Fergus County argus. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1886-1946, 1903-09-09
PLAN POLAR
EXPEDITION
Commander Robert E. Peary, U. S. N.
viii Once More Go in Search Of
the Elusive Pole.
AN ELABORATE UNDERTAKING
Every Precaution to Make the Trip
a Success viii be Taken-Way
Stations to be Established.

Washington. d. c., Sept. 5-Com-
uandcr Robert L. Peary, L.. 5. ~.
tn, well known Arctic explorer. will
max, another dash for the North pole.
Leave OF absence for three years has
been granted him with permission col
The president, by Mr.. Darling, acting
secretary OF the navy, and he has
been assured of the hearty sympathy
Of both these officials in his new ven
iurc. In his letter Of application for
leave OF absence, Commander Peary
briefly outlines his plan OF action. In
a suitable ship. built in one al our
best ship yards, reinforced and
strengthened to the maximum degree
with American engines. so that she
may go forth as an exponent OF Amer
lean skill and mechanical ability.
Commander Pcary hoppe 10 start VIVA
his expedition about .h, first ul July
ueNL
Upon arrival al ,G. whale sound
r.giuu b. win take un board a large
number ur Esktmps and establish a
p|egD.an,lt uH-. al Cape Sabine.
Thence be- will -u his WAY nurthwau!
"a Grant Land. where he hopes TO cs-
ra1ii,H winter quarters on Ihu north
shOra. A. iHt as practicable along
the route nc will establish caches.
fhc following February. with The ear.
lest returning light. ne will start due
north over The polar pack with a small
light pioneer party and be followed by
a large main party. In his letter of
application tn the acting secretary ul
the navy for leave of absence, Com.
mander Peary says:
Il should expect to accomplish the
distance 10 the pole and return In
about 100 days or a little more. an
average travel Of about - miles a
day. Returning / should break The
ship out late in the season and return
home. 1t ice conditions the first year
were such as 10 prevent reaching the
northern shore of Grant Land. | then
should winter as far north as practiC.
able. and force the ship to the desiT.
ed location the following year. In This
event the expedition would he gone
TWO years"
The distinctive feature of Com,
mander Peary's plan are the use OF
individual sledges with comparative,
ly light loads. drawn by dogs. the adj,
option Of Eskimus themselves. Com
mander Peary believes the advantage
OF his plan and routes are the fixed
base line Too miles nearer the pole
ma any other route; the more rigid
ic" pack extending further poleward
than is Ia BE- found ON the opposite
side Ui the pole. the winh"r land base
m which to retreat and the well beat
an line Of communication and retreat
from winter quarters Ia comparative
~ low ATTITUDES which Is PRACTICABLE,
ii any season OF The year.
Acting Secretary of the Navy bar
ling. a close student of Arctic work
and an enthusiastic believer in til,
ability OF American pluck and daring
10 find the pole, says in his letter tC
Commander Peary granting him three
years leave of absence from April !
mex that he thinks ne is better
equipped than any other person il
the country to undertake this work
He pays a high compliment to Mr.
Peary's courage and ability. He con
cludes his letter with this admoni
tiOn:
Attainment of the pole should b,
yOur main object. Nothing short viii
suffice. The discovery OF the pole il
all that remains to complete the ma
of the world. That map should ~
completed in u generation and b
our countrymen. II II is claimed tina
the enterprise is fraught with DANCE
and privatiOn. the answer is that gee
graphical discovery in all ages ha
been purchased at "a price OF heroi
courage and noble sacrifice. Our nj
tional pride is involved in the unde
taking and this department expect
that you will accomplish your purpos
and bring further distinction to a Sc
vice of illustrious traditions. In col
clusion. | am pleased TO inform 20
that the president OF the Unite
States sympathizes with your aus
and approves the enterprise"