PEARY WELCOMED HOME 281 



After the reception Commander Peary was banquetted by the cities of 

 Portland and South Portland. At this function he was vociferously applauded 

 by the diners and complimented by half a dozen speakers, including Gov. Fer- 

 nald and President William Dewitt Hyde of Bowdoin college. 



It was midnight before the dinner was over and the speechmaking began. 

 The last speaker was the explorer himself. When he arose he was generously 

 acclaimed. 



"You know, as do I, today has been a white letter day for me," said Peary. 

 "The splendid demonstration in this city, every foot of which I knew in my 

 boyhood days ; this splendid gathering here, that striking loyalty from the gov- 

 ernor straight from the shoulder, the fine tribute from Mayor Leighton to Mrs. 

 Peary, who has endured as much as I in this effort, have touched my heart as 

 they will touch hers. 



"I have been asked, 'What is the scientific value of the discovery of the 

 north pole ?' There are some things about it that are a great deal greater than 

 the gathering of a few additional data about the earth. As long as there was 

 a part of the earth undiscovered is was a reproach on humanity and a challenge 

 to civilization. Another thing, it has accredited to the United States another 

 milestone in history. 



"Another fact is the satisfaction that at last a man, in spite of every obstacle, 

 has made good." 



During the journey through eastern Maine Commander and Mrs. Peary, 

 with their children and newspaper men, occupied the chair car of the St. John 

 express and overflowed into other coaches. Along the 350 mile route Peary 

 was cordial and appreciative, although he appeared tired. At every station 

 there was a cheering crowd. 



At Old Town the first big demonstration on this side of the border was 

 made. At Bangor the explorer was welcomed by thousands, and when he walked 

 into the concourse from the train shed was given a succession of cheers. Mayor 

 Woodman escorted him to a carriage, and, with Gen. Hubbard and members 

 of the city council in other carriages, he was driven to a hotel, where he was 

 entertained at luncheon. He was presented with a large silver loving cup. 



Commander Peary left Bangor at 3 40 p. m. on the Bar Harbor-New York 

 express, after a stop of three hours. At Waterville he was officially welcomed. 

 Members of the city government in carriages, over 1,000 school children on 

 foot, headed by a band and escorted by a company of the national guard, 

 marched to the station, where a stand had been erected. 



