New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-11-17
THE BEAR TO HURRY NORTH.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR RELIEF OF THE
WHALERS APPROVED BY THE
CARINET

wo,birgton Nov 1.-THE Cabine. held n brief
session to-day The time was occupied principally
in discussing the orders 10 the revenue cutter Bear
which were prepared at the Treasury Department.
The instructions approved and the Bear VIII
sail as soon as she can be made ready. Captain
Shoemaker Chief Of the Revenue Cutter Service.
under the direction OF the Secretary OF the Treas
ury has prepared letter Of instructions TO captain
futile who is be in command OF the Bear on
her cruise north for the relief OF the eight whaling
vessels cebound in the Arctic Ocean. Owing to tho
fact that at this season of the year the route 10
the Arctic through Behring Sea is closed by Ice.
Captain futile is directed to establish communlca-
ton with the whaling feet by means OF an over
land expedition With this purpose in view. he Is
ordered proceed with his vessel on or about
November % 10 Cape Nome thence II the Ice per-
mits, north between ST. Lawrence Island and the
coast OF Alaska, TO the north shore OF Norton
Sound. between Cape Nome and Cape Prince OF
Wales where a landing will be effected II possible.
From the point of landing will begin the overland
expedition north The people in cnaTg9 Of the Coy "
communicated with, in order to collect the entire
" r Lopp at Cape Prince OF Wales. is 10 take
charge of this herd and make all necessary ,, G r.
ana the P%ry from The pear gi
point reached officer and the necessary drivers
vii push on ahead aPng the hr coast as to Sape GBe
point the expedition probably Will get news OF the
If ii should be learned that the fleet Is icebound
and its people in distress, the white people are TO
be Informed that they Will be expected TO take care
Of such mon az will be sent down later. The eXpe-
dtion Is then push on. following the coast.
On arrival AT PORT Barrow, II the situation is
found be desperate is anticipated the officers
will take charge IN the name OF the Government
and organize the community for mutual support
and good order, apportion the provisions on hand
and slaughter many reindeer are necessary
for food until August. 1898 when Captain futile
may be expected to arrive with the Bear Such
reindeer left will be turned over TO the Pres
byterian Mission at Point Barrow. All the rescued
whalers should be at Point Hope by July J. where
they be reached and succored month earlier
than at Point Barrow. No opportunity for hunt.
ing. sealing whaling. whereby tho food supply
may be added TO. Is to be neglected. In case cap
tain futile finds II impossible to effect landing on
the north shore OF Norton Sound. he Is instructed
TO adopt the feas BILE Of five other plans which
outlined, always bearing In mind that food must
be supplied TO the 265 starving men at the earliest
possible moment. He has full authority and tho
LARGEST possible latitude 10 act In every exigency
that may arise. After landing the overland expedi-
ton the Bear Will seek any harbor that may be
deemed proper TO await results and the opening OF
navigation In the spring
IT. closing his instructions to Captain futile, Sec
rotary Gage says: Mindful Of the arduous and
perous expedition upon which you are about 10
enter bid you, your officers and men Godspecd
errand OF mercy, and wish you
cesSful voyage and safe return"