The Washington times., 1910-02-25
Conditions Unfavorable.

unfaVOra5le conditions. ] know that all
efforts were made 10 fulfill our duty, and
II, like every leader of an expedition
who speaks sincerely, 7 admit that 7
would have liked to bring back more
for my country and for all those who
are interested. I declare that Il is en-
tirely proper for me 10 be satisfied, and
7 await with confidence the Judgment
Of the scientists who may busy them
selves with my work.
Leaving Punta Arenas on DeCem Der
ID. we soon arrived at Deception Island,
where the Sociedad Ballenera Magal-
lanes, VINO l viii never be able to thank
sufficiently, filled up our coal supply
and promised 10 90 the same the next
year. From there We went 10 Wandei
Island, passing by Port LOclIroy. After
leaving Wandel Island difficulties began.
We found ourselves In an uncomfortable
and even dangerous situation for sew
eral days.
Meet Accident.
An excursion for purposes OF observa-
ton nearly had a very bad ending for
three members Of the expedition and
necessitated for the POurquOt Pas navi-
eating in parts full OF reefs level with
the water and hidden by ice, ard the
ship grounded under very serious con-
ditions. We could float her only after
three days effort, having been obliged
to discharge her contents in great part.
There resulted very important damage
as low as the rabbett. It was with this
damage. irrepa rabIe otherwise than in a
drv dock, that we have accomplished
our Two campaigns of summer and
winter. This was, moreover, not the
only damage. for the boat must have
been badly shaken up during its navi-
cation.
Our trip was accomplished while max
& for q N hHHF No b
taIinC the continuous use NJ the pump.
The boat showed itself remarkably sea
worthy and solid. very well fitted for
The object for which IL had been con-
StTuCted.
Along Graham Land.
Our first campaign, in summer, was
carried out along Graham Land and We
tried to pcnetrate where the Franchise
had not been able to reach. II was
thus that we a-ain discovered the bay
pointed out by the American seaIer, Mr..
PendIeton, and discovered = deep ford
north of Adelaide Island.
From Adelaide island we we're in an
absolutely unknown land. Alexander
Land alone had been seen from a great
distance, defended by an Ice pack con-
Sidered as insuperable- Adelaide Island,
seven miles, really IS seventy miles long
and its shape is bizarre and interesting.
To the south of this island we discov-
cred a very large bay, and we made
fast to the ice pack near little island
where temporary observatories were set
up right on the ice.
Has No Shelter
This perm,tted US 10 complete the hy-
geographic chart Of the eastern side Of
Adelaide island Unfortunately this bay
offers no anchorage, no shelter for
boats which may happen to be there in
q most dangerous position. We were
obliged to be constantly under steam,
maneUverine ard defending ourselves
day and night against the ice. An ice
berg capsizing near us barely escaped
crushing US aud our boats. We fre-
Quently risl1ed being ground up by ice,
and we were powerleSs to defend our
selves against the icebeTgs pushed by
the wind and the sea. Chance alone
preserved us
At first, hindereI by ice, we were only
lcontinusd on Third Page9