The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-09-06
Granted Three Years Leave of Alb
sence from the Navy by Permis-
sion of the President.
HOPES TO START WITH HIS ExPE-
DITION NEXT JULY.
Eskfmos to he Employed and Their
Methods of Travel to BE Adopted
by the Commander.

WASHINGTON, Sept. 5.-Commander
Robert E. Peary. L. S. N, the well-known
Arctic explorer will make another dash for
the north pole. Leave of absence for three
years has been granted him, with the per-
mission of 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 venture.
In his letter of application for leave of
absence Commander Peary briefly outlines
his plan of action. In a suitable ship built
in one of our best shipyards, reinforced
and strengthened to the maximum degree
and fitted with American engines. so that
she may go north exponent of Ameri-
can skill and mechanical ability, Com
mander Peary hopes to start with his ex-
peditiop about the first of July next. Upon
arriving at the Whale sound region he will
take on board a large number of Eskimos
and establish a permanent base at Cape
Sabine, then he viii force his way north
ward to Grand Land where he hopes to
establish winter quarters on the northern
| shore. AS far as practicable along the
route, he will establish caches. The fol-
lowing February, with the earliest re-
turning light, he will start due north over
the polar pack with small light pioneer
party and followed by large main party.
In his letter OF application to acting
Secretary of the Navy Darling for leave of
absence, Commander Peary says: 81
should expect to accomplish the distance
to the pole and return in about 100 days or
little more than an average travel of ten
miles a day. Returning, 1 should break
the ship out late in the season and return
home. If 1 see conditions the first year
were such as to prevent reaching the
northern shore of Grant Land, L should
winter as far north as possible and force
the ship to the desired location the follow
ing year. In this event the expedition
would be gone two years"
Distinctive features of Commander
Pearys plan are the use of individual
sleds with comparatively light loads, drawn
by dogs; the adoption of Eskimo methods
and costume and the fullest utilization of
| the ESkimos themselves.
Commander Peary believes the advantages
! of his plan and route are fixed land base
! 100 miles nearer the pole than any other
route; more rigid ice pack extending
further poleward than is to be found on the
opposite side of the pole; wider land
base on which to retreat and ll-beaten
line of communication and retreat from
winter quarters TO comparatively low alti-
| tude, which is practicable at any season of
| the year.
Acting Secretary of the Navy Darling, a
| close student of Arctic work and an en-
thusiastic believer in the ability of Amer
| lean pluck and daring to find the pole,
| says, in his letter TO Commander Peary,
| granting him three years leave of absence
| from April ] next, that he thinks he is bet
! ter equipped than any other person in the
| country to undertake this work. He paws
| a high compliment to Mr.. Peary's coura ge
| and ability. He concludes his letter with
| this admonition: THE attainment of the
| pole should be your main object Nothing
| short will suffice. The discovery of the poles
| is all that remains to complete the map of
| the world. That map should be completed
in our general control and by our country
men. If it is claimed that the enterprise
is fraught with danger and privation the
answer is that geographical discovery in
| all ages has been purchased at the price of
heroic courage and noble sacrifice Our
national pride is involved i'm the undertak
| ing, and this department expects that you
will accept your purpose and bring further
| distinction to service of ilustrious tradi-
/ tions. In conclusion | am pleased to inform
you that the President sympathizes with
| your cause and approves the enterprise
| In an interview tonight Commodore
] Peary said that the expedition will be
made under the auspices of the Peary Arc
| tic Club of New York. of which Norris h
Jessup is president The club will finance
| the expedition to the extent of S150 900
| which is $4,000 more than the cost of the
! last trim.