Iowa capitol reporter. [volume] (Iowa City, Iowa) 1841-1855, 1853-03-09
DIR. Kan.'s Arc ticlExpedition.

We learn with great pleasure that the or
ganization of DR.. KASE's expedition is now
neary complete, and that it may be expected
to sail by the middle of April. In addition to
the brig Advance, the expedition will carry
out a smaller vessel in frame ready to be put
together when necessary. 1t takes also five
whale. boats, two boats made of cedar, by Mr.
Fish, of this city, and four gutta- pcrcha boats
which can also be used as sledges. On the
upper coast of Greenland, 4S dogs will also be
added to the party. The scientific corps will
consist of three gentleman, beside Dr.. Kane
himself, who will not only discharge the du.
ties of Commander of the expedition, but will
also share in its scientific observations and
labors. There will be an astronomer, who will
co cooperate with Dr. X. in all matters relating
to general physics. zoologist who will pay
particular attention to the observation of the
radiata and lower orders of marine life, the
products of the dredge being especially cared
for; and a general draughtsman. The expedi
ton takes out transit instrument, and will it
is hoped be able to establish a permanent
observatory at the head of the Smiths Sound
during the whole time that the Advance re-
mains in that region. The sailing officers will
be Messrs. Brooks, McGesry, John Ward Will
son, and Amos Bonsall. all volunteers. Mr..
McGeary has been in Baffn's Bay on whaling
expeditions has been wrecked there and knows
the coast thoroughly. Nessrs. Wilson and Bon
sail are sailors by taste and habit, but gentle
men of position and fortune, who go out from
lava Of oil &c
eleven picked men. stalwart fellows from
Maine. Each man has one of Marstons rifles
with due supply of ammunition, as they will
have to rely on hunting for fresh meat for
themselves, and food for their dogs during the
whole time of their stay in high Northern laii.
tudcs The supply of food taken out will
consist of Boarden's Meat Biscuit, and penn
mcan. The Navy Department has ordered
DR.. Kane to receive on board any articles of
diet that vctualers or others may desire to
send for trial, and on his return to report he
result of the experiment: made with each art-
Gle.
DR.. Kane has also been directed by the De-
partment to prepare detailed report of the
scientific observations and results of the ex-
petition for publication by the Government
on his return. Among the great subjects to
which his attention is particularly directed by
his orders is the distribution of magnetism,
and the question of the existence and extent
of an open sea about the pole.
We must here once more express our pro-
found regret that DR.. KANE has not steam
propeller at his command for the purposes of
this expedition. If ever savan, and brave
advcnturer deserved every aid aud every ia.
cility here is the case. His plan Of search is
as original as it is BRILLIANT it is the result of
science and study at once profound, penetra-
ting and comprehensive his energetic and adj
mirable mind has succeeded in providing tn.
means taking with him complete and well
equi pped scientific corps; his comrades are
,nen of force and character; noble and manly
enthusiasm will inspire the expedition from
its Commander to the last man of its crew land
how much it is to be regretted that they will
not have the advantage of steam to hurry them
forward at the earliest possible day to the scene
of their arduous and noble labors. But it is
fruit'ess to utter our regret; it will not create
propellcrs; and We have no hope that Congress
will do anything SO good as to set one apart for
this service.