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Mr. W. R. Enyart -- 2    5/27/44

awards have been mostly to U. S. Government Bureaus and to manufacturing companies, instead of to individuals.  This, no doubt, is due to the fact that individuals have more modesty than bureaus and corporations, and that individuals do not have the "brass" to seek the award, while bureaus and companies have no lack in that respect.  I think it may be taken as generally true that what a government department lacks in accomplishment it makes up by its activity in propaganda for its own aggrandizement.

If Mr. Collier could today see the way the trophy which he established and which now is known by his name is awarded, I think he would turn in his grave.

The trophy was name the "Aero Club of America Trophy" in the Deed of Gift.  Unless that name has been changed by some lawful act of a competent body, the name still must be the "Aero Club of America Trophy."  If that be so, and if the N.A.A. is such a competent body, I would recommend that by proper action it change the name from the "Aero Club of America Trophy" to the "Robert J. Collier Trophy," honoring the man who established it, and who himself was one of the most generous and the most disinterested of all the pioneers in American Aviation.

I would further recommend that in the future the committee of award be composed of members having neither direct connection with any government bureau, nor any personal interest in the award either direct or indirect.

I remember with pleasure our association in the N.A.A. years ago, and I am happy that you now, as president, have the guiding hand.  The organization has had many ups and downs--part of the time in the hands of men with ulterior interests and part of the time in the hands of men without self interest, and interested only in the advancement of aviation.  I have always classed you among the latter.

Sincerely yours,

(Orville Wright)