Daily press. [volume] (Newport News, Va.) 1896-current, 1909-09-09
STEAMER ROOSEVELT STILL At SEA
Commander Who Announces He Has
MAILED Stars and Stripes to Stripes
to Pole" Should Reach North sgd
p. new Today-wire's Wife "Don't
Let Cocks Story Worry You.'

corning the discovery of the north
pole. the foundation laid rs con-
troversy unparalleled in history.
Commander Robert E. Peary is
making uncertain progress southwark
Off the coast of Labrador in his ship,
Roosevelt, but there came from him
yesterday message as direct as his
homeward journey has been slow. IL
challenges the veracity of Or. Fred
erick A. Cock, of Brooklyn, and furth-
er complexities situation which the
whole world is discussing.
In effect Peary discredits Cocks
claims with the intimation that he
(Peary) and he alone, planted the
American flag at the north pole on
April 6, 1909. and that Dr. Cook. who
asserts that he unfurled the flag at
the pole on April 81, 1903, must sub
s,antiate his claim.
Cook Will Send for Esquimos.
At Copenhagen Cook, shown his
rivals statement last night stood by
his guns declined to enter into de-
bate and calmly asserted his records
would sustain him.
To prove his right of discovery be-
fore the entire world, beyond a sha-
dow of doubt, he announced that he
will dispatch a ship to Greenland and
bring to America his Esquimo CON-
paniCns. Then with their testimony
and his data he declares that he VIII
stand ready to face ali destractors.
In the meantime Peary continues
his homeward journey on the ice
SCARED Roosevelt and was last night
at Battle Harbor, Labrador, still more
than 400 miles from North Sydney.
Cape Breton, the objective point OF
the homeward cruise through the
strait of Belle Isle.
Mrs. Cook is in New York, and
Mrs. Peary has left her home in
Maine on her way to join her hus-
band at North Sydney.
Though pressed for a statement
Mrs. Cook declined absolutely today
to say anything concerning her nus
band.
How News Was Received.
By those who received work of Dr.
Cooks discovery with skepticism,
Commander Peary's challenge yester-
day was received with qualification
bv those who had been neutral, 1t
came as another surprise in a series
of remarkable happenings, while to Dr.
Cocks supporters it was signal Tor
war. Cook. If his plans do not mis-
carry. will sail for the United States
on Sunday next and will arrive here
bv September 81. BY that time Com
mander Peary will have reached
home but no enc has as yet sug-
gested the possibility of dramatic
meeting of the two face to face
Peary's statement rejecting On Dr.
Cooks achievement came first to the
Associated Press early yesterday
morning. dated Indian Harbor, La
brador. the point through which he
first reported his success by wireless
u had probably been delayed IN trans
mission. ard read as follows:
Should Not Take " Seriously
Il have nailed the Stars ana
Stripes to the north pole. This IS
authoritative and correct COOK ;
story should not be taken too Sc
r,ously. The two Esquimaux who &C.
conpanied him say he went no DIS
lance north and not out Of sight OF
land. other members OF the trl'e
corr, borate their story"
About the same time Mrs. feaTy
received the following message under
The same date both having been sent
via Care Bay. y. r:
Good morning Delayed by ga'es-
FONT let Cooks story worry you-
Have him nailed"
To the Associated Press the com
mand~r had sent the dispatch reply
ing 20 ar urgent request for an au-
thori,aiive statement. and some com
mont concerning Dr. Cook
Cook Has Supporters
While PcaFy's assertion Of ycS'cr-
dsv f. Of = hstarc that makes Dr-
Cock posstloa enc Of defense, TIE