The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-10-20

The HAYES ARCTIC EXPEDITION. problem
which the Franklins and the Kanes, of Arctic
science and discovery, have labored so long and
with such heroism to solve, has had no new
light thrown upon it by the voyage from which
DR.. Hayes has just returned. When, in July
of last year, he left our shores in the small
schooner United States, having on board only
sixteen persons and the usual outfit, we felt in
no way sanguine that the expedition would be
successful in clearing away the mystery which
surrounds the North pole, and the result is,
therefore, only in accordance with our anticipa-
TONS This conveys no i'll compliment to its
protector, whose enthusiasm, talent and perse-
verance are undoubted; but we formed our
opinion from the weakness of the exploring
force. It was an attempt with very inadequate
means, to achieve great object. Everything
about the expedition was on far too small
scale; and, being insufficient, it became FORE
gone conclusion that it would fail. We are
still wanting in scientific data relating to
the geography and meteorology of the
Arctic region, and even of its navigation
and zoology. We are only slightly
informed; but this expedition has discovered
nothing before unknown on these points, and
the death of its astronomer has only added
another to the long list of Arctic victims. Had
the expedition been larger, and provided with
good scientific party much might have been
attained, where; for want Of it, the result has
been simply blank. DR.. Hayes succeeded in
making his way by dog sledges no farther north
than latitude 81 degrees IS minutes, which
is lower degree than even Hendrix Hudson
reached about the year 1000. We refer to
these facts simply to show the folly of fitting
out Polar expeditions that, from their very
diminutveness, are unequal to the work for
which they are designed.
Mexico AND THE EUROPEAN PowERs.-The
much talked of expedition to Mexico is rapidly
losing its portentousness 1t was originally
announced authoritatively that England,
France and Spain were to form coalition
against that country for the appropriation of
one-haH its customs revenues to the payment
of debts due to their subjects and for obtaining
redress for past injuries and insults 1t was
afterwards announced by the English journals
that United States was to be included in the
alliance; and now the four dwindle to one; for
they tell US that Spain is to act alone in the
affairs Of Mexico. The statement that the United
States would take part in the expedition was
obviously false, and gave us good ground to
discredit the remainder of what was said about
it, and we are now disposed to believe that the
first announcement Of the coalition being formed.
which appeared in the London Morning Post, was
put forward simply as feeler of American opin-
ion on the subject. That the latter is not very
favorable to European designs on this continent
the Powers in question must by this time be
pretty well aware; but if they are in any doubt
concerning it, that will be entirely dispelled
if ever they venture upon an attempt of the
kind. With regard to Spain, she would of
course prefer acting alone in Mexico; for her
object would be the reconquest Of the country
a result to which a coalition would oppose in
snrmountable obstacles; and O'Donnell, her
Minister of War, maintains that her dignity and
interest require it, and is resolute in his opposi-
VIII w dllidHCt. Gpd!n mas not
forgotten that in the sixteenth century she was
first among nations, and that the land of Monte
yuma was one Of the richest gems of her colonial
empire. The possession of st. Domingo Ia
locked upon as stepping stone to the re.
annexation Of the country won for her by
Cortes; and the recollection of those grand old
days, when she lived in rlenitude of power
and splcndor, fires an ambition that will be
strong until death. With regard to Mexico
however, we do right to tell her that her hopes
are misplaced, and that, great as may be the
misrule and anarchy there prevailing, European
Intervention in its affairs will not be tolerated
by the United States.
THE CAvoUR MONUMENTAL may interest
many of the admirers of the late Count Cavour
and his devotion to the cause of Italian unity to
learn that subscriptions to monument to be
erected to his memory in his native land are
received by the Consul General of the kingdom
of Italy, resident in this city. We are quite
sure that not only the Italians of the United
States, but large number of Americans, all of