The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1909-10-21

The ofleial stamp Of scientific approval
TO be placed on Commander Robert E.
Peary's discovery OF the north pole by
the National Geographic Society VIII not
be registered for at least a week.
o. II. Tittman. of the United States Geo
logical Survey, is on his way from Europe
TO America at present. He will not reach
this country before October q, arriving
in washington two days later. Rear
Admiral Colby NJ Chester left Washing
ton yesterday and will not return until
Saturday at the earliest. At his house,
at 1876 X street northwest. last night. II
was said that he would not be back in
all probability until later than the day
mentioned.
With these two members Of the sub
committee appointed by the society out
OF town. Commander Peary's data, al
though practically accepted by the society
itself, win necessarily lie in state until
the experts appointed can get together.
Date Principal Question.
Henry Gannett, chairman, said last
night that the principal question in the
mind Of the committee was the date upon
which Commander Peary reached the pole.
Mr.. Gannett declined 10 discuss the au-
thenticity OF Dr. Cooks claim Of priority.
He expressed a hope that the society
would soon be able TO pass upon this ex-
plorer's data
A meeting OF the two members Of the
committee then in town was held yester-
day morning. but II was decided 70 forego
any examination of Commander Peary's
could be present.
The explorers data arrived in Washing
ton by registered mail. apparently none
the worse for wear because Of its long
stay an the frozen north. In response 20
a request from the society that the Roy
al University at Copenhagen allow Il the
right 20 examine DIT. Cooks proofs first.
cablegram was received containing a
direct refusal.
Hoped 10 End Quarrel.
This II is said. is a distinct disappoint-
ment to the officials OF the society. who
had hoped TO end the controversy at
once by simultaneous examination OF
both records. 1t was said last night that,
as DR.. Cook has given his word 70 the
University of Copenhagen. no further ef-
fort viii be made 70 obtain the explorer 8
records in this country.
II was estimated last night that the
examination OF Peary's records viii not
consume much time. after the committee
gathers. Peary viii not be present at
any OF the sessions.
one interesting feature OF the COM
mittee's examination is the fact. as stated
by members OF the society, that there
viii be no mud singing. Aside from a
determination Of the day upon which the
pole was reached and the course taken
10 arrive there, the committee viii not
deal with the controversy.
Weu-known Scientists.
The three men who will pass upon
Commander Peary's claim are wen known
IN the scientific world. Chairman Can
nett. who has been head Of the United
States geographic board since 1882, is the
author OF several technical scientific
works. He was one OF the founders OF
the National Geographic Society and is
its vice president.
Rear Admiral Chester was graduated
from the United States Naval Academy
IN 1883, and has held many important
naval assignments at sea and ashore
he had an opportunity OF displaying his
scientific knowledge as chief Of the naval
photographic division and as superin-
tendent Of the Naval Observatory.
Mr.. Tittman, who was founder OF the
National Geographic Society, was ap-
pointed superintendent Of the Coast and
Geodetc Survey in 1900, and is member
Of the Alaska Boundary Commission.