Daily Kennebec journal., 1908-07-08
Visits Pssry's Ship Rooss-
wH II .gysiH Das
Sees EfsT Paii ald stakss
Hands MIIh EysfJ naa.


Roosevelt lying at anchor near the
Presidents yacht Sylph in Oyster Bay
harbor this afternoon. Commander
Robert L. Peary, u. g *. 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
swiftly around the stern and along the
port side of the Roosevelt On board
the little craft We're President and Mrs.
Roosevelt, Commander and Mrs. Peary,
Mr.. and Mrs. W. E. Roosevelt, Quen-
tin Roosevelt, the Presidents young
est son. several guests and Lieut.. Com
mander Roger Williams of the Sylph.
President Roosevelt, dressed in a
white duck suit, was the first to
scramble up the Roosevelt's ladder
and over her side rail. Then came
Commander Peary. They assisted the
ladies' aboard the vessel. and the in
spection of the exploring craft began.
Captain Bartlett of the Roosevelt and
Herbert l.. Bridgman. 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 II in the forenoon and Capt.
Bartlett imme iiately dressed the ship
in honor of the visit of the President.
When the Presidents party went
aboard the water about the ship was
crowded with pleasure craft-steam
lannnhac Sohopporc apI ,,,ah%, ,o,,
boats, canoes and skiffs.
Commander Peary introduced the
President and others to the members
of the expedition and to his daughter
Marie Peary and his 4-year-old son,
Robert p. Peary. Jr.. both of whom
will accompany the Roosevelt as far
as Sydney, c. b.
Capt Bartlett made apologies to the
President for the appearance of the
Roosevelt. saying she did not quite
come up to the standard of the United
States navy. Don't care what she
looks like. captain" remarked Mr..
Roosevelt, cts what she does"
Commander Peary then escorted the
party into the deck house and to his
cabin on the starboard side aft. There
they saw many books. piano and
mechanical player and a phonograph.
Inc explorer told them that from these
thlnss the members of the expedition
would derive great amusement during
the trip, beside entertaining the ma
tlves of the Far North with them. The
visitors then inspected Captain Bart
letts quarters on the opposite side of
the ship and went through the galley.
The President insisted upon goine.
down the ladder into the engine room
and seeing everything there was to be-
seen. When he came up he was wip-
ing the sweat from his brow but seem-
ed to be enjoying himself nevertheless.
Climbing up the forecastle deck the
President found the crew of the Roose-
welt lined up and he was introduced
to each individually. AS he gripped
successfully the hands of the sailors,
he said something different to each.
I'm glad to meet you and 1 hope
you'll reach the pole" he said to one.
I'm glad to see you here today, you
have very brave commander" he ex-
claimed to another as he grasped his
powerful hand and shook it vigorously.
Commander Peary said his last good
bye to the President as Mr.. Roosevelt
was about to go over the side into the
Clean. The President shook hands
with the explorer. saying that hunting
the pole is good sport
'Inasmuch as I cannot 90 along with
you myself said the President. "all
1 can do is to wish that all good luck
may go with you. I feel confident that
you will get there this time IL 1t is pos
sible to do SO; if you don't, do the best
You can. Good bye"
Capt. Bartlett, shaking hands with
the President and bidding him fare
well, said: Its 30 or nothing. the
North pole or bust this time, Mr.. Presi-
dent
The President laughed and cried out
to Capt. Bartlett and his men: Good
bye, captain, good bye boys. good luck
to you ALL / believe you'll get there
this time"
When all of the Presidents party
We're safely in the launch 1t darted
away to the Sycamore Hill pier Com
mander Peary accompanied by Mrs.
Peary and Herbert L. Bridgeman took
another launch to the town. and board -
ed the train for New York.
The commander said he and Mrs. PeaYy
President and Mrs. Roosevelt The Pres
ident. he said, was greatly interested in .
the expedition and was anxious for it's
success. Before leaving Sycamore Hill
the President presented Mr.. Peary with a
large photograph of himself. bearing his
autograph .4
While the party was walking from Sag.
amore Hill to the pier little Quentin,
Roosevelt, the Presidents son. picked np
four-leaf clover He walked up to
Commander Peary and presented 1t to
him, saying 1t would bring him good luck
The explorer carefully put the clover
away In memorandum book. Tho Roose-
welt weighed anchor at $50 p. M. and
steamed out Of the harbor. She will stou
at New Bedford, Mass, and then pro-:
ceed to Sydney. c. b., where Commander
Peary and several other members OF tho
expedition will rejoin tho ship.