rode the waves outside Of quar-
antine this morning. while New
York and the Nation waited to hail
another hero, Lieut.. Comdr. Richard
E. Byrd, the first man to fly over the
North Pole.
Cnhearlded. save by a lone tug. the
Chantier with its hero and crew ar
rived in sight of New York last night
and dropped anchor miles off Am
brose Light and 80 miles from the
Battery.
Shouting from the bridge, Comdr.
Byrd explained that the early arrival
was due to some unexpected good
weather.
I'VE have been moving around here
just waiting to go in, but we did not
want to get in ahead of time" he
added. I'VE have decided to stay here
for the night.
Decides Not to Break Plans.
Anxious as he was to see his wife,
his mother and his brother, Gov.
Harry F. Byrd of Virginia, who were
in New York waiting to greet him,
the explorer decided not to break up
the arranged plans for his welcome
by a committee Of 900 notables Of
New York. Virginia and the Nation.
More than New York's rousing
Homecoming awaits Comdr. Byrd.
After the celebration here is over. he
will fly to Washington in a Navy
plane. There. both he and Floyd Ben
net, the pilot who accompanied him
in his fight over the Pole. will re-
ceive the Hubbard medal. an honor
of the National Geographic Society
bestowed on only seven other men.
President Coolidge will make the
presentation at a gathering which
will be attended by members Of the
cabinet, Assistant Secretary Of the
Navy Robinson, Anthony F'okker.
Supreme Court justices. members OF
Congress, diplomats and other not
ables. Mrs. Woodrow Wilson. Mrs.
Robert E. Peary, widow of the explor-
er, and Comdr. Byrd's mother. wife
and brother also will be present.
Comdr. Byrd and Pilot Bennett will
return to New York Friday and re-
ceive platinum watches from the
Argonauts, an organization OF world
famous aviators.
Senator Praises Navy.
The Byrd polar flight adds addi.
tional luster to the history OF the
American Navy which has been from
the beginning one blaze of glory with
out a single blot of shame" Senator
Swanson Of Virginia declared in con-
veying to Comdr. Byrd the congratu-
lations of his native State.
We have assembled to pay tribute
to brave effort in exploring the un-
known" Senator Swanson said. 1.-THE
task assigned to me partakes OF this
character-that of United States
Senator being directed to conf1ne his
remarks within a limit Of 10 minutes.
If shall succeed in this achievement.
will have accomplished what has
been unknown in the history of Amer
lea 10-minute speech from
United States Senator is as rare as
discoveries of the North Pole"
Senator Swanson reviewed Comdr
Byrds early life in Virginia, his gradu-
alton from Annapolis. his subsequent
retirement from active service because
of physical disa bilties and the new
career Of usefulness and achieve
ment" which grew from his mastery
of aviation In every phase
Recalled to Active Duty.
His attainments became so marked
anu So lHOIOuSH, lie COntlllucu, tldL
he was recalled to active duty and was
assigned to aviation
In % records Of superior officers
on Comdr. Byrd's ability, he added
are III citations for services per-
formed over and above the call of
duty. Four of these are for bravery.
two of which are for extra ordinary
herosm in saving lives. His last Won.
derful feat in flying over the North
Pole only adds additional renown to
a record already replete with splendid
achievements
Senator Swanson also paid high
tribute to Comdr. Byrds "modesty,
his selfcontrol and his sensible bear
Ing" declaring his modesty has been
equal to his merit
Cites Tribute to SubOrdinates.
His generosity in sharing his fame
with his subordinates, Senator Swan.
son continued, lin giving just tribute
to the achievements of others and
especially to his brave and skillful nj.
lot. Floyd Bennett, bear testimony to
the noble traits of his mind and heart
that measure up to the best traditions
of Virginia.
Virginia rejoices to have in you a
worthy descendant of your illustrious
forebears who have contributed so
much to the honor and glory of Vir-
ginia and the progress Of our Nation.
Virginia rejoices that in these times,
noted for the worship of material