The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1852-12-18
From the NEG York Journal Of Commerce, Dee. /;
GeoeraphicnI and Statistical Society.


The American aphical and Statistical So
ciiy held its regular monthly meeting last even
ing in the chapel of the University, Washington
square, Hon. George Bancroft in the chair.
very large audience was in attendance, anc
great interest was manifested in tho proceedings
After some preliminary remarks by the chairman
Lieut.. (late Dr.. Kane, S. N read highly in
teres'ing paper on "Access TO North Polar Sea
viewed ia connexion with the search after Sir
John Franklin"
Down to the present time, said the speaker, the
North Pole has been regarded with mysterious awe
All investigation seems shut out, and oil curiosity
rcprcssed by barrier OF eternal ice. DR.. Kane
then proceeded TO a critical examination Of the
theories OF ancient and modern navigators, re-
speeding the Polar Sea. referring frequently to
ma pa of his own construction, number Of which
were afh xed to the walls. To make the Northeast
passage has been the favorite dream Of nav gators
but 10 this day the attempt has always been at
tended with failure. Parry, late navigator, with
a daring unequalled, attempted to cross the ice on
sledges, but Ina attempt was totally upsuccessfui.
Recent discoveries render il beyond doubt certain
that Sir John franklin wiDtered at the mouth Of
Wellington Channel. This has been asceraned
by recent discoveries, and among others by Cap
tain Penny, IN enterprsing whaler; but Alas! here
all trace Of him 10 lost. and nothing remains but
the lonely graves Of his companions. The squad
ron Of Sir Edward Belcher, which is a voyage
of discovery, may do much, butt confess that am
not eaDguine to the result. The Hon. Henry
Grim ell, the president Of this society, has done
of his vessels, the Advance, and have in con.
temptation a new expedition. My plan Of travel
10 based upon the extension Of Greenland 10 the far
North, and though this hypothesis is not sustained
by all gcogra phers yet recent discoveries all tend
20 confirm it. Believing in this extension, and
feeling that the approximation Of the meridians
would make access to a great Polar Sea far more
easy, propose this as my plan OF search. My
party will Consst Of thirty picked men, Our pro-
vision will be composed OF pemrnican, prepare
ton Of dried deer's flesh. The brig furnished by
Mr.. Grinnell is admirably fitted for our purpose,
and peculiarly adapted for the exigencies of our
expedition. On our route We take in some Es
qu'maux dogs, together with sledges, and few
natives TO manage them.
This is not merely voyage Of search. The vast
advantages which will accrue to the cause OF sci
ence from this expedition canno, be too hghly
estimated. DR.. X concluded the reading OF bis
paper with a complimentary allusion to the course
pursued by the Secretary Of the Navy with refer
ence to his contemplated expedition.
Rev. DIR. Hawke then rose and made brief but
pertinent address. Every one. eaid he, must feel
an interest in this expedition. Lieutenant Kane
10 TO embark upon no holiday voyage; he is to
ture upon unknown sea, encompassed on every
side with difficulty, danger, and death, and k now
that there IL not American heart which ill not
join in the prayer, God speed feel proud of my
countryman; he has proved his claim to the re
spect Of his country by his labors in the great
cause Of humanity.
DR.. Hawks then read the following resolutions:
Rssoiped, That the society regards with CRATE
fu interest the exertions of the Secretary Of the
Navy in advancing the know ledge Of physical &c
ography, and that they especially tender their
thanks for the Hberality with which he has lent bs
aid to the expedition destined for the Arctic Seas
Resolved, That the society appoint n committee
Of five for the promotion Of tine interest," of the cx-
petition, and that they be instructed to con fer
9th the Secretary Of the Navy and the smithso
nisn Institution.
The above resolutions being seconded and
adopted, the society adjourned, after n vote Of
thanks to Dr. Kane for his able and interesting