The New York herald., 1873-10-08
The Polar Probiem-A Cheap Chance
for nm American Triumph.


for an American Triumph.
In another portion of the HERALD we pub
lish letter from our correspondent at st.
Johns, N. F., touching the possibilities of
renewed effort to solve the Polar problem.
The statement of the case therein contained is
lucid, and, we should say, conclusive. Where
so much has already been done, with the ap
probation of the intelligence of the country,
it Is needless to repeat the arguments why
America should yield to no other nation in
taking champions part in the battle of sci
ence. Those easy-going souls who are con-
tent to leave the worlds knowledge as they
found it, provided what they themselves
know is sufficient to bring them through
life comfortably and' respectfully, may
not feel any mental stimulation from the Arc
tic successes already achieved. In fact, to
them the dangers of the expeditions, combined
with their cost, would be deterrent from en-
couraging their repetition. But just at this
moment, when we learn through the cable
that the English geographical authorities are
endeavoring to have an expedition sent out
Expedition, We feel certain that even the easy
going souls viii object to the American efforts
being abandoned. For ourselves, we see no
reason why the work of Kane Hayes and
Hall should be left as the groundwork for an
English triumph in a field we have trply
made our own. When, in addition, we can
pursue the glorious work at cost which is
cheapness itself, the reasons become con-
vincing for our doing 50.
To the HERALD belongs the credit Of first
suggesting the purchase and equipment of the
Tigress for the search after the Buddington
party. The government acted on our advice,
and the fact that the subsequent performances
of the Tigress in Arctic waters were all that
could be desired, pointedly justified our seiec-
ton. We now lay another proposition before
the American government which is merely fol-
lowing out that selection to its legitimate con-
clusion. In the Tigress we possess a CON-
pletely equipped exploring vessel, better suited
to Arctic voyaging than any other which has
ever been afoat. As our correspondent clearly
points out, it is but question Of restocking
her with provisions, finding the best talent
for leading the expedition and sending her
forth next spring The chances in favor
Of such an expedition completing ''the in
vestigations Of the Polaris'' by finding
the Pole and settling the geographical and
scientific questions involved, would be greater
immeasurably than any which has preceded it
The mention of DR.. Hayes as chief of the
scientific part Of the expedition meets our
warmest approval. Thoroughly in earnest in
his work, highly cultivated on all subjects per-
tanning thereto, and with better record of
actual experience in Arctic exploration than
any other man living, he would be the most
worthy selection that could be made. We
submit these suggestions to the government
with the confidence that in adopting them as
much honor would be reflected on those who
would help to transmute them into facts as
on the people at large, who would take the
accrued glory Of SUCCESS as the property Of
the nation. The present chance of winning
the rare prize is one not to be thrown away
and the cheapness of the undertaking should
decide whatever doubts remain about grasp
ing it.