New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1895-08-11
PART II.
PAGES 10 TO 20.
MEN OF ACTION.
SOME OF THE CONSPICUOUS FIGURES OF
THE INTERNATIONAL GEOGRAPH-
ICAL CONGRESS-
London. August 2.

London. August 2.
The international Geographical Congress-
rhich has virtually closed its sessions at the I'm
,srial Institute. has brought together not only
many distinguished scientists and photographers
hut also some of the most famous travellers and
men OF action. The papers which have been read
are pronounced by experts to be OF exceptional
value and interest. especially those on tropical
Africa and the Antarctic continent. Possibly the
sxnerts exaggerate the Importance Of the poem-
,cs ~ the Congress The rivalries Of European
Powers for dominion in Africa have
rusha6 during the last two decades marvels of
exnloration and colonization. which were outside
the domain Of scientific geography and practical
bvsiene as outlined by Count Joachim Pfeil and
Mr. Stanley. The Congress. however has had
distinctive value entirely apart from the scen-
,,sc discussions. 1t has produced group OF
travellers and explorers who belong to the high
est type OF men of action. and whose careers
have been inspired by the old-time spirit of ad
venture II is one thing to read between blue
covers the s,enographic reports of learned dis
russjons on the least known sections Of the globe
habtabe or uninhabitable. 1t is another and
vsrv different thing to meet face to face men
who have taken their lives in their hands and
made tremendous sacrifices for the sake Of en-
Iarging the common stock Of human knowledge.
YOUNG swEDE's BOLD SUGGESTION.
One OF the most interesting scenes of the Con-
sress was witnessed when young Swedish
seographer. giant in stature. proposed the most
daring scheme of adventure ever unfolded.
Among the auditors were many famous men. a
xeteran Of Arctic exploration. Admiral A. H.
Markham was in the chair. Sir Joseph Hooker
Who sailed the seas with Sir James Ross half a
hi int oil a
face shining with youthful ardor for science.
General Greedy, under whose direction the clos
est approach yet made to the North Pole was or
dered from Lady Franklin Bay. was an inter
ssted observer of the Swedes self-confidence.
m John Murray. one Of the leaders of the Chal-
lenger expedition. listened intently to the new
proiect for balloon voyage to the North Pole.
6 A Andree. the enthusiast from Stockholm.
ought perhaps to have been disconnected by the
n-esence Of so many veterans. But he showed
no trace Of embarrassment
Andree revealed his plans IN quiet. natural
yav He had decided that the North Pole could
he reached by balloon, and had persuaded two
companions to go with him. They were to start
for Spitzbergen in June and some fine day IN
July when the wind right they would MI
their balloon and steer II directly to the Pole. 1t
would not be a long journey-not over seven
hundred miles. The balloon would probably
travel 200 miles day in a light breeze; ana
with fair wind IT might make 300 miles Ihen
they would only have TO walt at their destina-
ZION for favorable conditions Of weather in order
10 reach the outer rim. of Asia or America
IN q few DAYS From Spitzbergen to North
ern Asia in week. with the North Pole as
a halfway station! That was daring concep-
ton 1t fairly took away the breath OF the Arctic
and Antartic veterans who were present But
Andree did not seem 10 regard II as Journey 10
be dreaded He spoke of 1t nonchalantly as
though It was hardly more serious than trip
across the channel
ANDREES PLAN IN DETAIL.
Ardrsa described in detail the dimensions of
his airship; the weight which it would carry in
ballast. scientific instruments and four months
provisions for three men: the arrangements for
filling il In Sptzbergen so that it would be kept
in the air for thirty days and the devices which
he had contrived for steering 1t by means OF
rujde-ropes and an adjustable sail. His race
lighted I'D with a fine glow as he enlarged upon
the Arctic basin as the best region in the world
for balloon voyaging. In July there would be no
night; they could sit in the car and photograph
the scenery at aiy hour; there would be nc
danger from thunderstorms; the temperature al
q moderate elevation of $50 feet would be equaoie
and pleasant and the guide ropes wouia gnue
easily over the frozen seas. AS the enthusiast
went on in his light-hearted way. the Arctic basin
was opened TO the audience as the finest pleasure
ground in the world for those VINO loVed au'
venture The wind to be sure, might be trouoie
some He would only be able 10 steer his balloon
toward the Pole with a wind blowing directly
from southwest or northwest; and he might have
added that he would not have the penent II
Spitzbergen OF General Greely's weather predlc
tons for three days But the prevailing winds
would be in his favor, both in going and re-
turning
II was curious &c watch the faces OF the vet
Grams while the Swede was explaining MS plans
Their sober judgment condemned the scheme a.
visionary and foolhardy; but they could not arm
themselves completely against the RESERVATIONS
OF youthful enthusiasm. When Andree mad I'M
ished his paper objections arose from every side
Admiral Markham shook his head graVeiy ano
warned him that the airship could not De steere'
and would be at the mercy OF the WINDS Ueii
eral Greedy predicted that the waste OF gas iroi'
the balloon would be greater than the explorer
anticipated and that contrary wlnds "ouiu pre-
vent return, even If close approach couiu u
made to the pole. Silva White condemned 'h'
project as being little short OF d Hau0aP au'e
ture and declared that scientific oooy IKE 'n'
Geographical Congress ought not 10 encourage
So rash an undertaking. With all THESE expires
sions of lack of faith in the scheme 'here "a
unconcealed admiration for the pluck ana spi !
o. The man who had dared TO propose IL anu wiz
Was bent upon carrying 1t into execution. VI"
strong voice was raised in his favor ooio"e
c NJ Watson. who has had not little e@per'
ence in operating balloons for military purposes
EXPRESSED a belief that Andrees airship "ou'
hold gas for three weeks and that the eonui'i0,'
would be favorable for mapping and photograph
ing the fce-bound realms Of the mystic hi"e
the North
STIRRED TO ENTHUSIASM.