New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1909-09-27
PEARY DEFENDS ACTION
AWARE OF COOKS PLANS.
Tells Why He Refused to Bring
RecOrds-Statememt Soon.

Portland. Me-. Sept. 26.-It was learned from
a source close to Commander Peary tonight
that the commander justifies his action OF re-
fusing TO allow Dr. Friedrich A. Cooks instru-
ments or records board the homeward bound
steamer Roosevelt. on the theory that he had
been aware for some time of Cooks intention
10 claim the discovery OF the North Pole, and
that Peary, therefore, would sanction nothing
TO aid this project.
Peary's forthcoming statement concerning
Cook. 1t was also learned. will charge that the
Brooklyn explorer cannot produce shoes. sledges
or other equipment which will show the wear
and tear that comes from travel over the Arctic
ice This Is the first intimation of any SPECIFIC
evidence that the commander will produce. al
though he has said from time to time that he
has evidence enough to diseredit Cook.
1t seems evident that Peary is DESTROYS of is
suing his statement in the near future. espe-
ciaIly since the arrival Of Harry Whitney at
Indian Harbor. While he declared that Whitney
has no part in the controversy. Commander
Peary has nevertheless received messages con-
corning Whitney's progress. He has, however.
made no attempt 10 communicate with whitney
and says that he will make none.
ROOSEVELT ARRIVES UNEXPECTEDLY
The Roosevelt arrived Unexpectedly to-day at
Eagle Island, Commander Pearys home, to
leave Peary's personal belongings and TO re-
ceive supplementary orders. The vessels ar
rival wss surprise, for Commander Peary, who
preceded her 20 his home, said nothing of the
possibility OF her touching at Eagle Island.
After unloading Pearys belongings. which
filled four Ave small boats the Roosevelt
sailed at 10 o'clock tonight for New York
Commander Peary will go to Bar Hsrbor to-
morrow for a conference with General Thomas
II. Hubbard. president Of the Peary Arctic Club.
He will remain there until Tuesday night. pos
sibly later and il is there that he will probably
issue the formal statement attacking Or. Cook.
There is considerable doubt about the Roose-
welt taking any part in any naval parade at the
Hudson Fulton celebration even though she
rive in New York in time. All that Commander
Peary would say concerning this was. 'Tf the
Roosevelt is In the parade I will be on the
bridge"
The Roosevelt mad a fine passage and fair
winds from Sydney. and according TO present
plans. with favorable weather. she should
rive in New York on Tuesday night or wednes-
day.
CALLS COOK INEXPERIENCED.
Although all hands board the Roosevelt
vere instructed not TO talk about the Cook con-
troversy. Mat Henson, the negro cook, who
vas with Peary in his final dash north, said
thar he had talked with every Esqumau who
went up with Cook and knew every one Of them.
but was not AZ liberty 10 reveal what he had
learned Henson said however. that Cook had
practically no experience when he went north
that he knew nothing about building sledges
and was absolutely inexperienced in driving
Esouimeu dogs. Henson said that he was ~
the opinion that Cook could not even harness a
dog correctly.
Captain Bartlett. OF the Roosevelt seemed
much perturbed over the reports that he had
entertained any i'll feeling because Peary took
Henson on the last dash and left him behind
Il had no idea Of going to the pole says Bart
lett in signed statement issued tonight. Il
went UP there TO help the commander In every
way could according 20 his orders, but II is an
absolute lie 70 say that felt bad about not
going 20 the pole"