The democrat. [volume] (Weston, W. Va.) 1868-1874, 1873-03-10
Arctic Exploration.

To the generality OF mankind the fas-
cinRtiOn which leads so many to take
part in arctic exploration is incompre-
hensible. Even those who see some
method in Livingstone's madness, can
discover nothing 10 justify the risking
OF life and treasure in efforts to pcne-
trate the frozen zone, which must ever
remain impracticable for human uses.
But to the men OF science, the question
OF the prospective discovery OF the pole
and the results which may flow from it, is
fraught with m interest that has attach
ed to few other of the great cOsmic in'
vestigations. Who knows what meteor
illogical and magnetic mysteries may
not be solved when that hidden region
shall have been peircel what zoologl-
cal and chronological secrets may not be
diyulgedl There may lie the key to
the laws Of storms, OF atmospheric and
oceanic currents, and of tho tides. Be-
hind that frozen barrier there may be
placid seas and warmer regions rich in
animal and in vegetable life. There
may still exist genera and species long
supposed to be extinct, and perhaps
yestiges and remains OF man cut off for
ages from communication with his kind.
The possibility that oil or any Of these
mysteries may be unlocked by him who
first shall enter that charmed region,
lends fascination to arctic exploration
not easily appreciated by the masses,
and in comparison with which the perils
and hardships incident to it are reckon
ed us Of little account. This, rs well MS
the love OF adventure inherent in man
kind, is what leads men yearly to tempt
those inhospitable climes, and attracts
ability and skill from easier paths to in
yestigations attended only by privation
and danger. Since the days when the
adventurous keels of the Mortimer first
ploughed those seas, nearly all civilized
nations have interested themselves in
tho arctic problem. The ships Of Venice
and Of England long sought there the
mythical northwest passage to the III
dies; Danes, French, and Dutch, emu.
lous Of tho Spaniarls, who monopolized
the other routes, pursued the quest
with energy and zeal, some seeking the
passage from tho east and some from
the west Russians tried to penetrate
northwarl through Siberia, and by ship
through Behring's Straits and later,
when this commercial dream was ended
and science alone demanded further ex.
ploration, England sacrificed some of
her noblest sons on the altar Of polar
investigation. America, too, has not
been behindhnnd in adding to tho
worlds knowledge OF those desolate re-
gions. Even now Captain Hall and his
companions are Drawing the rigors Of the
arctic seas in the hope, not vain one
we trust, OF being the first to reach the
open waters and perhaps the pole itself.
Worthy competitors from Sweden, Nor
way, Austria, Russia, and England, are
in tho field, striving to reach the coveted
goal through different paths. 1t isprob.
able TINT some one OF these parties will
solve the long .mooted question Of the
existence of an open polar sea. Most
Of tho precedent geographical doubts
have been cleared pp by the numerous
explorers before them, so that undivi.
ded attention can be given to the great
problem. II It be not settled now,
science may well fear that difficulties,
insurmountablc by human skill and
perseverance, lie in the way.