Evening star., 1915-09-17
STEFANSSON> SAFE;
F|NDSANEWLAND
First Word Received From
Arctic Explorer Since
April, 1914.
is NOW ON BANKSLAND:
TO CONTINUE HIS WORK
Hope for Safety Of Party Had
Languished During Long
Period of Silence.

>-VllhIalmar StetanSson, the
arctic explorer, is safe on Banks
land. The schooner Ruby arrived
yesterday with dispatches from
him to the Canadian government
Discovered New Land
Stefansson, who was believed lost IN
the arctic. not only is alive and we'll
but has discovered new land in the
north. and accomplished practically
every purpose for which his hazardous
Journey was undertaken, according to
word brought here by the Ruby. which
came from Herschel Island.
Stefansson, with two companions
Storker Storkerson and Ole Anderson
Sci out from Martin Point. Alaska,
March %. 1914. over the frozen Polar
ocean to search for supposed new lands
In the Beaufort sea.
To Continue Explorations.
Capt S. F. Cottle, master of the Ruby,
says that Stefansson is now on Banks
Land. east of the Mack enzie, outfitting
for continuance of the explorations to
the westward to ascertain the full ex-
tent of the new land he has discovered
southwest of St Patricks Land Stef-
ansson discovered continuance of the
continental shelf several degrees west
of Banks Land, and even determined
Its southern limits, but was unable to
continue his explorations to the north
and west.
Stefansson told Capt. cottle that after
leaving the supporting party on the ice
north of Martin point he and his hardy
companions set their faces to the north,
but after continuing their journey
ninety days they decided to return to
land.
Again Went on Ice.
They turned back and landed on the
mainland at a point near which the
power boat Mary Sachs Of the Stefans-
three men outftted for another three
month trip. They again went upon
the ice, going north and west and dis
covering the continental shelf.
stefansson spent some time exploring
fis new find, but at length. owing to
ecarcity of provisions, was compelled
to set out on the return journey to
land. The men had been on the ice
for nearly seven months. The return
to shore was accomplished with great
difficulty. The men subsisted on the
most meager rations but kept moving
day after day. The dogs were almost
famished Finally the party arrived
at Banks Land, thoroughly worn out
For seven months they had been on
scan,y rations, travelling almost con-
tinuously.
Stefansson and his companions made
their way from Banks Land, which is
uninhabited. TO Bailey Island. which is
visited by whalers- Capt. Louis Lane,
cruising on his power schooner Polar
Bear. found Stefansson and his com
panions making their way along the
southwestern coast of Bailey Island.
They were in excellent health and
spirits and eager to reach the southern
wing OF the expedition. that they
might obtain supplies and continue
their explora tions.
Charters the Polar Bear.
Stefausson had expected to fall in
with the Polar Bear just he did. He
Immediately chartered the schooner
and with Capt. Lane proceeded north
ward at once in the hope OF making
further discoveries while the sea was
open and free of ice. The season was
too far advanced, however, and the ex-
plorers reluctantly steered for Hersche
Island. The Polar Bear was at Hersche el
Island when the power schooner Ruby
which had been trying for two years
to reach the island. arrived there from
Port Clarence with supplies for the
Hudson Bay Company.
Immediately upon arriving at Her.
schel Island Stefansson began prepara.
tons for continuance of his explora.
tions. He purchased the Polar Beal
bought also the power boat Gladiator
a small vessel engaged in trading along
the coast. After fully equipping thesl
| vessels Stefansson sailed with then
for Banks Land, where he probably i.
now.
OTTAWA. September 17.-Announce
ren, was made in government quar-
tiers today that VilhjaImar Stefansson
the arctic explorer. had been hear,
from and was safe. Stefansson had no
previously been heard from since April
1914. and II had generally been believe,
that he and several other companion
had been lost
Message From Explorer.
The message from Stefansson was t,
the naval department and was date,
from baillie Island. August 81, vi;
Nome. Alaska. September 1s, and state,
that he was to continue his northern
exploration. The message follows:
AS unavoidable delays threatened
and the running cost of charterin,
Polar Bear was high. I purchased he
and engaged her on terms similar I.
harluk. Engaged Hon. engineer o
schooner Ruby. to take place of Blu
o. Alaska. Engaged five extra helper
Tor southern parts who have ampl
cItft for one year and Polar Bear 70
two years. Plan continue northern ex
p'orations to hundred and forty-fiy
west and eighty-two north, IL north
erly course is secured"
Location of Baillie Islands.
Baillie Islands, from which the StefYa ms
eon message is dated. are east of tn
gulf of Mackenzie river, toward Bank
Land. and lie in latitude 80 north, long
itude 127 west
The coasts of Baillie Islands, whic]
are separated from Cape Bathurst b.
a narrow channel, are SO fat that tn
lew boats that have reached Their
have had to anchor nearly a mile iron
the beach. Capt. Pullen camped on tn
larger island in 1850, trying to ge
around Cape Bathurst, but he was un
able to do SO, on account of the ic
which was piled up on the islands an
1n the channel