The San Francisco call., 1897-11-09
THE MERCHANTS URGE
Mckinley TO ACT

The Chambe OIL Comm cree yesterday
wired President Mckinley. urging that
immediate effort be made 10 rescue the
American seamen now in Imprisoned by the
ce in the Arctic. The message tele-
grarhed to the President was repeated in
the following letter sent by mail:
To the President, Washington, d. c.: The
Cham b-r OF Commerce Of san Francisco TO-
day sent you telegram as follows:
SAN FRANCISCO Nov g. lS97.
The President Executive MaaSion, Washington
D c IN the name of humanity and patriol SIN
III Chamber OF Commerce Of Fan Francisco re-
spectfully urges upon you the prompt dispatch OF
revenue steamer hear 10 the Arctic undef com
mand of Captain liealey with discretionary or
ders fu ~ futed and proVislOnrd 10 rescue over
200 American seamen imurisoned by ice ntaE
Point Barrow, AMI with authority TO use II neces-
sary. reindeer at toyernment stations 10 facilitate
land transportation. HUGH RAIG, President.
We beg respectfully to explain that we have
suggested the vessel and the commando er for
this hazardous service, for the reason that
both are Immediately available and specially
qualified for the service.
Captain NJ. a. Heaiey's previous services to
our whaling fleet in the Arctic while COM
mandlng the Bear are well known to the de-
partment His years OF experience in Arctic
navigation and his indomitable courage and
energy specially qualify him for this service
aud promise a successful result If attainable
by human effort. Eight American vessels and
about 30 seamen appeal TO our Government
for aid. Their rescue Will add an honorable
page to American history, Will encourage
patriotism and love for the American flag,
at the same time honoring the exalted posi-
tion to which you have been called by our
countrymen.
With assurances of our high esteem. we sub
scribe ourselves, your ohedient servants,
HUGH CRAIG, President.
WILLIAM L. MERRY. Secretary.
Captain Merry, in speaking of the
recommendation that Captain Healey
lead the relief expedition, remarked: at
may seem a little presumptEous on our
part 10 recommend an officer whose term
of suspension for one year has not yet ex-
pirei, but as 1t Will sooa expire and as
Captain Healey has had vast and success
ful experience in ice navigation, we
deemed 1t best to suggest him.
"The ordinary navigator, who is not
familiar with the lceieids OF the Arctic
Ocean, would become alarmed at the
prospect of contendlag with the obstacles
of navigation. Ca plain Healey knows the
dangers and how best TO avoid them. We
talked with Senator Perkins and many
captains who have seen service
in the Arctic, ard their judgment
agreed with ours that Captain Healey
was the best man available. He Is
resolute, courageous and able. He
would succeed where others might fail.
He would be particularly anxious to
achieve success in order 10 relnState him
self in the service. He figures that re
could reach st. Micnael without de-
Law, and, if conditions were favorable,
might get as far north as Port Clarence in
Decem Der. From shat point he could
send forward courIers to meet the seamen
" no may be coming southwark from Point
Barrow and stopping at the Indian camps
along the coast. The reindeer at the Gov
eminent stations could be used to send
forward supplies 10 met the destitute
men coming southward. The Bear, now
at Seattle, was recommended because the
steamer can be made ready for the voyage
within week. We understand that the
Bear is now better fitted for the cruise
than any ship in the navy. Coal
and supplies can be- put aboard at once
ard the ship be ready for sailing on short
time"