Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1895-09-29
Palar Exploration.

The New York Tribune Is not one or
the papers that Join In the cry tnat
Arctic expeditions are empty iooinaru'-
ness" The Tribune contends that 'he
adverse criticisms OF such expeditions
which have followed the news or 'he
return OF Peary, are not Wen au''Se"'
II points out that while some treasure
aud some lives have been lost IN poiar
explorations. this feature OF the case mas
been very much exaggerated. our Nc"
York contemporary then, In support Vi
IT'S contention. cites the fact that the vast
majority of Arctic explorers have re-
turned home safe and gound, ana quotes
Mr.. Clements r. Markham, eminent Su-
thority, as saying that in these oass'
with eur knowledge of the Polar resioh''
and the mechanical equipments al o"'
command. there IS no need for any eN
ceptional danger or loss Of life, or even
for any unusual discomfort, In poiar
expedition.
We heard Mr.. Markham make th's
Identical statement almost NJ ptN"'e
gathering in this city several years ago
Mr. Markham has not only had personal
experience IN the Arctic regions, but mas
perhaps. studied more closely than any
other man now living the history ana
experiences Of polar exploration gene
rally Furthermore. he has carefully ana
,n,o,IlrentIy considered the practical re-
suits already accrued and that may ac-
cr,e from such exploration, and expresses
II as his deliberate judgment that the
amour. of intensely useful Information
n he gained in the Po'ar regions Will
repay almost any sacrifice.
The truth IS that the horrors or the
Jeanette and the Greedy expeditions con-
stltute the stock stimulus OF most OF the
adverse criticism of polar exploration
But the first-named venture was on an
extra hazardous plan, and the disaster
that overlook the Greedy expedition was
due TO laundering at Washington. Ihose
who invelCh so strenuously against polar
exploration. and detail 50 wildly the sur
torings Of the De Long and the Greeiy
parties. make no reference to the iac'
that the two years station duties oil the
Greedy expedition and the retreat TO cape
Sabine were accomplished without JOSS
or life or serious accident OF any Klhu'
They take no account OF the value OF lhe
scientific observations made by the chdlii
Of circumpolar stations in "hlC" NV
station Of the Grsly party was hiiA'
nor do they pass to the credit OF poiai
research what previous and subsequent
EXPEDITIONS have contributed TO the SUN
Of human information.
Did further knowledge OF the geos'ap"S
and the fauna and fora OF the po'ai
o,eos constitute all that IS to be Saiheu
by prosecuting polar expeditions the OPP
ronents Of them would stand upon some
thing like tenable ground. Doubtless we
know everything. or next to every 'iii"s'
NJ real practical use regarding the tnfee
s,,,iocts mentioned. AS much, however
as we have learned through poar eAP'o
ration respecting oceanic and atmosphere
o,,rrsrte magnetic conditions. and the
o,o,oro, science OF meteorology, we are
vet only on the edge Of their vast ana III
terestlng domain. The scientific "oria
recognizes. and experience has proven
that the way to a complete conquest VI
,h,s ,mportant field OF Information lies
o,or the deserts Of ice. and intrepid men,
,nspired by love OF adventure interest ~
ecierce. thirst for knowledge. and Il oei'ei
that the result OF their quests VIII
t.
dound TO the benefit Of humanity. WIZ
continue TO travel that way uh'h '"'
,,ictorv shall have been won.