The daily union., 1856-12-18
DIR. KANE, THE ARCTIC EXPLORER.

We copy with great pleasure the following wel-writen
biographical sketch of Dr. Kane the Arctic explorer from
the National InteAigencr:
Elisha Kent Kane is unquestionably of the
markable Of the age Having recently placed before
readers synopsis of his later and important dis
coveries have thought that few particulars about the
himself and short account Of his earlier exploits
gathered chiefly from those who know him personally,
might be acceptable TO our readers. What little have
say in spirit of patriotic satisfaction, and yet
dvest ourselves OF the thought that Arctic
hero has gone abroad for the restoration Of his health
which has been pronounced exceedingly precarous In
deed il is thought by that he may again be
permitted to his native land. Such fate would be
most deeply amened and we must cherish the hope that
he will not only return but live to spend many happy
peaceful years in the land where his has become
a much-loved household word.
DR. Kane was born in Philadelphia the Sd Of Feb
ruary 1922, and graduated at the University of Penn
syvana in l843 first In the collegiate and subsequently,
in the medical department. and when he started upon
his active Of adventure he esteemed good
tronomer and surgeon. His frame, from boyhood
was delicate and with a view OF strengthening bis
sttuon, he solicited appointment in the navy
geon and obtained it. and attached TO the first Amer
lean embassy to China. This position gave him oppor
tuny TO explore the Philippine islands which he effect
ed mainly foot. He the first man who descended
into the crater Of Tael lowered than hundred
feet by bamboo rope from the overbanging cliff and
clambering down hundred more through the
scoria he made Typographical sketch Of the interior
Of this great volcano collected bottle OF sulphurouB
acid from the very mouth of the crater aud, although
be drawn almos senseless he brought with him
sketch Of this hideous cavern and the specimens which il
afforded Before returning home from this remote expe
don he had assembled the Himalayas and triangulaed
Greece foot he had visited Ceyop the Upper Nile and
all the Hydrologic region Of Egypt rayersng the route
and making the acquaintance OF the learned Lepsus who
then prosecuting his archaeological researches He ase
traversed Greece foot and returned to the United States
through Europe. Soon after his arrival he again
dered duty this time TO the western coast Of Africa He
now attempted visit the slave Of Whydah but
having taken the African fever he sent home in pe
oarious state of health He recovered, however, and
next find him a volunteer in the Mexican His adven
lures In Mexico proved him be the possessor Of Onke
courage and Of generous aud noble heart; but he
fell victim Of the fevtrs Of the country and
dying When he recovered and returned he
employed in the Coast Survey Department from which he
transferred by the Secretary Of the Navy TO the post
Of surgeon the Grnnel Arctic expedition. His his
tory Of that expedition gave him high position IS an
author Not yet satisfied however, he scarcely gave
himself time to from the bardshps OF that cruise
before he set foot the second Grnnel or Kane
don the results Of which have been pronounced by the
highest European authorities among the wonders Of
the present century That Or. Kane has accomplished
much for the honor Of his country acknowledged by ell
Of all parties and at the last session OF Congress
the House OF Representatives passed resolution for the
purchase Of fifteen thousand copies Of his valuable work.
the Secretary Of the Navy having investigated the whole
subject and suggested the proprey Of passing the
luton. That resolution is before the Senate, and
pleased 10 learn that In spite Of their ideas OF
rerenchment many senator's think Dr. kaues appen
peculiar one and that IL is quite probable large major
ity of them are In favor Of the resolution Contrary 10
opinion that have expressed glad 10 be
able that very much the largest proportion Of the
profits Of the work will 60 into the hands Of the explorer
When remombo The character Of his great discoveries
and the fame b. has justly acquired and then think Of
him worn skeleton by disease contracted while hero
cay serving his couuryyesterday as Il were, quitting
bis home TO find health in England and to-day sailing for
genial cline in the pursuit-we but he
eve that Il would rejoice his heart and do much towards
restoring his health to learn that the Of his
country had recognised his service In substantial
manner whereby the remainder Of his life might be spent
n pleasantness and peace Numerous learned societies
says contemporary, and the whole body Of savans with
Humboldt their head and all the commercial nations
with the English admiralty in the van, have loudly de-
clared their generous appreciation Of Dr. Ksnes abors
and by atteng testimonials have sought TO do honor TO
the gallant American explorer.