Los Angeles herald., 1909-09-05

struments for astronomical observa-
tions, and we were very lucky to OBJ
tain observations virtually every day.
1.-THE positions noted must have been
nearly correct. We had three chro-
nometers, one watch, compasses and
pedometers. All were carefully con-
trolled by each other from time to
time. The watch, however, got out OF
order
1--WE had all the modern instruments
which other explorers have had, in
cluding thermometers. barometers and
sextants of the latest models. 1t is
possible that our observations were
better than those of early days, but
I do not assert that I am perfectly IA
miliar with making astronomical OBJ
servations, especially in the polar re-
gions. 1 think that all explorers Will
be satisfied with my data.
"Why should 1 sit down and invent
observations he exclaimed. Il did
not do this thing for anything but
sport and because I take real IN
terest in the problem. 1t would not do
me any good to invent these things.
The only witnesses had were two
Eskimos, certainly, but in all polar ex-
petitions observations have been made
by one man. 1 regard the Eskimo as
much more intelligent in finding po-
sitions than the white man in the
arctic.
"These people as rule are not alb
solutely ignorant. They know that the
earth is round. They have name for
the pole which they call the big nall
They appreciate the work of explorers
when participating therein.
To Confirm Cook
II think Rasmussen has obtained
some information regarding my expe-
dition from the EskimOs, who have
learned it from the two with me. Ras-
mussen was there much later and his
information will be published shortly,
possibly tomorrow.
Concerning the ice around the pole,
so far as 1 could see it was slightly
more active there than at one or two
degrees south.
1T drifted somewhat more to the
south and cast. Its general character
is not very different from that at other
places. We stayed around the pole for
two days making observations.
II don't claim to have put my finger
on the exact spot: | do not claim to
have put my foot on it. but personally
L think we have been at the spot.
when the observations have been
figured out again it is possible that
there will be found slight errors and
gunshot fired from where we were
would have passed over the pole.
I'VE planted the Stars and Stripes at
what we believed to be the pole, but
did not leave the flag with a staff. In
stead l placed a small silk flag in a
cylinder with my card and record of
the journey, with the date.
'The drift ice may carry the flag
away, but to me that is a matter of
indifference. l should have been very
glad to have found land there.
viii Prove Claims
81 am quite prepared to place my
observations before any geographical
society in the world. l think there is
no doubt about my obtaining authori-
tatiVe recognition.
81 have already received kilograms
from the geographical societies of Swe-
den. Norway, Denmark, Belgium and
other countries, which congratulate
me, while Amundsen, Nordenskjold,
Cagni and Lecointe have acknowledged
my work.
Il offer my observations to science
the same as other men have done, and
[ accept the responsibility.
GAS to the temperature at the pole,
it was minus 38. l took about 400 pho
tographs. one OF which shows the
American flag flying. These as yet
have not been developed"
Questioned regarding his great speed,
DR.. Cook said: