Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-09-19
COOK VERY CONFIDENT
Sure He Can Prove He Was
at North Pole.
TALKS OF PEARY CHARGES
Will Answer When He Knows Just
What They Are.
SUBMITS CASE TO SCIENTISTS
Receives Many Tenders Of Social
Courtesies-Hopes to Avoid
Demonstrations.
TALKS OF PEARY CHARGES
SUBMITS CASE TO SCIENTISTS

ON BOARD THE OSCAR II. BY UNIT.
ED WIRELESS AND MARCONI WIRE.
LESS TELEGRAM. VIA HALIFAX. ".
8. September 16-Dr. Frederick A. Cook
evinces the strongest desire to arrive In
New York as quickly as possible. He IL
anxious to prove to America the veracity
OF his claims. although the charges
brought against him by Commander
Peary and others do not cause him the
slightest concern. He has a complete an
swer, he says. for everything.
In reply to a question as to what an
swer he would make to these charges, DR..
Cook said this afternoons:
II will not enter into any controversy
until know definitely what has been
brought against me and whence 1t ema-
mates. Commander Pearys general and
articulate charges do not call for any
response from me until he gives to the
public as much as l have. He has given
few details OF his journey. claiming that
he reached the pole on a certain date.
without much else.
Foundation Of Statement.
His accusations are founded purely on
statements given him by an ignorant
man. whom I purposely kept from learn
ing the facts. When 1 land 1 will cam
inc the charges and reply when the proper
time comes. Peary's declaration that he
is the only man who has been to the pole
and will prove 1t still awaits proof. As
to the affirmation that Peary has evidence
to refute my story. that evidence Is based
on the word of Murphy, the boatswain,
who is unable to read or write.
II have already expressed my readiness
to Mo nhc
mittee from scientific bodies, and the ver-
dict OF that committee will Justify my
story"
DR.. Cook has received dozens of dis
and inviting him to receptions. banquets
and other functions. He Is ready to ac-
cept some Of these invitations. but has
left the arrangements entirely In the
hands of John r. Bradley. Many offers
have also been made for lectures and
magazine articles and on other PROPOSE
lions. which DR.. Cook has declined with
out exception.
Cold Criticises Peary.
Director General Cold Of the steamship
company. who has been Cooks constant
he heard Of Commander Peary's charges.
said:
"Peary il acting like q drowning man
clutching at a straw"
The vessels progress has been consid-
erably delayed by a dense fog, which
lasted for several hours off Cape Race
yesterday. This was followed by a high
wind. which sprang up with remarkable
suddenness and died down this morning
c ct't He aa remained on the bridge.
Apparently the STORM had little effect
on the spirits Of the passengers, for
they gathered in the grand saloon In the
evening. where a very enjoyable concert
Prof William Dahl OF New York.
Among those who took part in the
concert were Mrs. Clara Jensen ana
Miss Lilly Kragerup Of Chicago. Enid
Myntero Of Buffalo.
Moved by Familiar Airs.
DR.. Cook was visibly moved by the
strains Of familiar melodies which he
had not heard in moro than two years.
After the concert he remained for about
an hour in the smoking room.. chatting
about the incidents Of his journey to the
pole. The skin suit in which the en-
plorer returned from Upernavik was ex-
hibited on the upper deck this morning
and aroused great interest. Dozens Of
cameras were turned upon 1t, and after
ward upon DR.. Cook. who declined all
requests to put the suit on. He has SUD.
mitted to being photographed with great
good humor.
AS q matter Of fact. the explorer has
been photographed In company with viz
tually every passenger aboard at various
times.
Dr. Cook says he would like to avoid
any demonstration at landing. He de-
sires. first of all. to see his wife and
family.
Vessel Sighted OF Sable Island.
The Oscar II was of Sable Island at
7:30 this evening. When the report was
received in the afternoon that Com
mander Peary was still at Battle Harbor.
DR.. Cook said.
Il regret greatly that Commander Peary
is not returning at the same time as I am.
l should have liked to meet him face to
face on reaching New York"
Referring to the final examination Of hig
records and instruments. DR.. Cook said:
Within two months at the outside.
probably earlier, my records and instru.
ments will all be ready for the oh1cial
tests. shall then send them to Copeu-
hagen University. which has the first
claim, as 1t was the first officially to rec
ognixe my work in the discovery OF the
pole. After that they will be at the dis
posal Of any expert committee which the
scientific and geographical societies care
to FORM"
DR.. Cook says ne does not intend to re-
sumo practice as a physician, for he has
work Of q scientific character which Will
occupy him for several years.
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