The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1878-02-08
SECRETS OF THE POLAR CIRCLE.
Voyages of Discovery by Five Other Ma
lions = The Howgate Expedition APP
proved by House Committee.

Voyages of Discovery by Five Other Ma
lions = The Howgate Expedition APP
proved by House Committee.
The Committee on Naval Affairs of the
National House of Representatives has
reported favorably upon the Howgate
Polar Expedition bill. The committee
says:
We have ascertained To our satisfaction that
the results yielded by prior explorations in the
Polar seas have incalculably benefited the
whole world that the knowledge acquired by
experiment and discovery in that region can be
obtained in no other way and in no other sec
ton of the globe that such knowledge Is an
important factor in the regulation Of COM
merce which is absolutely dependent, 30 far rs
decreasing the perils Of the deep and enlarg-
ing boundaries Of navigation are concerned,
upon the knowledge Of physical laws.
There has never before been an opportunity
afforded 80 promising in results as the one
which now presents itself. To make such ex-
plorations entirely successful il is essential
that simultaneous observations be had at diff
ferent points within the Arctic circle, and for
continuous periods Of time. England, during
the present year, will fit out two vessels, under
the explorer Mares, on Polar expedition via
the east coast Of Greenland. Sweden, in 1878,
under the auspices Of Prof. Nordenskjold will
explore the Polar regions via Norway across to
Behring's strait. Holland has determined upon
another. Germany. under the direction OF the
Arctic Exploration Society, has an Obi expe-
dition, commanded by Capt. Virgins, now ON
duty. Russia, during the coming spring, will
push forward an chronological expedition I'M
der che Helsingsfors Professor to the Vogels
and Ostyacs OF the Obi and Irtysh.
After referring to the ways in which
knowledge of the different natural sci
ences may be advanced by this expedi-
ton, the report continues:
Wonderful already are the discoveries made
in each field Of inquiry noted, but we are yet
in the vestibule. The region Of the unknown
is just beyond. We are invited thither. We
know enough to realize the wealth which
awaits us. Hitherto observations have been
limited and imperfect, the most important Of
them wholly neglected. Accurate data AZ to
all of the sciences named are wanting. Geo
graphic discovery has hitherto been the OBJ
jective point. While this is praiseworthy,
while it adds most important chapter to the
book of knowledge, it should not be the pri-
mary object TO which al, others are subordi-
mated. An absolute change Of operations must
be had. This change will be effected ly the
passage of the bill II. X. 447. 1t meets the
exact need 1t provides for a long stay, which
will give ample opportunity for observations
and the conduct of scientific inquiry under the
most favoring conditions. 1t provides that an
intelligent system shall be pursued under the
direction Of the National Academy of Sciences.
The report concludes:
The honor of the American name is involved.
Will Congress suppress this Jealous spirit of
inquiry and adventure, or give it scope by the
passage of this bill and meager appropria-
ton OF $50, 900. To Us it appears there should
be but one answer, and therefore we report
back the bill with a recommendation that it do