Lewiston teller. [volume] (Lewiston, North Idaho) 1878-1900, 1891-11-12

cast coast of Wranglesland, possibly
extending to the pole itself, the ex-
perience of sailors being that when
compelled to abandon their ships in
those waters these invariably drifted
northward. thus indicating that the
prevailing currents flowed in north
crly direction.
The failure of other expeditions
which bad attempted to reach the pole
from the Atlantic on either side of
Greenland, and subsequently the loss
of the Jeanette, induced DR.. Nansen to
study the movements of the ice, as we'll
as the present known ocean currents,
SO as to proceed with instead of against
their flow. He also came to the con-
clusloD that where the ice has invari.
ably hindered an advance northward in
an ordinary ship, or crushed it to
pieces, by going with the stream in .
specially constructed ship, winch.
when pressure took place. would lift
and lie on the surface itself, the ice
should be the motive power which
should bear the ship and expedition
to the pole, past it, and finally dis
charge its burden into the Ea
Greenland Sea at about 80 degrees
north latitude. Thus instead of OPP
make use of them as q means of loco.
and ice currents he has been ably as
sisted by various men of science, nota-
bly, Profs. Mohn and Storm, of Christ
iania.
DIR. Nansen points out that the gulf
stream, the depths of the ocean and
the prevailing winds and atmospheric
pressures would tend to cause such q
current as he believes in, says Christ
iania correspondent of the London
Daily Graphic.
Reference to the vessel, its crew and
appointments may be made in DIR. Nan
sens own words: Shortly, my plan is
as follows: intend to build . vessel
as small and strong as possible, just
large enough to hold coal and pro-
visions for twelve men for five years.
vessel OF about 10 tons (gross) will
probably suffice. 1t shall have engines
powerful enough to give it a speed of
six knots, and. besides, be fully rugged
for sailing. The most important thing
about this vessel is that it will be
built on such principle as to
Withstand the pressure of the ice. It's
sides must be made SO sloping that
when the Ice packs it cannot get q
fast hold OF it. as was the case with the
Jeannette and other vessels which have
conveyed Arctic expeditions, out in
stead will raise 1T up No great
change of construction will be needed.
Notwithstanding the Jeannette's alb
surd lunpractical?l form, she with
two two years. .s pressure : W lGt about bout
q vessel and crew of ten
or, at the most, twelve strong
and picked men, together with an
equipment for five years, as good in
every respect as can be procured for
love or money, it is my opinion that
the enterprise is well assured. With
this vessel we shall advance through
behring Straits and westward along
the north coast of Siberia toward the
New Siberian Islands, as early in the
summer us the ice permits. =
Arrived Mt the New Siberian Islands.
time must be employed to the
pest advantage in Investigate
ing the nature of the currents and con
editions OF the ice, and thus await the
most favorable moment for advancing
10 the farthest in open water, which
Will pro badly occur in August, or the
beginning OF September. Il y
when the suitable time arrives we
shall! pillow our way into the ice north.
ward as Tar as we can. Then
we choose spot and moor the vessel
securely between suitable foes and
let the ice pack around it
as much as it plcases-the more the
better-the ship will be thereby lifted.
and remain lying there secure and
1ast. From this moment the
current will take charge of tn /. trans.
port. AS regards the duration of the
transit OF the vessel from this point.
Or. Nansen estimates it at two wears.
based on the time the Jeanette relics
TOOK to travel, and ON the ascertained
movement of the ice-some where a bout
Two and one-half knots day. In the
event OF the destruction Of
the vessel, DR.. Nansen has no fear Of
the results of taking to the boats. and
points out numerous instances IN
,.I under such circumstances, bu;
little risk was incurred. The ship's
complement will consist Of twelve men.
Al told, of whom three would be DUAL.