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Meeting
Mr. Wright
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In
Their Own Words
 art
O. Berg was a native of Hartford, CN who had become an agent in Europe
for new American technologies and designs of firearms, bicycles, and
automobiles. In 1907, he was engage by Flint & Company of New York to
sell the Wright brothers' airplane. After meeting Wilbur for the first
time on 26 May 1907, he reported back to Flint. Note that Berg betrays a
distinct frustration in his inability to pin Wilbur down on any one
course of action, but is overall impressed with Mr. Wright.
At 12:30 yesterday I met Mr. Wilbur Wright at Euston Station. I have
never seen a picture of him, or had him described to me in any way,
still he was the first man I spoke to, and either I am a Sherlock
Holmes, or Wright has that peculiar glint of genius in his eye which
left no doubt in my mind as to who he was. . . . He arrived with
nothing but a bag, about the size of a music roll, but mildly
suggested he thought it might be advisable for him to buy another
suit of clothes. I fortunately found a shop open in the Strand, for
it was Saturday afternoon, and fixed him up, at least for evening
wear, as he came to the conclusion that he'd "guess he'd better have
a swaller-tail coat." We spent, the entire afternoon together.
The company idea did not seem to please him very much, as he first
wanted to know himself exactly what the attitudes of the several
governments were. After a long talk, I believe – please note that I
say distinctly "I believe" – that I made something of an impression
as regards the impossibility of getting any sort of action in the
near future from any government. He agreed that he did not think the
British Government would do any business. He also stated that
perhaps it would be very hard to do anything with the French
Government, as the French were so chauvinistic that their specialist
officers in Commission would probably turn down the suggestions of
even the Minister of War. There was only the German Government left,
and even there I assured him that the government would do nothing,
but we must look to the power greater than the government, that is,
the Emperor himself. I proceeded to explain to him that even if the
Emperor did recommend a full examination of his apparatus I was
fearful that the Aeronautic Officers in the German Army would be apt
to put all sorts of difficulties in the way, and I was fearful that
it would be a long winded affair.
About 5 o'clock in the afternoon, I think – you will distinctly note
that I say "I think" – I brought about some sort of action in his
mind, and think he was on the point – you will note that I
distinctly say that "I think he was on the point" – of veering
around from the government to company methods. I told him further
that I had made an engagement to take him to see Deutsch [de la
Meurthe] on Tuesday, and that Deutsch had stated that he wished to
see Wright before anyone else saw him. I think he agreed – you will
note that I distinctly say "I think he agreed" – to go to Paris with
me Monday. I am to see him again at 1 o'clock today, Sunday, and I
think I shall be able – you will kindly note that I distinctly say
that "I think I shall be able" – to get a more distinct expression
from him of what he wants than resulted in my efforts of yesterday.
He made the argument that if we offered to private individuals at
present, and our overtures were refused by them our chances with the
governments would be greatly diminished. I could not agree with
this. I think just the contrary, that we must not go so far with
governments as to get an absolute negative from them, otherwise our
chances in organizing a company would be diminished, as we could not
offer the hope that the company would get government business. The
idea being refused by private individuals would have no influence on
governments, but being refused by governments would have a great
influence on private individuals. I think Mr. Wright eventually
looked at it in this light — you will note that I distinctly say
that "I think Mr. Wright, etc.”
I am much pleased with Wright's personality. He inspires great
confidence and I am sure that he will be a capital Exhibit A.
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Hart O. Berg talking to Wilbur Wright, The two eventually became fast
friends. Wilbur gave Berg's wife Edith the honor of being the first
woman to fly in a Wright airplane. And when Wilbur adopted a stray dog
during his long stay in France during 1908 and 1909, Berg and Edith gave
the dog "Flyer" a home when Wilbur returned to America.
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