Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 41, Number 102, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 10 September 1909 — North Pole Spat Promises To Be a Very Hot One. [ARTICLE]

North Pole Spat Promises To Be a Very Hot One.

The controversy between Dr. Cook and Commander Peary, as to which one reached the north pole has already begun. Commander Peary having wired from Indian Harbor: "Cook’s story should not be taken too seriously. The two Eskimo's who accompanied him 6ay he went no distance north, and not out of sight of land. Other members of the tribe corroborate the story.” To which Dr. Cook replies that he honestly believes that he has been to the north pole, and that he is willing to submit his evidence to scientists, astrologers and explorers, and let the world be the jury that decides the matter.' Dr. Cook does mot dispute that Peary discovered the northernmost point. He is on the defensive and simply proposes to prove that he did also and that he reached there first. Things are apt to get so warm during the controversy that tfle pole will be melted long before it is brought to any important benefit. Walter Wellman, the 100 degrees Farenhqit 'explorer, will probably not be called as an expert witness.