The Washington times., 1909-11-01
Explorer Has Important
Records of His Expe-
dition.
REFUSES TO TALK
FOR PUBLICATION
May Not Pay a Visit TO the Navy
Department At This
Time.

Commander Robert e. Peary. armed
with papers which he is confident viii
demonstrate beyond the shadow Of a
doubt that he reached the North Pole.
arrived in Washington today for con-
ference with subcommittee Of the Ma
tlonaI Geographic Society.
The explorer refused to be drawn in
to a polar discussion OF any kind either
with reference to his controversy with
DR.. Frederick A. Cook or the nature Of
the data which ha brought to Washing
ton.
May Finish Tonight.
'T cannot consent to be interviewed
at this time,'' said Commander Peary.
Il have an engagement with COM
mittee of the National Geographic So
ciety for this afternoon I will pre-
sent that committee with the data which
have refused up to this time to be
made plfolic. I do not anticipate that
viii be engaged with the committee
for a long period; in fact, I am IN
hopes that viii be able 10 leave Wash
ington tonight"
a special meeting OF the subcommlt-
tee of the society was called for this
afternoon. at which time Commander
Peary win go over the papers he has
already submitted and submit for ex-
animation the observations and instru-
ments which he insists on keeping with
him at all times.
Omicers Of the Geographic Society de-
sired to make il plain today that Peary's
visit was not due 20 any dissatisfaction
with the records the explorer had sub
nitted TO substantiate his claim as the
Glscoverer Of the North Pole The rec
ords were received several days ago, but
in an accompanying letter Commander
Peary explained the matter and said
that he would personally appear with
the missing documents whenever the
committee was ready to go over the rec
Ords with him.
The subcommittee of the society, con-
slsunE or Henry Gannett, chairman, q
member 81 the conservation commission
Admiral colby n Chester, for ten years
superintendent OF the Naval Ohserva-
of the Coast and Geodetic Survey. have
practically completed their examination
Of the records sent to them by Peary.
Members Are Reserved.
None Of the members Of the commit
tee would intimate what conclusions
had been drawn as a result OF the ex-
animation. all OF them declaring that
Peary's claim as the discoverer Of the
Pole could not be substantiated until
after the papers brought to Washing
ton by Peary had been examined IN
connection with the records already
gone over. It is probable that Peary
viii not be detained by the committee
later tonight Mr.. Gannett expressed
the opinion today. however. that 1t was
a matter Of conjecture when the sub
committee would report 10 the fun re-
search committee OF the society
It also was made clear that the
Geographic Society is Omciauy in
different as 10 whether PeaTy or Cook
reached the Pole first In this par
ucular instance its Investigations are
being made solely for the purpose Of
determining whether Peary reached
the top Of the world, without regard
70 any claims OF priority made by
him or charges against Dr. Cook.
Members Best Qualified.
The three members of the subcom-
mittee who are making the investiga-
ton are regarded as the best qualified
men in the United States TO go over
the Arctic records. Each has spent
years IN computing longitude and
latitude and making observations
which would make. them thoroughly
familiar with Peary's records.
II is expected that Peary will be
closeted with the investigating com
mittee all afternoon and greater part
OF the evening. The explorer seemed
especially anxious to escape every one
except those officially interested in his
visit. lie entered a cab at the Union
Station and drove to the home of a
friend. He did not report TO the Blu
reau OF Yards and Docks, Of the Navy
Department. nor 20 the Bureau of Nav
igation. The navy regulations pro-
vide that navy officers arriving in
Washington on official business shall
Immediately register at the Navy De
partment.
II was said at the department today
that Peary undoubtedly REGARDED his
visit today IA the nature of private
and, therefore. would not feel
obliged 90 report his presence ia the
city to hts superior officers.