Evening star., 1933-03-05

the convention in Chicago in the afternoon and
to smash all precedent by accepting the Presl-
Dental nomination in person from members of
the convention which nominated him
Franklin and Theodore Roosevelt both belong
in the category Of pioneer air passengers"
Both flew before there was any organized air
passenger flying of any sort and while aviation
still was in its infancy. Theodore Roosevelt
made his flight in 1910, only year after tn
sensational work of the Wright brothers at Fort
Myer had really introduced the airplane to the
National Capital Roosevelt, then retired from
public life made his flight at st. Louis.
Franklin Roosevelt flew first in the World
War in his capacity as Assistant Secretary of
the Navy, when flying was military necessity
far removed from the comfort and safety of
the passenger flying Of today. His first flight
was made in France during the course of tour
Of inspection and the details Of that flight, IN
q military zone, never were publiciZed.
IT was quite otherwise with the first flight of
! Theodore Roosevelt, the only other man who
has held the Office of President of the United
States to make fight Of any kind. He flew
in October, 1910, before Thousands of spectators,
during the course OF one OF the countrys first
great air meets, held under the auspices of the
Aero Club of St. Louis
Only few days before the flight Col. Roose-
welt ventured an opinion that lit would be too
sensational for him to fly in an aeroplane.
His decision to fly seems to have been made
with characteristic abruptness. Roosevelt was
In st. Louis during the course of an air meet
in which a number Of the greatest pioneer air
men were taking part. On the afternoon of
October II the former President driven ID
the flying field, with an escort of so automo-
biles.
A jacket and cap were found for Mr.. Roose-
welt and he took his place In one of the exposed
seats Of the old type planes, out IN the full
blast of the wind and with only outriggers and
bracing wires between him and the ground
Hoxsey took Oh and began circling the field
while 1000 spectators cheered As the plane
circled and passed over . group Of newspaper
men, many Of whom Roosevelt knew, he swept
on his cap and waved to them enthusiastically.
Hoxey alarmed for the safety OF his distin-
glished passenger, implored him to keep hold
OF the handrail provided for the purpose.
THE aviation world Is looking with hopeful
] eyes to the new President Times have not
been conducive to prosperity for a new industry
which still Is trying to get itself firmly estab-
Hshed. Though gains have been made in every
branch Of air transportation. even during the
period of the depression which reduced all other
trafic, the future by no means is assured
The recent difficulties encountered by avia-
ton legislation In Congress have been exceed
ingly discouraging to those leaders who have
been striving to keep civil aeronautics alive
until improvement of business conditions gives
side Of the ledger. Throughout the whole Of
the past administration the Post Office Depart
ment and Congress have been at odds over the
Nations atrman policies. The quarrel has not
helped the cause Of aviation. Aviation leaders
are hopeful that when the new deaI is made
aeronautics viii. get more useful hand than
the one they have been trying to play