The New York herald., 1879-02-03
anxiety About Nordenskjo,a.

Our special cable despatch from London.
published this inorning, conveys to our
readers an idea of the painful anxiety that
possesses the public mind in Europe re-
gardinu the fate of the famous explorer,
Professor Nordenskjold, whose vessel, the
Vega, we recently announced, was beset In
the ice northeastward of Behring Straits.
After successful voyage, during which Pro-
fessor Nordenslkjold discovered q practi-
cable route from the Atlantic to the mouth
of the River Lena, the Swedish expedition
started to complete its journey Of explora-
tion by entering the Pacific Ocean through
Behring Straits. just short of the wished
for goal, however, the, Vega was caught
in the ice foes that drift southeastward
of the straits at the East Cape of Siberia.
Here she was overtaken By the winter and
now lies imprisoned in the ice; far, very
far, unfortunately, from any Siberian set
tlement whence her party can derive assist
ance. But Professor Nordenskj0ld and his
gallant companions have not been forgot
ten by the hosts Of friends whom they left
received of their perilous position through
the columns of the HERALD reused into ac-
tivity the practical sympathy of all lovers
of science and admirers Of heroism. The
memory Of the exploits and the unhappy
fate of Franklin and his mpanions have
stimulated the personal and scientific
friends OF Nordenskj3ld to. take prompt
measures for his relief, and we do not
doubt that these efforts will be crowned
with success.
It is to be expected that the Vega reached
her present position with her stores much
reduced after long voyage, and that her
people will suffer considerably on that ac-
count; but we do not anticipate any such
serious consequences as are feared by Pro-
fessor Nord enskjold's European friends.
We know where the Vega is held by the ice,
the distance to be travelled to reach her
and the difficulties Of the way. Such could
not be said in the case Of Franklin, and his
loss may be attributed to the fact that
vitality valuable time was expended by the
search expeditions in the endeavor to dis
cover where he should be sought for. The
American Arctic expedition, which will
leave as soon as the Behring Straits are
practicable, will, as NJ. Sibiriakoff hopes,
probably reach the point where the Vega
is beset, and rescue the Swedish ex-
plorers. But in the meantime the re-
lief expedition sent overland by M.
Sibiriakoff and the sledge parties of the
Russian man-of-war Abrek will work north
ward, and perhaps as far as the coast line
near where the Vega lies, SO that provisions
may be sent to her. Experienced voyagers
like Nordenskjold and his companions are
not likely to succumb even to an unusually
severe Arctic winter. They may suffer
from but they will undoubtedly survive it.
Already we find the fruits of Professor
Nordenskj6ld's enterprise and skill as an
explorer being gathered in the trade Gre
ated between hitherto isolated but pro-
ductive region and the world of markets
and consumption. We feel confident that
Nordenskj6ld will return in safety to his
| country to receive the honors which he has
SO worthily won and to witness the realiza-
tion of the grand projects for which he has
braved the dangers of hitherto unknown
| Arctic seas.