The Washington herald., 1910-02-09

New York. Feb. 2-Commander Robert
E. Peary contributed $1,000 tonight to
fund for equipping an American expedi-
ton to compete with the British explorers
IN race for the south pole.
A check for the amount OF this con-
tribution had just been handed to him
by Gov. Hughes on behalf OF the people
OF New York as a testimonial OF apprecia-
ton Of his achievement in finding the
north pole. and the Metropolitan Opera
House was crowded with people who had
come to take part in what the fostering
civic forum called a national testimonial
20 the explorer.
It was after Gov. Hughes had ma1N 2
brief speech Of presentation and had
handed Commander Peary little slip of
white paper in an envelope that the pole
finder cleared his throat in an embar-
raised wy and began his words Of ac-
ceptance. He said that since his return
from the North he had received many
invitations to be the recipient of such
honors as had been paid him tonight and
for reasons which had been appreciated
he had at first declined.
Pleased with HOnOrs,
But I could not but feel profoundly
grateful" continued Mr.. Peary, that the
civic forum has had the courage and the
courtesy to initiate this affair tonight.
Your interest and your applause, follow
ing all the kind words that have been
SAID concerning the worth OF the expedi-
ton TO the north pole, have been my
best reward.
This check which you have presented
me as a testimonial of appreciation I will.
with your permission and that OF the Off
GERS Of the civic forum. contribute to a
fund to equip an American south polar
expedition TO compete with our British
cousins in the race for the second great
prize, and I wish it to be taken as the
joint contribution OF the citizens Of New
York"
The house was caught of its feet by
the suddenness OF Peary's announcement.
and then. after it had cheered itself
tired line began 20 form in the aisles
and many hundreds passed up to shake
Peary's hand.
Gov. Hughes presided. and in an open
the man who was honored thus for the
first time in New York after his return
from the north.
Makes Them Get Up.
Gov. Hughes then insisted that sew
eral members of Peary's expedition,
most of them Observation-Disclosures, who SAT-
on the stage wondering nervously what
rise and identity themselves. Success
lively he called upon Chief Engineer
George A WardweI; Dr. J. w. Goodseu
the surgeon OF the party; Charles Percy
steward OF the Roosevelt and Jane.
Percy. steward of the tender Erick, and
Capt. Samuel Bartlett, Of the Erick, L
rise and make his bow. Then Capt Rob
ert Bartlett, Of the Roosevelt, had to steI
forward and make a little speech
Capt Bob was plainly fiustered H,
addressed Gov. Hughes as your excel
lency."
Commander Pearys stimulants viii
never be forgotten by u.s." said the mas
ter Of the Roosevelt. waving his arms
Then the audience roared and afterwart
clapped encouragement I mean III!
stimulus" corrected Capt. Bob. "IC
ike to be an orator so as to put int,
good words, instead OF plain sailor talk
the fact that we all admired Commando
Peary-and he got TO the pole just a.
sure as you're sitting in this place"
ShackIetOn COnEratuIates Him.
Then some kilograms were read. On,
was from Sir Ernest H Shackleton, III,
antarctic explorer. who cabled:
"Heartiest congratulations occasion ma
tional testimonial your magnificent &C
cOmplishment."
A telegram from President Taft ex
pressed the hope that Congress will TAX
some substantial notice OF the grea
achievement Of Commander Peary, whicl
has reflected such great credit on Ameri
can enterprise, persistence, courage, an,
endurance"
Commander Peary himself, in maxim,
his speech Of acceptance Of the cash test
mOniaI, alluded 10 a resolution which ha,
been passed by the audience petitioninj
Congress 70 make some special and an
propTiate recognition Of his achievement.
He said:
I would indeed appreciate any actio,
that would place me in position wher
I could assist in the work Of carrying on
exploration in other parts Of the world"