Arizona republican. [volume] (Phoenix, Ariz.) 1890-1930, 1909-09-05
THE DETAILED STORY
DR.. Cook Outlines the Chief Features
of His Dash to the Pole

Copenhagen, Sept. i.-The most de-
tailed account of the polar journey
yet given by DR.. Cook was gained from
him by large body of newspaper
CORE spondents this evning at the Ho-
tel Phoenix. DIR. Cook. at the request
of the correspondents. consented to
answer all questions.
First he was asked whether the first
account OF his discovery Of the pole
could be accepted as entirely his own
work. He replied in the affirmative,
except for the obvious errors in trans
mission. He then explained the doubt
about the 10000 square miles iiscov-
cred, saying that they were able to see
fifteen miles on each side during their
journey to the pole and that there
fore. a hitherto unknown territory of
10000 square miles was now discov-
cred.
Cook proceeded to show that he was
fully competent to take all observa-
tions, saying that on previous expedi-
tions he did very little observation
work, which usually was divided
among the members Of the party.
This time he continued. we had
everything else was Of secondary con-
sideration. II was not possible to
carry certain apparatus and 1t was
impossible to study the deep sea or
make sOundings We carried all nes-
essary simple instruments for astron-
omical observations and we were very
lucky to obtain observations virtually
every day. The position noted must
be nearly correct We had three
chronometers. one watch, cOmpasses
and pedometers. All were carefully
controlled by each other from time to
time. The watch. however, got out
of order
we had all the modern instruments
which other explorers have had, in
cluding thermometers. barometers and
sextants IL is possible that our OBJ
servations were better than those of
early days, but do not assert that
| am perfectly familiar with making
astronomical observations. especially
in the polar regions. l think that all
explorers will be satisfied with my
data.
Why should l sit down and invent
observations" he exclaimed. Il did
not do this thing for anything but
sport, and because | take a real in
terest in the problem. II would not
do me any good to invent these things
The only witnesses l had were two
Esquimos. certainly: but in all polar
expeditions, observations have been
made by one man. | regard the Es-
kimo as much more intelligent in
in the Arctic. These people. as a rule.
are not absolutely ignorant. They
know that the earth is round They
have a name for the pole which they
call the Big Nail They appreciate
the work of explorers when partici-
pating therein.
Il think Rasmussen has obtained
some information regarding my expe-
dition from Eskimos, who have learn
ed it from the two with me Rasmus-
sen was there much later and his in
formation will be published shortly.
possibly tomorrow.
Concerning the ice around the pole.
so far as l could see it was slightly
degrees south 1t drifted somewhat
more to the south and east Its gem
eral character is not very different
from that at other places. We stayed
around the pole for two days making
observations.
Il don't claim to have put my finger
on the exact spot. When the obser-
vations have been figured out again il
is possible that there will be found
slight errors and differences but am
certain that a gun shot fired from
where we were would have passed over
the pole.
We planted the Stars and Stripes at
what we believed to be the pole. but
did not leave the flag with the staff.
Instead l placed a small silk flag in a