The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1879-01-16
Nordenskjold- Circumnavigating the
North Pole.

Great Britain, Germany and the United
States have persistsntly and unsuccess-
fully endeavored for many years to
find q Northwestern" passage, an en-
terprising Swedc has succeeded with
comparatively little trouble in discover
ing Northeastern" route, by which
he has already penetrated from Nor
way, along the coast of Lapland,
through the strait south to Nova Zem-
bla, across the Kara Sea, along the
northern coast of Russia, past the north
cape of Asia, and into the River Lena,
up which the expedition went to
Yakutsk, where they were heard from
Aug. ~ last, and from which they ex-
pected to sail for Behring's Straits.
The navigator who has made himself
famous by this unprecedented perform
ance is Prof. Nordenskjold, q learned
man, who has devoted much time to q
study of the Arctic problem, and who
was led to give special attention to the
stories and log-books of Norwegian
whale and seal hunters, who frequently
penetrated as far as the Kara Sea. The
professor found q patron in an intelli-
gent merchant of Goteburg, Mr.. Oscar
Dickson, who furnished the means nee
essary for the experimental voyages.
The first attempt was begun in june,
1875, in a small vessel. The trip from
the north cape of Europe to Nova Zem-
bla was made in six days, and after
some time spent in explorations, the
Kara Sea was crossed and the Yenisei
River was reached Aug. Is. The pro-
lessor here left with detachment and
went up the river into Siberia, while
the remainder of the party returned to
Norway in only ten days. This journey
attracted great attention-especially in
Russia, where Nordenskjold was looked
upon as a benefactor who had demon
strated new route for commerce.
Greatly encouraged, the professor re-
turned home and prepared for new
expedition the following year. He
chartered a small steamer, started
for Hammerfest July Is, and in three
days was at Nova Zembla. One
day later he entered the Kara
Sea, his steamer being "the first that
ever burst upon that silent sea''-and
there was no explosion in this case.
Here he found drifting ice, but was not
discouraged. He slowly pushed his
way on until Aug. Is, when he reached
the Yenisei once more. Here he dis
posed of his cargo, took new one ON
board, and in seven weeks from start
ing was again at Hammerfest. He now
that the vast amount of fresh water
became convinced that it was possible
to find navigable passage between the
Yaniao; and Capo Tohol;uolzin, tho
north cape of Asia. His theory was
pouring into the Arctic Ocean from the
Rivers Obi, Irlich and Yenisei effects q
gradual thawing of the ice along the
coast by which channel is formed
deep enough for large vessels. The
professor then set to work for a more
extended voyage. His success brought
him new patrons, and King Oscar of
Sweden came to his assistance. Four
steamers were chartered and equipped,
and on the 25th of July last the new
expedition left the Norwegian coast.
The Kara Sea was entered Aug. l, and
in six days more the fleet was at the
mouth of the Yenisei. On the 9th of
August, two of the steamers left for the
northeast. Nothing more was heard
of the adventures for two months,
when telegraph message reached q
Moscow merchant who was interesssd
in the expedition, announcing that the
vessels had reached Yakutsk, in Eastern
Siberia, ON the Lena River, having
safely passed Cape Tcheliuskin, and
reached the mouth of the Lena Aug.
II. From this point the party ex-
pected to proceed 10 Behring's Straits.
and were confident of success, as they
believed the most difficult part of the
journey was already accomplished.
Altogether this is the most important
and successful exploring voyage of
modern years. and has accomplished
enough to make its navigator famous,
whether it succeeds in reaching the
Pacific Ocean or not. A glance at the
map will show that the greater part of
the work has been performed, and with
apparent ease.-Hartford Courant.