The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1909-09-07
National Geographic Society
Will Invite Cook, Peary,
and Shackelton.
LOCAL SCIENTISTS
BELIEVE REPORTS
Success of Naval Officer Is Called
Wonderful" and Was
Expected.

Enthusiastic over the success Of two
Americans who have reached the apex
of the earth. Washington scientists
through the medium of the National
Geographic Society and dts annual ban
quet, are planning to give the three most
noted polar explorers of the day the
moss remarkable reception ever given
a scientist
The board OF managers Of the society
will meet this afternoon IN Hubbard
Hall. Sixteenth ana L streets, to con
slider the matter Of honoring DR.. Cook
and Lieute.ant Peary for their discov-
cries OF the North Pole. The meeting
viii be called by the president of the
society. PROF willis J. Moore, Chief Of
the Weather Bureau. L is doubtful.
in the opinion Of Prof. Moore. if a
quorum Of the managers can be secured
this afternoon owing to the absence of
so many of the members from the city
at this time. but some action will be
taken, and 1t may be so arranged that
an early meeting OF the society can
be held. The presentation Of medals of
honor to the discoveries viii be one
of the questions for the board To de-
eide.
According to present intentions, and
subject 10 the acceptance Of the ex-
plorers themselves. which, undoubtedly,
will be forthcoming. the annual Decem-
Der banquet of the society, held in this
city. will be graced by the presence Of
DIR. Frederick A. Cook. discover OF the
North Pole. Lieutenant Commander
Robert Z. Peary, who now enjoys
similar honor. and Lieutenant Shackel-
tor. the English officer. who bears the
distinction OF having penetrated "farth-
est South"
on for Europe
Or. o. H Tittman. superintendent Of
the United States Coast and Geodetic
Survey, left for Europe Saturday last.
and, according TO Assistant Superinten-
dent Frank W. Perkins. carried with
him the cordial invitation Of the society
TO Lieutenant Shackl.ton and Or. Cook
In the meantime startling advices. un-
expected so soon. but nevertheless well
come. have been received from Comman-
der Peary, and now he, too. is to be in
cluded in the list Of those whom the
scientific world VIII honor as the great
est discovers of their time.
Prof. Moore. in speaking OF the dual
discovery OF the Pole by Or. Cook and
-
that he hoped no controversy would
arise as 20 who was entitled to the
discovery. He said:
'-Dr. Cook and Lieutenant Peary are
both hne fellows and great explorers
and 1 hope no controversy will arise
between the friends Of the men as to
just VINO is entitled TO the greatest
honor. Instead Of disparaging one in
favor OF the other all Americans should
be proud Of the fact that two of our
countrymen have the distinction Of be
ing the first 20 reach the top Of the
world. I hope the friends of one viii
not belittle the other. 1t was a great
achievement and there is glory enough
for all ] am sure neither of the prin-
cipals would do or say anything that
would in the least detract from the
others claims"
A representative Of The Washington 1
Times first acquainted Assistant super- 4
intendent Perkins. OF the Coast and
Geodetic Survey. with the information I
that Commander Peary had been sue
cessfm IN his final onslaught upon the
frozen regions Of the extreme North.
Wonderful, Wonderful"
Wonderful, wonderful" exclaimed
Mr.. Perkins. 1T is no more. however. /
than We expected. Commander Peary is
a veteran explorer. II he says that he
has located the North Pole the world .
may accept his assurances. 1t seems to
be an era Of glorious things.
Commando Peary. as is well known
70 the members OF the National Geo
graphic Society, Of which ] am a mem
Der. went equipped with ALI modern in
servations and demonstrate the truth OF
his discovery. To my mind the dual
discovery or the North Pole b1t
strengthens the discovery OF each ex-
plorer. II now resolves itself into a
question OF priority, and Commander
Peary and DR.. Cook doubtless will
dght that out between themselves. Ac-
cording 20 the latter. however, he dis
covered the Pole before Commander
Peary started.
Nevertheless, that detracts not one
whit from the honor and glory Of what
Peary has done. Each explorer has
fought his own battles alone ana with
put the aid Of the observations Of the
)ther- Each has pursued his own meth
DDS In the silent quest for a hitherto
hidden goal, and If both have succeeded
Z - a matter OF still greater rejoicing
Tor America, for they are both Ameri-
ans, and both are worthy Of every
1onor that we can bestuw upon them.
The glad news from DR.. Peary is
10 more than we who know him and
1is determination have expected. lie
eft WITH the promise that ne would
ocate the Pole on this attempt or
would never again return % the Polar
regions. Or. Cook also is a doer Of
hinRB. and the world was not sur
)riEed at his story There ig honor
'nough for them both. and they viii be
'i2nally welcomed upon their trium- /
lhant homecoming
Goes With Invitations. J
"Dr, Tittman. superintendent OF the
survey. left FOR Europe Saturday Prior