The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1904-08-06
STILL TALKING.
Explorer Baldwin Continues to Dis
cuSs Polar Affairs.

cuSS ROlar Affairs.
Kansas City, Aug. 6.-Evelyn Bald
| win. the Arctic explorer who has
passed several years in an attempt to
reach the north pole, and who com
manded the Baldwin-Zicgler eXpedi-
ton OF 1901-O2. was in Kansas City
yesterday on his way to Excelsior
Springs from his home in Edna, Kas.
1t will be recalled that Mr.. Baldwin
was turned down by William Ziegler,
the multi l-millionaire head of the bak-
ing powder trust, after returning from
an expedition, which Ziegler financed,
IN 1902. He esta blished supply bases
in Franz Josef Land preparatory to re-
the pole, but on his arrival in New
York in October, 1902, Mr.. ZiegIer
took the matter out of his hands and
made Anthony Fiala, of Brooklyn,
commander of the ship America on
the second expedition.
Commenting on the Associated Press
dispatch from New York under date
OF August 4, on the failure of the re-
OF w. S. Champ, Mr.. Zieglers private
secretary, to effect a junction with the
explorers, Mr.. Baldwin said:
The cablegram from Vardoe, Nor
way, wherein Mr.. Champ says he is
unable to force passage from Franz
JOSEF Land, ETC., is evidently an error
in that it should read to- Franz Josef
Land, for 1 do not believe he has yet
IedCneQ LIldC point. MT. CHAMP also
says he is obliged to return for coal.
In 1901-02 L spent a year in this field
before being obliged to return. This
now makes, Champs second failure to.
reach Franz Josef Land, he having
been unsuccessful in 1902.
Where would L have BEEN" said
Mr.. Baldwin, with much emphasis
had not returned when 1 did? The
Am erica would have been crushed and
at the bottom of the sea. The inter-
T11 n
effect that the Arctic winter season
has been unusually severe, is undoubt-
eddy wrong, for in 1902 he failed to
accomplish his purpose, while 1 sue
ceeded in reaching Franz Josef Land,
and spent some time there. His plan,
as has been stated, was to establish
permanent bases of supplies. The fact
of the matter is, these had already
been established by the Baldwin-Zieg-
Ter expedition.
I'm the spring of 1902 I established
a supply station, consisting of seven
teen and a half tons of condensed pro-
visions. as a most northerly- base,
while to the southwark of this there
are three other very large stations,
including three houses. The establish
ment of these required the resources
of the expedition from January 81 to
May 81, or until the sea ice became
so disintegrated that sledging could
not be carried on Late in June of
that year our coal supply had become !
reduced to such an extent that we be-
came uneasy as to the safety of the
ship.
Notwithstanding this, I held the
America at headquarters three weeks |
beyond the time when various mem |
bers of the party thought it prudent. !
But this L was compelled to do in JUS !
tice to Ziegler, as [ had recommend |
ed that a supply steamer be sent up |
with a new cargo of coal for the en- |
suing year.
Certain members of the crew knew,
however. that after all the supply
steamer might not be able to reach |
Franz Josef land, therefore 1 decided
to make an effort to return to Norway
while L had safe supply of coal for
with the ice, finally arriving at Nor
way on August L. Meanwhile Mr..
Champ had been dispatched with
supply steamer, but failed utterly.
1T will be recalled continued Mr..
Baldwin, that for some time after my
return 1 held the America in anticipa-
ton of going to Norway after Champ,
having concern as to the safety. For
this reason was unable to make full
and sufficient reports regarding our
work and success of the expedition; an
nounce future movements ana TO Settle
affairs with certain members of the
crew, as Champ had possession of all
letters and papers by which l would
have been guided. The censure ana
criticism of myself by some of the east
ern press was prompted by cablegr1rls
the facts.
Returning to the subject" said Mr..
in addition to the supply
bases on Franz Josef Land, establish
I'd on the northeast coast of Greenland
.hree other stations, it being my 1nten-
ion to return that way, utilizing the
southern drift of ice. Would not these
afford an inspiration for men to proceed
lorthward to. the limit of endurance,
knowing means had been provided for
heir safety?
I'm a recent article. Lieutenant Per-
v predicts that the Ziegler party will
ret no farther north than Nansen- Is
his not a reasonable excuse for my
,Ian of esta blishing firm foundation
,efore making a dash? If the Ziegler {
party, from all accounts, has been liv-
ng on the results of my work-and,
w the way part of the supplies iii
hose stations belonged to me quite as .
much as to Zfegler-and has been un- !
tbIe to reach the pole with all this
has he or anyone else :
my Just cause for criticising my efforts
n 1902 ,
MY contract with Ziegler has never p.
,een Cancelled. 1 was not working for
salary, and I maintain that expedi- .
ion without regard to my rights, is
yrong, and those participating are
wrong doors, but l do not attach ]