The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1878-02-25
The Woodruff scientific Expetfi
Hon.

The woodruff ScleuIAuc EXpeul-
New York Tribune.
About a year ago We called attention to
curiosity in literature, issued as cir
cular by the proprietors Of the Woodruff
Scientific Exposition around the World.
The ambrosial style Of that document,
cleaning all over with summer light
from the spicy isles Of ormus and of Ind,
but Pickering with uncertain English, did
not indicate its origin as from a man Of
science, or its connection with any seat Of
learning. The delights rather than the
labors Of the voyage were urged upon the
readers attention. As an additional in
centiye, It was mentioned that the walters
engaged for the table service on board
shin would be selected for their musical
capacity. Something was to be done in
The interior Of New Guinea in the way
Of explorations, and few hints we're
thrown out rs to the pcientiic objects in
view. But in spite Of two or three hon
orable names Of University professors
appended to the first programme, there
was visible through every line OF 1t a far
greater anxiety 10 obtain subscribers At
s. 900 apiece for the voyage, than TO for
ward the interests Of science or educa-
ton. That prospectus stamped Il as a
commercial venture;a matter OF dollars
and cents 10 the projectors.
Since then there have been numerous
changes OF programme. Stationery haR
isseud from tho managers OF the expedi.
ton In the utmost protusion. Pamphlets
In clean type and neat gray covers were
scattered al over the land, and to any
body who might be supposed to take an
interest In such matters, at least four or
Eve copies we're sent. Newspaper Offices
were besieged, and there seemed to be no
lack OF information about the expedition
before the public. A curious feature was
the persistency with which II was an.
nounced that the expedition would start
at given times, and the delusion was kept
up within a few days Of the appointed
hour that the frat start would actually
be made.
It's promoters appear to have been men
OF small means aud no scientific preten-
sions. At no time have they owned or
firmly engaged = vessel for their expedi.
ton. Their hope seems 70 have been that
the subscriptions would be paid fast
enough 10 float the enterprise. The Gu.
rlous feature about II Ia the number Of
prominent scientific men who gave il par.
tial support by writing letters ofguarded
appreciation. The Academy Of Sciences
Of this city committed itself by resolution
In similar manner. II seems pity TO
expose the emptiness Of this project while
men Of such dignity have given It quasi
support. But the latest move OF the
adyenturers who have the scheme 10
charge. Ia OF more serious character.
The have actually obtained the pas.
sage Of a bill through one branch
OF Congress by which the National honor
will In some measure be committed 10
their project. Permission will DO given
by the bill to enable these spectators TO
obtain any old steamship in Europe, give
to the vessel an American register, and
sail II s the representative ship OF an
American exploring expedition, con-
Quoted In the interests Of American SCI
ence. The credit obtained by the passase
Of the bill through Congress may enable
this project TO be carried out-on credit.
The history Of tho projectors Of the en-
terprise viii show the various and anus.
Ing shitts by which they have hitherto
endeayored 10 make credit do Tor cash.
In this undertaking they have had 10 face
cold and mistrnBtfnl world, but their
experience may now enable them to cir
cunyent IL II not to circumnayigate It