Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-10-22
PROOF UP TO COOK
A. H. Brooks Urges Him to
Establish Mckinley Feat.
CRITICISM Is DISCREDlTED
Denouncer of Explorer Not Near
Scene of Exploit.
MANY OTHERS NOT QUALIFIED
Head of Division of Alaskan Min
eral Resources. and Authority,
Not Skeptical.
CRITICISM is DISCREDITED
MANY OTHERS NOT QUALIFIED

A. H. Brooks, head of the division of
Alaskan mineral resources, geological
survey, who, in 1902, showing the method
of reaching the base of Mount Mckinley
| from the north. prepared map which
was carefully studied by DR.. Frederick
A. Cook. says that, in his opinion, DR..
Cook should produce the records of his
ascent.
Unless DR.. Cook offers records of his
ascent of Mount Mckinley, together with
observations and photographs for exam
! nation by some scientific society, he will
find that his standing in the polar con-
troversy will not be high as it is to-
day. 1t is his duty to submit Them, said
! Mr.. Brooks.
His first trip, made in 1903 was over
the route mapped out by my party He
took my packer with him.
Route Cook Followed.
His successful trip, as he claims, was
made in 1906 over UNEMPLOYED territory.
He approached the mountain directly
from the south over a glacier which we
barely knew existed. 1t had been said by
several scientists even before this region
was explored that if Mount Mckinley
was ever climbed it would be by way of
this glacier
so far nothing has been offered one
way or the other which would tend to in
fiuence a mountaineer or scientist In his
opinion. Dr. Cooks book being entirely
in the form of a narrative, lacks the
scientific detail necessary to convince d
scientist.
"On the other hand. many of those
who have been criticising him are not
only incompetent judges, but dislonorable
witnesses.
x1-hr, fiI-n1 q
that DR.. Cook did not reach the summit
of Mount Mckinley was not within 300
miles of that place, himself the sum
mer when he claimed to have made his
discovery of Dr. Cooks duplcity He said
he personally investigated the territory
over which the explorer travelled.
Cooks Critics Disqualified.
Il saw him during the summer in Alas
ka and know that he did not go within
the distance mentioned of the mountain.
Many others who have denied Cooks
ascent of the mountain are equally UNI
qualified to discuss his feat.
LAS / see it. the matter lies purely be-
tween Dr. Cook and Edward Barrill, his
guide, who denies the explorer reached
the point he claims. Personally, ! pre-
fer Cooks word. Barril, by claiming
that Cook hribed him. is d discredited
witness. and consequently his unsupport
weight
DIR. Cooks failure to be more specific
in his book is found 10 be consistent
For instance. find no record of his
passing through the long mountain range
| to the east of the peak. j know person
ally that he went this way while seeking
the glacier upon which he Travelled to the
mountain
II know that DR. Cooks book was with
held until after he had started for the
pole. This of course, left the scientific
world with nothing more than his word
upon which to base it's opinion.
Undoubtedly he can add much to. his
case by submitting all photographs now
in his possession to some society. These
with his complete observations will suf-
flee to thoroughly end the matter one
way or the other Scientists are en-
titled to this much.
Credibility in Balance.
IF he can prove his veracity in his
claim to have assembled Mount Mckinley
it will go a long way in aiding him in
his other claim, and vice versa. 1t would
unquestonabiy end DIR. Cooks scientific
standing if it were proved that he DELHI
erately fabricated his claim to the
ascent of Mount Mckinley
Mr. Brookes believes the testimony of
natives is worthless.
Il have found" said he. that the man
who wears moccasin never goes on d
glacier In the first place. he runs too
F.; much risk of breaking his neck. The ma
mountains and the cold as much as they
| can.
Little or no credence can be placed in
the statements of these people. They
are. as rule, less familiar with the
desolate territory near them than the
white explOrar'