PEARY WELCOMED HOME 279 



The American flag waving at the peak of the spanker gaff of the Roose- 

 velt attracted much laltt^ntion. It bore a diagonal white band on which were 

 the words, "North pole," in black letters, 



A newspaper correspondent boarded the Roosevelt at North Sydney and 

 received from Commander Peary a new version of the dispute regarding Dr. 

 Cook's supplies at Annotook. The explorer's attention was called to a state- 

 ment received by wireless telegraphy from Dr. Frederick A, Cook, on board the 

 steamer Oscar II, declaring that the Eskimos at Annotook had informed Peary 

 that Cook was long since dead. Peary was asked if he entertained this opinion, 

 and said no. On the contrary, he had left supplies at Etah in case, as might 

 well happen. Dr. Cook should return there without food. 



Meanwhile the news that the Roosevelt was only twenty miles away spread 

 quickly, and groups of people gathered at the water front to take part in the 

 welcome. The day was perfect and the harbor presented a beautiful spectacle, 

 as all manner of water craft, yachts, sailboats and motor boats, displaying their 

 colors, made their way down the bay to escort the Roosevelt to her dock. 



The tug C. M. Winch conveyed the official welcoming party down the bay. 

 This party included the mayor of Sydney, Wallace Richardson ; the heads of 

 the various city departments, and other prominent officials. 



As the morning advanced business in Sydney came to an end. Stores were 

 closed, the hotels were emptied of their guests, and the crowd on the water 

 front increased rapidly. 



Commander Peary's trip up Sydney harbor was one continual ovation. 

 When the Roosevelt turned the point off the city the whistles of the steel works, 

 all the steam vessels in port and the colliers united in one immense and sus- 

 tained volume of sound, and the crowds that filled the esplanade and wharves 

 cheered continuously as the arctic steamer swept slowly along. A fleet of tugs 

 accompanied the Roosevelt up the bay and scores of carriages that had gone 

 down to the point were driven hastily back to town and discharged their occu- 

 pants, who hurried to the water front. 



Consul Kehl boarded the Roosevelt down the bay and welcomed Com- 

 mander Peary on behalf of the American government and the American resi- 

 dents of Sydney. There were no important officials of the Dominion govern- 

 ment present to greet the explorer. 



The Roosevelt proceeded direct to the ferry wharf, where 2,000 school 

 children had been assembled. Each carried an American flag and the emblems 

 were waved in unison the moment the explorer stepped ashore. A delegation 



