The North Pole by Editor

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Oct 6, 1909

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 36, No. 39.

The North Pole

By Editor

The controversy over the discovery of the North Pole continues with growing bitterness. The doubt that Commander Peary has thrown upon Dr. Cook's discovery has bred a large crop of doubts in different quarters, and yet there are many acquaintances of Dr. Cook who stanchly stand by him, and believe without question that he located 90 degrees north latitude fairly accurately. The first sensational reports which were published were not at all favorable to the doctor. He was made to say many things which he did not say. Of course, he started out ostensibly on a hunting expedition; but at the same time there was the thought in his heart that he might after all find the Pole, and therefore he took with him such instruments as would enable him to locate that point on the earth if it were possible to reach it.

As he could not well carry certain apparatus, he found it impossible to study the deep sea, or to take soundings; but all necessary simple instruments for astronomical observations he did take, and he was fortunate enough to obtain observations almost every day. He states that they had three chronometers, one watch, compasses, and pedometers. All were carefully controlled by each other from time to time. The watch, however, got out of order. He had all the modern instruments, he declares, which other explorers have had, including thermometers, barometers, and sextants of the latest models. While it is possible he thinks that his observations were better than those of earlier days, he does not assert this; but he says that he is perfectly familiar with making astronomical observations, especially in the polar regions, and he thinks that all explorers will be satisfied with his data.

The only witnesses he had were two Eskimos; and it now turns out that Commander Peary had four. Of course the data which the two men have to present must be the ultimate confirmation of their stories. It certainly seems that it would be well for Commander Peary and his friends to wait until the data has been laid before men of science who are capable of judging, before they criticize Dr. Cook too harshly.

It is a great pity that petty jealousies should find place at such a time. Granted that Commander Peary started out with a well equipped company, that he was a Government officer, that he had made discoveries before, that certain societies were more or less interested in his work, that of itself does not preclude any private citizen whatsoever from attempting the same. It seems really childish to endeavor to place an embargo upon research, investigation, and invention unless it comes through scientific channels. Some of the greatest discoveries and inventions that the world knows found origin in sources from which little was expected.

One authority suggests, and perhaps as wisely as the others, that neither Dr. Cook nor Commander Peary discovered the Pole; that is, they did not locate it exactly. Dr. Cook does not profess to have done this. He feels, however, that as far as instruments would show, he was in its immediate vicinity. The authority alluded to declares that in such cold regions, with one bundled as he must be to withstand the awful temperature, it is impossible to take accurate observations. According to the present status of affairs we think that Dr. Cook was successful as far as he has stated. We will, however, wait for the fuller confirmation of his published records.