48 THE NORTH POLE FOUND 



as belonging to Russia, but her claim, if ever asserted, has never been 

 recognized. 



These islands are not only accessible, but have developed some thriving 

 industries, and only within the last few years has any effort been made to 

 exercise over them any jurisdiction or authority. 



Recently, however, a conference was suggested of representatives of 

 countries having interests in them to provide some sort of an administration 

 for their government. The United States probably will be represented by 

 reason of the fact that the only important coal mines in the territory are 

 operated by Americans. 



As to the particular territory which Dr. Cook discovered the statement 

 was made that it was quite probable that these lands would be found to be 

 an extension of the mainland of Greenland, and, if so, they belong to Denmark. 

 At any rate, it was held to be extremely improbable that the United States 

 would attempt to assert sovereignty over them. 



But this was something for the future. It was enough, for the time, to 

 know that Cook was an American. The United States could claim sovereignty 

 over him. 



