The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1897-06-20

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EXPEDITIONS INTO THE UNKNOWN.
Some Of the eastern papers have
changed their tone with regard 10 polar
expeditions. and are sneering at Lieut.
Peary's determination 10 make one more
attempt So far from deserving cs,n-
dernnation for doing that for which others
have been praised. he IS entitled 20
especial cornrle nGatio II TX IS folly to
attempt to reach the north pole II ls \
folly OF which many have been guilty. for
which many have persisted. and many
have borne intense suffering without be-
Ing discouraged If indeed as much judg-
Esnt had been shown In preparation for
the voyages as there was courage in their
prosecution. the record might have been
less melancholy. Lieut.. Peary is profit
ing by previous experience, and his plans
seem most admirably adapted to insur-
ing success. He has learned from his
previous trip how to make provision for
a quick and continuous journey.
II Peary were the only one contemplate
ing an Arctic expedition he might de-
serve the ridicule, on the theory. perhaps.
that the undertaking was so foolish that
nobody else would attempt it. This is
far from being the case. Nansen is also
laying very excellent plans for an excur-
sion into the most dangerous and ye:
most fascinating areas OF unexplored
country left for daring. The result may
be absolutely with scientific advantage.
Under the most favorable circumstances
1t can hardly result In any material bere-
fit to the human race: but there is the
fascination of mystery about il, and
whether II shall be profitable or not,
hazardous or not, human curiosity will
never rest until man has stood upon the
spot or cast his eyes upon the place
where the north pole should be. 1t is only
speculation TO consider the proposed ex-
petition of Prof Andree, the wede. who
purposes to start on his aerial journey
towards the end OF this month. II he
merely skins over the area OF the ex-
treme inner circle of latitude the sen.i-
Ment would be extracted from polar ex-
ploration. and il viii be probably many
years before closer inspection is sought.
The nav.gators. however, do not in
tend depending on Prot. Andree. Beside
hansen and Peary, an attempt will be
made by Capt Jackson, the intrepid Eng
Iishman, TO whom belongs the honor OF
priority in the Arctic this year. and who
was encountered by DR.. Nansen under
such extraordinary circumstances. The
importance OF his researches can hardly
be estimated if it shall prove true, as he
supposes, that the body of water he dis
covered. and which he called Queen Vic
toria Sea. extends TO within three de-
grees OF the pole.
TIE Antarctic circle attracts few visit
ors, and there Is no scheme of exploration
provided for this year. There are some
minor Arctic expeditions planned. how
ever, of which the principal is one headed
by Russell Porter. of Boston. who intends
TO lead a party into Baffin Land. That is
yet almost an unknown country, but ii Is
so surrounded by Ice that Ii may be impos-
sible to learn more. There is no particu-
lar object in this journey. except to graft
~ fancy which Mr. Porter can well af-
ford. and he viii content himself with
hunting and fishing on Resolution Island
If he cannot land where he desires 10 go.
OF greatest commercial Importance in ex-
petitions planned for this year is that
already referred to in these columns.
whose purpose Is TO explore Hudson
straits, and ascertain the practicability OF
the Hudson Bay route 10 Europe. The
expedition sailed from Halifax early this
month. and its first object is TO be to
find out whether the straits are open long
enough To make IL practicable.
No expedition undertaken recently for
purely scientific purposes is likely TO
prove so important as that which is now
endeavoring to determine il the American
aborisines came from Asia. II is now max
ing an anthropological study along the
northern Pacific slope, and when it has
finished its lahors in British Columbia
it will go 10 Alaska. and then visit the
coast of Siberia.
The end OF the nineteenth century finds
the surface OF the earth fairly we'll known.
Enough is known OF the remotest parts TO
deprive Us Of any excuse for the romantic
stories and marvellous possibilities OF
earlier times bat # win be seen that there
Is something vet left for the curious and
the venturesonle