Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1885-10-10
POLAR EXPEDITIONS.
1T. DANENHo wER,s REPORT.
It's Diseussion BIZ sc,,nuDc Mer-rbfIr Va.
r'se- Views on the Rene nc OF Explorations
IN the Polar BASIN.

W ~ftFutiut URN va
r's1- Views on the Benslt OF Explorations
III the Polar BASIN.
lBy telegraph TO the Dispatch.l
ANNAPOLIS, MD, October 9.-The
United States Naval Institute, COM
posed of officers Of the navy. discussed
at the Naval Academy tonight Lieu
tenant Danenhower's paper on the
" North Polar Researches" in which be
takes the ground that there is no con-
tinent yet undiscovered in the north
polar basin, and the only lands yet un-
known are some small islands and
groups Of islands. and scientific know
ledge yet to be obtained is not worth
the loss of life and treasure that will
be required for future expeditions.
Captain Mares, in his criticism, con-
sidercd Lieutenant Danenhower's paper
an able and trustworthy one, but did
not want the reader to be deceived by
the term "open water" as nayigable
water. lie was certain that no vessel
will ever be able to navigate success
fully in the Arctic ocean north Of
Smiths sound. He agreed with the
cuthor as to the intrinsic value Of
Arctic explorations. He believed it to
be Of the first Importance to nation
to foster within due limits the spirit of
enterprise, and ventures to predict that
further Arctic research will be under
taken before many years are passed.
ChiefEDgineer George W. Melville,
United States navy, writes that he
agrees that the work Of explorers of
the past has been well done, but he
does not concur with Lieutenant Danen-
hover either in his selection Of the
route toward the pole or his statement
that because Of hardships endured or
loss Of life and treasure research should
be abandoned. He argues that trade
and commerce constantly sacrificed
lives every day. For what? Not
alone that the laborer may gain
his bread, but that bondholders may
gain their per cent. Was there any
whire about the sacrifice Of life when
all these toilers 60 daily to meet their
death? In the face of this moloch Of
gain, can we spare no man for the bene-
fit of science? The works done by the
heroes Of three centuries, from the
Danish Of Willoughby and Barentz
down to the last days Of belong and
Greely's heroic band at Cape Sabine,
have all had their uses, have contributed
their share of knowledge to all men,
and have added much to the CONNER
cial wealth of the world. Let no one
with a spark Of manhood say it was in
vain. lie does not agree with Lieu
tenant Danenhower in his selection OF
the Smith sound route, and argues at
length against that route, and urges
that Franz Joseph Land has two essen
tial features recommending it as base
for an advance toward the pole-first,
the perfect safety of the approach and
retreat; second, its high latitude.
Professor Joseph F.. Nourse said there
is surely enough in the history of past
efforts to keep alive the true heroism
which may prompt any number Of vol
unteers to scientific causes, such as
prompted the two late expeditions. lie
felt sure that they will continue to
command sympathy, and after awhile
aid, not only Of the patriotic among
the people, but Of the Government. 1t
was a great pity that Ray was recalled,
and unfortunate that for Lieutenant
Greely's expedition something was
wanting in planning and carrying out
that measure.
Lieutenant A. W. Greedy writes that
he has no inclination to deny the merits
of the essay, but its tendencies seem
| particularly unfortunate, and he re-
grets the cry that it emanated from an
officer of the service. He consents to
the general propositions but from q
strictly unitarian standpoint polar ex'
petitions do not pay unless the scien-
tiiic results are commensurate with the
cost. 1t would be a waste Of words
to argue the question, which has
been so deliberately discussed with
no definite conclusion. lie leaves Lieu.
tenant Danenhower his opinion, though
eminent scientific men in Germany
England. and America declare that
the scientific work is worth its ex-
penses. The second point-that the
voyage Of the Alliance was the most
hazardous search expedition since Cap
tain Kane's-he approached with deli
cacy. Commander Wadleigh wa,
searching for belong, Captain Schley
for me, and yet he thinks Com
mander Wadleigh must consider
Lieutenant Danenhower's a doubtful
compliment that he should, through
failing to conform to his instructions
by unskilful navigation, put an unpro
tected and unfit vessel into an Arctic
pack. All honor to Commander Wad
leigh. who willingly ventured on sucl
vessel in such a remarkable lati
tude for humanity's sake. Leav
ing the main question on mora
grounds, the highest standpoint
he believed that to the navy such ex
plorations bring results commensurate
with their cost. In time of war tn
duty of the navy was clear. In tim
of peace its duty is to prepare for wa
by cultiyating those qualities of DARN
seamanship, indomitable energy, an
prudent daring which result from va
RED and dangerous service.
Professor Ii. Ruerck, of Norway
supports Lieutenant Danenhower in hi
theory of islands and groups OF island
in the polar basin, and believes tina
further Arctic research is not worth II