Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1883-06-01
ANOTHER BOLD EXPEDITION.

ms century Will take lts place IN the
volume of history as having contributed
not only its full share but more to geo.
graphical knowledge. 1t has broadened
the worlds information concerning the
earth's surface greatly, and but compare
lively a small portion of the globe now re-
mains to be explored. Africa has been
fairly laid open to US as book Asia has
given up largely of her secrets, and the
frozen north has been penetrated as never
before. It is only recently that Baron
Nordenskjold became famous for his cir.
cumnavigation of Northern Siberia. Stan
ley, Schwatka, Chirani, Prejevalosky,
Leigh Smith, DR.. Lsnz, Capt. Crespel,
Pinto, Thompson, De Brazzs and half
score Of others have go contributed to ge-
ographical science that research has been
stimulated, and ambition in the cause of
exploration has not been chilled by the
rigors of the Arctic or the heat of the
torrid zones. Baron Nordenskjold now
proposes to set ont upon most adyentur-
GUS journey, and one which, if success
full, will be of the greatest Importance
to the world. His purpose is to thor.
oughly explore the eastern half Of Green
land. A recent explorer went from the
west side at the narrower part Of the south.
ern extremity OF the PENN sula, and pene-
trated well into the land toward the east
coast. He was compelled to make an early
return, but he made discoveries sufficient
to establish the fact of the existence of
somewhat massive stone structures near to
and along the eastern shore. To ascertain
all that is possible concerning the arch@ol.
ogy, topography and general character Of
the section is Of the highest Importance to
geographical science and antiquarian and
other research, and will give us the thread
possibly of the true history of this all but
inaccessible region, barricaded as it is by
mountains of ice and glaciers that have
been deemed impossible. NordenskjoId
proposes to break centuries of silence that
wrap this strange land in obscurity, and
throw what light modern exploration can
upon region that has not always remained
frigid and sealed country, but is believed
to have once been fairer land and invit-
ing for the habitations of men. Ii any man
can accomplish the task it is NordenskioId.
He has been tried in greater difficulties,
and it is scarcely possible that he will fail.
His approach will be made from the west,
OF course, for the east coast is inaccessible
because of the drift zee that chokes the
polar current, and not infrequently fills the
sea between Cape Discord and the west
coast Of Iceland. 1t packs as far south as
Cape Farewell, and forms about it for over
hundred miles out at sea. It often ex.
tends as far north as Cape Bismarck, the
northern limit OF the German expedition
On this east coast it was where Scoresby
found slate and coal formations beneath
the ice, bearing distinct impressions Of spe
cies of tropical plants. 1t is known that
! the explorers of Greenland in $50 and 9S5
under Eric penetrated far to the north.
ward, and, it is now believed, to the esst
ward from the west, as did subsequent
Morse expeditions, some reaching as high
as ~ so on the west side by the veal
1885. These early adventurers found TIE
country far more habitable, and less rigor
Gus than it is known to rs. They make
little mention Of ice or great glaciers, es
pecislly on the west side. All the evi.
dences are that Greenland was at one time
a not inhospitable region, though much Of
it is now fairly buried beneath glacial
masses hundreds Of feet in thickness, and
from one TO sixty miles in width. To the
solving of the mystery CT this strange lsna
Baron Norienskiold is now to devo.e the
later years of his life, and that he may ac.
complish his purpose is the hope of al
who know Of and admire his intrepidity
and have faith in his canton and patience.