DR. COOK AND THE POLE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 703, 30 December 1909, Page 3

DR. COOK AND THE POLE.

The dramatic denunciation of Dr. Cook by Barrilll, the guide Who was with him during his expedition to Mount M'Kinley, in Alaska, caused much excitement a few weeks ago. The incident occurred at Hamilton, Montana, where Cook was lecturing. “ To the surprise of his auditors,” says the Daily Mail, 11 Dr. Cook started to lecture as usual on his North Pole experiences. Not until that was at an end, did he refer to Barrill’s charges. Dr. Cook spoke in terms of the most Christian-like charity, declaring that he haboured no spirit of revenge or malice against the 1 misguided guides whom bribegivers only too successfully tempted.’ AH he wanted was fair play until he discovered and brought to justice the men who 1 burned their money in the flame of infamy.’ “No sooner had he finished than the giant figure of Barrill sprang up in the centre of the hall, demanding the names of the bribe-givers. 1 1 rented this opera house to-night. You can rent it to-morrow,’ was Dr. Cook’s reply. The explorer was edging towards the door, when Mr Crutchfield, a lawyer representing the guides Barrill and Printz, peremptorily summoned him to meet his client in open debate. 1 This is no tribunal,’ Dr. Cook answered. 1 1 decline to enter into a controversy.’ Excitement was now intense. One of the audience rose and hastily submitted a resolution that the meeting absolutely discredited all the statements made by Dr. Cook. This was followed by pleas from various parts of the house for. fair play. Then Barrill mounted the stage, exclaiming, 1 Cook’s claim that he ascended Mount M'Kinley is false.’ Dr. Cook retorted that Barrill’s statements were false. ‘ Why don’t you swear an affidavit that you scaled Mount M'Kinley ’ shouted Barrill. The challenge was instantly accepted, Dr. Cook swearing that he ascended Mount M'Kinley with Barrill and deposited the records on the summit. After that the dispute continued with even greater acerbity until midnight when the meeting passed the following resolution:—‘We people of Hamilton and Ravillo countries, after listening to the charges and counter-charges exchanged between the parties in the M'Kinley controversy, do declare our firm belief in the veracity of Edward Barrill and Frederick Printz.’ ”