The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1907-04-28

man. For that reason I feel by every
right that this graf country of ours
should be the winner. Once won there
will be no future challenge. To the
first conqueror belongs the spoils and
the glory. Entirely regardless of any
intrinsic value, the discovery of the
Pole will he as distinct a milestone
in the history of the globe as was the
discovery OF America by Columbus"
Scientific Value of Exploration.
But the scientific value OF these en-
plorations. / suggested, must be OF in
estimable Importance. What has been
gained. so far. In the cause OF science?
The efforts which have been carried
on for the past three hundred years to
find the Pole" said Mr.. Peary, have
resulted in securing very large
amount OF scientific material and in.
formation and of greatly widening our
geographical horizon. Still more i'm
portant information is yet to be OBJ
tanned from the remaining great un-
explored area, and particularly in this
case In connection with the Polar Sea,
the photography of which is entirely
unknown. And yet. without in any
way desiring to detract from the value
of such work and results, feel that
the great meaning of this conquest lies
not In these. 1t Is. rather matter OF
national sentiment; and the fact that
the North Pole is a trophy which the
proudest nation in the world will be
glad to win and wear looms very large
to me-"
What Lies Beyond?
And now for the question which the
world is asking-which you have
doubtless pondered-and perhaps found
the answer to, l said:
What lies beyond tho point which
you have reached?
And the answer to that question:"
replied Mr.. Peary, "is not tho one for
which the world is looking. Nothing
abnormal or surprising-no revelation
of marvellous geological formations
will be found. The conditions existing
between the Pole and the farthest
point reached by me are not likely to
be different from those found in the
last stage of my journey There wi
be no open Polar Sea. no Sdemmes hole
giving access to tho centre of tho
earth. no circular ice-caps; In fact, no
physical conditions <perceptlble to the
senses outside of the wellknown fact
that to an observer at the Pole heaven
ly bodies travel horizontal paths.
III there is land 1t will be similar TO
OlHer ArCtlC Xmas we Know. IL lue
Pole is located In tho Polar Sea the
characteristics will be similar to the
characteristics of other portions of the
Polar Sea with which we are familiar
My personal impression is that land
is not likely to be found at or In close
proximity to the Pole. But l should
be very much pleased to find that my
Impressions were incorrect"
Why Peary Succeeded.
| TO what do you attribute the sue
cess OF this expeditlon?--a question
which naturally presents itself In con-
nection with this last achievement OF
| peary's-brought this answer.
'The experience gained from Fifteen
years living In the far north was ms
most valuable asset. With the knowl-
edge gained from my six previous OK
peditions was able to avoid the thou
| sand and ono mistakes which are The
inevitable lot of the novice. This, add
| cd to tho knowledge gained In this trtI
I should bring mo, next time, to tho de-
sired goal. The Fundamental features