Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1909-09-23
FOR THE
TWO POLE FINDERS
PEA7Y REACHES SYDNEY, MS;
COOK HOME IN BROOKLYN.

Tremendous Popular Demonstration
Given Cook.--Latest DEVELOPMENTS
Support Cook.--Some Of Peary's
Own Crew Heard Cooks Story from
His Own Lips Last ApriL--Peary's
American Welcome Delayeo.--eoth
Explorers Firm N Their Position.
The two North Pole discoverers, Com
mander Peary and Dr. Cook, have re-
ceived their first public acclaim. Peary
reached Sydney, n. s., and Cook arrived
at New York, both ON Tuesday. Both
met with great demonstrations. Cooks
was the greater, for natural reasons. He
was returning to his own home. Brook
lyn, which took a neighborly pride in
him. Peary was merely a brief caller in
foreign port. His family met him
there. Peary intends to journey on to
his Maine home, here be will remain
until such time as the respective claims of
the two men are settled By competent au-
thority. Cooks ship arrived a day be-
forehand and had to ~ait outside so as
not to spoil the reception plans His wife
and children came out to meet him early
Tuesday morning and there was an affect
ing scene at the ship side. Then the ex-
cursion steamer Great Republic with its
big load took him aboard and landed him
at Brooklyn. Every steam whistle " ith-
in reach was tied down for Eve minutes
and dealening uproar ensued. The
streets OF Brooklyn were jammed for
miles with excited people, who roared
vociterous welcome. A parade of 500
autos ran to Cooks home. On Bostwick
street among the decorations was an inn
f~ka . = 4. -
bearing an American flag. A reception
followed, at which all who could passed
by the tired man.
There have been developments within a
few days tending to support Cooks story.
Peary admits that he knew some time ago
that Cook claimed to have reached the
Pole. 1t will be recalled that when Cook
was returning from his long journey be
reached Annotok with his two Esqui-
maux, pushing a single sledge, without
dogs. The three were almost famished.
They found there the supplies that Cook
had left hen he set out, in charge of one
of Peary's men, a hoatswain. With him
was Peary's cabin boy, PritchRrd, also
Harry Whitney, a hunter. There was a
disagreement between Cook and the
boatswain over the stores and Cook and
his party after two days went on south
ward. Peary claims he found the post
deserted by the man Cook had left there
and merely took charge so the supplies
would not be plundered. When Cook
reached Copenhagen be said that he told
Whitney at Annotok that he had reached
the Pole and left certain proofs with him.
He also said that Pritchard heard his
story. Pritchard, coming home on the
Roosevelt with Peary, was beset by the
correspondents who went up to Battle
Harbor to see Peary, and at first denied
that Cook had said anything, but finally
admitted that one day during the boat
swain's absence Cook had told Whitney
of his success and be had heard Il be story
Both had been cautioned by Cook TO keep
it a secret until he should announce it.
This was during the same month, April,
1909, that Peary reached the Pole. 1t is
also reported that Whitney, who is still
hunting far north, has written home to
his wife that Cook told him and he be-
lieved it.
Peary still maintains that he is the dis
coverer, that he has proof that Cooks
story is fiction, and that as soon az the
latter makes an authentic statement he
will produce il. He says it would be
possible for Cook to fake observations
that would mislead scientists. Cook says
he is ready to submit his evidence, but
does not feel called upon to urge a test.
He will shortly issue detailed account
Of his trip. A ship has sailed from Dem
mark to bring down the two Esquimaux
who went with him.