Norwich bulletin., 1909-09-22

thousands of school children lined the streets, shouting one word in chorus Cook Trolley traffic was, paralyzed business was entirely suspended; there vas only one person of importance in Br, uklyn in that hour-Dr. Cook.
 Around the Bushwick club the police h..d kept the main roadway clear but every adjoining street was choked long before the head of the proces- s.,n arrived.
 Arrival at 6ushwiek. Club.
 As the car drew up to the club a gl0up of Cooks friends, headed by JoEn R. Bradley, surrounded the ma : cEine and Dr. Cook, Mrs. Cook and lhe children stepped out while the piuw6 whooped, cheered and whistled Dr Cook bowed and went into the house, but the people were not satis- fed They still yelled for Cook and cried speech, speech. If Dr. Cook had chosen to make one he could not have been heard above the roar of the mul- titude, so he stepped out on to the balcony and bowed twice. Appeased, the crowd grew silent, but showed no disposition to withdraw
 Public Reception.
 After an hours rest, during which pr. and Mrs. Cook were entertained at luncheon by women's commit tee, the club rooH doors were thrown open and public reception began.
 It had been decided that there should be no handshaking. Policemen stationed every few feet hurried the crowd along and Dr. Cook bowed pleasantly to everyone, occasionally breaking the rule, against the protests of the committee and grasping the hand of some old friend.
 By the time Dr. Cook had been standing three hours it was decided not to tax him further, although not a quarter of those waiting their turn outside had been admitted. With much hustling and jostling. the doors of the clubhouse were closed and a thorough ly tired and rather frayed citizen took off his classic garlands and sat down for a few hours rest before he began another surfeit of acclaim.
 Newspaper Men Fire Questions.
 The crowd disposed of. there re- mained the newspaper men. John R. Bradley, Dr. Cooks packer, who had taken affairs in hand, said Dr. Cook would grant the reporters just thres minutes.
 What reply have you to make to Commander Pearys assertion that you did not reach the poie?" was the first question.
 2 to say about Commander Peary in any form until he returns to New York and is here to defend himself" said Dr. Cook in a decisive tone
 ''ls it true that Peary, or Peary's men took your supplies or provisions at Etah?'' -
 That must also decline to answer for the same reason" he replied.
 "Aff1davits from your man Francke make charges to that effect" the doctor was told
 T 'don't know what Francke has said" he replied, but any statements he has made are undoubtedly true"
 What did you tell Harry Whitney ?"
 II told him all about the pole
 Did you give Whitney anything to bring back to America?"
 Yes, l gave him instruments-a sextant, a compass and an artificial horizon. But Whitney will be here soon to tell his own story. I do not ask him to tell mine"
 "Is the pole any different from any other part of the earth?"
 only by its astronomical observa- tions, and the fact that it is a cold place when you get there"
 First Meal on American Soil in 30
 Months.
 This brought the interview to an end and Dr. Cook, weary and bedrag. gled by contact with the crowds. but cheerful despite his fatigue, withdrew for breathing spell and to partake Of his first meal on American soil in two and half years.