Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1910-02-12
House Committee Solid Against Senate
French Expedition Did Not Locate
South Po|e--Eng|sh Will Co.
operate With the Americans.
NORTH POLE.

Washington, Feb. 11.-"Commander'
| Robert f.. Peary, discoverer of the
| North pole, will not be given the rank
| OF rear admiral in the navy as pro-
posed. in recognition of his services as
| an explorer, if Congress approves the
action of the subcommittee of the
House committee on naval affairs,
which voted today to report adversely
| the bills offered by Senator Hale and
Representative Allen. The committee
| of six members voted unanimously
against bestoWing the honor upon Mr..
Peary.
A letter from Secretary Meyer was
received by the naval committee, Civ
ing Mr. Peary's naval record and stat
ing that he should be designated as
civil engineer" and not commander"
Secretary Meyer said that Mr.. Peary
enlisted in the navy Oct. 26. 1881, and
that he had had a total of over 10
years in various leaves of absence. The
secretary spoke of Mr.. Peary's discov-
cry of the North pole as "A self-im-
posed" but most commemorate task,
having no military or naval signif
canoe and recommended that Mr..
Peary be retired as civil engineer
with the rank and with the pay of a
rear admiral.
Members of the committee expressed
antagnosm to any idea of pension
ing Mr.. Pearv with increased pay, al
though they thought Congress might
favor the idea of giving him a gold
medal.
Roberts of Massachusetts. a member
of the subcommittee, said that he saw
no reason whatever for comforting such
an honor as was contemplated upon
Mr.. Peary.
His discovery of the North pole"
said Mr.. Roberts, has been absolutely
of no benefit to the United States to
civilization, or to the naval service as
far as can see. He has been absent
from duty in the navy department
must of the time he has been connected
with it and has done nothing to en-
title him to this honor.
Il think probably Congress might
look with favor on giving him some
other kind of recognition. For in
stance, if his friends wanted him to
| receive a gold medal or something of
that sort, | would be in favor of it.
| But | am not in favor of giving Mr..
Peary pension for what he has done
l don't think that he is entitled to it."
The subcommittee which took ac-
ton today consisted of Butler, Rob-
| erts. Engehright, Gregg and Macon.
Dawson was absent
Secretary Meyers letter referring to
tie bill introduced by Allen is as fol-
lows.
1T would appear that the bill in
question is framed for the purpose of
rewarding Civil Engineer Peary for
having reached the North Pole. and
while his having successfully accomr-
lished this self-imposed task is most
commendahle and reflects great credit
not only upon himself, but also on
the entire nation. his various exploring
expeditions cannot be regarded IS hav-
ing bceen conducted for strictly mill
| tafy or nava! purposes, and for this
| reason 1t seems Inappropriate to con-
Ter upon him title for which his pre-
Nlous education. training and service
nave not fitted him"
Inc salary which Mr.. Peary would
receive as rear admiral L. S. N. re-
urea Tor the remainder of his life
"ouio nave been about $4,000 a year.