The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1894-09-30
THE ARCTIC

Scandals. quarrels, ordinations and re-
ordinations have so often proved to be
the aftermath Of Arctic expeditions that
they are now expected by the public as a
matter of course, and excite a weary dis
gust rather than surprise. The Peary ex-
petition is in line with others of recent
years in having this disagreeable ending.
II was predicted before the sailing of the
exploring party that the presence of Mrs.
Peary would prove a disturbing element,
That is, the returned explorers make her
their scapegoat by charging all the friction
and disagreeable occurrences of the north
ern journey TO her account. She. on the
assertions, and there is so great a diverg-
ence of statement that only a formal in
vestigation can determine the truth. The
public. however, it is safe to say. does
not greatly care which side is in the
right. having grown tired of such wrangles
and knowing that they are likely to be
repeated as often as seekers for the pole
go and return.
If Arctic explorers are deprived of one
cause of dissatisfaction they will find an
other. In the case in question. if Mrs.
Peary had not been there to serve as a
source of contention. there is every reason
to believe that the party would have come
home with a grievance just the same.
There is really no mystery about this
invariable development of the grumbling.
rebelllous and disputatious tendency among
those who take part in such enterprises.
The explanation is simple. 1t is merely
the result of the long continued and close
confinement OF human beings in narrow
quarters where there is nothing to distract
attention from the immediate surroundings
and from personal comfort, or the want of
it. The men of the party probably showed
no lack of amiability and unselhshness
under the ordinary conditions of civilized
life, but when brought into enforced COM
] panionship friction and irritation followed.
The influence of one personality on an
ONhNA NAcS Afohe' 1890 NhhNoAh
stances, be soothing and agreeable, is
capable of becoming rasping to a high de-
gree during long and close association
while nerves are on a strain and life is
monotonous. This effect of one nature on
another is felt where but two or three are
concerned. and must be greatly intensified
where a larger number are thrown to-
gether without means of escape from each
such mental phenomena is mat the victims
seldom realize the true source of their woe.
They do not understand that they are suf-
fering from a depressed vitality and over
wrought nerves growing out of intimate
companionship with their acknowledging.
They perhaps do not even comprehend that
they are unusually irascible and fault-find-
ing The Peary party was probably com
posed of men ready and willing to adapt
Themselves to any conditions that seemed
necessary. Doubtless they had many real
causes of annoyance, but it is reasonable
to think that after having lived in their
little ship for months and with little to
do but to consider the petty affairs of their
daily life. they unconsciously magnifed
actual wrongs and imagined the existence
of others. The effect of one human being
ON the mentality of another-the danger of
crossing the threads of personal magnet
ism'-ShOuld be taken into account in pre-
pairing for Arctic expeditions.