Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-03-10
Louis BernacChi Discusses
AmundSen'S Achievement

Special Cablegram to The Star.
LONDON, March 9.-An interesting talk
about Capt Amundsen's discovery of the
south pole was given to The Washington
Star corresp ondent by Louis Charles Ber-
nacchi, who spent five years in the ant
arctic region. For two years he was with
the Southern Cross expedition. thereby
holding, as he put 1t, "in these days of
records the record for time actually spent
In the antarctic region
Mr.. Bernacchi also has the distinction
Of having been the first man in England
to doubt DR.. Cooks claim to have reached
the north pole, for on the day following
DIR. Cooks arrival at Copenhagen he sent
a letter to the London Times calling at
tention to the absurdity of the alleged
observations by Cook.
Speaking of Capt Amundsen's achieve
ment, Mr.. Beracchi said:
Il think 1t is a very fine performance.
1t was wonderful dash. Amundsen had
the advantage of a very good surface for
travelling over the barrier. which l knew
he would have. having travelled over 1t
myself. He also had the advantage Of a
large number Of dogs, thereby distribut-
ing the weights, and of knowing how to
manage those dogs.
Snatched Fruits From Scott.
AT the same time, although 1 do not
wish to depreciate his splendid work, l
rather regret he should have anticipated
Capt. Scott; that is. that he should have
gone into the British sphere Of explora-
ton and rather snatched the fruits of
success from Scott. I am not quite sure
whether it is geographical etiquette, but
at the same time we must not be un-
generous. l have the deepest admiration
nj nd ND L.
may be absolutely relied upon.
There is one point of great interest that
is worth drawing attention to between
Shackleton's first cablegram on his re-
turn and Amundsen's. Shackleton gave
unstinted credit to each individual men,
Der who accompanied him on that won
derful trip south, for. after all. they all
contributed to his success. Amundsen
does not mention single one of his
companions in the final dash in the whole
of his cablegram.
Il think the geographical results are
quite valuable. especially is they estab-
fish the connection Of South Victoria
Land with Edward VII Land.
Il think the meteorological observa-
tons taken on the barrier throughout
addition to the science Of meteOrology,
but beyond that branch of science l do
not think he paid much detailed atten-
ton to any other branch
Amundsen or Scott that they had discov-
cred the origin Of terrestrial magnetism
than hear that they had discovered the
south pole. The former would be of
much more real interest and value to
mankind in the future. OF course, l speak
from purely scientific point of view"
Scott May Have Reached Goal.
Referring to Capt SCOTS expedition,
Mr.. Bernacchi said he did not expect to
hear anything until the end of March,
or possibly the first week of April. He
said it was more than possible that Scott
reached the pole. only to find that Aalund-
sen had preceded him. for it was prac-
tically certain that Scott had not ar
rived there before Amundsen.
What dramatic situation for Scott. J"
said Mr.. Bernacchi, Ito find the Nor
wegian flag firmly planted on his ar
rival!'
The wife of Capt Scott expressed warm
thanks when told that cables had been re-
ceived from Amundsen and Consul Baker
at Hobart. denying the reports about
ScOtt'S expedition
"How very interesting said Mrs Scott.
but it is exactly as l thought all along.
You see, the captain had a lot Of work
to do besides reaching the pole. and l
expect he is using the valuable time be-
fore the season closes finishing 1t up. ]
don't expect to hear from him for sew