Evening star., 1928-06-16

Four new heroes of the air and an
other long step forward in commercial
aviation are acclaimed by the American
public in paying tribute to the gallant
and skillful crew which few the plane
Southern Cross from California to Aus
tralia. Accustomed to stirring exploits
as 1t has become in the past year. the
country nevertheless was amazed by the
precision with which the Southern Cross
was carried on her epoch-making jour-
ney.
Never has there been such demon
stration." according TO the New York
Times. 'of the availability of the air
plane for commercial use. 1t Is felt for
the first time that a stoutly built, tri-
motored plane can 60 anywhere and
never be out of touch with civilization.
The Pacific has been conquered"
"Gallantry. courage. tenacity--these
were notable componentS of the majcS-
tic flight" declares the Atlanta Jour-
nal, which sees in them "the qualities
rightly acclaimed by an admiring
world. Nowhere" continues that paper.
"have they been more finely exempli-
fed. nor won more deserved reward.
1t does not depreciate. but rather en-
hances. the emotional appeal Of that
achievement II we consider soberly that
three other. though entirely related.
factors contributed primarily to the
flights SucceSs--the sturdy ability and
reliability of the plane. the motors. and
the pilots; the careful and brilliant cal
culations of the navigator: and the
constancy OF the RADIO
"The success OF the Australians.
Kingsford-Smith and Ulm, and OF the
Americans. Lyon and Warner" adds
the Louisville Courier-Journal, was
not due to mere chance. 1t was a
triumph OF persistence. Of skill. of
courage and OF sturdy mechanism"
"They fought their way" in the
words of the Kansas City Journal-PoSt
through night and fog and storm, and
across almost illimitable space, travelling
ON the wings Of the wind more literally
than even the living bird of the air
beats It's way against the clouds. Their
vast dangers were those menaces other
ocean aviators have faced. with the
added grave phase OF vastly larger
weight Of their laden machine. Most
naturally the whole world. accustomed
IN the last wonderful year to startling
deeds OF bold flyers. stands amazed at
.nis new success OF that brave and pro-
ficient band"
Still another phase appeals TO the
Detroit News. We are happy as larks
up here,' radioed the crew of the
Southern Cross on the last leg of the
Journey TO Australia. Seldom has feure
OF speech seemed so we'll fitted 10 the
occasion. Like some wild spirit.
the skylark flies in Overwhelming circle
toward the heavens. singing as he
Climbs Then, when he is only a FASH
ing speck, almost lost 10 sight. he dives
IKE a graceful monoplane, trilling his
sheer JOY, Wild with life In the exotic
beauty OF his feat. The Southern
Cross viii be remembered for the re-
markable beauty of its flight, which
somehow, transcends even the dignity
ana the glory of the achievement"
v " y
Another advance for aviation" is
hailed by the Rochester Times Union,
which recalls that ''the middle hon,
from Hawaii to the Fill Islands. Is the
longest yet accomplished over water"
The Buffalo Evening News feels that
lnete II now no part of the world
which can be regarded as remote and
inaccessible for air transportation, The
st. Joseph News.Press offers coneratu-
lations TO "the valiant crew OF the
Southern Cross on their finely accom-
plished task OF bringing the people OF
the antipodes closer 10 us through the
mastery OF the air"
since association In the great war"
says the Newark Evening News, "made
known TO American and Australian that
they share common ambitions and conn
mon traits, albeit each Ia developing his
destiny along different roads, there have
been occasional approaches toward a
closer friendship To have brought
lheni, In point OF trayel-time. almost
next door To each either, Ia a contrihns
fion toward q broader contact. which
must have mutual Dement'S"
Ihe impof tart part which was plhyed