![Transcription Center logo](/themes/custom/tc_theme/assets/image/logo.png)
This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.
the illustrious diplomat, "have just finished by conquering the air, the same page of glory which, centuries ago, the Portugese wrote by crossing unknown seas". The words of the American Minister caused great enthusiasm. From all sides cam hurrahs. Portugal, the allied countries, and the United States especially, were wildly cheered. After this ceremony was over the crowd began to disband, directed by the crew, which very delicately avoided a rush. We were able to approach one of the aviators who had crossed the Atlantic. His uniform, like those of this companions, was very much disordered and completely wet. However, not the least sign of fatigue was to be seen on his open, intelligent, and expressive countenance. "Was it a rapid trip", we asked. "We were able to make 85 miles an hour", he replied with great satisfaction, and with manifest and justifiable pride, "and", he added, "the cold was terrible, but all this disappeared when we finally saw the sands of Portugal, whose hospitality we began to know and appreciate in the beautiful Islands of the Azores. We were unable to ask more. We were swept with the crowd of guests towards the stern, where dancing had begun to the music of the band, whose harmonious and weird sounds could be heard all over the vessel. A very inviting lunch was offered to all the guests. Last night at the meeting of the Administrative Commission of the City Council, the following proposal was presented by Mr. Barros, referring to the arrival in the Tagus of the Aeroplane NC-4, and was unanimously approved: I propose that in harmony with the universal rejoicing resulting from the feat which has just been carried out, and in recongnition of the honor which falls to this city as the terminus of such a glorious voyage, this council orders a gold medal which, commemorating the first aerial crossing of the Atlantic, shall be publically and as an expression of homage from the City of Lisbon, placed upon the breast of the brave aviator who accomplished such a wonderful feat, and this medal will bear on one side the arms of the city, and on the other ann inscription to the heroism of the North American Pilot". Three hydro-aeroplanes of the Portugese Navy were ordered to maneuver outside the bar, awaiting the arrival of the American aeroplane. Only two were able to do so, as the third began to leap when getting ready to fly, and was complelled to undergo repairs. The Minister of Marine went on board the Rochester with the Minister of Foreign Affairs as well as the higher officials of their office and other invited guests. -4-