Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-07-08
VISITS ARCTIC SHIP
President Inspects Every Part
Of PoIe-Seeker.
WISHES PEARY GOOD LUCK
Shakes Hands With Every Sailor on
the Roosevelt. =.
IMPARTS CHEER TO THE CREW
Presents Commander With His
Photograph Bearing His
Autograph.
WISHES PEARY GOOD LUCK
CHEER TO THE CREW

OYSTER BAY. n. Y. July S-"My. my
what a fine Ship" remarked President
Roosevelt as he approached the arctic
steamer Roosevelt. lying al anchor near
the Presidents yacht Sylph. in Oyster
Bay harbor yesterday afternoon. Com
mander Robert E. Peary. L. s. N, the
arctic explorer. who was at his side.
agreed with the President and thanked
him for the compliment
1t was shortly after 3 o'clock when the
Sylph's launch Clean steamed around
the stern and along the port side Of the
Roosevelt. On board the little craft were
President and Mrs. Roosevelt, Command
er and Mrs. Peary. Mr.. and Mrs. w. E.
Roosevelt, Quentin Roosevelt, the Presi-
dents youngest son; several guests and
Lieut.. Commander Roger Williams of
the Sylph. President roosevelt, dressed
in a white duck suit. was the first to
scramble up the Roosevelt's ladder. Then
came Commander Peary. They assisted
the ladies aboard and the inspection of
the exploring craft began.
Capt. Bartlett of the Roosevelt and
Herbert L. Brakeman secretary of the
Peary Arctic Club. received them on
board In another launch came the Presi-
dents sons Kermit and Archie, accom-
panied by several boys. The Roosevelt
had arrived in the harbor at IL in the
forenoon, and Capt. Bartlett dressed ship
in honor of the visit OF the President.
Every available boat in the harbor was
pressed in service by persons desiring to
see the Roosevelt, and when the Presi-
dents party went aboard the water about
the ship was crowded with pleasure craft.
President in Engine Room.
Capt Bartlett made apologies to the
President for the appearance of the
Roosevelt saying she did not quite come
Navy.
tain replied Mr.. Roosevelt. Its what
she does
Commander Peary escorted the men,
bers of the party into the dollhouse and
to his cabin, on the starboard side aft.
There they saw many books. a piano and
mechanical player and monograph. The
explorer told them that from these things
the members of the expedition would de-
rive amusement during the trip, and, be-
sides, they would help to entertain the
natives of the far north. The visitors
then inspected Capt. Bartletts quarters,
on the opposite side Of the ship, and
went through the galley.
The President insisted upon going down
the ladder into the engine room and see-
ing everything there was to be seen. When
he came up he was wiping perspiration
froh his brow, but seemed to be enjoying
himself nevertheless.
Climbing upon the forecastle deck the
President found the crew of the Roosevelt
lined up He was introduced to each in
dividually. AS he grasped successfully
the hands of the sailors he SAID something
Pm glad to meet you and hope you'll
reach the pole" he said to one. I'm
glad to see you here today. You have a
very brave commander" he exclaimed to
another as he grasped his powerful hand
and shook 1t vigorously.
North Pole or Bust.
Commander Peary said his last good
bye to the President as Mr. Roosevelt was
about to go over the side into the launch
He shook hands with the explorer. saying
that hunting the pole Is good sport.
'lnasmuch as cannot go along with
you myself" said the President .aH l
can do Is to wish that all good luck may
go with you. I feel confident that you
will get there this time, If it is possible
to do SO. II you don't. do the best you
can. Goodbye"
Capt. Bartlett. shaking hands with the
President and bidding him farewell. said:
Its 30 to nothing; the north pole or
bust. this time. Mr.. President"
The President laughed and cried out to
Capt. Bartlett and his men:
Goodbye. captain; goodbye. boys.
good luck to you all. l believe you'll get
there this time
Before leaving Sycamore Hill the Presi-
graph Of himself bearing his autograph
While the party was walking from
Sycamore Hill to the pier Quentin Roose-
Welt. the Presidents son. picked up a
four-leaved clover. He walked up to
Commander Peary and, presenting it to
him. said it would bring him good luck.
The explorer carefully put the clover
away in q memorandum book
Commander Peary. accompanied by
Mrs. Peary and Herbert l.. Bridgman
took another launch to the town and
boarded the train for New York.
The Roosevelt weighed anchor at $50
pm. and steamed out Of the harbor. She
will stop at New Bedford. Mass, and
then proceed to Sydney, c. B., where
Commander Peary viii rejoin the ship
President Roosevelt has directed Com
mander Peary to make tidal observations
along the Grant Land and Greenland
shores Of the Polar sea for the coast and
geodetic survey during his dash for the
north pole. The President believes that
such observations will throw light upon
the theory OF the existence of a consid-
cradle land mass in the unknown area
of the Arctic ocean.