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

Bl0STaphy Oh Di' Kane Dy OE' Eiuer.
Messrs. Childs s. Peterson announce that
they will soon publish a 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 |
interest. Certainly no nobler subject for BIZ
ography has been furnished within the pres.
enl century, and we are glad 10 think that it |
has been committed 10 entirely competent !
hands. The gentleman who has been en-
gagged TO 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, aud fitness 10 appreciate
fully the importance of the undertaking, af
ford guarantee that he will execute it con-
sciennously, 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 av vailable
knowledge 10 contribute. In view, then, of
the completeness of the data supplied, and
the eminent qualifications of DIR. Elder 10
make the best possible use of it, we may
"oratra.1 promise tha, the biography he is
eHr1g"l u2un, will not only possess the
ais,-ai. ,'lefest which belongs 10 the events
al! q Hery remarkable life, but be invested
with that additional charm which the most
| vigorous and vivacious style of narrative can
~ ha- - al, r
| tory.
AS regards the need for such a memorial,
there can, we think, be no doubt. Apart
from any qualification ii may afford the i'm
mediate friends and relatives of The deceas.
ed, or the curiosity of the age in which hs
! lived and acted out the marvellous career of
self'sacnficing adventure, peril and endurance
which has woE for him wide and glorious
renown among his contemporaries, there is a
moral significance in 60 ilIuslrious q life,
which requires that il should be preserved
and transmitted for the benefit of posteriy.
Highly us we estimate the services that Dr..
Kane rendered TO science in his explorations,
aud The probable results to which they may
yet lead, and much as Ne prize the modest,
though fascinating and intelligent record he
has left of his last expedition, we hold that
The chief worth of all he has been and oil he
has done, consists in the shining example Of
human character which he has bequealhed
to his race everywhere, and the salutaly in-
fuence which tha: 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 to say, that an instance OF indi-
vidual history, comprised within period OF
thirty odd years, more deserving of permanent
record and better fitted 10 stir strongly all the
springs OF virluous emulation, than that Of
the young Arctic hero, is not embraced in hu-
man annals. The world knows already the
prominent events OF his later yeas. 1t has
read in his OWN simple narrative the scene oil
thrilling danger, OF severe suffering, and OF
miraculous for,ilude through which he passed
in his devoted search ior the lost English nav
igators amid the frozen regions OF The pole.
But these are but manifestations of character
which make it the more important that We
should penetrate into and discern the process
es and agencies Of education which ultimate
ly expanded into and bore such noble fruit
The man, therefore, who, in writing his bi.
ography from the beginning, admits Us TO a
clear, familiar view OF the inner life of Dr..
Kane--s view of the workings of his soul in
ils gtowth towards that heroic breadth and
depth of development, that greatness OF pro-
portion and generous vigor OF tone which
were revealed in action aud achievement,
WILL perform work which alone cpn enable
u. ,I understand the admirable character and
career which arc the subject of it, and make
luen luminous guide 10 others who may
aspire 10 like virtues and like distinction. Dr.
Elder, we believe, will endeavor 10 do this
and our knowledge of his talents and his zea
assMes US that he will satisfactorily accom-
plsh hIs task. Until the volume is issued
from The press, the impaience 10 peruse i
will doubtless increase, and we dare 10 pre-
dict, tina, .when received, it will be found one
of the most originally written, most interest
ing, and practically useful memoirs ever CIV
en- 10 the public.-Philadephia Eue. Journal
E If a girl thinks more other heels thai
. n