The Hartford herald. [volume] (Hartford, Ky.) 1875-1926, 1909-09-08
PROOF OF GREAT
ARCTIC CONQUEST
Displayed by DIR. Cook to
Danish King.
SCIENTISTS ACCEPT HIS DATA
Explorer Had All the NeceS-
sary Apparatus For Max
ing Observations.

Copenhagen, SEPT. 4.-Absolute proc
that he discovered the north pole was
discussed late to-day by DR.. Frederick
A. Cook. of America, to King Frede-
rick of Denmark
Announcement of the fact was made
Immediately following an audience of
nearly an hour. which DR.. Cook had
had with King Frederick
Also present were several noted
scientists. Dr. Cook submitted, mt
their request. ard also that of the
King, an extensive diary containing
his technical observations Of the sun
and of the country as he progressed.
The scientists pronounced his data
absolutely correct.
A detailed account of his polar jour
ney was gained from DR.. Cook by a
large body of newspaper correspond
ents at the Hotel Phoenix tonight.
Dr.. Cook at the request of the cor
respondents, consented to answer all
questions
First, he was asked whether or not
the first account of his discovery of
the pole could be accepted as. entirely
his own work. He replied in the at
firmative, except for the errors in
transmission.
He then explained the doubt about
the 10000 square miles discovered,
saying that he meant he was able to
see Is miles on each side during his
Journey TO the Pole and that. there
huye, a hitherto unknown territory of
10000 square miles was now discover
ed.
DR.. Cook proceeded TO show that
he was fully competent TO take all
observations.
This time" he said. I'VE had start
cd out to reach the Pole and every
thing else was of secondary considera-
ton. II was not possible 10 carry
certain apparatus and 1t was impossi-
BILE also to study the deep sea or
take soundines.
I'VE carried all necessary simple in
struments for astronomical observs-
tions and we were lucky to obthin
observations virtually every day.
THE positions noted must have bee
correct. We had three thermometers,
one watch, compasses and pedometers.
All were carefully controlled from
time to time.
I'VE had all the modern instruments
which other expeditions have had, in
Guiding thermometers, barometers and
sextants of the latest models. 1t IS
possible that our observations were
better than those of earlier days. but
do not assert that am perfectly ia
miliar with making astronomical OBJ
servations, especially in the polar
regions. think that all explorers
will be satisfied with my data, as
King Frederick and Massachusetts, al
ready are.
We Gu pNiN iCA wv
days making many observations. |
do not claim TO have put my finger
on the exact spot; do not claim 10
have put my foot on it, but, person.
ally, I think we have been at the
spot.
when the observations have been
figured out again 1t is possible that
there will be found slight errors and
but | am certain that a
gun shot fired from where we we're
would have passed over the pole.
I'VE planted the Stars and Stripes
at what we believed To be the pole,
but did not leave the flag with a
staff. Instead, placed a small silk
flag In metallic cylinder with my
card and the record of the journey
with the date.
The drift Ice may carry the flag
away, but to me that is a matter OF
should have been
very glad to have found land there.