Los Angeles herald., 1909-10-21
[By Associated Press.l

WASHINGTON, Oct. 20.-Command-
er Robert E. Peary's proofs, records
and observations that he reached the
north pole April 6, 1909, were submitted
today to the National Geographic So
ciety.
The board of managers of that body
referred them for examination and re
Port to a subcommittee of experts,
comprising Henry Gannett, chief ge-
ographer of the United States geoIog-
ical survey; Rear Admiral Colby M.
Chester, U. S. N, and o. H. Titus, su-
perintendent of the United States coast
and geodetic survey.
The Subcommittee announced the
only question it had to decide was
whether Commander Peary had reached
the north pole on the date claimed.
The experts designated by the society
will hold their first meeting within a
few days and begin their investigation
of the Peary data.
They will personally examine the note
books and original observations made
by Commander Peary on his march to
the pole, and will see all papers brought
back by him from the frigid north.
Verdict Delayed
The wide scope of the question rem
ders it probable that the subcommittee
will not report it's findings for several
months, but when ready the report Will
be submitted to a meeting of the board
of managers of the society, especially
called for that purpose.
While the meeting was in progress
and soon after the submission of the
Peary data a messenger brought a ca
blegran from the University of Copen-
hagen in reply to the society's request
that that institution waive its first
claim to DR.. Crooks records.
Prof. Willis L. Moore, president OF
the National Geographic society, de-
clared subsequently, that the society
believed that Commander Peary's claim
that he had reached the pole should be
passed upon without further delay.
1.-THE society is ready to make similar
examination of DIR. Cooks original OBJ
servations and field notes" said Presi-
dent Moore, but as he promised to
send them to the University of Copen-
hagen, and the society will not have an
opportunity of seeing them probably
for some months, it did not seem fair
to defer action Of Commander Peary' s
observations until DR. Cooks were re-
ceived.
According to Rules
Inc dCIlOD OI lH6 SOCi6LS WIS Iolh'il
in accordance with the bylaws. The
committee on research shall be charged
with the consideration of all matters
of scientific and technical geography,
including explorations, which may be
brought before the society, or which
may originate in the committee, and
shall report thereon to the board of
managers for action"
The society had previously urged
both Commander Peary and DR.. Cook
to submit their observations to a COM
petent scientific commission in the
United States.
The society Joined in a request from
the American Museum Of Natural His
tory, New York, and the American Ge-
ographical society to President Remsen
that he as president of the National
Academy of Science appoint a commit
tee to pass upon the records of both
explorers.
The society began to formulate plans
for immediate action on the Peary rec
ords, when 1t was advised by DR.. Rem
sen that he would not appoint a com
mittee unless authorized by his council,
which meets in November, and unless
requested by both Peary and Cook.