THE NORTH POLE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 480, 14 September 1909, Page 3

THE NORTH POLE.

PEARY V. COOK. “'A MOST COLOSSAL FAKER.” London, September ro. Dr. Cook’s friends allege that the quarrel with Commander Peary began during the Polar expedition in 1901, Peary monopolising all the comforts. Several explorers attach no importance to what the Eskimos say on one side or the other. The question is also raised on the authority ot Dr Cook's companion, Professor Parker, whether he ever ascended Mount MacKinley. New York, September 10. The Polar War is eclipsing all other topics in America, where rival partisans of Peary and Cook are engaging in a campaign of vituperation. PEARY NARRATIVE CONTINUED. Eondon, September 10. The Times has received the second portion of Commander Peary’s narrative from the New York Times, It covers from August 18th until near the 88th parallel, when the Roosevelt captain turned back in accordance with pre-arrangements to constitute the supporting parties. The narrative records monotonous experiences of snow haze and the difficulties of negotiating with the leads of water. THE CASE FOR COOK.

RAPIDITY OF PEARY’S PROGRESS,

London, September xo,

The Morning Post comments on Commander Peary’s remarkable rate of travel, which equals that of Dr. Cook, and shows that during the days of actual marching Peary covered 16 miles daily. The closing stages of the northward journey were covered at the rate of 35 miles a day. The phenomenal rapidity suggests the possibility of Commander Peary having miscalculated his position. Dr. Cook’s partisans claim that Peary’s figures confirm Cook’s story.

Captain Ammundsen, who discovered the north west passage, declares that Dr. Cook is the most honest man he ever met. He justifies him in not risking his instruments and notes of observations on the long and dangerous sledge tour from Etah to Uperuwik. Mr Osborn, secretary of the Arctic Club of America, threatens that when Peary sets foot in New York he will have affidavits and facts published stamping Peary as the most colossal “ faker ” America ever produced. Osborn alleges that he has affidavits providing that Peary opened Cook’s trunk and read his observations, and opened a letter addressed to Mrs Cook.

HONOUR FOR COOK

Copenhagen, September xo

The Copenhagen University has conferred the doctor’s degree upon Dr. Cook. There was a brilliant and representative gathering, including the Crown Prince and other members of the Royal family, Captain Otto Sverdrup, the famous explorer with and after Nansen, of Fram fame, the Ministers of Instruction and Commerce, and the United States Minister.

Dr. Cook stated that he intended to send and fetch two Greenlanders who accompanied him in order that they may be examined by unbiassed judges. London, September ji.

The Times has received further portions of Commander Peary's narrative of his expedition to the North Pole, which is being sent by the explorer to the New York Times.

The first part of the narrative covers the period from August 18, 1908, up to the time when Captain Bartlett, commander of the Roosevelt, turned back in accordance with previous arrangements, to constitute supporting parties. Captain Bartlett turned back near the 88th parallel (which was crossed by Commander Peary on April 2, 1909). The narrative up to this point records monotonous experiences amid snow and haze, and difficulties encountered in negotiating the leads of water. Beyond the 88th parallel the party covered 20 miles in one day, the dogs sometimes running. The ice was grinding in every direction, and the" keen air was like frozen steel. A few miles from the Pole there was scarcely any snow. The party covered 40 miles in 12 hours. They stopped 30 hours at the Pole, where the flags were planted. The party included four Eskimos.

No special incident occured on the return to Cape Columbia, where they arrived almost lifeless with fatigue. Copenhagen, September n.

Dr Cook received an enthusiastic farewell at Copenhagen. Shipping in the harbour was decorated with flags. Dr Cook sailed direct for New York. New York, September n. Commander Peary telegraphs: “Will prove Cook never reached Pole.” The United States Geodetic Survey has offered to arbitrate between the claims of Commander Peary and Dr Cook.