On Thursday a summary of Commander Peary's story was published
in the New York Times. The sledge expedition left .the Roosevelt' on February 15th, 1909, and two weeks after- wards passed the British record. From this point onwards the party was checked repeatedly by open water. The Pole was reached on April 6th. The return journey was accom- plished with such speed that the party were on board the ' Roosevelt' again on April 27th. It is obvious that the fact that such fast travelling was possible removes, or at all events greatly modifies, the particular objection that Dr. Cook pro- fesses to have marched at a speed hitherto unknown in Arctic exploration. Commander Peary covered in twenty days a distance which was covered by Dr. Cook in thirty-five days. .Of course Dr. Cook had -very few dogs ; but even so, Com- mander Peary's narrative aids the credibility of Dr. Cook on that point. Whatever the result of the very regrettable quarrel between the two explorers—we hope that Dr. Cook will not delay to produce whatever proofs of his achievement he may have—there is no question that the North Pole has been reached by an American. We heartily congratulate the "United States on such a splendid culmination to a long and tenacious struggle in the Arctic circle.
