The star of the north. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1849-1866, 1857-07-29
A biography of d.. Kane BY DIR. Elder.

Messrs. Childs & Peterson announce that
they will soon publish memoir of the late
DR.. Kane, by DR.. VIM. Elder. This, TO very
many persons, on both sides of the Atlantic,
must be gratifying news. and the forthcoming
work will doubtless be looked for with lively
interest. Certainly no nobler subject for BIZ
ography has been furnished within the.pres.
ent century, and we are glad 10 think that it
has been committed 10 entirely competent
hands. The gentleman who has been en-
gagged 10 prepare the book for the press, is
not only able to perform the task with all de.
sirable literary ability, but his rare earnest
ness of character, aid fitness to appreciate
fully the importance of The undertaking, af-
ford guarantee that he will execute ii con.
scieniiously, and, therefore, thoroughly. He
has, we learn, been furnished with the nee.
essary materials for his purpose by the family
of DR.. Kane, and by Mr.. Grinnell, Lady
franklin, and all those who had any available
knowledge 10 contribute. In view, then, Of
the completeness of the data supplied, and
the eminent qualifications of DR.. Elder 10
make the best possible use of il, we may
confidently promise that the biography he is
employed upon, will not only possess the
absorbing interest which belongs 10 the events
of very remarkable life, but be invested
with that additional charm which the most
vigorous and vivacious style of narrative can
impart 10 the heroic Incidents of personal his
Tory, s.-e-.-..
As regards The need for such memorial,
there can, we think, be no doubt. Apart
from any qualification it may afford the im-
mediate friends and relatives of The deceas.
ed, or the curiosity of the age in which he
lived and acted out the marvellous career of
self-sacnfcing adventure, peril and endurance
which has WOE for him wide and glorious
renown among his cotemporaries, there is a
moral significance in go illustrious q life,
which requires that it should be preserved
and transmitted for The benefit of posterity.
Highly as we estimate the services that Dr..
Kane rendered TO science in his explorations,
and the probable results 10 which they may
yet lead, and much as ISe prize the modesi,
though fascinating and in,elligen, record he
has left of his last expedition, we hold that
the chief worth Of all be has been and all he
has done, consists in the shining example Of
human character which he has bequeaihed
to his race everywhere, and the salutaiy in
fiueuce which tba: example may continue
TO exert in succeeding generations OF men.
That is the true, the paramount value of all
biography that deserves TO be written, and
we venture 10 say, that an instance of ndi-
vidual history, comprised within period OF
thirty odd years, more deserving Of permanent
record and better fitted 10 stir strongly all the
springs OF virtuous emulation, than that Of
the young Arctic hero, is moi embraced in hui
man annals. The world knows already the
prominent events OF his later yeas. Il has
read in his own simple narrative The scene OF
thrilling danger, of severe suffering, aud Of
miraculous foNilude through which he passed
10 ais devoted search Tor The lost English nav
igators amid the frozen regions of the pole.
Dut NuooO arc Out vi
which make il the more important that we
should penetrate into and discern the process
es and agencies Of education which ultimate
ly expsnded into and bore such noble fruit.
Tho man, therefore, who, in writing his BIZ
ography from the beginning, admits us TO a
clear, familiar view OF the inner life of DR..
Kane--a siew Of the workings of his soul in
its growth towards that heroic breadth and
depth Of development, that greatness of pro-
portion and generous vigor of tone which
were revealed in action and achievement,
will perform a work which alone con enable
Us TO understand the admirable character and
career which are the subject Of il, and make
them q luminous guide 10 others who may
aspifeto like virtues and like disinclioBv DR..
Elder, we believe, will endeavor to do this,
and our knowledge Of his talents and his zeal
assutes us that he win satisfactorily accom-
plish his task. Until the volume is issued
from the press, the impalience 10 peruse il
will doubtless increase, and we dare 10 pre-.
dict, that, when received, it will be found one
of The most originally written, most Interest,"
Jog, and practically useful memoirs ever glv-
en- to the public.-P PhiladelPhia Evs. Journal.