New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1886-10-01
4 CEALLkNGE DECLINED.

Captain Halls grave on the northernmost
verge of Greenland was a challenge TO English
explorers to regain their prc-cminencc in Arctic
discovery. The expedition Of lS75-'76 was
organized for the purpose of making closer
approach to the North Pole than had been re
corded In the log OF the American ship Polars.
In this respect it was entirely successful. Inc
Alert went beyond Captain Halls furtheSl
point and her sledgng parties penetrated 10
the highest latitude that had been reached by
man. For six years the prestige Of this mag
nifccnt feat placed England in the van Of
Arctic discovery and then the honor of max
ing the funniest North was reclaimed by two
American soldiers Lockwood and Brainerd.
In following the coast Of Greenland several
bundled miles beyond Halls lonely grave,
they renewed The challenge 10 English explorers
@ to beat the American record"
The British Association, through its geo
graphical section, deprecatcs the immediate
acccp ance of this challenge Instead of favor
ing a renewal of Arctic operations by
English expeditions, it has thrown the
weight of its influence on the side
of An arctic exploration. AT Aberdeen year
ago and recently at Birmingham, it has sough
to divert the attention Of explorers from the
North TO the South Pole. An influential com
mittec has been formed for the purpose of en-
couragng Antarctic research and defining the
scientific objects to he accomplished III the
Southern frozen ocean. Sir Erasmus Ommar-
ney, the gallant British Admiral, who as chair
man Of the geographical section welcomed
Lieutenant Greedy TO the Montreal meeting,
is one of the leaders of this movement and Is
eXerting his influence strongly in favor Of the
abandonment of the Arctic field. lie argues
that since the physical conditions asS0cla,cd
with the two frigid zones are al variance ~
several mysterious aspects, great additions to
the stock of human knowledge can lie made by
English explorers following in the track of
Sir James Ross and the Challenger expedition
No Ship he points out, has ever wlnered
within the Antarctic circle. Ii an expedition
were TO approach the South Pole with the aid
Of steam propulsion, it would not only make
marked advance upon Sir James Ross furthest,
tut it would also secure important scientific
observations and furnish the means for COM
pairing physical phenomena presenting them
selves in opposite polar regions.
This movement in favor OF Antarctic en-
ploration is advocated by two cx-preSdcnts OF
the ROYAL Geographical Society as well as 10y
the leaders in the geographical section OF The
British Association. AT the Birmingham meet
ing cause was shown by two eminent scientific
authorities for repeating Sir James Ross sur
vey in terrestrial magnetism and for extending
to higher attitudes the valuable series of Chal-
lenger observations in oceanic physical
geography 1t may not be difficult for The
scientific world to define the objects to be
gained by such all expedition and to set forth
various positive advantages that will warrant the
expense TO he incurred. But in the absence of
the honorable feeling of international rivalry
which has distinguished Arctic research and ad
venture. il will be laborious undertaking TO
interest the English public in the problems of
Antarctic navigation. There is no challenge
in that quarter TO national pride Those grim
sentinels. Erebus and Terror. were last seen
by English eyes. and national prestige does not
require thai the long pause in Antarctic ex-