Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-02-09

few months. Capt. Bartlett will probably
command the ship, just as he did on the
north polar expedition. 1t is thought that
Capt Mcmillan. George Borup and Matt
Henson will accompany the expedition.
1t is believed that the Roosevelt
can reach Coatsland, which is about 500
miles from the pole. some time In Decem-
ber and after establishing base there
about a year. The route to the pole would
be through an unexplored region, but
there are many familiar with antarctic
exploration who believe that available
passages can be found. The English ex-
petition has a base established within Ill
miles Of the south pole and the Ameri-
cans will start under handicap of about
700 miles. Against this are the tried
men and equipment of the American ex-
petition. and the chances of finding
favorable route, unobstructed by ice bar
rier.
Question of Commander.
The question of who will command the
American expedition has aroused consid-
cradle interest, although 1t has not yet
been discussed officially. The selection Of
leader for the expedition will probably
devolve upon Commander Peary, the
National Geographic Society and the
Peary Arctic Club. Commander Peary
will personally direct the preparations for
the expedition until it leaves New York,
but will not accompany it. There is some
talk Of selecting a naval officer to head
the party.
In the popular opinion the proposed
expedition has already assumed the
form of race for the south pole between
America and Great Britain. In the en-
thusiasm of the meeting, in New York
city last night Commander Peary also
gave voice to that sentiment, as he de-
clared that he would donate the $4,000
| toward the American expedition. which
would undertake friendly race with
ence stood up and cheered is regarded as
an indication of the favor with which
the public generally will look upon the
trip.
Lieut.. E. II. shackleton. R. n, of Great
Britain has the record for south
polar exploration. January 8. 1909 he
reached point within Ill miles of the
geographic pole, while one Of his parties
actually reached the south magnetic pole.
He has practically shown that the south
pole is located on a high plateau, about
10000 feet above the level of the sea-
From the region where the English ex-
petitions are striving to reach the pole.
they encounter a remarkable floating ice
barrier, about 500 miles long, which is
called one of the wonders of the world.
The Shackleton Expedition.
Lieut. Shackleton had about fifteen men
with him, as we'll as dogs. Siberian ponies.
motor cars and other equipment The mo-
tor cars proved of little value during the
years work, because of crevasses in the
ice, but the Siberian ponies showed re-
marka BILE endurance of cold and great
pulling power Campaigning for the south
pole is regarded in many respects as cas-
ier than for the north pole. The dash to
the north pole and back had to be made
in about sixty days in order to avoid
the breaking apart of the ice by the sum-
mer sun, but the south pole is on a great
plateau, that can be traversed during the
entire period of daylight. The explorer
has about 16O days for his dash to the
south pole and back
The gold medals awarded to Commander
Peary and Capt. Bartlett arrived at the
Hubbard Memorial building yesterday
and were shown to the members of the
board of managers during their meeting.
It was noted that the medal to Com
mander Peary contains the word dis
cover of the pole. At first this was
not inscribed on the medal, but after all
doubt in the matter was removed the in
scription was altered or completed.