Evening star., 1933-12-18

as representative Of the Smithsonian
Institution
The controversy between Wright and
the Smithsonian, which has robbed the
United States Of the first airplane TO
carry a man in free flight, has been
characterized as the most unfortunate
dispute in aviation history.
Label Caused Controversy.
1t led to the publication by the Smith
sonian Institution on the twenty fifth
anniversary of the first airplane flight
by Orville Wright at Kitty Hawk, N. c.,
December IT, 1908, Of a 27-page pub
| lication by DR.. Abbot covering in detail
the relations between the Smithsonian
and the Wright brothers, in which DR..
Abbot attempted to bring about a re-
conciliation.
The controversy arose originally over
a label which was written by the late
George Maynard, former curator of
chronological collections OF the Smith
sonian for the Langley Airdrome of
1908, which was characterized by the
label as 1.-The first machine capable of
flight carrying man."
This was regarded by the Wrights as
an intentional affront and an effort to
deny them proper credit for their
achievement. DR.. Abbot and present Of
ficialS of the Smithsonian, including
Paul Edward CARRIER, assistant curator
Of aeronautics, admit that the Maynard
label was improper and had it removed
a number Of years ago.
As a result of the controversy over
the label, Oryille Wright shipped the
original airplane to the British National
Museum at London, where it has been
on exhibition since 1928. Wright prior
TO that time had kept the priceless relic
In his own possession at his home in
Dayton. Ohio. in the hope that suit
able home for it could be found in
America"
He explained at the time he sent the
plane abroad that the Smithsonian In
stitution, 1.-The one institution which
seemed to be national enough in char
acter," was one to which he would not
care to intrust the machine.
Builds Wright Exhibit.
Since he took Office in 1921, CARRIER,
with the fullest cooperation and sup
port of DR. Abbot, has been at work at
tempting to build up Wright exhibit in
the Smithsonian which not only will do
the fullest justice to the Wrights but
which will correct in every respect the
causes for the original controversy.
In this effort, over a period of 10
years, CARRIER has built up a Wright
collection of more than 40 items, in
cluding a one-siXteenth-size-sc model
Of the original Kitty Hawk machine In
the label for this model CARRIER, with
tIaao Nf nv Ak,N+ eAo+
original Of this model was the first
power driven. man-carrying aeroplane
to make a free and sustained flight"
This label was specifically designed to
eliminate the causes of the controversy.
The same care to correct the causes of
the dispute have been made in every
label in the aeronautical collection, it
was explained by Mr.. CARRIER.
In his pamphlet Of five years ago
Pr Abbot in PREDATORY note, ex-
an attempt on the part Of the Smith
sonian Institution TO clarity an unfortu-
nate controversy and to correct errors
where errors have been made, in order
to do justice alike to three great pio-
neers of human fght-Wilbur and
Orville Wright and Samuel Pierpont
Langley-as we'll as to the Smithsonian
institution.
Anniversary Observed.
After publishing the pamphlet DR..
Abbot wrote to Mr.. Wright Offering
the right hand of good will and fellow
ship" it was explained, and offering
him complete justice in the matter of
the dispute. No reply has been received
to this letter. it was stated
The renewal of efforts to effect a
reconciliation. with a view to bringing
the Wright plane to the Smithsonian,
was revealed by Dr. Abbot during the
course of a ceremony in front of the
Wright collection at the museum
yesterday afternoon, on the thirtieth
anniversary of the first fight.
In accepting from the Women's Ma
tional Aeronautical Association a
laurel wreath to be placed on the case
containing the Wright exhibit, DR.. Alb
bot paid high tribute to the Wrights
and deplored the controversy.
Although the invitation has been
sent to Col. Lindbergh to act as medi-
airy. it is not believed he has received
it yet because Of his rapid movements
in connection with the completion Of
his six months tour with Mrs. Lind
bergh. No reply has been received to
the invitation yet.