New-York tribune., 1909-09-12
CLAIMS POLE FOR U. S.
TELEGRAlfS FROM PE4RF.
Says He Took Possession of Region
in Presidents Name.


the United States and 10 the Secretary of State.
before whose department may come any Ques-
tions that may arise regarding the right Of pos
session OF the region Of the North Pole and the
Arctic region traversed by Peary. and to the
Navy Department. under which he is an officer
Commander Robert f. Peary has communicated
the results OF his expedition. and the fact that
he reached the North Pole and hoisted the
stars and stripes April last.
As soon as he came within telegraph COM
nunication Mr. Peary informed the President OF
what he had accomplished. and followed this up
with dispatches sent yesterday from Battle
Harbor' where his vessel is now coaling and re-
pairing, 10 the Secretary of state and TO the
Secretary of the Navy. In reporting TO the
State Department Commander Peary. after say
ing that he hoisted the Stars and Stripes at the
North Pole on April 6. adds that he formally
took possession Of that entire region and adja-
cent for and in name of President United States
America" and that a record and the United
States flag were left in possession. .
The commanders dispatch 10 the Navy De-
partment was typical Of that OF officer re-
Surning from a mission, respectfully announcing
Nhat fact 10 his superior officer and adding that
he had hoisted the navy ensign at the North
Pole April 6.
AIr. Adee is Acting Secretary of State in the
absence OF Secretary Knox, who is at his Val
icy Forge home A copy of Peary's dispatch will
be sent 20 the latter. Mr.. Adee declined to
make any comment whatever on the dispatch
from Commander Peary. on the ground that
There was no question now before the depart
snent
WINTHROP SENDS FLUCTUATIONS.
Mr.. winthrop promptly sent Commander
Fesry a dispatch on behalf of the Navy De-
partment extending his hearty congratulations
F,,l 70 shA
North Pole" Mr.. winthrop voiced the senti-
Snents Of the naval officials when he said that
the Navy Department naturally was much graf
shed that Civil Engineer Peary, who is an offcer
IN the civil engineer corps of the naval estab-
1shment, had succeeded after many attempts
sn reaching the pole. The commander IS nova
cn leave Of absence from the navy. but is de-
Tailed 10 duty with the Coast and Geodetic Sur
vey, making tidal observations on the coast OF
Grant Land and Greenland" The Acting Sec
retary said there was no doubt that Peary's
leave of absence would be extended until such
time as HIS report to the Coast and Geodetic
Survey was completed. s~lsF
Some little comment and no little amusement
were created in the Navy Department when
Pesry's dispatch came this morning saying be
had hoisted the navy ensign on the North Pole
Unlike number Of foreign countries, the Amer
ioan navy has no ensign. but the flag that flies
siosts 10 the breeze over the White House at
Washington. There is a navy pennant. but this
iE used 10 designate ships in commission under
certain circumstances.
The following is the text of the message re-
peived al the State Department from Com
mander Peary:
Battle Harbor. September 10.
Hon. Secretary Of State. Washington.
Respectfully report hoisted Stars and Stripes
rnn Norffa pole Av,Vgl av,I III,
session that entire region and adjacent for and
tn name Of President United States America
Record and United states flag left in possession
PEARY.
Pesry's dispatch TO the Navy Department
reads follows:
Respectfully report my return: hoisted navy
ensign on North Pole April S. PEARY.
Responding 10 Peary's dispatch, Acting Sec
retary Winthrop sent the following telegram:
To Commander Peary. Battle Harbor. Labrador
Your telegraphic report received. Navy De-
partment extends hearty congratulatiOn on your
successful attempt TO reach the North Pole.
WINTHROP.
Again to-day the officials Of the Coast and
Geodetic Survey indicated their Willingness to
srbitrate the dispute that has arisen on the
rival contentious Of Peary and Cook. Up TO the
present time, however there has been no Official
request for such action
40 REPORT TO SURVEY REQUIRED.
Commander Peary. While commissioned to
make certain observations for the Coast and
Geodetie Survey, is not required to submit
report TO that bureau. He will undoubtedly
submit the results of the soundngs and observa-
Eions Of tidal action TO the survey. bat the su-
perintendent Of the survey has no power to
require a fun report This viii probably be
made by Pesry 10 the Peary Arctic Club, which
financed the expedition.
As DR. Cook has no official connection with
the question Of arbitration by the Coast and
Geodetic Survey rests entirely with the two ex-
plorers
The members of the National Geographic So
Ciety are watching With intense interest the
progress of the stories Of the Peary and Cook
expeditions 10 the North Pole. Both Commander
Peary and Dr. Cook are members of the So
ciety II has been suggested. though not by
officials Of the society. that arbitration Of the
matter OF the claims of the two men might we'll
be left 10 the National Geographic Society as
We'll as 20 the Coast and Geodetic SURVEY in
view Of The inclusion Of both men IN the So
ciety's membership and the generally repre-
sentative nature Of those who make up its rank
and hle The society. however has taken ac-
ton attesting its concurrence I'm the accepta-
bility Of the arbitration proposed by the Coast
and GeOdetic Survey. which is represented ON
The board Of managers 81 the Geographic So
ciety