The Elbert County tribune., 1914-03-13


sion of bases upon which they could depend when
returning. Sir Ernest will push straight onward
from sea to sea- not reckoning at all on the pos
sibilty that an expedition may come little way
to meet him.
For several years Sir Ernest held the record of
approaching closer to the South pole than any
other man. He feels keenly the dimming of Brit
fsh fame by the exploits of Amundsen and Peary
With no more poles to conquer. he might well sit
down and weep like Alexander the Great But
instead he has set himself this unique feat
The news that Sir Ernest expects to come to
the United States before leaving for the south
seas has stirred great interest among Americans
over plans for the exploring expedition Sir
Ernest 10 very popular here where he has iectured
extensively. 1t is probable that wealthy Amer.
leans will add considerably to the funds of his ex
pedition.
He started on his last expedition 100000 In
debt. 1t took him two years after his return to
pay on this debt and 1t hard work. too This
time he has resolved not to run into debt again.
He has $260,000 guaranteed by a friend whose
name has not been made public This sum he will
make do If necessary, but he will be able to
carry on scientific work much more extensively
II he can obtain further OF 100000.
Sir Ernest has announced that he will experi-
ment with aeropane motors and propellers for
travel over the snow this winter his laboratories
to be In Canada or Siberia. He hopes to perfect
this novel substitute for the Eskimo dog which
he will also use and the hardy Shetland pony
Besides aeroplanes and parts OF aeropanes,
Shackleton will take advantage OF wireless the
movies. prepared foods, and many other of the
newest Inventions
He believes he will have the most perfectly
planned expedition that ever set out and as he
himself helped to equip many others expeditions
and has been member of several. he ought to
know.
Sir Ernest Shackleton is now in the prime of
iife splendid man physically and possessing an
inspiring presence. He Is born leader. He
makes all about him enthusiastic. especially when
the fire OF memories OF the frozen south moves
him. He is forty years old--pictures taken of
him on his antarctic trips before he has had
shave make bim appear sixty-five while In his
street clothes the Strand he appears virle
thirty.
To the layman It may be surprising to learn that
there 100000 square miles OF unknown terri
tory the continent OF Antarctica. This gives an
idea OF the possibilities of discovery open to Sir
Ernest. More than half his journey is said to be
laid along new route and. If things go right al
most all of 1t will traverse virgin fields It is no
overstatement TO call It the biggest polar journey
attempted.
Briefly stated, it will cross the dead continent
OF snow mountain ranges. volcanoes and frightful
storms from the side OF the Western hemisphere
TO the side of the Eastern hemisphere.
The main party will leave civilization at Buenos
Ayres and reach it again in Chrstchurch. or some
other New Zealand city
The start will be from Argentina in October OF
this year. and II good landing is made on the
shore of Weddell sea by the beginning of Novem-
ber. shore party Will proceed Immediately
across. In this the expedition should reach
Ross sea, on the other side, by March. 1915
But IL the shore party has hard luck 1t will
content itself with laying series OF caches and
will then return to the Weddel sea Shore start
Ing out again year later
The expedition will have two ships, The first
which carries shackleton to the Antarctic conti-
nent will do work In tracing the shore OF the con
tinent to the west. and will go back to South
AAfxr ~, -.
ing the next year to take up party which will
winter the shore of Weddel and carry out
scientific work In the so-called ''WeddeIl quad
rant" Long sledge journeys will be taken east
and west Of the base by this party
The second ship win approach the continent
from the other, Ross sea- side and take back
ehacketon. according to his plans. II shaokleton