Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-12-16
TRIBUTE TO PEARY
Explorer Guest of National
Geographic Society.
LARGEST BANQUET HELD
Medals Presented Arctic Hero and
Capt. Bartlett.
OVER 500 GUESTS APPLAUD
Many kilograms From Abroad Con-
veying Felicitations-Prof. Will
lis Z. Moore POSTMASTER.
OVER 500 GUESTS APPLAUD

Former President Roosevelt, III tele-
gram from Nairobi; England, France and
Italy, through their respective ambassa-
doris; the Royal Geographic Society of
England, the Geographical Society of
Berlin. Speaker Cannon, Andrew Car
negie and large number of other prom
linen: people among the 800 diners joined
the National Geographic Society last
evening in honoring Commander Robert
E. Peary for. his conquest of the north
pole. 1t was the annual banquet of the
National Geographic Society. the largest
in the history of its organization. and
was held in the banquet hall of the New
Willard More than 800 guests applauded
Commander Peary and Capt. Robert A.
Bartlett as they received the medals
voted them by the board of mana gers
Of the society, representing more than
30, 900 members.
Among the 800 guests present We're
members of the diplomatic corps, sena-
tors, representatives government officials,
scientists, officers of the army and navy,
educators old residents of Washington
and others prominent in social life of the
capital.
Speakers on Program.
The speakers announced on the pro-
gram. each one of whom paid tribute to
Commander Peary. were Ambassador
Baron Mayor des Plancbes of Italy. Am
bassador J. J. Jusserand of France. Ad-
miral c. NJ. Chester. L. S. N, Prof. j.
Howard Gore, Ambassador James Bryce
of Great Britain, who presented the so
ciety's medal to Capt. Bartlett; Gen.
Th<nYV1 Hub ,Sard of fh<,
Peary Arctic Club, and John Barrett. di-
rector of the international bureau of
American republics.
In addition Prof. Willis l.. Moore. presi-
master, called on Speaker Cannon and
on Andrew Carnegie, who late in the
evening was found in the hotel telephon-
| ing an address to the directors of the AS
ISOLATED Press attending a banquet in
New York.
Notable kilograms.
President Roosevelt's telegram, dated
NairCbi, and sent to the National Geo
graphic Society. said:
Extremely pleased. Desire through you
Peary on his great feat, which you have
thus recognized"
President Darwin of the Royal Geo
graphic Society of England sent: Hearty
congratulations to Peary on medal. High
ly gratified at medal to Bartlett"
Through Ambassador des Planches,
Louis of Savoia, Duke of Abruzzi, sent the
following cablegram:
Many thanks to you for giving me the
opportunity to express to Commander
Peary my heartfelt Fluctuations. Tell him,
in my behalf, that l am happy that the
pole has been discovered by the explorer
whose courage and perseverance deserved
such a reward"
From Germany came the following mes
sage to the society:
1.-The Geographic Society of Berlin sends
to it's honorary member heartiest congrat-
ulations on these honors. well deserved
because of your conquest of the POLE
which Is rich in results. and hopes early
In the spring similarly to honor YOU
Called Discoverer of Pole.
Practically all Of the speakers referred
to Commander Peary as the ''discoverer"
Of the pole, and DR.. Cooks name was
mentioned only once, by Speaker Can
non. who said that as the National Geo.
graphic Society had decided who discov-
cred the pole, he was satisfied with its
verdict. There were, however. several
thinly yelled and somewhat uncompli-
mentary illusions to DIR. Cook. but they
were received with a silence which
nous was the tribute offered to Com
mander Peary. those present would not
have their actions interpreted re-
Election on the Booklyn explorer.
Commander Peary was applauded time
and again during his address, but not a
sound was heard as he referred to the
naval officers constitutional hatred of
a lie.' Departing from the course pur-
sued in his lectures. Commander Peary
last evening several times referred to the
discovery of the pole by the Peary Arc
tic Club.
AS the final course at the banquet was
served Prof. Moore arose to welcome the
guests. ION behalf of the board of man
ayers Of the National Geographic Society.
members of the society here tonight he
cordial welcome. We are gathered here
tonight to celebrate a great achievement
This is an arctic night at the pole, but in
the fervor of our greeting to YOU it will
be tropical"
italian Ambassadors Remarks.
Referring to the work that had been
done in polar explorations by the Duke
of Abruzzi. the POSTMASTER called upon
Baron Mayor des Planches. the Italian
ambassador, as the first speaker.
II shall say only very few Words
said the ambassador, land the best of
my words will not be mine. Some years
ago in this same room Commander Peary
was, as he is now, your guest Of honor.
At that time / congratulated him on be-