Jasper County Democrat, Volume 12, Number 21, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 16 June 1909 — ROOSEVELT READY TO FLY, DECLARES TAFT [ARTICLE]

ROOSEVELT READY TO FLY, DECLARES TAFT

Says Aviators Are More Birdlike In Build Than Others. Washington, June 11.—In presenting medals to the Wright brothers. President Taft said: "It has been said that this is the first presidential recognition of aeronautics since President Washington. Well, all I have to say is that I had a predecessor who, If aeronautics had proceeded as far when he left office as they have today, would not only have gone down under the water in a submarine boat, but would .have gone up into the air in a flying machine. No one had a more earnest interest, a more active interest and a greater desire to see into the things that make for progress than my predecessor. "There may be some reasons why some presidents have not figured in aeronautics. I see that these gentlemen who have flown in the air are constructed more on the plan of the birds than some of us.”