The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1883-09-21
Tn. Ice.Round Observer.
NOTHING TO BE DONE THIS FALL--GREELY
CASE NOT HOPELESS.

! NOTHING TO BE DONE THIS fAIL-GREELf
CASE NOT HOPELESS.
A Washington telegram says the Secre-
iaries Of War and Navy have consulted
those persons OF Arctic experience who
are recognized rs the best authorities and
who are near enough to be reached, and
have received letters from some who are
more distant.
These consultations lead to the convic-
ton that little can be accomplished after
October 10Th, when there are but few hours
OF daylight in that region. IL Is thought
doubtful II any vessel could reach Uper-
nayik before that date on account OF the
ice, the rapidly-shortenlng Gays, and the
increasing cold.
The danger OF wrecking new relief
party in Its attempt 10 reach this place Is
estimated to be far greater than should De
incurred for the chance OF rendering any aid
10 Greely. From Uperuavik no aid could DE
gwen except by sledging, and this Is re-
garded rs totally impracticabe. The snort
marches and the long halts compelled ny
the darkness would force the sledging par
| ties TO consume so muchfood while accom-
plishing brief daily journeys that they
could afford TO succor to Greely, ana
having no depots on the way to draw on
they would soon be compelled to fall back
| TO avoid starvation. Some have suggested
sending vessel to Cape York, but no one
advises that il can be reached without inn
mjnent peril TO the vessel and all on board,
and from that point, IL attained, the impos-
sibilitv OF sledging is again encountered.
The distance from Littleton Island to Cape
York is about 225 miles; to Upernavik 900,
and TO Disco 500.
NOT HOPELESS.
Lieutenant Greey's case is regarded as
by no means hopeless. He has the adyan-
tage OF daylight in which to move, II he left
his station us ordered no later than Sep
tember 1st. The days, it Is said, which
would be lost i'm QUILTING a vessel and in
the voyage to Greenland will be utilized
bv him. Arriving at Cape Sabine not far
from September 15th-perhaps earier--he
will learn of Garlington's disaster and de-
termine on his plans for the winter. II he
attempts to move south upon the Danish
settlements he has 740 rations at Cape Sa-
bine, 24O more on an island in its vicinity
west OF Brevoort Island, and 240 at Lit
Teton Island-suflicieDt without re-
trenchment for forty-eight days for his
command. But il is said he may
choose to regain Lady Franklin bay
over distance OF about $50 miles. There
he had more than years supply OF the
best assorted food. including breadstuffs,
canned meats, fruits, vegetables, chocO-
late, coffee, milk, preserves, sauces; also
lights, fuel, and shelter.
For his journey nOrthward he would
have at Cape Sabine and on the island west
of Brevoort some thirty-nine days food at
starting, and on his road dep0t> at reason
able distances, which he will not have
emptied on his way down to Cape Sabine.
OF these dep0ts there were at Cape Hawks
over two months supplies, ten days at
Cape Collinson, and ten at Carl Ritter bay.
From one to another OF these he can travel
comparatively lght-sure to find plenty ON
his return to Lady Franklin bay.
NO FEARS FOR LIEUTENANT RAY AND PARTY.
Officers of the Signal Bureau. say that
there is no fear whatever for the s9fety OF
Lieutenant p. ii. Ray and his party at
Point Barrow, Alaska. He has comforts
Bile quarters. an abundance OF subsistence,
and can make long sledge journeys, il he
desires. as far south as Cape LlsbOrne. 1t
is immaterial. therefore. whether the relief
expedition sent out last June is able to
reach Point Barrow or not, except so far
that the letter OF the act of Congress will
not be complied with.
While the spot where Lieutenant Ray is
stationed is q monotonous one, his dwell
ing and houses of shelter are all that could
be desired. and there is no fear but what
the party will be found in good health
when relief expedition reaches them.