The sun., 1894-02-16
Nansen's Ice Drift.

The NANsEN expedition is now supposed
to have spent several months Of Arctic
darkness, drifting in the ice OF the Siberian
Sea. It Is likely that early next summer
we shall have tidings from along the coast
experiences OF the party.
DIR. NANsEN hoped before the winter night
came on. to reach the neighborhood Of tho
New Siberian Islands, nearly two-thirds OF
the way across the Arctic sea. north OF
Asia. He hoped to find here the northward-
setting current. upon which he Is depending
to carry him across the polar area. II is
not at all certain. however. that he was able
to attain this far eastward point. He would
have to go far enough north to round Cape
Chelyuskin, the most northern point of
Asia. 1t Is not at all certain that he was
able to pass this Arctic promontory. for Capt.
W1GGINs. In his journey across the Kara
Sea to the Yenissei River last summer,
found the drift Ice very close in shore. many
miles south OF Cape Chelyuskin. IL along
the moro northern coast, NASsEN found this
drift ice hugging the shore line. he may
have found 1t impossible to push further
east unless he met lead through the Ice
that he could follow in that direction.
1t seems certain that the expedition either
succeeded In rounding Cape Chclyuskln. or
else pushed into the northern leo. west OF
the cape. Capt. WIGGINs says that II
DR.. NASsEN had been compelled to retreat
for the winter to Dickson Haven. or to some
other point on the coast west OF Chelyus-
kin. We should have heard OF him before
this time, from the numerous natives who
ho, 81,
with Russian settlements.
For several years tho Russian Govern
ment and certain scientific societies have
maintained stations on the New Siberian
Islands. at the mouth OF the Lena River.
and at various other points along the coast.
for making observations. Much OF this long
coast region is now better known and better
mapped than 1t was ut the time OF the
lamentable disaster that cost the lives OF
Capt. DE LONG and his comrades. The
chances are somewhat more favorable now
for the rescue Of q party cast away on the
north Siberian coast. II the Fran is
crushed In the ice and NANsEN Is compelled
to retreat to the Siberian coast. there is lit
tie doubt that the party will regain the
civilized world in safety All the natives
along the coast. west OF the Lena River.
know OF the expedition. and have been in
formed that they will be handsomely re-
warded II they improve any opportunity to
assist the party.
In the opinion Of Capt. WIGGINs we shall
hear from NASsEN before tine winter Is over.
II he got past Chelyuskin and called at the
mouth OF the Olenek River for the dogs that
were awaiting him there. He says the mes
senger who was waiting with tho dogs
would be certain to carry letters from NAN
SEN to Irkutsk or Ycnisseisk.
Most Of the authoritative writer's on Arc
tic topics in Europe seem to have consider
able confidence in Dr. NANsESs bold
project. He may. after all. come home
with discoveries worth the danger lie Is
courting. All the friends of the expedition
will be glad to know. amid all the uncer-
tainties OF the enterprise. that assistance
will bo at hand II the party is compelled to
retreat by way OF the Asiatic coast.