Milford chronicle., 1927-07-08
U=o9
OUR WASHINGTON LETTER
(F'rom National Editorial Association)
Especial to Chronicle)

OUR WASHINGTON LETTER
(From National Editorial Association)
Especial to Chronicle)
Washington, July 6-Politics, US
ually the favorite topic in Washing
ton conversations, has been side
tracked. In it's place, aerial transpor-
tation is up for serious consideration
due to the remarkable achievements
of Lindbergh, Chamberlin, Maitland
and Byrd in bridging the oceans.
Doubters who were wont to regard
aviation as in an experimental stage
now recognize its dominating infiu-
ence on transportation and warfare.
1t seems assured that the govern
ment will now do the utmost to en-
courage the investment of capital
which will provide this country with
landing fields in every large COM
munity, the equipping of airways
and the maintenance of gigantic
air transport. 1t is freely predicted
that the conquest of the water bar
riers by our intrepid adverturers of
the skies will exercise a salutary eff
feet upon Federal appropriations for
the military establishment and par
ticularly the Navy.
That air navigation has now pass
ed the romantic and dream stage and
has become firmly established is in
disputable. Talk prevails in official
circles that the incoming Congress
will give fair share of its atten-
ton to the problem. At present there
is little sentiment for direct sub
sides by the National government.
1t will be recalled that Colonel
Lindbergh in his speech before the
National Press Club here expressed
opposition to this form of govern
mental assistance.
Interviews with Federal officials
interested in aviation show quite
clearly that there are many methods
of indirect subsidy possible without
lavish expenditure. These aids in
clude creation of airports where gov
ernment hangers may be rented at
nominal cost, dissemination of me-
neurological knowledge, free use of
radio facilities, development of tech
nical appliances, enactment of laws
limiting liability of air transport
companies and loan of improved
types of airplanes. While it is rec
ognized that the military and naval
classes will give more attention to
aviation and its part in wars, it is
understood here that the require
ments of national defense will be
served best by encouraging CONNER
cial flying which would be the back
bone of the air service in times of
international strife.
The return of General Wood, Gov
ernor- General of the Philippines has
focused attention on this subject. 1t
is a foregone conclusion that some
adjustment in our relations with the
islands will be made shortly after
Congress meets. Carmi A. Thomp-
son, as a special representative of
President Coolidge submitted a re-
port last year which fell on barren
ground. The trans-Pacific flight has
brought the Philippines and Hawaii
to the fore as an important adjunct
to the defense of the Pacific Coast
and, therefore, the government of
these insular possessions has as
sumed a new significance.
Newspapers and magazine clip
pings are carefully studied at the
national headquarters of the major
political parties here. Close tabs
are kept on the activities of the ri
val camps and the speeches and con-
ferences of men and women in high
places. The visitors to the summer
White House are few because the
President wants, privacy on his va
cation. Yet, no group of callers are
so conspicuous and interesting to
experienced observers. Speculation
as to their mission runs high. Re-
ports reaching Washington indicate
that groups in the Middle West are
endeavoring to assure the President,
personally, that their territory is
truly conservative at heart, and that
the election of men of radical tend
encies to the Congress should not be
viewed with alarm. Usually after
getting these messages out of their
system they return to their homes
feeling better and conscious of hav-
ing done something for the good of
the party"
The Federal Trade Commission
continues to grab the spotlight for
time. They are now proud of hav-
ing established a truce among the
warning factions in the batter, egg
and poultry business west of the
Rocky Mountains. The Commission