The Mitchell capital. (Mitchell, Dakota [S.D.]) 1879-1918, 1909-09-09
IPEARY NAY DENY
COOKS CLAIM OF
I. POLE DISCOVERY

Bends Another Message to New
York Organization Which
Backed His Efforts.
New York. Sept. 9.-Announcement
Of Commander Peary that he has dis
covered the north pole rivets the atten-
ton of the entire civilized world.
Whatever question Of priority may
exist between the claims of Commander
Peary and DR.. Cook, there can be no
doubt that to the United States be-
longs the unquestionabIe credit and
lasting renown Of discovering the north
pole.
The remarkable coincidence Of two
American announcements of such a
e~ollosal achievement, coming within
five days, after centuries Of fruitIess
endeavor constitutes n Of the most
remarkable coincidence in history.
Peary to Claim Priority.
The question of priority in reaching
country and Europe. That Peary will
claim to be the first ~discoverer appears
to be definitely assured from h fol-
lowing facts:
First-Formal announcement has
been telegraphed from Indian Harbor,
Labrador, to all principal American
and geographical societies of all ma
tions, including Japan and Brazil, spe-
cidcally announcing that the north
pole was discovered April 6, this year.,
by the Peary Arctic club expedition
under command Of Commander Peary.'
Or. Cook claims to have found it last
year on April 81.
SecOnd-A London dispatch received
from st. Johns. Newfoundland, states
that Commander Peary claims that he
was the first man to reach the north
pole.
No Skepticism Now.
Aside from the question Of priority,
Commander Peary's announcement of
reaching the pole appears to be ac-
q cepted throughout the United States
and the world at large, by scientists as
well as h general public, and there
u ticism which greeted the Cook an
.NnOuncement.
There Is, however, apparent reserve
OF Judgment on h question Of priority
between the two explorers.
Cook Halls Peary.
DR.. Cook, in an interview at Copen-
% today. says he Is the first to
about hurrah for Peary. II he a
t~elegraphed an announcement that he
hAg reached the pole. then it is true,
and ! congratulate him."
Dr.. Cook also states that he does not
want any controversy.
No further word direct from Peary
has been received today, nor can there
be any further word from him until
he reaches Chateau bay, Labrador, to-
night or tomorrow.
The world continues to be stirred
with excitement and admiration for the
achievement by which America has
solved b problem OF centuries.
10 Due, ut Chateau Bay.
Chateau bay is the nearest point to
Indian Harbor. where Commander
which to tell the world the story Of his
dash to the pole. The Roosevelt was
due at Chateau bay this morning, bar
ring accident or delay, and when Com-
ssrlander Peary reaches there he prob
ably Will send confirmation Of his first
message. giving the results OF his trip,
and tell for the first time how he
achieved the goal that has been his
ambition for SO many years.
Indian Harbor Isolated.
Indian Harbor is connected with the
rest OF the world. only by wireless
telegraph, and a full story Of the trip
could hardly be expected from that
distant station. The number Of mes
aages received from that station. both
xOdIy anu from MS
companions In his arctic voyage, show
that every effort was made to inform
eager friends n associates Of the
success.
The latest word to come across the
gap spanned by h wireless from In
dian Harbor to Cape Bay, newfound-
land, was received TODAY by Herbert Z.
Bridgman, OF Brooklyn, secretary of
the Peary Arctic club, Of this city. In
this message Commander Peary re-
quested Mr.. Bridgman to inform the
Geographical societies throughout the
world that the Peary Arctic expedition
had reached the pole.
His friends In this city regarded It
a characteristic Of Commander Peary
that he should give the credit OF his
achievement to the club which bears
his name and which aided him in UNI
dertaking his last trip, at a time when
his funds were low and assistance was
needed more than before.
More Word From Explorer.
General Thomas A. Hubbard. presi-
dent OF the Peary Arctic club, today
received the following message from
Commander Peary:
- INDIAN Harbor (via Cape Ray. N.
r.. Sept. 6.)-Thanks for your assist
ance. the 800 years search Of the north
expedition April 6. Roosevelt returns
uninjured. Peary."
In response General Hubbard sent
the following cablegram to the explor-
+
New York. Sept. z-Commander
Robert p. Peary. Indian Harbor, Via
Cape Ray: our cable gives me the
best news / have heard this century.
Congratulations and best wishes"
Herbert Z. Bridgman said today he
expected Commander Peary would stop
of. at Eagle Island, Me-, his home and
then come to New York, reaching here
within the next two weeks.
Wids World Worked Up.
Messages OF congratulation on the
successsof Commander Peary. are COM.
ing Bridgman. One from Presi-
dent Darwin. of the Royal Geographical
society, of Great Britain, read: v
sssDIelighted to hear of Peary's safe re-