Evening star., 1909-09-12

tions to the world?"
Is the fact that he refuses to do so until
his own good time in itself proof or IN
sanity?
Exaggerated secretiveness seems to re-
call one symptom of form of mania.
Certainly it is the only one Cook exhibits
as yet.
Europe's Present Attitude
in Cook-Peary Controversy
COPENHAGEN. September 1l.-Den-
mark apparently remains faithful in sup
porting Dr. Cook All the Copenhagen
newspapers today reiterate their belief in
him.
Sentiment doubtless is factor in this
feeling: the Danes are proud that the
explorer visited their country first.
Moreover, there is a noticeable preju-
dice against Commander Peary on ac-
count of the reports from the Danish col
ony in Greenland of his treatment of
the Eskimos. and allegations by Capt.
Otto Sverdrup's friends that Peary treat
ed Sverdrup shabbily when the two ex-
petitions met in the arctic.
With regard to the alleged i'll treatment
of the E.skimos 1t has not been possible
to secure any definite specifications here
supporting this story. Only assertions
are made that such belief is current in
Greenland.
Today's newspaper discussion brings to
light only one new fact. The London
Daily Chronicle, which Is attempting to
prove DR.. Cook an impostor, published
an interview which its correspondent here
had with Mrs. Rasmussen, in which Mrs.
Rasmussen is quoted as saying that her
husband informed her by letter that his
talks with the Eskimos caused him to
doubt DR.. Cooks story.
The interpreter who translated Mrs.
Rasmussen's words for the Chronicle cor
respondent has sent a letter to the pa
pers expressing regret that his imper-
feet knowledge of English caused him to
represent Mrs. Rasmussen as saying ex-
actly the opposite of what she said.
Cook Inaccurately Reported.
London newspapers have been received
here containing reports Of DR.. Cook s
talk. when he submitted himself. soon
after he landed at Copenhagen. for ex-
animation by the correspondents. These
several correspondents relied entirely on
their memories.
A comparison Of the accounts in these
papers makes 1t appear as though DR..
Cook uttered contradictions. He did not.
Director Ryberg, head of the Greenland
Cook was in earnest in his attempts to
send a ship after his Eskimo companions.
He replied:
DR. Cook has asked us to do everything
in our power to send out ship for that
purpose. l advised him that 1t would be
useless and foolish to send an expedition
this season."
Then Director Ryberg added:
Il believe that DR.. Cook is entirely re-
liable and earnest. His reputation in
{v thn tnSf
require the strongest contrary evidence
to shake our faith in his word
Hundreds of kilograms are arriving here
for the explorer. Members of the Ameri-
can legation are almost buried under
correspondence, resulting from DR.. Cook s
visit
When the explorer was told that some
Of the newspapers had questioned his
sanity, he remarked:
Il hope l am not crazy. But from the
hysterical and foolish kilograms I am
getting 1 should judge there are plenty
OF lunatics at large"
"Peary Convincing; Cook Is Not"
LONDON, September 1.-THE Cook
Peary controversy has for the moment
practically dropped out from the editorial
columns Of the London newspapers. The
only comment appearing this afternoon
is paragraph in the Pail Mall Gazette
which says:
Commander Peary's story bears the
impress of reality. In way 1t contrasts
wildly with the unconvincing narrative
of his rival. After reading Peary's mar
rative one can only feel that II DR.. Cook
is really telling the truth as honestly as
Commander Peary. he is singularly unfor-
tunate in his manner Of telling It,"
The claims and the counter-claims OF
the rival explorers. however. are given
prominence on the news pages. They are
discussed keenly wherever men and Wom-
en- cOngregate.
But there is a general disposition to
await DR.. Cooks promised disclosure OF
his records and evidence before passing
further judgment.
Berlin Condemns Peary's Attitude.
BERLIN. Sept. 1.-THE news that Com
mander Peary also was unaccompanied
by white observers when he reached the
geographical ooint which he took to be
the north pole has started the discussion
afresh regarding the claims of Peary and
DIR. Cook.
German geographers. such as Gravelius
Hellmann. Sieglin. Suering and Fried
richsen, bave been disposed throughout to
believe the word of both Cook and Peary
They had no reason 20 doubt the scien-
tific competence or sincerity of either ex-
plorer.
The newspapers which are commenting
freely on the subject consider that Peary's S
friends. and possibly he himself. have
shown too bitter a feeling toward DIR.
Cook. feeling which. they say. is neither
sportsmanlike, scientific nor ethical.
Prof. H. Singer. writing in the Nord-
deutsche Allegemeine Zeitung, says that
scientific circles need not be deeply con-
cerned whether the one or the other ex-
plorer took observations amid the field Of
ice which showed the instruments to be
located at the north pole, or which reached
there first. Scientists may consider 1t set
tied that both men. with unweared zeal.
have attained their aim.
A more interesting subject, he adds, Is
that wide fields yet exist for polar ex-
plorers to register their work
1.-The Americans have stormed the pole
and planted their flag" he concluded.
Now. as before, the most is still to be
DONE"
Both Blufhng, Paris Hints.
PARIS. September 11.-Interest in the
polar controversy continues unabated, but
Commander Peary's reiterated charges
have somewhat disconnected the news
to suspend final judgment until proof is
submitted
Some papers treat the affair in humor-
GUS vein, and ask whether 1t is not posi-
BILE that both are bluffing. They point
out especially that there is nothing in
Peary's recital inconsistent with the state
ment made by Cook, and that neither had
a white man with him when he claims ne
reached the pole.
In scientific circles intense regret is ex-