Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1882-03-28

civilized world by the fate of the Jeanette,
instead of REFRESHING energy in the direction
OF the Arctic search, appears to have given
that field of adventure an attractiveness it
never had before. Much has been gained by
the various efforts that have been made, not
only in geographical and scientific discovery
but, what is probably of more practical
value, in the mode of conducting research,
and in the choice of men by whom future
! achievements TO be gained. The order,
discipline and excellent manner OF conduct
ing the successful voyage Of the Vega, which
passed completely round the polar circle and
secured most valuable results, has excited
especial attention and points out the way to
improvement. In the choice of men, especi-
ally, more care will be given. Enthusiasm
and zeal will not be accepted as equivalents
for experience and knowledge. Each man
is to be picked, and must have the physi-
cal robustness and the mental qualifca-
tions that fit him for the severe and arduous
task. Less reliance is to be placed on the
chances of the season, less tempting OF fate
by exposure to the distractions and dangers
of the Recovered seas. Parties are to be
definitely placed at favorable spots within
the Arctic circle. They are to be supplied
with substantial protection from the weather,
are to have dogs and every facility for ex-
ploration, and all necessary implements and
material for scientific observation and exper-
iment. The painless SHOWS, undisturbed by
intrusive human feet, afford facility for car
rying telegraph wires from settlements to
stations, and from one station to another.
This alone will greatly facilitate proceed
ings, and immensely reduce the danger.
Various countries have combined for the
purpose of making simultaneous efforts, all
having in view the common great object OF
reaching the north pole, and, subsidiary to
that, OF observing every kind OF natural
phenomenon and product. The skies, the
aurora, weather changes, the behavior OF
electrical and other scientific apparatus
under conditions so unusual, the phe-
nomena of tides and currents, will re-
ceive inc sssant attention; the bed OF the
ocean will be questioned by dredging, and
every appearance of vege tation, every
insect and animal upon the face of the earth
will be scrutinized, and secrets will be wrung
from the birds of the air and the fish OF the
sea. As an instance of the interest often in
volved in problems that cannot be carried
out with any degree of accuracy in an IN
habited country, we may mention that we
have evidence that, in various parts Of space,
especially in the tracks of comets, vast
along paths as regular, approximatively, as
81 Id; oI 81
of various dimensions, lying scattered from
the main group are occasionally attracted
TO the EARTH the meteorites we hear of occa-
sionally as falling from the sky, and smaller
ones We see as falling stars, as they burst
into flame on coming in contact with our at
mosphere. Where so much rough, angular
matter is in motion, with more or less fric-
ton of masses against masses, much of their
surfaces must be driven off in the shape of
fine powder or of coarse sand-like particles.
A large portion OF this 'cosmic dust" as it is
called, falls upon the earth. Some scientists
think our that portion is a large one, and thatit
has entered materially into the process of
matchmaking, and constantly but impercepti.
bly, adding to the size and bulk OF our globe.
Precise results upon this point have not come
within the reach of observation, circum-
stances forbid, but in the frozen north, amid
the eternal silence of perpetual desolation, if
this cosmic dust is continually descending,
especially in amounts to add appreciably to
the sum of matter that forms our world, the |
virgin bosom of the spotless snow in the lar !
north will reveal the fact. There will be |
found particles which have lloated from the |
far regions where comets circulate and |
planets whirl their mighty orbs. This is one |
OF many most interesting questions upon |
which continuous, systematic, intelligent |
search and observation may throw light, for
the opportunities of settled parties will be
vastly superior to those obtained by tran
silent visitors troubled with the harrassing
details and perplexing dangers of travel
within the circle of perpetual frost. So far
are these stations OF observers from being
mere matters projected for the future, that
quietly, and almost silently, some OF them
are already on active duty. At Lady Frank
lin Bay, not a very great distance from the
furthest spot explorers have reached since
July last, is party under command of Cap
tain Greeley. This station is nearly opposite
the extreme northern point of Greenland,
and is the-most northern point in the world
ever lived in by man except for short inter
vals The point OF the nearest access to the
pole ever yet gained, that reached by Sir. G.
Mares in 1876, is not far beyond it. This is
AN American station, and "our boys viii
show what they can do, also at the other
American station at Point Barrow, the ex-
treme northern limit of Alaska. Russia has
an observation colony at the mouth of the
Lena river, Siberia; England will establish
one at Fort Simpson, on the Mackenzie
river; Germany one on the Gulf of Georgia,
near Vancouver Island; Austria one at Jan
Mayen Island, east of Greenland; Norway
one at Altengrade, near the northern ex-
of Scandinavia. To these still others
will be added, and thus the pole will
be surrounded with band ever watch
ful, ever scrutinizing, investigating, ques-
tioning. Gradually the circle will be mar
rowed. The stations, as they advance to-
ward the central north, will be drawn
nearer The interest will deepen. Hardi-
ness will dare its utmost. The regular assault
Of these combined forces will accomplish
what flying visits in frail ships have failed to
secure. Some day more venturesome, more
skillful, or more fortunate party of explore RS
than the rest, will cross the last boundary and
plant their feet upon the spot around which
the whole world turns ceaselessly in its
course down the illimitable ages. Imagine
The sensations of moment so sublime, on a
spot SO mysterious! Men are ambitious;
Alexander and Napoleon battled for fame,
but who would accept the fame of both for
The peal that will ring through all the future
IF earth's history, telling the countless gea-
erations to come the name OF hum who first
stood upon the pole OF the world!
Society of the Army of Tennessee.
ST LOUIS March 27.-Cfeneral j James y.