The Washington times., 1927-06-11

the United States Mail Service.
where he exhibited marked abiI-
ity, and from which he is now
on leave Of absence.
Spirit OF the Vikings
On a morning just three weeks
ago yesterday, this wholesome,
earnest, fearless, courageous pro-
duct OF America rose into the air
from Long Island In q monopIane
christened 'The Spirit OF ST.
Louis" in honor Of his home and
that Of his supporters. It was no
haphazard adventure. After
months OF most careful prepare
ton supported by a valiant char
acter, driven by an unconquerabIe
will and inspired by the imagina-
tion and the spirit Of his Viking
ancestors, this reserve officer set
wing across the dangerou stretches
of the North Atlantic. He was
alone. His destination was Paris.
Thirty-three hours and 80 min.
utes latery, In the evening Of the
second day, he landed at his
destination on the French flying
field at LIE Bourget. He had
travelled over $500 miles and
established a new and remarkable
record. The execution Of his pro-
ject was q perfect exhibition OF
art.
This country win always remem.
Der the way in which he was
received by the people of France,
by their president, and by. their
government. It was the more re-
markable because they were
mourning the disappearance OF
their intrepid countrymen, who
had tried to span the Atlantic on
a western flight.
Our messenger Of peace and
good will had broken down an.
other barrier OF time and space
and brought two great peoples
into closer communion. In less
than a day and a half he had
crossed the ocean over which
Columbus had travelled for SO
days, and the Pilgrim Fathers
for Sc days, on their way to the
New World. But, above all, in
showering applause and honors
upon this genial, modest Ameri-
can youth, with the naturalness,
the simplicity, and the poise Of
true greatness, France had the
opportunity to show clearly her
good win for America and our
people.
With like acclaim and evidences
of cordial friendship our ambas.
sador without portfolio was re-
ceived by the rulers, the govern
ments, and the peoples of Eng
land and Belgium. From other
nations came hearty messages of
admiration for him and for his
country. For these manifold evil
dences Of friendship we are pro-
foundly grateful
Returns UnspOiIed
The absence of self-accIaim, the
refusal to become commercial
lied, which has marked the con-
duct of this sincere and genuine
exemplar of fine and noble vir-
tues, has endeared him to every
one. He has returned unspoiled.
Particularly has it been delight
full to have him refer to his air.
plane as somehow possessing a
personality and being equally en-
titled to credit with himself, for
we are proud that in every par
ticular this silent partner rep
resented American genius and
industry. / am told that more
than 100 separate companies fur
nished materials, parts, or service
In its construction.
And now, my fellow citizens.
this young man has returned. He
is here. He has brought his un-
sullied fame home. It is our
great privilege to welcome back
to his native land. on behalf of
his own people, who have a deep
affection for him and have been
thrilled by his splendid achieve
ment, colonel of the United
States Officers Reserve Corps, an
illustrious citizen of our Republic.
a conquerer Of the air and
strengthened of the ties which
bind us to our sister nations
across the sea, and, as President
of the United States, / bestow
the distinguished flying cross, as
a symbol of appreciation for what
he in and what he has done, upon
Col. Charles A. Lindbergh.