The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1910-01-09

DR. Cook was not even given credit for
intelligence in making up his records
claiming discovery OF the north pole, by
Walter Wellman, the well-known arctic
expert, in an address at the University
Club last night
The explorer severely scored Cook, de-
claring any one who knows anything
about polar conditions is Justified in
branding the Brooklyn physicians ac-
count as a laundering fake" In the
same breath he said he did not Ike Com
mander Peary too well. but gave him the
credit OF being the first man 10 reach the
goal
MIR. Wellman gave the press credit for
exposing Cook lie said a few newspaper
men did mare TO disprove his statements
than "all the so-called scientists in the
world"
But it was barbarous methods OF
brute strength that made It possible TO
reach the goal" he said Three semi
savages, accompanied by a white man
and a negro. got there by the primitive
methods OF years ago. I cannot help but
regret the thing was not done in more
modern way.
but all honor 10 Commander Peary-
His was the master brain that planned
the dash, and I do not want 10 take one
bit % credit from him. As for the other
man, twenty-four hours after / heard the
news and his interviews in the European
papers, I said: I would not be in that
mans shoes for al the money in the
United States Treasury
To Pole by Balloon.
'T believe the north pole would have
been discovered within a few years by
those Ike Dr. Nansen, who were expert
mentlng with dirigible balloons. Such
an expedition viii be started from Co
penhagen next year. I understand. in
spite OF the fact the pole has been
reached.
Now that the 'farthest north has been
conquered, the world has turned 20 the
antarctic The south pole should be dis
covered, and I believe and predict 10 you
now Il will be reached in short tine.
probably within two years.
II regret 10 say the United States is
not apt 20 have the honor OF that dis
coyery. Capt. Scott. the Eugllshman.
prohting by his experience and those Of
Lieut.. shacketon. IL going 20 start for
the south pole next season. and I think
ne Will get there"
Mr. WelIman said there was little prob
ability of an American expedition in the
antarctic region soon. He predicted the
British flag would fly first a. the other
end Of the globe
~ Discusses AIrships.
Branching of on the conquest Of the air.
Mr.. WelIman denied that airshlps. either
aeroplanes or d.rigible balloons, viii be
perfected so as 10 be OF commercial use
/ in the present age. Speaking as an avia-
tor ne said flying machines IN this gen
Grafton could not be used except for pur-
! poses Of war, discovery, or sport.
/ When be had finished Mr.. Wellman
volunteered to be questioned on arctic
/ topics, and for an hour the audience
asked him technical puzzles brought out
/ by the Peary-Cook controversy. Humor-
/ ously abiding 10 the Cook expedition as
/ a psychic journey" Mr. Wellman
| heaped ridicule on the head Of the
Brooklyn physician. branding his records
as not worthy or a man OF real knowl-
edge Of polar research.
! AR Wellman was introduced 20 his
! audience, practically the entire member
/ ship OF tile University Club, by c. y.
Bennett. After the lecture buffet
/ luncheon was served.