The Montgomery advertiser., 1909-09-09
Naval Officer Claims All
 Credit. CABLES PRESS BUREAUS
 THAT HE DISCOVERED IT Declares Eskimos Will Not Como
 bofate Dr. Cook Explorer is Hurrying to Civili.ation and VIII Begin . Controversy :, with scientists Over
 the Honor.

and the foundation laid for c contro- Kersy unparalleled in history
 Commander Robert E. P-ary Is ma king uncertain progress southward on the coast of Labrador m his ship Roosevelt. but there came from him. sent yesterday and received today. a message as direct as his homeward Journey has been slow It challenge the veracity of Dr. Frederick A Cook. of Brooklyn. N. T.. and further com piicates situation which the whole world is discussing.
 In effect. Peary discredits Cooks claims with the intimation that he (Peary) and he alone. planted the American flag at the North Pole on April 6. 1909, and that Dr. Cook. who asserts that he unfuried the flag at the pole on April 21. 1908, must sub stantiate his claim.
 At Copenhagen, pr. Cook. shown his rivals statement. stood by his guns, declined to enter into debate and calm ly asserted that his records would sus- tain him. To prove his right of dis- covery before the entire world, beyond Q shadow of a doubt he announced that he will despatch a ship to Green land and bring to America his Eskimo companions. Then, with their testi" Ynony and his data. he declares that he will stand ready to face all detrsetorss
 PeaRy Hurryins Home.
 In the meantime. Peary continues his homeward journey on the ice-scarred Roosevelt, and is tonight at Battle Harbor. Labrador still more than 4Oo the objectivs point of the homeward cruise through the Strait of Belle Isle. z Mrs. Cook is tn New York and Mrs. Peary nas left her homo if.. MatflN 70 3oiu her husband at North Sydsiey. Though pressed for. stafement Mrs. say anything concerning ner husband.
 f3y those who received word of pr. Cooks discovery with skepticism. Com mander Peary's challenge yesterday was received with satisfaction; by those who had been neutral 1t came as another surprise in series or remarx- able happenings. while 10 pr. Cooks supporters, 1t was signal for war:
 Dr. Cook, # his plans do not mis- raPry. will sail for the United States by september 21. By that time Com mander Peary will have reached home but no one has as yet suggested the possibility of a dramatic meeting or the two face to face.
 Peary's statement refiecting upon Dr. Cooks achievement came first to The Associated Press early yesterday morning, dated Indian Harbor. Labra- dor the point through which he first reported his success by wireless. It had evidently been delayed in trans mission and read as follows:
 ''I have nailed the Stars and Stripes 10 the North Pole. This is authorita- tive and correct.
 cooks story should not be taken foo seriously The two Eskimos who accompanied him say he went no dist anee north and not out of sight of land Other members of the tribe cor. roborate their story"
 About the same time Mrs. Peary re- reived the following message under the same date, both having been sent via Cape Ray, N. F.:
 "oood morning. Delayed by gale. Don't let Cooks story worry you. Have him nailed"
 The foregoing was signed simply Bert" an abhreviatfon Of Robert, while the message to The Associated Press bore the single word "Peary" as It's signature.
 To The Associated Press the com mander had sent the dispatch replying to an urgent request for an authorita- tive statement and some comment con corning pr. Cook. This request had been sent to him immediately after he had flashed news of his discovery from yndian Harbor on Monday.
 While Peary's assertion of yesterday Is of a nature that makes Dr. Cooks position one of defense. the Brooklyn explorer yet has supporters both at home and abroad. Many of the con- tinental scientists are marking time, pending developments. while those who have formed no decided opinions in this country. have assumed a similar stand
 Believes Both Explorers.
 Professor William H. Brewer of Yale, honorary president for life of the Arc. tic Club of America. of which both Peary and Cook are members. tele- graphed to New York as follows:
 T believe that both Cook and Peary have reached the pole"
 Dr. Thomas Dedrick. of Washing Peary expedition of Is9S-1902, prompt ly came to the support of pr. Cook He said:
 "The charge (referring to Peary's statement of yesterday may lessen pr. Cooks standing in popular estima- ton until his defense can be heard. but the scientific world will be af- fected only by scientific discrepancies Dr. Cook will undoubtedly have scien- tific records and observations with out Eskimo proof.
 ''If Eskimo proof Is needed there are enough admirers of fair play in the world to send impartial inter prefers to the tribe"
 Analyzing the Eskimo's character, MT. Dedrick Is inclined to think him unreliable with "a temperament which would lead him to agree for suavity's sake and because of immediate bene- fit, with a man on the spot having a ship loaded with what is most dear to an Eskimo heart"
 This would be especially true. argues pr. Dejrick. If his former benefactor had departed homeward. as Cook did on a sled with no halo of a ships pres tige."
 In conclusion Dr. Dedrick said:
 Suppose Cook next year went up and distributed presents as ships do and asked if his rival had got out of sight of land and they said mo- what matter would 1t make to the public?
 ''Other impartial parties may be heard from. The whAlers who arrive