The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-12-02
YOUNG CHANLER.
His Life Story is Of But Few
Years,
Yet Bristles With Events - A
Versatile Young Man.
GALLANT EXPLORER.
He Has Given Much to Science
and Geography.
As Successful a Politician as a
Brave Soldier.
GALLANT EXPLORER.

New York, Dec. 2.-William Astor
Chanler, the newly elected member of
congress from the Fourteenth district
of New York, is one of the most inter-
esting men of whom the recent elections
have brought conspicuous1y before the
people of the country.
Although Mr.. Chanler is only 81 years
of age he is already well known as an
explorer, as soldier and as a politi-
clan. His father was the late J. w.
Chanler, three times elected to congress
by the votes of the citizens of New
York John Jacob AstOr was his great
great-grandfather, and he therefore be-
longs to one of the most aristOcratic
and socially important families in
America.
Young Chanler graduated from Har-
ward in 1887, receiving from the univer-
sity the honored degree of A. NJ When
ne came or age he undertook hunting
trip to Africa, where he remained for
nearly year. In September, 1892, he
Joined CheValier Won HOhnel, a, Heuten-
ant in the Austrian navy, and together
they set out with their caravan from
Zanzibar to penetrate into the interior
of Africa. 1t was the intention of the
young explorers to reach Mount kenia,
near Daitcho, which lies a few miles
north of the equator in a region almost
unknown to white men. For a long
time no news Of the daring adventures
reached the outside world and when
rumors did come to the ears of the ira
ders along the coast they only con-
f1rmed the fears of Mr.. Chambers
that the expedition had stranded at
DaitchO. The Geographical society of
London confirmed the report. Grave
fears were entertained that Mr.. Chanler
would never reach the coast. But in
February of the following year, after
sustaining many hardships and being
deserted by many of his followers, the
exp Orer succeeded in reaching the coast
Much Valuable Information.
The expedition was not without re-
suits. Much valuable information was
added to the sum Of knowledge of the
interior of Africa. Mr.. Chanler had
discovered and mapped out a region,
hitherto unknown, equal in area to that
of Portugal.
Mr.. Chanler was made a fellow of the
Royal Geographical society of England
and a member of the Imperial and Roy
al institute of Vienna, as a recognition
of his services to science and geography.
Returning to America he wrote an ex-
ceedingly interesting account of his adj
ventures in a book which he entitled
Through Jungle and Desert
This was no small achievement for a
young man just out of college, but Mr.
ChanIer did, not rest on his laIrels About
two years ago he joined Tammany Hall
which had characterized his movements
upon Africa and with about parallel re-
suits. His friends and his family now be-
Iieved him lost indeed, but he soon emery
the shape of offices and political prefer
ment. His family and his friends be-
came reconciled to this newest departure
of young. man who need never have dis
treSSed himself with anything more i'm
portant than the fit of his coat or the color
of his tie. Then the war with Spain be-
came the vital issue of the hour and Mr..
Chanler rose to the opportunity trout
to a well-baited hook. He was one of the
AS soon it seemed likely that the gov
eminent would issue a call for troops he
set about recruiting regiment of volun-
teerS, which he proposed to equip and
arm at his own expense.
A Good Soldier.
Nothing daunted when Governor Black
declined to accept his regiment, Mr.. Chan
Ter quilted New York with a few friends
and went to Tampa, intending to join the
staff of LaCret, the Cuban general. He
was delayed long enough TO receive COM
mission from the president, which con-
ferred upon him the duties of assistant adj
jutant general with the rank of captain.
He was assigned to General Whee!er's
staff
Captain Chanler served through the San
tlaSo campaign, being several times under
| fire and receiving mention for gallant con-
duct in action in General Wheeler's dis
patches to the war department.
He was honorablv DISCHARGED from the
! army on october 8. Mr.. Chanler is a
| goOd-loOlxing young man. with a resolute
| with an athletic build. In manner he is
| frank and straightforward He is thor
| Oughly in earnest, and, despite his wealth.
I has been in every sense the architect of
/ his own career He is modest and is not
| inclined to talk unless upon matters with
which he is thoroughly acquainted. 1t
| some time occupied the chair at Albany so
soon to be filled by Colonel Roosevelt, to
| whom, despite his Tammany affiliations,
he bears in character no slight reSem-
! blance.
BRYAN BEFORE STUDENTS.