New-York tribune., 1909-09-21

Fire Island. ". Y. Sept. 21-The steamship
Oscar III. with Dr. Frederick A. Cook on board.
weighed anchor and started for Quarantine at
1920 O'Clock this morning.
It's good to be an American. II seems that
I have been gone ten years"
Gazing toward the lights Of New York after
an absence since July (. 1901 these were the
first sentiments expressed last night by DIR.
Frederick A Cook. of Brooklyn as he paced
the deck OF the steamship Oscar III. waiting for
daylight and the actual arrival In his native
land
Dr Cook was virtually at home last night.
Tor the Oscar III was coming up from Fire Island
slowly. in order that there may be no hitch in
homecoming reception for the explorer who
rSorted by way Of the Shetland Islands on
september that he had Unfurled the American
flag at the North Pole April 2f. 1908
Only few miles from the city proper the
Oscar III was In easy wireless communication
with New York during the day and night Dr.
COOK was on deck almost constantly and as
sunset approached he looked at the brilliant
panorama. breathed the air and talked with
newspaper men with a brief haIIoa IN reply TO
their greetings through megaphOne.
i feel anxious TO get ashore" he said 20 those
who were grouped about him on the deck "It
seems about ten years since I left isstead OF
landing tomorrow. I would much prefer land
ing quickly and quietly. without repetition OF
the scenes at Copenhagen. I hope that shall
be left In peace with my family by tomorrow
night at least"
Some New York newspapers were sent on
board last night containing long reports con-
corning Commander Peary's achievement Dr.
Cook read them carefully. then said: There is
nothing new here and shall wait until sone--
thing more definite is published before saying
anything further the matter"
Aside from this short reference to Peary, Dr.
Cooks expressions chiefly concerned the Joy OF
his arrival at home. II was day Of varied
emotion for the explorer. and although he is noe
an emotional man. his eyes slistened he saw
the beach Of Fire Island. for the Oscar II passed
close inshOre and the passengers were able to
distinguish plainly objects land
DR. Cook left the deck only a few minutes
during the entire day. and with continued good
nature posed repeatedly for photographs at tha
urgent request Of his fellow passengers
Many Of those board had gone to bed on
Sunday night with the expectation OF spending
/ last night In New York and there was soma
| disappointment when IL became known that tho
/ Oscar II was 70 be held up IN order that she
might arrive at Quarantine about $3.50 o'clock
| this morning so not 20 upset the plans for
/ Or. Cooks reception
/ The explorer took advantage OF the delay 20
/ send wireless dispatch to his wife asking her
to join him board last night and avoid tho
/ crush of the public greeting to-day. Mrs. Cook
was slightly indispOsed. however. and replied by
wireless that she would be unable to do so.
This was disappointment both to DR.. Cook and
| the passengers. who have become almost a FAM
/ iy circle during the voyage and had looked
| forward to greeting Mrs Cook last night
The first tugs. bearing the advance guard Oe
| newspaper men from New York reached the
oscar II last night. but no one was allowed TO
board the vessel except Anthony Fiala. the
Arctic explorer and friend Of DR.. Cook. who
swung himself up from tug. held brief con-
veTsatiOn with the explorer, and departed
DIR. Cook shouted. "GSlad TO see you. boys
the reporters endeavOred TO make themselves
heard through a megaphOne.