The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1909-09-21

tions which would have moved most any man ito anger in retort. He even went so far as to express regret that a man with so many estimable quali- ties as Commander Peary should have made himself ridiculous in the eyes of the world by seeking to ridi- cule a rival about whose achieve ments he knew nothing.
 Cook declared that Peary's state ment that he, Cook had never reach ed the Pole was based solely upon in- formation which he had left at ~Etah With PearyS own man, Murphy, and which he had made. purposely mis- leading for his own protection. It is to the information which he, Peary) received, from Murphy, that Dr. Cook ascribes all the Commanders charges of faking by the doctor. In a very satisfactory manner Dr. Cook explains W hy he took pains that Murphy should not know that hes had been to the secret to his friend, Harry Whitney. the New Haven sportsman.
 Whitney will confirm all of Cooks statements, the explorer says, when he returns home next month, while Seaman Pritchard, on board Comman- der Peary's ship is another witness that Cook claimed the honor of plac- ing the flag at the Pole so soon as he reached Etah. The entire story is to be given to the public at once. Cook S book is completed and will be printed at once. It gives in details all the happenings on the dash to the top of the world but it is to be supplement- ed by every bit of data Cook can pos sibly obtain which will be passed on by the scientists of Copenhagen and then made public. And the two Els quimaux who accompanied the Brook lyn scientist on the final dash are to be brought to this country, Dr. Cook making it very plain to-day that while he deplores the controversy that has arisen between himself and Com mander Peary he intends that no stone shall be left .unturned to prove that he tells the truth and that to himself is due the honor of being the first to dis cover the Pole.
 q am perfectly willing to abide by the final verdict of competent judges on the proofs that I will submit he declared, 'fand that must be my last words in this discussion. That and that alone will satisfy me and the public. Until this is done will pay no attention to criticisms from those who have not available my story of the trip.''
 Dr. Cook came into his own on the Grand Republic, the moment he step ped on it's deck. A squad of militia men had been detailed to police the craft but his friends would not be de- nied and the instant he came over the side the militiamen were brushed aside and a great crowd of friends and rel atives made a concerted rush for the explorer. Captain Osbon, of the Arc tic Club, so 6iminutive that he could hardly reach Dr. Cooks. massive shoulders, led the rush and threw his arms about the neck of pr. Cook and fairly shouted: God bless you, Cook. We knew you could do it.'
 Up to this time Dr., Cook had not spoken. His breath came fast and he 1~1 gasped out, 'I thank you,'' and the tears glistened in his eyes as the reg mental band struck up Home, Sweet Home"
 Some enthusiast threw a wreath of white roses and evergreens about DP. Cooks neck and it remained there. though sadly disheveled during the trip up the bay on the Grand Repub- lie.
 tContinued on Second Page.)