Evening star., 1909-09-11
ARBITRATION OF ROW
Scientists Want cook-Peary
Claims Proven.
SUGGESTIONS ARE MADE
Submission to Coast and Geodetic
Survey Favored.
QUESTION FOR BIOGRAPHIES
Foreign Explorers Consider Dispute
Is for America to Settle-World
Will Be Satisfied.

Scientists on both SIDES of the Allan
tic are discussing the suggestion that one
of the established scientific bodies act al
a tribunal to arbitrate the dispute In con-
nection with the discovery of the north
pole.
Some opinions expressed follow:
WILLIS j. MOORE, head of the Ma
tional Geographic Society mt Washing-
ton-The National Geographic Society,
in the statement given out recently by its
board Of managers, did not repudiate OF
contest any ones claim as to the dis
covery of the north pole. 1t is in an at
titude of waiting to be shown. AS to an
international court, any reputable group
of scientists will satisfy the society.
have no comment to make on the Duke
of the Abruzzi being appointed it's chair
man.
DIR. HARRY GANNETT, vice presi-
dent National Geographic Society,"
think better plan than an international
court would be to refer the whole matter
to the coast and geodetic survey for arbi-
tration. 1 think the National Geodetic
Society favors this, although 1t has taken
no definite action in that direction as yet.
FRANK WALLER PERKINS, acting
chief Of the coast and geoaetic survey,
WashingtOn-I have not considered the
matter of the international court. I do
not care to make any comment on the
plan. think, however, the matter should
be gone over by competent board OF
some sort I was asked IL the coast and
geodetic survey would do this. and re-
piled it probably would If requested 30
to do.
CAPT. n. r. SCOTT Of London, conn
mander Of British antarctic expedition
In 8OO-18O4-America possesses ample
resources of expert geographical knowl-
edge, and as this question primarily af-
fects that country, 1t is far better to let
1t settle the question for iself. A verdict
from authoritive sources in America would
be received by European countries.
LIEUT.. E. HI. SHACKLETON. COM
mander Of "farthest south" expedition
1t would be invidious for me to express
any opinion on the merits of an interna-
tional court to decide the Peary-Cook
controversy. You see, I've only just come
home from polar expedition myself.
I'm simply an explorer, not q geograph-
ical man The real experts to decide such
question should be the geographical
societies. and 1t is a question for Cook
and Peary to decide whether they would
agree upon such. a course. Personally ]
wish to keep entirely free from embroil-
ment In this controversy.
CYRUS ADAMS Of the American Geo.
graphic Society, New York = Such u
tribunal would involve, the Inconvenience
Of getting men together: He could sup
ply copies of his records to the coast and
geodetic survey of this country, and. II
he wished. also to some foreign organ
ization equally competent to study them
and decide upon the value of the results.
II it were left wholly to the coast and
geodetic survey the whole world would
accept the decision without question.
DIR. n. O. sTEBBINS, chairman Of the
Arctic Club Of America-Both have got
to submit proofs to scientists. Cook
won't care who approves his records as
long as they are qualified to do %. and
will do everything In his power to assist
them. He could have no objection to the
coast and geodetic survey. as they are
cold-blooded scientists and would render
fair decision. But they are Peary peo-
pie, inasmuch as Commander Peary is
officially under them and has to make his
reports to them. But Cook would not
hesitate, because any reluctance on his
part to submit to the judgment Of quail
fed scientists would be subject to criti-
hn foN