The Idaho Republican. [volume] (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1904-1932, 1909-09-10
STARS AND STRIPES WAVE OVER
THE NORTH POLE

| ick Cook, the American explorer, re-
| turned to civilization today from his
discovery of the north pole. He ar
rived at 10 o'clock this morning on
the steamer Hans Egede. The vessel
| flew the American flag at the mizzen-
| mast. Crown Prince Christian Of
! Denmark and Maurice Eagan, the
American minister and representative
men of Denmark welcomed DR.. Cook,
! who was escorted ashore by Prince
Christian, The explorer was greeted
! by a great crowd as he came ashore.
To q representative of the Associated
Press Dr. Cook said he left at the
north pole an American flag and box
containing documents, including a
brief account Of his trip and other
data to bear out his claim. Captain
Lason of the Egede said he exam
ined Cooks records and believed
them perfectly correct.
Cook said: II have been to the
north pole and | have brought back
most exact observations, absolutely
proving my statement. kept dairy
throughout in which recorded most
minute details. 1t was not my inten-
| ton at first to proceed to the pole.
was merely on Arctic exploration
but as found conditions favorable
| continued on to the pole.
II discovered hitherto unknown de-
pots which has previously been es-
tablished but we came accidentally
on one of Melville's depots, where we
found provisions and instruments in
excellent state of preservation. Ow-
ing to the smallness of my expedition
our requirements were not large, and
| for the same reason we we're able to
proceed quickly. On some days we
covered as high as twelve miles,
which is extraordinary speed. AS I
approached the pole the Eskimo with
me became frightened at meteorologi-
cal conditions On the return trip
our provisions became exhausted. No
animal life was visible and for three
days we had nothing to eat. Then in
crevice of ice we saw several wal
ruses. had only a few cartridges
left. I crept along the ice on my
stomach so as not to scare the ami
mails. I expended all my cartridges
and killed two walruses. Our lives
weer saved. We then broke up our
only sledge and made bows and ar
rows of wood as do the Eskimos and
obtained further game. Again near
Cape York we were on the point of
starvation when we found a young
seal asleep on the ice. . We also killed
a musk OK.
From UDernavik to Edgesminde
! sailed in the same ship that carried
the McClintock and Franklin relief
! expedition.
DR.. Cook is weather beaten and
shabby but highly elated over his sue
| cess. He wore shabby brown suit
that had been loaned him by a sea-
man. On his head was disreputable
cap and his feet were clad in leather
moccasins. His blond hair was long
and shaggy and his mustache was
rough and struggling. His complex
ion was sallow but his face was full.
He was strange figure for the
center of such brilliant scene. Con-
tinuing his conversation DR.. Cook
said he had in his possession the best
modern instruments for taking OBJ
servations, sextant, three chronom-
eters and good watch. He took OBJ
servatiops from SIS degrees to the
pole. While at the pole he took
double observations to make sure. He
declared twelve miles a dav not too
much for Eskimos, who often covered
greater distances. He preserved his
Health by living like the Eskimos. The
season also favored him: the ice was
harder and smoother than In summer.
King Frederick received Dr. Cook
in a private audience this afternoon.
The queen and three daughters were
present.
When Cook stepped ashore from
the Egede the police were powerless
to make way for the party. Cook
and those around him were enguIfed
and swept along by a clamorous
crowd. American Minister Eagan
and Danish officials literally chung to
Cook and the party FOUGHT its way
TO the meteorological building. DR..
Cook was bruised and capless and
part of his sleeve was torn of.
II used to be football player"
he said, "but this is the worst ever
saw"
Cook and Eagan finally succeeded
In reaching the balcony. People
crowding the street yelled franticaIly
and Cook made brief speech IN
III. ~~~l~. L ~~a4 -