New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1873-10-24
WASHINGTON.
HOW CAPT. HALL DIED.

THE POISONING STORY MsCHEvoUs SUPPOSE
TI0N HIS DEATH ENTIRELY NATUEAI-IM-
PORTANT STATEMENTS by SECRETARY robson.
Isr TELEGRAPH THE rRnuNE
WASHINGTON, Oct. 2S.-Secretary Robson made
acme important statements in conversation to-day
regarding the results of the examinations of the two
parties known as the Tyson party and the Budding
ton party of the Poaris Arctic expedition. He said
that there was no longer any doubt that Capt Hall
died q natural death that there were no facts that
pointed IN the slightest degree toward any other
story, and that the whole report had its origin IN
nischievous superstition by sensational newspa-
per. He said none of the gentlemen associated Win
him on the examination believed the contrary ana
mono Of the witnesses credit such story ana all Oh
them who have been in condition to know pro-
nounce the story impossible under the cHeum-
stances.
"Tbe fact" said Secretary Robson. were as fol-
lows: Capt. Hall was a man of full habit, a large
eater, and subject TO fits Of heavy headache. His
life on the Poaris had not been an active one, and
he did not have as much exercise as he needed. To
relieve his severe headache it his habit to eat
large quantities Of raw meat beef being his prefer
ence This produced the irritation and stimulation
which relieved the vertigo and headache. The
Polaris being blocked in and unable TO proceed
further her commander decided on hazardous and
difficult sledgc journey, 1t took him seven days of
the soyorest trial and suffering to reach the highest
point cttained by man. and he was much OF the
time without the necessaries Of life lie
slept in the snow and ate the most UNI
suitable Of food He was often required
10 relieve the dogs by drawing the siedge himself
He returned in five days, having become familiar
with the sountry. During these twelve days or two
weeks he was exercising violently in an atmosphere
2 TO 3Oo below zero and sleeping constantly in his
skin clothes The ship was covered with canvas, and
was surrounded with snow and ice TO the depth of
many feet. a narrow pathway cut through the hard
snow being the only means Of reaching the deck
When Capt. Hall returned he entered his cabin.
8 by Is feet. which wholly without ventilation
and occupied by six other persons. This was heated
10y a stove-pipe from the cabin below. The air was
fcdd and unhealthy, and the captain returned TO
this room in an exhausted condition, complaining
shat hc was not well. He was fond Of coffee, and
drank heartily Of it. Lying down, still in his
smothcrng suit Of fur, vomiting and combination
uf vertigo congestion, and apoplexy followed, and
terminated fatally.
AS for the practical results Of the investigation
Of this party for the past ten days. continued the
Secretary, nothing new has been discovered. OF
course they have more of scientific Importance than
the Tyson party, for they retained their fnstru-
.ments. Their oxperiences.may also be made useful
5n the future. What ] most desire is to see Mr..
Bryan. who was one of the Scientific Corps, and
who Is spoken Of by both the Tyson and Budding
Son parties as the most popular and Of the most
trustworthy Of the officers and crew. have re-
Cciyed dispatch from him and his two companions
chat they have arrived at Dundee, Scotland. lhave
given them leave Of absence for a week. when they
VII. sail from Liverpool. They will be examined.
and then shall make up my report, and 1t wall be
gwen DO the public.N