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Newspaper
Boston Post
Location
Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
Date
Sep 09, 1909
Page
6
A comparison of Peary and Cook recounts reveals similar aims yet striking divergences. Peary cites multiple delays due to open water and longer progress, while Cook faces twists around pressure lines and old ice. Peary relied on a smaller support radius, whereas Cook risked a far longer journey with limited resupply.
Stern view of the Erik shows a battered supply ship returning to port after an Arctic voyage. Peary asserts Cook failed to reach the pole, framing the expedition's outcome in the context of ice pack damage and survival at sea.
The Roosevelt sledge expedition began from Roosevelt on February 15 1909 and reached the North Pole on April 6 after tracking through Cape Columbia and successive latitudes. The voyage continued to Cape Sheridan and Cape Sabine before returning to Indian Harbor with all members in good health except Professor Ross Marvin who drowned on April 10 during a supporting party mission.
The report notes that Peary's and Cook's polar dashes show Peary moving 14 days quicker. Cook started from Etah Greenland at 78 30, Peary from Cape Sheridan at 82 30. Beginning at 84 degrees both crossed on different dates with Cook reaching 84 on March 30, 1908 and Peary on March 11 the following year. Cook hit 86 36 on April 14 while Peary reached 86 36 on April 2.
Peary reached the pole on April 21 while Cook arrived April 6. For comparable stages Peary outpaced Cook by about two weeks, a factor Cook supporters may cite to argue Cook hurried the journey. Cook lingered two days at the pole, Peary turning back the day after arrival.
Peary returned to his ship after 20 days but took two months more to begin the voyage home. He claims a clear edge over Cook by citing records left by earlier explorers. Four records were recovered, which scientists view as proof of his journey stages. Cook did not mention any records.
Peary states a large party of witnesses accompanied the polar dash, noting all returning left the North Pole on April 7. The witnesses face the Eskimos who danced at Cook’s triumph, while Peary began the sledge journey about 280 miles north of Cook’s starting point.
The passage notes Peary and Cook experienced differing winters at nearly identical latitudes. Peary faced too much water while Cook found excessive ice. Cook describes rapid young ice forming on narrow open-water gaps, allowing swift crossing between ice fields.
Peary closed the final 54 miles to the pole in two days as his team crossed the polar pack. He endured severe strain on the last two degrees while Cook faced harsher conditions and a 20 day return voyage, ending in open water and impassable ice near Heiberg Island.
The article contrasts Peary and Cook polar expeditions noting Cook’s fast time near 82 degrees south of Roosevelt’s Cape Sheridan quarters and near starvation crossing Grant Land. Peary resumes his 1906 route from Cape Columbia, gains progress by westward shifts, and reaches 87 degrees with an earlier crossing of the 87th parallel on March 27.
New York report quotes Captain D. S. Osbon of the Arctic Club of America calling Peary a colossal fakir and promising affidavits to back Dr. Cook. Osbon alleges Peary opened trunks and letters and copied observations, stating Cook’s claim of fakery is unfounded.
Paris Sept 9 The Matin prints a signed statement by Dr Cook replying to Commander Peary He says he did not reply at first to attacks preferring reserve then notes if Peary reached the pole he is glad for his success and asserts it does not prove he failed He offers proofs by submitting documents to geographical societies and refuses to furnish proofs to private individuals and insists on judges being constituted bodies
New York reports quote John R. Bradley refusing to clarify conflicting statements about the Cook expedition. He shows supply pays and asserts no one aboard was told of a polar voyage until Etah, Greenland. Bradley declines further remarks, hints at future AP statement, and distances Beach Club ties with brother Edward.
The article notes the death of Professor Ross G. Marvin of Cornell College of Civil Engineering from Elmira New York born January 28 1880 28 years old 5 feet 11 inches 160 pounds Marvin studied at Cornell earned a BA in 1905 and served as Commodore Peary's secretary and assistant on the 1905 06 expedition while on leave from Cornell He previously trained on the St Marys nautical schoolship and served a year as quartermaster before graduation
Dr. Cook says he has written and other evidence that Peary took his stores and was perhaps alive. Harry Whitney may speak on return. Cook urges to keep quiet on Peary and avoids any unpleasantness over supplies. He reports finding Peary men with one of his depots and ejecting them.
New York, Sept 8. Mrs Frederick A Cook remains silent about Peary’s doubt on her husband’s North Pole claim. Messages urging doubt or a negation were relayed via Mrs Davidson and William H. Cook. She reiterates confidence in her husband and belief he has data to support his claim.
North Pole controversy erupts as Commander Peary challenges Dr Frederick Cook with the claim he alone planted the flag at the pole on April 6 1909 while Cook insists his 1908 record stands and pledges to bring Eskimo witnesses from Greenland to America for proof. Peary’s ship Roosevelt nears Battle Harbor Labrador en route home and both explorers face global scrutiny.
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