New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1902-11-22
PEAPY AND THE POLE.

That was a stirring talk which Commander
Peary gave before the American Geographical
Society the other evening. His own exploits
in the Arctic regions were described with be
coming modesty, but the possibility Of reach
ing the Pole was referred to with a confidence
that is infectious. No American citizen is so
we'll qualified to express an opinion on this
question, because no other American under
stands the subject so thoroughly. No living
man, of whatever nationality, has spent so
many years in practical Arctic research as he,
knows so well the difficulties that have been
overcome and are yet to be faced, or appre-
ciates so keenly how narrow may be the mar
gin between past failure and future success.
When, therefore, he pronounces the enterprise
one which should not be regarded hopeless.
the world of science will unhesitatingly accept
his verdict. 1t will wish, too. that Peary him
self might be sent north once more TO utilize
whatever chance there is of accomplishing the
task The very experience which enables him
TO form a trustworthy judgment In the matter
fits him pre-emnently for the work Itself
Not the least important of the many motives
which inspire an undertaking of this kind is
national pride. Within the last ten years the
United States has taken a new position among
the nations. Her magnificent industrial devel-
opment has startled Europe. Her influence in
Her men of science are known and honored as
never before. If there are any more prizes to
be won 1t is perfectly legitimate for this coun-
try to enter the competition. Indeed, so far as
polar research Is concerned she has already
been in the field for half a century. The
only question is whether she shall retire
so long others are likely 10 renew their eff
forts, and when the goal is almost within our
grasp. If the North Pole is to be reached at
all, why should not that event be the outcome
Of a happy combination Of American brains,
energy and capital?
One after another the obstacles and en-
barrassments that have beset Peary have been
removed by patient endeavOr, increasing knowl-
edge and a talent for organization The one
barrier which he has thus far found nsuperable
Is the state of the ice few miles north of
Greenland and Grinnell Land Open leads and
moving foes have thwarted him after the last
stage of his journey had been entered upon and
when the Pole was scarcely five hundred miles
away. There is reason to believe that prac-
tcally continuous surface would be reached
comparatively short distance from land
Peary's expectations, put in conservative Ian
guage, are doubtless based on this probability
and two other considerations If he were TO
make the final push earlier in the spring there
might be less trouble If he made the effort
several years in succession he might diScov-
er that the conditions were more favorable at
one time than another Here certainly, are
grounds for rational encouragement
The chief point upon which serious misgving
can be felt is probably the attitude of the Navy
Department on the question of permitting an
other absence of three or four years. In the
past it has treated Peary with notable favor
Not only does the service really need all of its
civil engineers, but it is an awkward precedent
to keep on paying a man year after year for
work he does not perform. 1t would be too
great sacrifice to permit Peary to resign
outright when he has not cent in the world
But he might ask for leave of absence without
salary, If his financial hackers would make
good the difference as well as meet the ex-
pense of the expedition proper. He must think
of wife and child before the glory of an achieve
ment that is almost comparable in brilliancy
and heroism with that of Columbus