SAYS ENGLAND HAS
NO CLAIM TO POLE.
CAPTAIN HOBSON SCOUTS IDEA
OF QUARREL WITH BRITAIN.
United States in Possession by Right
of Discovery, Declares Mer-
rimac Hero -- Believes Both
Cook and Peary.
"There is nothing to the talk that England and the United States might become involved in a quarrel over the ownership of the North Pole. The American flag has been nailed there twice and it belongs to the United States by right of discovery. there can be no possible chance for England or any other country to claim it.
This is the opinion of Captain Richmond Pearson Hobson, hero of the Merrimac, and at present a member of congress from Alabama. Captain Hobson is at the Hotel Baltimore.
"I believe both Cook and Peary discovered the North Pole," replied Captain Hobson in answer to a question. "Peary was a colleague and naturally would have liked to have heard that he was the first to reach the goal. Credit and the highest honors are due both men for their accomplishment. I am sorry to read of the petty bickerings which are now being reported in the press as they tend to lower the esteem in which both explorers should be held by the citizens of this country. It will tend in a measure to belittle their efforts.
"In the near future I expect to see some brave and enterprising American citizen embark in an airship or similar machine and sail to the South Pole, taking possession in the name of the United States. Then will this old world of ours revolve between two possessions of the United States, which will be appropriate, for this country is recognized by all civilized powers, as the most enterprising.
Captain Hobson arrived yesterday morning. He was met by Congressman W. P. Borland and taken in an automobile to Independence, Mo. In the afternoon the return trip was made.
"I was most agreeably surprised at the extent and the beauty of your boulevards," remarked Captain Hobson. "I do not know of a city anywhere that can compare with them."
Captain Hobson will remain in the city until Tuesday.
