Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1909-09-24
AT VANcEBoRo.
Entire Population Greets Peary-
Makes First Speech En- Route.

Vanceboro, Me-, Sept. 23-After q
conquest for the North pole extending
over period of 90 years, Commander
Robert f. Peary. the Arctic traveller,
gaZcd for the first time on his native
land since his last dash to the top of
the world, when the Provincial Ex-
press whirled over the Canadian Dor
der line at 9.41 today, rs minutes be-
hind schedule time, and came to a
standstill at the Vanceboro station, 500
feet within the United States.
Railroad tOrpedoes which had been
placed on the rails announced the APP
proach of the express and the entire
population of about 1000 ran from their
homes to the railroad station. School
was Immediately dismissed and the
school children, each carrying the
Stars and Stripes and a bouquet of
flowers. were marched down to the
train. Everyone cheered and Comman-
der Pcary was showered with flowers,
when he and Mrs Peary appeared on
the rear platform of their Pullman car.
The appearance of the commander
with mis- wife was the signal for a pro-
iOiSCo outpul lIOIIl lit CIOWu Ol tic
station platform. While the locomotive
whistles footed. everyone cheered I'M
til they were hoarse and the school
children continued to wave their flags.
Peary acknowledged the welcome by
speaking briefly. addressing his re-
marks principally to the school chill
dren His wife stood by his side and
was apparently overioyed. 1t was the
first time he has addressed gathering
since leaving Cape Breton.
Meanwhile the train was being turn
ed over by the Canadian Pacific to
the Maine Central Wires were sent
forward to Bangor for reservation on
the Bar Harbor Express, which leaves
that city for Portland at 34O p. NJ
After Peary had finished speaking
little Ruth Howe presented him with
bouquet of sweet peas. Shortly be-
fore 10 o'clock the train rolled out of
the station on it's way to Old Town,
the next stopping place. The crowd
cheered until the train was out of sight
and then disappeared.
Commander Peary again asserted to-
day that his work in the Arctic was
over, and when asked what his imme-
date plans were. said that beyond his
return to his home on Eagle Island he
did not know what he would do
Il shall not accept any invitations
to any ovations or receptions" said
Commander Peary until Il competent
authority has settled the present con
troversy. In this connection let me say
that the decision of this authority
must be final. absolute and convinc-
Ing. ] cannot say what this final court
shall be. but that can be determined
later"
Speaking of the receptions at Ban
gor and Portland, Commander Peary
said:
Those engagements were made be-
fore I reached Sydney and while
have decided to accept no public hon
ors until the controversy is settled, |
did not under the circumstances recall
the ecceptances of the Bangor and
Portland engagements
The explorer barred his head and
thanked the principal. Ralph Reid. of
tho local school for the honor of the
succeeded in reaching the pole, said
commander Peary. but the Stars and
Stripes that accomplished the achieve
ment. Commander Peary said it was
the people of the United States behind
him that made his achievement posi-
bic. Several persons grasped the ex-
plorer by the hand and Constable
Craghmeier asked for the honor of first
shaking hands with the explorer on his
return to the United States.