Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1882-05-12
The Difference Between Success
and Failure.
Uincinnati UOmmerciaI


Bennett, of the New York Herald,
now comes in'for unfriendly criticism
for fitting out the Jeanette expedi-
ton. 1t was, he is told, too expensive
a method of advertising his name and
newspaper. Itwas foolhardy under.
taking, and no evidence OF his sympa-
thy for those who persisted in it can
make good the loss to the surviving
widows and orphans.
This is both cheap and nasty. When
he sent Stanley in search of Living
stone, and that enterprising traveller
found the veteran, almost given up
for lost, in Central Africa, and brought
back tidings Of his safety, all the
world rung with praises of the achieve
ment, and the splendid enterprise of
the younger Bennett. Had Stanley
persisted, these same newspapers would
have been as ready to assail the Jour
nalist for his enterprise, as they we're
ready to extol it when Stanley re
turned in triumph.
The same would have happened had
the Jeanette and her brave comman
der been as successful in the Arctic
seas as Stanley was in Africa. I'm
fortunately, the stout ship got fast in
the ice, and after months Of resistance
to the grinding pressure OF the foes
went down, and men and officers had
to take to their boats and retreat. Up
to the time Of the disaster nothing
unfortunate had happened. The
health of the men was good, their sup
plies of provision and ammunition
were abundant, and they we're as com
fortably clothed and provided with
ell things useful as the crews of any
government expedition ever was.
Mr.. Bennett had give carte blanche
tor what ever was needed. The ship
itself was greatly strengthened before
leaving San Francisco, and every
thing provided that experience in
Arctic waters could suggest for the
comfort, health and convenience of the
gallent men who embarked on this
voyage OF Arctic discovery. There
was not one of them who was not fully
aware Of the perils of the enterprise.
They knew they we're literally taking
their lives in their hands; yet, with
the enthusiasm that animated Stanley
and all other Arctic explorers, they
went deliberately into it, hopeful Of
achieving great distinction, and hope.
tul, also, of escaping the fate of Sir
John franklin and so many other be.
roic adVenturers into the solitude and
darkness Of the north. 1t is not tC
be forgotten either that there were
eight hundred volunteers for the ex
petition, so eager were men to engage
in it.
Had they been as fortunate az tn,
successful Norwegian, who found ,
passage along the northern limits O
the Eastern Continent; had they pen,
etrated further 60 the north than an,
lprevious explorers, and brought bacI
fresh light and knowledge concerning
| the region whose mysteries battle d
far the enterprise of mankind. ther,
would have been universal shout O
exultation, and the enterprise an,
liberality Of the owner of the Heral,
would have been lauded TO the skies
Yet such was the hopes Of those VIII
commanded the expedition, as well a
OF the man who fitted it out. Tn
Herald does not need special adver
Using. 1t is known wherever news
papers are read, and all the advantage
Of such an advertisement had bee
anticipated and discounted BY the sue
cess OF Stanley in finding Livingston
Its now simply indecent to snarl at th
heels Of Bennett, and insinuate tina
in fitting out the Jeanette he wa
animated by the selfish motive Of al
vertising himself aHd his newspaper