Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1915-09-18
Schooner Ruby Brings News


from Herschel island yesterday with
DISPATCHES from StefanssOn to the
Canadian government in which he
omitS reference to the perilS of the
journeys on the ice and gives space
to the scientific results achieved. Stef-
ansson is wintering at Banks Land,
where he has a large power schooner
and a small one. He plans to explore
his new territory during the winter,
and next summer to penetrate farther
into the region of mystery between
Alaska and the north pole, where no
ship has ever gone.
Anderson Wings Work
The southern, or Anderson wing of
the expedition is pursuing its scientific
work in the Mackenzie delta and re-
ports no mishap except the death of
Engineer Daniel Blue of the power
boat Alaska.
This is the 18th death among the
members Of the expedition. Eight men
persisted while trying to reach Wran-
CELL island and another accidentally
shot and killed himself there. Anoth-
er, in the Mackenzie country went in
sane while lost and committed suicide
by shooting.
Capt. CottIe's Statement
Captain S. F. Cottle. master of the
Ruby, says that Stefanson is now on
Banks Land, east of the Mackenzie, out
fitting for continuance of the explora-
tons to the westward to ascertain the
full extent Of the new land he has discov-
cred southwest of Prince Patrick's Land.
Stefansson discovered continuance Of
the continental shelf several degrees west
of Banks Land and even determined its
southern limits, but was unable to con-
tinue his explorations to the north and
west.
The explorer told Captain Cottle that
after leaving the supporting party on the
ice north of Martin Point he and his com
panons set their faces to the north, but
after continuing their journey 80 days
they recided to return to land.
Turning baek they landed on the main
land at a point near which the power
boat Mary Sachs of the stefansson ex-
petition was twintering. Here the three
men Quilted for another three months
trip. They again went upon the ice, go
ing north and west and discovering the
continental shelf. Stefansson spent some
time exploring his new find. but at
length, owing to scarcity 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 meagre rations but kept moving
day after day. The dogs were almost
famshed Finally the party arrived at
/ Banks Land, thoroughly worn out. For
seven months they had been on scanty
i rations, travelling almost continuously.
! Stefansson and his companies made
their way from Banks Land which is
uninhabited. to Baillie Island, which
| is visited by whalers. Capt. Lewis
Lane. cruising on his power schoon-
err Polar Bear, found Stefansson and
his companions. They were in excel.
| lent health and spirits and eager to
reach the southern wing of the expe-
dition, that they might obtain sup
plies and continue their explorations.
Stefansson chartered the schooner and
with Captain Lane proceeded north
ward in the hope Of making further
discoveries while the sea was free Of
ice. The season was too far advanced,
however, and the explorers reluctantly
steered for Herschel Island. The Polar
CONTINUED on PAGE 12-coIumn q