Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-09-09
The Polar Controversy.

Now come two men, both of hitherto un-
blemished reputation in the world OF
science and exploration. each claiming to
have been the first man to reach the north
pole. DR.. Cook declares without equivoca-
ton that he attained the farthest north on
the 21st of April, 1908. nearly one year be-
fore Commander Pearys arrival at that
point Commander Peary, announcing his
attainment only five days later than DR..
Cook, proclaims the latter an impostor, as
serting that he has proof that DR.. Cook
did not penetrate into what is technically
known as the polar region, and that he
was furthermore guilty of certain impro-
prieties In the matter of appropriating
supplies. DR.. Cook denies both charges,
reiterates his claim Of polar attainment,
counter charges that the Peary party used
his supplies and declares his intention to
organize an expedition to go north to find
the Eskimos who were with him on his
polar dash and to bring them back to
civilization to give their testimony in this
now world controversy.
A more deplorable situation could not be
conceived. For many years men have been
striving to attain to the ultimate north,
impelled by motives OF scientific research
as well as persistent human curiosity.
They have shown an intrepid, heroic
spirit which has been unreservedly ap-
plauded and encouraged by contributions
and sympathy. When DR.. Cook returned
with his announcement there was general
rejoicing that the mystery had at last
been solved. with only feeble chorus Of
skepticism in certain quarters noted for
international jealousy. 1t was known that
Commander Peary was possibly on the
eve of returning with a similar announce
ment of later polar achievement. and
the foremost hope Of all, save perhaps of
was that there would be no unseemly dis
pute over the honors.
Now that the issue is joined it is idle to
argue the question from one point or the
other on behalf Of either disputant. 1t is
futile to engage in personalities. DR..
Cooks claim should be susceptible of
proof. If he can prove that he reached
ths pole or that he went within scien-
tifc approximation Of that point he will
have won an undying honor. Unhappily.
at the same time he will have demon
strated that Commander Peary for whom
there has been thus far only genuine adj
miration for his persistence and enter
prise, mas Deen carried Dy cnagTln 10 an
unforgivable extreme OF jealousy. On the
other hand. IL DIR. Cook cannot establish
his claim, and at the same time If Com
mander Peary can prove his rival to have
: been guilty Of lying. the Brooklyn man will
stand exposed before the world as a
charlatan without parallel in history. de-
serving Of the contempt Of every civilized
man.
All that can be said at this stage of the
case is speculative. It Is impossible to
conceive that DIR. Cook would have re-
turned deliberately to claim an honor in
support of which he had no proof and in
face Of certain or even probable expos
ure. The penalty attaching to such stu
pendous fraud would have been known by
him without the possibility of doubt. The
strongest assumption in his favor today,
while his defense Is formulating and his
proofs are forthcoming, is that no sane
man would undertake to carry of so
brazen a deceit in the name OF science
with condemnation as sure as the rising
Of another sun.