American union. [volume] (Morgantown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1855-1859, 1857-08-14
A Biography OF DR.. Kane by DR.,
ELDER. ..

ELDER.
Messrs. Childs &.Petcrson announce that
they will soon publish memoir of the l,le
Dr. Kane, by DR.. VIM. Elder. This, 10 very
many persons, on both sides OF the Atlantic,
must be gratifying news, and the forlhcom-
ny work will doubtless be looked for with
lively interest. No nobler subject for BIZ
ogaphy has been furnished within the pres
cnt century, and we are glad TO think it has
been committed TO entirely competen,
hands. The gentleman who has been en-
gagged TO prepare .the book f,r the press, is
not only able to perform the task with all
desirable literary ability, but his rare ear
nesiness oil character, and fitness to apprc-
c'ate fully the Importance OF the underta-
king, afford guarantee tha, he will execute
1t conscientIously, and, therefore thoroughly.
He has, we learn, been furnished with the
necessary materials for his purpose by the
family OF Dr.. Kane, and by Mr.. Grinnell,
Lady Frauklin, aud all those W no had any
available knowledge to contribute. in view
thcn Of the completeness Of the data sun.
piled, and the eminent qualifications of DR..
Elder to make the best possible use Of it,
we may coniidenll. promise that the biog.
raphy he is employed upon, will not only
possess the absorbing interest which belongs
to the events ol very rema rkable life, but
be invested with that additional charm which
the most vigorous and vivacious style of
narrative can impan 10 the heroic incidents
of personal history.
AS regards the need Of such 4 iierl6rial.
there can, we think, be no doubt Apart
from any qualification it may afford the i'm
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
selt'sacrlicing adventure, peril and endur-
ance, which has won for him wide and
glorious renown among his corempofaries,
there is moral significance in so illusirious
lie, which requires that it should be pre-
served and transmitted for the benefit Of
Posteriiy. Highly as we estimate the ser.
vices that Dr.. Kane rendered 10 science in
his explorations, and the probable results TO
which they may yet lead, and much as we
prZe the modest, though fascinating and in
iclligent record he has left of his las, ems
di'Ion, we hold the chief worth of all he has
been and all he has done consists in the
shining example Of human character which
he has bequeathed TO his race everywhere.
and the saulary influence which that exam
pie may continue TO exert on succeeding
generations of men. That is the true, the
paramouh, value OF all biDgfaphy that de-
serves to be written, and we venture 10 say.
that all Instance Of individual history, com
prsei within period of thirty odd years,
more deserving Of permanent record and
better fitted TO stir strongly all The springs
OF vTtuons emulation, than that Of the youna
Arctic hero, is not embraced in human an
nails. The world knows already the prom l..
inenl events of his later years. Ii has re ad
IN his own simple narrative the scenes Of
thrilling danger, Of severe suffering. and Of
miraculous fortitude through which he pass
ed in his devoted search for the lost English
naylgators amid the frozen regions OF the
pole. But these are but manifestations Of
Character which make il the more impor. =.
tant that we should penetrate into aud dis
ccrn the processes and agencies of educa.
non which ultimately expanded into and
bore such noble fruit. The man, therefore:
who, in writing his biography from the be.
glnh'ng, admits us 10 clear, familiar view
OF The inner life of Dr.. KaEe-a view Of the
workings Of his soul in lis growth towards
mat heroic breadth anddeplh of development,
'nat greatness OF proportion and generous
V'gor OF tone which were revealed in action
aha achievement, will perform work which
",ope enable us to understand the admirable
character and career which are the sub;,c +,
VI It's ana make them luminous guide in
olhers who may aspire to like v;r,uss o.J
ike ois'inct'on. Dr.. Elder, we believe
Will endeavof 10 do this, aud our k,ou,od,o
OF his talents and lls zeal assures us ,bo, bo
VIII satisfactorily accomplish his ,ost
uhl'i Inc volume is issued from the press
we impatlehce 10 peruse it will doubtless 90
increase, and we dare TO predict, that when
received, 1t will be found one of the mos,
ofS'nalIy written, most Interesting. and
practically useful memoirs ever given TO III,
puo'lc.-PhiIadeIphto Evening Journal.
ne worth. Eastern Railway Com.