The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1876-12-27
nov 70 REICH THE POLiR SEf.
suggestions offered bv Capt. n. W. uOwgate
OF the signal service.

Tho expedition of Capt. Hall in the
Polari4, IN 1871, and Of Capt Mares IN the Alert
and Discovery. IN ls15, have shown that by the
Use Of steam, II ~ a comparatively easy matter
to re ich the entrance to Robeson's channel, in
latitude sl' ~, and that the serious difficulties
to be overcome in reaching the Pole lie nevond
that point. Parties from the two EXPEDITIONS
have made fair surveys li0 miles north of this,
leaving only about 400 9.iles Of unexplorcd re-
gions between that aud the goal Of modern
gcogra piers the Pole.
when Capt. Hail reached the upper extremity
of RObeson's channel. the lookout Of the Pol ria
reported open water in sight, aud Just beyond
tho pack that surrounded the vessel and pre-
vented further progress. THIS ouen water was
afterward seen from the cape ut the northern
opening Of Ncwtnans baN, and II was the
opinion Of the crew OF that Inflated vessel that
II she had ONLY been the fraction Of an hour
ehrher In reaching the channel, they could have
steamed unot stfucted over veritabe "open
sea-" to tie Pole itself. We know that thrv did
not succeed, but were forced to winter almost
Within sight of this sen, and subsequently, dis
heartened 10y the loss of their gallant com
mandcr abandoned the enterprise.
Where this open water was found. Cant.
Mares, in ls,5 aud ls1d. found solid. impenetrable
ice. through which no vessel could force tts
way. aud over which II was equally Impossible
Tor sledHe parties lo wurk.
These facts show that within the Arctic circle
tue seasons vary as mltkedy a. tn more tenn
ierate southern latltudes. aud that the icy bar
ritrs to the Pole are sometimes broken NJ 10y
fayoring winds and temperiture. 10 reach the
Pole PROMPT advantage must be taken OF
such favofing ciicum .iHnc"-. ana to do this
with the greatest certainty und with the lolst
expenditure of time, money, ana human life, II
II essential that the exploring party be on the
ground nt the veri time the tee gives way and
Opens the rntewav TO the lung-sought urile,
1his can hc done only 10y cOionizng a few hardy.
fesulute, and experienced men Il some point
near the orders Il the Polar sea, and the mo I
favorable one for the purpose appears to be that
wntrc the discovery wintcfeG last year.
such party should consist of at least twenty
men, aud should be piovidci with provisions
and other necessary supplies for three venTs. at
the end Of which period they should be visited
and If still unsuccessful In at cnmplishing the
object. revictualed and again left to their work
Tue party OF which speak would become ac-
climattd, ana eventual, they might accomplish "a
the long. sought end. Win a strong, sub-tan.
tiai building, such could easily te
carried on shpbONd. the parry could
be made a. comfortable and safe
from atmospheric DANGERS as ufe tie men
of the signal service stationed on the submits
OF ntke'- Peak and Mount lshington.
Let an expedition he organized 10 ST ri iu the
spring of ls,1. and ntmy believe that D., lsS,
the caogr puS uf the Polar ear 'le would ne den.
uitcly settled. dud tnAt without loss Oi HE.