New-York tribune., 1906-09-18

DR.. Herschel G. Parker, of Columbia Univer-
sity. who was DR.. Cooks companion during a
large part of the summer, tells an interesting
story about their explorations In Alaska II
forcibly illustrates the resemblance between
such an undertaking as trying TO reach the sum-
NIT of Mount Mckinley and a military cam
paign. Neither can well succeed until there
have been extensive reconnolssances. No gen.
eral hopes for victory unless he has informed
himself as fully as possible regarding the strong
and weak points Of his enemys position the
various routes of approach. and the possibilities
Of subsistence for man and beast along the way.
considerable amount OF information about
the chief mountain range Of Alaska and the sur
rounding wilderness has been acquired within
the last five years, but according to DR.. Par
ker neither he nor DR.. Cook had any intention OF
attempting the ascent of Mount Mckinley this
season. They devoted themselves exclusively to
studying the ground and DR.. Cook was still so
employed when his companion left him few
weeks ago. Much that they have learned is dis
couraging. but 1t Will enable them to direct
their efforts more wisely in the future than has
been possible in the past.
DR.. Alfred III. Brooks, who was sent 10 the
region by the United States Geological Survey
in 1907, studied its topography primarily IN the
interest Of the government. but he offered
number Of suggestions which were designed TO
help explorers who should try TO reach the
summit OF Mount Mckinley. When Dr. Cook
went TO Alaska the following year he made
long and tortuous journey to the northwestern
base Of the peaS, but made no direct assault
from that quarter. The western face was ap-
parently impregnable, as IL presented a pre-
cipitous granite cliff several thousand feet high
After many delays an attempt was made on
what appeared TO be the southwestern slope but
proved 10 be ridge separated by glacier
from the mountain proper By detour Dr.
Cook was able 10 reach the surface of the gla-
cier itself, and there he was confronted with
another vertical wall of granite. Abandoning
the southwestern side as hopeless. the explorer
made a hasty circuit around by the north TO
the east OF the range. His scrutiny there salts
fed him that IL would be a waste Of time and
strength 10 make a trial from that side. and
then he hurried TO the coast before cold weather
should make him a prisoner
This years work included fresh inspection
of the southwestern face of Mount MCKINLEY
and a study OF the mountain from the south
and southeast. Observations were made from
the tops Of adjacent mountains which afforded
exceptional facilities for such surveys ana the
result was TO convince DR.. Cook and DIR. Par
ker Of the hopelessness OF further effort in the
region 10 which they gave their chief attention
The only remaining chance is now believed 70
be Afforded on the northwestern side of the
mountain. This chance is considered small. but
is not 10 be rejected without fuller inyestiga-
tOn. and it will furnish the incentive and puide
to next seasons operations. DIR. Cook remarked
three years ago that in inaceessibility, arctic
environment and steepness combined Mount
Mckinley was without an equal anywhere In
the world. 1t grows increasingly doubtful
every year If man will ever set foot on its sum-
NIT unless he uses a flying machine, but at
least one more effort Will be made 10 get there
by old fashioned methods
Although both DR.. Cook and his associate have
had much experience in mountain climbing. n
Is reported that they intend TO secure for their
next campaign the services Of veteran Anime
guides. 1t Is probable that the Duke of the
Abruzzi was largely indebted to the aid of such
experts In his ascent OF Mounts ST. Elias and
Margherita Tin the Ruwenzori range). DR.. Cook
ana Dr. Parker have. perhaps less occasion
ulan the Italian prince had to supplement- their
own skill with professional advice. but II will
hardly come amlss