Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1906-10-10
Conqucring the Hiqhest Peak.

Only few years ago it was discov-
cred that Mt. Mckinley in Alaska was
the highest point Of land on the North
American continent. Until then the
honor had been given to Mt. St Elias.
which is in the same section. Now
comes the word that for the first time
in it's history human being has
reached the top of Mt. Mckinley. DR..
F. A. Cook Of New York, well known
| from previous experience in mountain
climbing and exploring new regions, il
| the man who has accomplished this
| undertaking. Several times within the
past few years DIR. Cook, with others.
| has attempted to reach the top of Mt.
Mckinley. but In each instance they
have met impossible barriers when
| they were still many thousand feet be-
low the summit. This time he appears
to have attacked the mountain from
more favorable side. Previous to that
the best attempts had reached only to
| the snow line. 1880 feet above sea level.
but beyond that lay the summit. 1000
or IA 600 feet higher. The barometers
of the successful explorers failed to
work and they were unable to tell the
exact height. but they estimated 1t at
2. s0a feet.
That ~ getting up some in the
world. considerably over four miles.
and il beats Alpine climbing. for
this is done from easily accessible
and well supplied bases, while the
Alaskan mountains are far from hu-
man habitation and in a wilderness.
The Geological survey had estimated
that it would cost $50, 900 to reach the
top and that it would take party
several months, camping at the base
and being in readiness to ascend at
favorable time in early summer Dr..
Cook appears to have done better than
this. and he did it at less favorable
season.
There is a great fascination in noun
, tain climbing which holds the interest
Of those who attempt it and stimulates
IN enthusiasm which is doubtless out
Of proportion to the value of the results
to geography and science. Native
: races do not as rule climb or at
= temnt to climb tn the top of these
lofty peaks. No economic impulse
, urges them on and they lack the
scientific and sentimental motives
which lure white explorers to risk their
. lives in the work Mt. St Elias. which
, was long believed to be the highest
/, peak of North America, if not upon the
\ continent has been assembled but once
;. and that was by party under the ieao
n OF the Duke of Abruzzi. cousin of the
: king of Italy, and perhaps the world
4 most famous mountain climber. lie
S conquered this peak in 1897. An
American explorer had. however, gone
within four thousand feet Of the top
y deycloping routes without which, 1t Is
s maintained. the final climb could not
Ihave been made.
g II IS a matter of some little pride tha'
d if was an American who first reached
the top Of Mt. Mckinley, now re'"g-
s niZpd as the top of the continent. IL i
. an interesting coincidence that while
Z the highest New England mountain
II hears the name Of the first President
e the name of the oath President ~ at
G ,,ched to one more than three times as
I. high and the talleSt pile OF rocks OH 'ii'
l. continent There are many unc"h
g uuered mountains yet in the world. m
is | Guiding many on American soil, but tht
r list is growing shorter as ambi'lou'
y explorers, possessing the necessar!
l. courage and physique, single the'h GU
for conquest.