172 EUROPE GIVES HONOR TO DR. COOK 



tuted a mission at Cape York. Had I not met with the right 

 Eskimos and the right dogs and the right provisions I could never 

 have reached the Pole. I owe much to the Danish nation for my 

 success." 



Such was Dr. Cook's first day on shore. Royalty, scientists 

 and people of all degrees of life vied with each other to do him 

 honor, while the rest of the world eagerly read the news flashed 

 over the cables. Eminent scientists in Copenhagen were given a 

 chance to examine Dr. Cook's diary and to a man were satisfied that 

 his claim of having reached the Pole was true. After having 

 received this report and satisfied himself that Dr. Cook was to be 

 believed, King Frederick instructed the court chamberlain to sum- 

 mon the explorer to dine with him on the evening of the day after 

 his arrival. 



The dinner at the royal castle at Charlottenlund was the scene 

 of the greatest enthusiasm. The king and every member of the 

 royal family, even the smallest children, assembled. Dr. Maurice 

 F. Egan, American Minister; Rev. Dr. Daae, of Chicago, and sev- 

 eral other guests completed the party. The dinner passed off quietly, 

 as is customary on Sunday in the Danish royal household, but after 

 the dinner there was a regular rush around Dr. Cook, who began 

 a succinct recital of his adventures. The graphic depiction gained 

 much support from the calmness and candor of the speaker. One 

 after another of the royal personages plied him with questions 

 which marked their intelligent appreciation of the conditions in 

 Arctic seas, and then waited eagerly while the explorer answered, 

 always without hesitation. 



During these days the men of science from every part of 

 Europe poured into Copenhagen and sought an interview with Dr. 

 Cook, while in every capital and city the discovery formed the chief 

 subject of discussion. Crowned heads bowed to the dauntless 

 explorer and telegraphed their congratulations. Geographical 

 societies in many cities acknowledged his triumph over the obstacles 



