The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1853-06-03

afford the public another subject of anxiety for
many months to come. With the experience
of so many attempts to elucidate the physical
peculiarities of the polar seas, we may antici
pate the most efficient preparation. We may
also anticipate that the resources of the enter
prise will be applied directly to its great OBJ
Ject, without any waste of energy in doubtful
exploration. The amphibious provision for
resorung to the land, where the ocean may no
longer answer the purposes of the enterprise.
Is an emlnently American feature. 1t proposes
to adopt the means by which the inhabitants of
that lnclement region would undertake the
same service. We have always thought that
signal advantage possessed by the Americans
over the English consists in the freedom from
prejudice which permits the former to combine,
with the results of their native ingenuity. the
Improvements of others so far as thew NAV be
adapted to the purpose in view. Thus. BRAp-
DOCK carried into the forests of the Mononga
gela the tactics of Ma RLBoRoUGB. WAsHrSGros
saved his command by the mode of fighting
copied from the Indian and perfected on the
frontier. In like manner, the Texan ranger
Will live on the prairies as independently as
sea gull upon the ocean. He relies upon the
same supplies that support the Camanche, and
adopting The mode OF warfare shown by the ex
Perience of the savage to be best adapted to the
country, proves his superior in proves, skill.
and endurance.
The Arctic expedition is admirably prepared
for the difficulties which the expedition must
encounter; snow shoes and furs will protect,
sleds to be drawn by dogs will convey them to
the limits of human existence Provisions and
fuel IN the most condensed form in which
warmth and nutriment can be prepared Add
to this that the personal organization is unex
eePtlonable. 1t is chiefly private enterprise.
There are, then, no political or official nflu-
snces to designate the individuals. There is
no direct or incidental profit in the expedition
sufficient to tempt the mercenary calculator
There is no reward anticipated, except the
glory of doing what no others could.
We give the biography of DR.. KANE, who
heads the expedition, as we find it in the
New York Herald. We have read nothing
more animating to those who believe in the self
wrought superiority of men born of American
mothers. We can only say, after perusal OF
this narrative, that if Dr. KANE does not find
Sir JOHN franklin, dead or alive, the excel
lent Lady FRANKLIN, if she should be of con-
nuOial age and inclination, may safely enter
again into wedlock without the fear of offend.
ing the most conscientious scruples against
bgamy:
Remarkable Life and Adpert,srss of Dr. John Kane.
He was born in Philadelphia on the Sd of Febru-
airy, 1872 so that he Is at present about thirty-one
years old In i843 be graduated after
years course Of studies, at the Pennsylvania Med
zeal University and soon after he entered the Uni
ted States navy az assistant surgeon. While act
ing in this capacity he appointed as physician
in the frat embassy to China from this country.
His naturally adventurous disposition led him
project visit to the interior, but the difficulties
were go numerous that he could not accomplish
his purpose us fully as he desired. He, however
succeeded in travelling over large section of the
couutryj and before his return he Visited the Phil
ippines. Ceylon, and other islam in that region
and even succeeded in penetrating into the interior
OF India. His travels through those regions were
full Of adventures and perils; but perils to man
OF Dr. kane's temperament appear only to have
tee effect OF making them more attractive. While
IN India, he descended the crater of the Tael of
Luzon, suspended By bamboo rope, from a pro-
iecting crag which lowered above the interior
scoria and debris over two hundred feet. This
act Of daring nearly cost him his life. for the natives
regarded il as a sacrileg act, which could only
be ehaced by the death of the impous offender
Or. Kane, however, escaped their pious vengeance
and afterwards went to the Ladrone Islands with
the celebrated Baron Loe, of Prussia, where be
attacked by whole tribe of the savage
inhabitants Of those islands. Against these he
successfully defended bimself; bot the hardship.
be and his mpanion subsequently underwear ut
were more than the latter could endure, and he
sunk under them. Or. Kane alone passed over
to Egypt, ascended the Nile far as the confine.
of Nubia, and remained during whole season
among he ruins Of ancient Egypt, in antigua rian
research. Leaving Egypt he visited Greece next,
which be traversed foot, returning to the
United States in lS46. When he arrived, his love
of adventure would not allow him to remain mac
tive, and he applied almost Immediately after his
return to the Government for com mission to
Mexico. Failing to obtain this, he accepted an
appointment on board of United States vessel
bound to the African coast. Arriving there, be
could not resist the temptation to see the slave
marts OF Whydah, but met in mis- journey by
that terrible enemy of the white mantle African
fever. He brought home in a state of
treme i-heath and emaciation; but, although
almost unable to move, be made MS way to Wash
ington from Philadelphia, against the earnest
enreaties of his family, presented himself, With
shaysn head and lettering hmbs, to President
Polk, and demanded what had before been refused
him-a commission to Mexico. The President
could not deny his request, and entrusted him with
Important dispatches for the Comma der in Chief.
oeneral Scott He was given, as an escort through
'ish'co' the notorious company Of Colonel Do
no VI
0uN rs tney were approaching Nopaluca,
near rusoia' 'ney we're informed BY a Mex.
I0an INA. = large body of Mexican soldiers
were on their way to intercept them, and at III
Tune were but short distance off Dominique
refused TO proceed any further, and wa. shon, :.
treating when Or. Kane commanded him - 80
main with him, threatening the Vengeance Of ~,
Government If bis company should leave him
Having succeeded IN preventing him from turn
ing his back on the enemy, he finally told him to
attack them. Placing himself at the head Of his
escort, Or. Kane took advantage of rising ground