The evening times. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1906-1914, 1909-09-11
PEARY MAKES
FIRST REPORT
Of DISCOVERY
Took Possession of Pole and
Adjacent Land for the Unit
ed States
PARIS PAPER SAYS PEARy
C0RR0B0RATEs COOKS STORY
Peary Sent His Only White Companion
Back When S7.4S Was Reacher and
Made the Dash to the Pole Alone
Story Is Obscure.

Washington, Sept. Ito the presi-
dent of the United States and to the
secretary of state. before whose de-
partment may come any questions
that may arise regarding the right
of possession of the North Pole and
the Arctic region traversed by Peary,
and to the navy department of which
he is an officer, Commander Robert E.
Peary has communicated the results
of his expedition and the fact that he
reached the North Pole and hoisted
the stars and stripes on April 6, last.
Commander Peary, as soon as he
came within telegraph communica-
tion. notified the president of what
ne had accomplished and followed
this up with dispatches sent yesterday
from Battle Harbor. where his vessel
is coaling and repairing. The dis
patches yesterday were to the secre-
tary of state and to the secretary of
the navy. In reporting to the state
| department, Commander Peary, after
announcing that he hoisted the stars
and stripes at the North Pole, April
6. adds that he formally took posses-
sion of that entire region and adj
jacent territory for and in the name
of the president of the United States
OF America" and that record and
the United States flag were left in
possession"
The commanders dispatch to the
navy was typical of an officer return
ing from a mission. announcing to his
superior officer respectfully that fact
and adding that he had hoisted the
navy ensign on the North Pole on
April 6.
Mr.. Adee is acting secretary of state
IN the absence of SeereeaTy.. .Knex who
Is at his home in Valley Forge. A
copy Of Peary's dispatch was sent to
Secretary Knox Adee declined to
make any comment whatever on the
dispatch from Commander Peary, the
acting secretary taking the ground
that there is no question now before
the department
Winthrop promptly sent Commander
Peary dispatch on behalf of the navy
department extending hearty congrat-
ulations on Peary's successful attempt
to reach the North Pole.
Again today the officials of the coast
and geodetic survey indicated their
willingness to arbitrate the dispute
that has arisen from the claims of
Peary and Cook. Up to the present
time, however, there has been no Of
ficial request for such action. Com
mander Peary. while commissioned to
make certain observations for the
coast and goedetic survey, is not COM
PEELED to submit report to that
bureau. He undoubtedly will submit
the results of his soundings and OBJ
servations of the tidal action to the
survey but the superintendent of the
survey has no power to require a full
report. The full report will proba-
bly, be made by Peary to the Arctica
club, which financed the expedition.
AS DR.. Cook has no official con-
nection with the government, the
question of arbitration by the coast
and geodetic survey rest entirely with
the two explorers and their willing
ness to submit their observations to
the survey officials. The coast and
geodetic survey is regularly granted
sum for miscellaneous purposes and
this sum is available for defraying
the expensese of an arbitration COM
mittee. Commander Peary was
granted leave by the navy department
but was assigned to certain duties
with the coast and geodetic survey
On his previous expeditions he was
not permitted to draw his salary as
naval officer, but because of the
work which he has done for the SURF
vey on his latest expedition he is en-
titled to his pay.
Washington, Sept. 11.-Commander
Peary's first official notification to the
navy department direct of his return
and Of his discovery Of the North
Pole came to the department this
morning in the following dispatch
sent by him from Battle Harbor yes
terday. 1t reads as follows: "Re-
spectfully report my return. Hoisted
macy ensign on North Pole April 6.
(Signed) "Peary."
The following message has been re-
ceived at the state department from
Commander Peary:
Battle Harbor, Sept. 10, 1909.
Hon. Secretary of State, Washington,
D. c.:
Respectfully report that I hoisted
the stars and stripes on the North
Poleon April and formally took pos
session Of that entire region and the
adjacent lands for and in the name
of the president of the United States
Of America. A record of the same
and the United States flag were left
in possession. Signed.
-"Peary."
Acting Secretary Adee of the state
department, in answer to INQUIRIES
aa ii fhof tho cfofo Horo h.<l -