Imperial Valley press., 1927-06-09

PREPARES
FOR FLYER
Washington in Fever
of Excitement Over
Lirdbergh.
TO BE GALA DAY
Extensive Program To
Be Carried Out AS
Nations Tribute.
by United Press Leased Wire

NAS1l4-No1 1o4N, june - lIu
Charles Lindbergh's 3 triumphal
Homecoming less than two days
away, the national capital today
was caught up in such expectancy
as never before favored the advent
Of an individual hero.
Wooden grandstands were being
erected in feverish haste between
the Washington monument and the
White House for the ceremony in
which President Coolidge will con-
fer upon Lindbergh the distinguish
ed flying cross.
a citizens committee was busy
raising reception funds and culling
4 maze OF invitations for the fly
er's entertainment. The army and
navy and all officialdom were mar.
shalling every resources for the
grand welcome to the man who flew
from New York to Paris.
Department srores and other
large establishments were getting
ready to close at noon Saturday to
give their employees chance to see
"Lindy.o
The lowliest shop and many
homes Haunted pictures Of the avia-
tor and his plane in their windows.
So great was one Italian fruit deal
er's enthusiasm that he sent a
prize bunch of bananas to the
White House as his gift to the
"flying fool.''
Railroad officials were making
special train arrangements to bring
the thousands of visitors expected
here from all parts Of the country.
Hundreds Of residences never before
opened to tourists were preparing
to hang out Groom to let" signs.
Seats Are Limited
Standing room only and walking
it appeared would be the order o.
the day set for Lindbergh 3 arrival
Grandstand seats have been pro-
vided at the Washington monument
grounds for only 5000 high Officials
and congressman to watch MI.
Coolidge decorate Lindbergh. There
is room for 100000 to l25,0OO to
stand nearby.
In addition to the parade before
the ceremony and two receptions
Saturday night, the local committee
has planned a widespread program
for Sunday that will provide a
chance for nearly every one to
greet the transatlantic flyer.
A great portion of the 1l5,oOO,ooo
persons in the nation will get a
chance to hear Lindbergh by radio
three times Saturday in the course
Of an II hour special continuous
program broadcast by perhaps 81
stations.
The size Of the hookup will
eclipse even the greatest hookup for
President Coolidge's speeches, and
officials estimate at least 20.OOO,Ooo
actually will hear the yoprg flyers
voice.
TO Broadcast Program
The National Broadcasting Com.
pany announced today that the pro-
gram, starting at IL noon, eastern
standard time, when sthe Cruiser
Memphis is scheduled TO land Lind.
bergh at the navy yard here, will
continue straight through to III p.
m.
Lindbergh and President Coolidge
will be on the air in the brief medal
presentation ceremony about 1:3O
D. m. and the flyers words to the
National Press Club and Minnesota
State Society receptions between D
and 10 o. m. also will be broadcast.
Railroads into Washington have
scheduled excursions from nearby
states and thousands are expected
to come by automobile.
Chairman John Hays Hammond
of the reception committee, said tho
program for the two days was so
filled that not another event or
visit could be added.
Lindbergh g Sabbath will include
a visit to church with President and
Mrs. Coolidge in the morning;
visit to the tomb of the unknown
soldier in Arlington National Gene.
terv. followed by chat with wound
ed World War soldiers in the Wal
ter Reed hospital near here.
Instead Of the 100 miles an hour
at which Lindbergh is accustomed
to ride his plane, an automobiie
speed of Is miles or less an hour
will be followed, Hammond said. in
order TO allow EVERYONE a chance 10
see him on the Arlington visit.