The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1900-06-10
THE "WINDWARD" READY TO SAIL.
uly She Starts For Greenland With Supplies
For Mr. Peary.
(By Associated Press.)

ST. Johns, N. f., June 9.-The Peary
Arctic steamer "Windward' is ready to
come out of dry dock today, having fully
completed the extensive repairs which
have been in progress for several months,
and will shortly leave for Sydney. c. B.,
in command of Captain Samuel w. Bart
lett, to take on coal and supplies for
her voyage to the north While the new
engines desired have not been obtained,
in consequence of the utter inability of
manufacturers both in Great Britain and
in America to take up the contract, a
new shaft and propeller have been sup
piled. the old engines thoroughly over
hauled and put in the best possible or
der, so that at least knot and one half
an hour in speed has been gained, bring
ing the "Windward" up to the kite"
of the 1S91-1S92 and 1895 expeditions. In
addition, the hull has been thoroughly
rebuilt. strengthened both within and
without, and the "Windward," as a whole,
is in far better condition than she has
been for years, new boilers having been
installed by Mr.. Harmsworth shortly be-
fore he turned her over to Mr.. Peary
in 1898.
The "Wndward' will this year sail as
an American ship so far as her nationality
is concerned. The necessary legislation
by Congress having been approved by
President Mckinley, though not having
entered an American port, the formal reg
lister has not yet been issued. Captain
Bartlett, has however, copy of the act,
certified by the Secretary of the Treasury.
upon which the United States consuls and
foreign authorities of any port will permit
the "Windward" to fly the Stars and
Stripes. The rebuilt ''Windward' will
be, therefore, the first Arctic expedi-
ton steamer to carry the Stars and
Stripes at the peak since the Inflated
Polaris left the Brooklyn Navy Yard in
July, 1871, under command of Captain
Charles F. Hall, and who died on board
a few months later.
The expedition will sail from Sydney
about July 1st, and proceed directly, with
a call at Disco, to Etah, North Green
land Mr.. Peary's winter quarters where
instructions from him will doubtless be
found, or if not, will be awaited. The
"Windward" will take with her the max
imum quantity of coal which she can
carry; additional lumber, oil, sugar, arms,
ammunitions, provisions, scientific instru-
ments, and everything which is necessary
for Mr.. Peary's work The "Windward"
also takes two new whaleboats, built at
New Bedford for the Peary service,
thoroughly equipped in every detail.
1t is however, quite possible, that Mr..
Peary may have attained the Pole this
spring, in which case he will, of course.
return with the ship; if not, the addi-
tional equipment, with what remains OF
the 40 tons of supplies left at Etah by
the Diana last year, will be ample for
the remainder of the time which he will
devote to his work. Upon the arrival of
the "Windward" at Etah, Mr. Peary Will
assume command. and her further move
ments will be subject to the conditions
of his work and to his instructions. No
passengers will be taken on the Wind
ward" the Danish Government having
qualified their permission to land at the
Greenland ports. with the conditions that
tourists should not be carried. Mrs Peary
and Miss Peary. however will go North
on the steamer as far as Etah and 1t is
probable that the "Windward, if she re-
turns, will bring home the Robert Stein
party. landed near Cape Sabine by the
Diana in August last.