New-York tribune., 1909-09-09
DIR. COOK NOT SHAKEN
SENDING FOR ESQUIMAUS
TO TESTIFY.
Says Peary Stole His Stores-Dc-
meanor One of absolute Conf
dence-Danish ViesCs.

Il did not deem II well at first to reply 10 the
attacks of Commander Peary. I thought it
better to maintain the reserve becoming gem
tleman. Besides if Peary has reached the
pole am glad of his success. 1t does not prove
that have not succeeded and before him"
Dr. Cook then takes up the charges in detail
with regard to the question Of provisions and
his use of the Esquimaus. and continues:
According to Pearys statements. my Esqui-
maus said 1 did go very far north To
this 1 answer: Sverdrup has undertaken the
command of an expedition to seek out my two
Esquimaus and bring them back to civilization.
1t is I who will pay the expenses of this expedi-
tiOn; shall see what they will say.
Il am asked for proofs of my veracity. Well,
l will give proofs, for l solemnly bind myself TO
submit all the documents and instruments TO
tie geographical societies of America and Den
mark to any assembly of scientists any one
likes to name. 1 think that declaration will
suffice to prove my good faith.
lone must not he astonished that 1 refused
to furnish proofs to various personages. want
to present the results of my work a whole
and not to private individuals. but to consti-
tuted bodies. l think those who have doubted
my word will not doubt that of the geographical
societies which l shall take for judges. I shall
say more
Il hate this quarrel into which it is being
sought to drag me. satisfied that have
done what I have done and know that in little
while doubt will he possible"
Copenhagen. Sept s.-FoIlowing so quickly
other dramatic incidents OF the week. Com
mander Peary's dispatch denying that DR.. Cook
had achieved the triumph for which he has been
honored in Copenhagen beyond the lot of any
other private person, has been read here with
feelings of amazerent and concern. DR.. Cook
himself seems in no wise disturbed, He was
perfectly cool and apparently unmoved when
confronted tonight with kilograms from the
United States saying that Commander PeaTy
had denounced him as an impostor His de
meanor has not changed In the slightest from
the day when he landed at COpenha gen.
DR.. Cooks friends had urged him to their ut
most to make any statement possible for the
public. but he had said repeatedly that all he
had to say for the present was that he possessed
proofs that he had visited the North Pole
April 81. 1908. Those proofs were convincing,
and would in due time be given to the world.
When il was suggested to him that his chances
Of proving his case might be ruined unless he
made a satisfactory statement Immediately, he
smiled-hsg usual quiet smile-and asked how
could a man be ruined by popular clamor call
ing him an imposter when he had proofs of his
case which could and would be published. as he
had ofttines repeated, when they were in proper
form to be given out.
COOK SAYS PEARY TOOK HIS STORES.
Regarding the controversy over his alleged
taking of Peary's stores, DR.. Cook asserts that
he has written and other satisfactory evidence
that Peary took his stores. perhaps believing
him dead. Harry Whitney is personally ac-
quainted with all the facts. and perhaps what
he has to say when he returns may be inter
esting." added the explorer.
Then DR.. Cook remarked quietly: Make as
Of and oD' Say
disa greeabIe about Peary.''
DIR. Cook told Captain Sverdrup and another
friend the day after he landed here that he
hoped there would be unpeasantness over
supplies with the Peary party; that he had
found some of Peary's men in possession of one
of his depots and had turned them out uncere-
moniousIy.
1t is settled that Cook will send ship back to &.
bring to America the two Esquimaus who &C
companied him the last stage of his journey
to the pole. as well as some the party who were
sent back when the start of the last stage began.
Captain SverdTup may command the expedition.
1t is DR.. Cooks desire that he shall do so, and
they conferred for some hours to-day regarding
the details of the journey.
TESTIMONY OF THE EsQUIMAUs
DR.. Cooks purpose in bringing his Esquimau
comrades to America is to have them relate
their stories of the trip to the pole. He pur-
poses to have them examined by any men ia
millar with the Arctic and the Esquimaus in
Guiding the members of Peary's party, if they
wish.
DR.. Cooks apparent confidence is the greatest
factor working in his support in Copenhagen.
Those who had had the opportunity to talk with
him agree that he is either absolutely sincere.
simple man, deserves pedestal in history as
one of the greatest actors Y
When the latter alternative was suggested to
him he merely expressed the conviction that
time. even if there was no other evidence, would
confirm him in his statments. because. with the
rapid advance of the means of travel, his route
would soon be visited by others who could pass
judgment on his testimony.
Dr. Cooks constitution is of iron. In the last
three nights he has averaged three and one-haIf
hours sleep. sitting up to the small hours at
tending 10 his correspondence and arising at 6
O'Clock in the morning to resume his task but |
he shows no i'll effects of the strain. His en-
gagements o-day include a luncheon given in |
his honor by the British Minister at the lega-
ton, and motor trip into the country to attend |
a dinner given by Mrs. Gammell whose husband |
financed several Danish expeditions. There ne
met several noted geographers and other sci |
entists
THE OPINIONS IN COPENHAGEN.
All day long dispatches from America regard
ing Commander Pearys charges. poured into |
Copenhagen. The newspapers contain only one |
unpleasant article. The "Potiken," in its leader /
tonight says: Danes. remembering Peary's |
bad treatment Of one of their own explorers. will
be surprised at his attitude toward Cook"
The general attitude here is one OF suspended |
judgment until the evidence is produced. DIR. /
Cooks lecture before the Geographical Society /
caused profound disappointment, because the |
people expected more convincing proofs than DR..