The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1909-09-11
Conflict Will Open in Earnest
When Explorers Arrive.
CALLS IT GOLD BRICK.
Peary Declares He Can Prove
Falsity of Cooks Report.
Just Waiting for Him to Fur
nish Signed Statement.

| Peary controversy over the discovery
of the North pole continues to rage
| with unabated fury. For the time be-
| ing the great achievement itself is
somewhat obscured if not lost in the
| intensity of feeling which has been
aroused over the personal aspect of
the two conflicting claims Comman-
! der Peary's latest dispatch challeng-
| ing Cooks claim and characterizing it
as "a gold brick" has added fuel to
the already fierce fire of charge and
counter charge.
Each explorer has his camp of 10y
| al champions and defenders, center
| ing in the various Polar organizations
with which they have been identified
but ramifying throughout scientific
and public circles generally. In these
divided camps plans are being hastily
formed on a prodigious scale for the
welcome to be accorded to two claim
atns for Polar honors, and as present
plans indicate that both explorers will
arrive about the same time the de-
monstrations greeting them promise
to bring to a climax the present in
tense feeling of approval and disap-
proval.
Peary's latest challenge to Cooks
claim is viewed with varying shades
of feeling by the supporters of the
two men. 1t is accepted by both sides
as direct charge of the untruthfu1-
ness of Cooks narrative. 1t is noted
also that Peary now adds the state
ment that he has proofs of his state
ment contradicting Cook. It is also
noted that his intention to present
this proof is when he, Cook, makes
a full statement of his journey over
his signature"
Peary also requests that this writ
ten statement from Cook shall be
made to t'some geographical society
n or 1flI IL
Cook Is Ready.
In this connection Copenhagen dis
patches have already stated that
Cook was ready to submit his claim to
the coast and geodetic survey at
Washington. or other scientific body
The use of the contemptuous phrase
gold brick in referring to Cooks
claim is looked upon by the cham
pions of DR.. Cook as particularly Of
fensive. They regard it as not only
challenge of his veracity but as one
of such serious import in rejecting
upon Cooks methods that it calls for
immediate substantiation from Peary.
Whether he will give that substan-
tiation at once is open to doubt. in
view of his statement that the proof
would be presented when Cook made
full statement over his signature to
some geographical society or other
reputable body.
Commander Peary has now take |
action as naval officer as well as an
explorer by reporting officially to tht.
president, to the navy department and
to the coast and geodetic survey at
April 6. 1909. These official reports are
In line with arguments presented at the |
hearing Of injunction proceedings yes
terday over the question of publishing |
maintained by James NJ. Beck, former |
assistant attorney general of the |
United States that Peary's achievement |
constituted historical fact accom-
plished by a United States naval Of
fcer on a public mission.
Arctic Club Will Meet Him.
The Arctic Club of America further
perfected its plans today for meeting
Cook on his arrival. A large steamer
having capacity for carrying two !
go down the bay to meet the explor CT
on his arrival on the Oscar II, which
sailed from Chrfstiansand at noon to-
day. Many distinguished persons in
cludlng the chief officials of Brooklyn
and representatives Of scientific and |
geographical bodies will be invited. |
Mrs. Cook will be a guest on board the
steamer which goes to greet DR.. Cook |
A hotllla Of steam craft, yachts, tugs,
ETC., IS also preparing to move SeawarC |
and greet the Oscar II on it's approach. |
The plan is to bring DIR. Cook to the
landing at New York whence he will |
proceed across the city to Brooklyn,
where rapturous reception is await
ing him. The borough will be dec,-
rated and a huge floral arch will span
the street approaching his modest homa
on Bushwick avenue.
The plan for Peary's reception when |
he arrives is also being elaborated by
his adherents, but details are in abey-
ance owing to the uncertainty of the
time which he will reach New York;
city. He was to have reached Sidney
today, but delayed at Battle Harbor
will put off the arrival at Sidney until
perhaps the middle of next week HIS
to his close friend. Br Bridg-
man, fixes Wednesday as the time of
his arrival at Sidney.
There a great reception is awaiting
him by the people of Novia Scotia ard
there also Mrs. Peary and Mr.. Bridg-
man. with scores of newspaper CORE
spondents, are anxiously awaiting him
Sidney Waiting for Peary.
Two sea going steamers have been
chartered to go out from Sidney tu
meet him, one Of them being govern
nent steamer offered by the Ottawa
authorities. The reception at Sidney
nav delay Peary's departure by rail
from that point until next Thursday or
Friday, when he will probably be ei
route to Portland, Me. At that point het
and citizens. Continuing
his way by rail- his arrival in New
York will be about September 20, or .21, /
which is the time also that the steam
n Oscar II bringing DR.. Cook is due .
Lrrive.
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