Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1904-04-06
THAT NORTHEAST PASSAGE.
Nordenskjold's Route to Be Followed by
the Russian Fleet.

A project of unusual boldnesS, but
which it would not be impossible to real
we, has been under discussion for some
time in military circles. 1t is the propO-
sltion to send the Russian fleet from the
Baltic sea to the Sea of Japan, not by
the usual route through the SueZ canal
(which would be long voyage during
which the neutrality laws would make
coaling impossible), but around the north
coasts of Europe and Asia-tle course
followed in 1S7S-79 by Nordenskj old.
The plan is attributed to Admiral
Makarotf, who, according to the reports,
was in consultation in relation to the
matter with the general staff of the
navy before his departure from St.
Petersburg. 1t was natural that such an
idea should arise lin the mind of this
distinguished seaman who. in time past,
published study of the methods of
utilizing the Kara sea for commercial
purposes. during the period when it is
free from ice. In this work, he based
his calculations upon the performances
of the celebrated explorer referred 10,
Nordenskiold
Let us see what Nordenskjold did. On
July 4, 1873, he left Gothenburg, on the
Cattegat, OH board the steamer Vega
and, traversing the North sea, proceed
ply of provisions There his real ex
petition commenced. On August ] he
arrived in the Kara sea, which he
crossed IN four days. On August -. the
most northern cape OF Asia, Cape
Cheliouskin. was rounded for the first
time. On the 18th, the explorer passed
the mouths of the Lena. He continued
his voyage toward the northeast and,
on September n, reached Kaluchin bay,
near Behring strait. BY this time the
season was we'll advanced, and the next
day he was frozen in. The Information
lasted 264 days. 1t was not until July IS,
1879, that the Vega could resume its
voyage. From that time onward the ex-
petition encountered no more obstacles,
Behring strait being traversed without
difficulty. After touching st. Lawrence
gulf (Asiatic COAST the vessel reached
Clarence point (American COAST, visited
Rehrlng island, which it left on August
10, and disembarked its crew at Yoke
hama on September 2 without losing
man.
1t was thus shown that it was possible
to use the passage between the North
sea and the Pacific ocean. Questioned
upon this point Nordenskiold declared:
"a That it ought to be possible to sail
along the northern coast of Siberia in Il,
few weeks with Il well built and well di-
rected steamer; (2) that the Kara sea
route offered no difficulties; % that no
obstacle was presented by Cape Chez
iouskin; (4 that the difficulties Of the
coast of Nova Zembla and in the strait
tc the south of Wrangel Land.
Taking the itinerary of Nordenskj old
as their base Of calculation, the officers
CT sthe navy figure out that the Russian
Baltic fleet could go from Libau to
Vladivostok, about $3.50 miles. III forty
days. By starting on June 20 it would
arrive on July 80.
The members of the Russian general
staff are thinking seriously of this north
east passage Ice-breakers of the Yer
mack type will start for the White sea-
as soon as the cold season is ended, for
the purpose of testing whether the ex-
petition Will be possible or not. If the
northeastern passage cannot be utilized.
the Russian fleet will go to the theater
Of the war by way of Suez.
One thing is certain: the Baltic fleet
will start 1t will consist Of nine battle
ships, a considerable number of cruisers
and torpedo boats, which will counter
balance the Japanese fleet, and will have
the advantage over it OF not being over
worked. All the vessels not at Libau
and at Cronstadt have received orders
TO commence their preparations, and the
work is going on night and day.-Paris
Correspondence of the Courier des
E,tafS-ITuiS