, 1909-11-13

an offer Of So, 1000 to make an affidavit to the
effect that the Brooklyn explorer never COM
pleted the ascent.
Tho proposal was made by persons who
have Teen using every possible persuasion
upon Barrille for weeks past, their purpose
being to throw discredit upon the explorer
aud rsise doubt ia the public mind concern
ing his discovery of the North Pole.
So far from accepting the offer, however,
Barrille is now speeding across the continent
as a witness before the National Geographic
Society of America or any other organization
of scientists which may care to inquire into
the validity of DIR. Cooks contention that he
did reach the "top of the continent"
Mr.. &C. Bridgeford, of Hamilton, Mont,
who is associated with Batrille in the real
estate business and who is a close friend OF
DR.. Cook, is authority for the statement
that an attempt was made to bribe Barrile
to make a false statement, and he adds iuter-
esting testimony of his own.
He declares that the residents Of Hamil-
ton have heard Ba%rrille's story of the climb
perhaps a thousand times in the last three
years andthat there is not a man in the little
city of Southwestern Montana, who ever
heard the former guide utter q word which
did not bear out the narrative of the ascent
as told by Dr.. Cook in his book.
Throughout the trip Barrille kept a diary
recounting everything that happened day by
day, and this he has shown repeatedly to MIR.
Bridgeford and to Mr.. Frederick FRINGE, of
Rarby, Mont, who also was a member Of the
exploring party OF 1908.
"Barrille has shown me his diary a score Of
times" said Mr.. Bridgeford, land | can say
positively that his records correspond with
DR.. Cooks story to the smallest detail. There
- 80 ,lo,,Lt - nm ,,;Dl Abot nr C1CE enc
ceeded in reuching the submit Of Mount
Mckinley. I have heard Barille tell the story
many times and it has always been the
same"
Implicit Faith ia DR.. Cook.
Mr.. Frederick Prince, at his home in the
Bitter lRoot Mountains, said he had turned
back to Susitna Station, leaving DR.. Cook
and Barrille to make the ascent alone, "but,
he added, "there has never been q time
when I doubted the story which they both
told me when they returned. However, l
dc not care to discuss the matter.
''Since the news of the discovery of the
North Pole was first announced every eff )rt
has been made to have Barrille and myself
make some statement. / cannot understand
why any statement from us is desired, but
every inducement has been offered to us to
swear to something which is far from the
truth.
CAS- far MS I nm personally concerned, l
do not know that Dir. Cook ciinbed Mount
McKnly, but I am certainly willing to ac-
cept his word. | made two trips with him
and [ learned during those times that he
was honest and truthful. Barrille is the only
man who can say positively that DR.. Cook
scaled the peak, and if he signs such an aft
davit you can stake your life that he is tell
ing the truth.
To make Statement Here.
"Barrile will join Dr.. Cook in New York
probably next Friday, and he will then be
ready to make a statement regarding the
Mount Mckinley trip"
On the best of authority it is asserted chat
Barrille and Prince were both induced to
go to Seattle early last week, where they
were introduced to lawyers who urged them
to "9xpose DIR. Cook to the world" Flatter-
ing Inducements were made, but neither was
willing to swear to false statements and both
returned home.
Mr.. Walter Miller, who was the official
photographer of the expedition, declines to
discuss the matter. Meantime it is said that
Barrille is preparing a statement from his
diary, which he will give to the public at the
.oror k;mo ~ Y H,NoI mi tom