New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1909-09-08
TO HONOR EXPLORERS
LARGE DINNER PLANNED.
Peary, Cook and Shackleton InUited
by National Geographic Society.

Washington Sept 7.-"Have won out at last
The pole is ours
This the laconic message that reached the
National Geographic Society from Commander
Robert E. Peary to-day a report 10 the society
which contributed to the Peary expedition The
message was dated at Indian Harbor yesterday
The board of managers of the society met during
the afternoon and through President Willis L,
Moore and Secretary o. P Austin. telegraphed the
following reply to Commander Peary:
In answer 10 your telegraphic report to this So
ciety that you have reached the North Pole. the
National Geographic Society. through the action
fits heartiest congratulations your great achieve
ment
Then the board voted to defer taking any fur
Their action pending formal inspection of the rec
ords.
At dinner which the society purposes to give
next winter II is hoped to have Dr. Cook, Com
mander Peary and the British explorer who pene-
trated furthest south in seeking the South Pole
Lieutenant Shackleton, guests DR.. o. H. Tit
man, the head of the United States Coast and
Geodetc Society. is already his way to Eng
land bearing the informal invitation of the society
to Cook and Shackleton. Peary's exploit had not
become known when Superintendent Tittman sailed
last Sunday.
Coast and Geodetc Survey, who is also a member
of the Geographic Society, declared to-day that to
his mind the final discovery Of the North Pole
strengthens the claims of each explorer.
Commander Peary went equipped with all mod
instruments with which TO record his observa-
tons and demonstrate the truth of his discovery
said Mr.. Perkins. The question now resolves
itself into one of priority, and Commander Peary
and DR.. Cook doubtless viii fight that out between
themselves. According to DR.. Cook he discovered
the pole before Peary started. That detracts Moth
ing from Peary's honor and glory. Each explorer
has fought his battles without the aid OF the OBJ
servations Of the other. There is honor enough for
both"
Commander Peary's achievement was the princi-
pal topic of discussion in the Navy Department to-
day, and many little incidents of personal nature
which occurred while Peary stationed here
were recalled
IF don't find the pole the boy will" said Com
mander Peary to his associates in the naval office
OF yards and docks in this city the morning
following the birth Of his son. in the spring of 1888
Mr.. Pearys whole interest appeared to centre in
his Arctic plans. Although unobtrusive normally,
lat mention of the pole' said one of his former
colleagues to-day, he became aggressive" Peary,
however, was never tresome in discussing polar
work. his enthusiasm the subject commanding
interest and attention.
Commander Peary general engineer assistant
in the Bureau of Yards and Docks His tour of
duty when he last in Washington was from
November o. 1902. TO April u, 1904.
Through Herbert L. Bridgman, the secretary Of
the Peary Arctic Club, formal official notification
of Commander Pearys achievement in reaching the
North Pole was made known to the government
to-day. Mr.. Bridgman sent dispatch 10 the Sec
rotary Of the Navy in which he says that Com
mander Peary telegraphs from Indian Harbor,
Labrador, follows:
North Pole reached April by Peary Arctic Club
expedition under my command"