Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-10-03
Cook Should Hurry Proofs,
in Opinion of Prof. Osborn

Special Dispatch TO The Star.
NEW YORK October 2.-Henry F.
Osborn, president Of the American Mu-
scum of Natural History, is not exactly
pleased by the failure of his proposition
that DR.. Frederick A. Cook and Com
mander Robert E. Peary submit their
north pole observations to a committee
Of scientists to have been appointed by
DR.. Ira Remsen of Johns Hopkins Uni
versity, president of the National Acade-
my of Science.
Commander Peary had expressed will
ingness to have the committee investi-
gate his data. DR.. Cook refused, explain
ing, as he had repeatedly. that his debt
of gratitude to Denmark obliged him to
give the University of Copenhagen the
first opportunity to see his records.
Thinks Cook Should Hurry Up.
troversy.' Prof. Osborn said today, be
cause I believe the rival claims of Cook
and Peary ought to be settled as soon as
possible by calm. judicial and unbiased
investigation.
There has been entirely too much Of
sentiment in the north pole controversy
1t is a question Of fact. and an investi-
eating body of scientists would so con-
slider it,
Mr. Osborn had his attention called to
that part of DR.. Cooks letter. sent by
him in answer to the invitation to par
ticipate in the investigation, in which he
said it would probably be some months
before he is ready to submit his data.
Mr. Osborn intimated that he did not ex-
actly see the reason for long delay.
The scientific method of recording OBJ
servations, on such trip as DR.. Cook
says he made, would. it appears to me,
have been an immediate written record
compiled as the journey progressed"
Prof. Osborn answered slowly when
pressed for his opinion.
"Ceptainly, no one on such an impor-
tant undertaking would trust to his mem
DRY alone"
Further than this Prof Osborn would
not permit himself to be interviewed. al
though he plainly intimated that If Dr.
Cook had kept a record in strict accord
with scientific methods there was no
reason why he is not ready now to SUBJ
NIT his observations. If not to the REM
sen committee, then to the University of
Copenhagen.
Cook Reaping Harvest.
In the meanwhile DIR. Cook is going
blithely ahead with the elaborate lecture
tour he has already contracted for.
HE is making all the money and Peary
is getting nothing" was the way a Peary
partisan expressed it this morning.
''Why doesn't he wait. since there Is so
much doubt as to his reaching the north
pole. until he has first submitted his
proofs. Then he could go ahead with his
lectures, and those who pay to hear him
would be sure they were not listening to
any mistaken information.
''Dr. Cooks refusal to consent to an i'm
mediate investigation leaves a bad taste
In the mouth"
The suggestion that DIR. Remsen name
a committee to hear the rival claims of
the explorers came first from Mr.. Osborn
Secretary Bridgman stated. when seen.
that his understanding was that Peary's
records are ready now.
Prof. Osborn unable to say this
morning whether DIR. Remsen would, I'm
view of DR.. Cooks refusal. go ahead and
name a committee to inspect Mr.. Peary's
records alone.
Il am of the impression that he WILL"
Prof Osborn said.