The Union times. [volume] (Union, S.C.) 1894-1918, 1917-01-12
TO EXPLORE NORTH POLE
WITH USE OF AEROPLANES
Admiral Pearys Aid on Several Ex-
petitions Plans Through OBJ
servatiOns.
(By Capt. Robert A. Barttlett.)

(By Capt. Robert A. Barttlett.)
Washington, Jan. 1O.-Equipped for
a scientific study of the Polar regions,
100000 square miles of which never
have been sailed or trod by man, the
Bartlett Polar expedition, the first
purely scientific expedition to enter
the Far North, will sail from the
United States during the summer of
1918.
Scientific research, rather than dis
covery, will be our first object.
will take but 10 men into the
Polar belt with me, including ships
crew, mechanicians and scientists.
Each will be man of tried cal;rer.
fer once set out there will be no re-
turn ticket to the civilized world, at
least under three to five years. Each
man must be capable of supreme en-
durance and versatility.
Two or three scout-type mono
planes IAN innovation in Polar axpedi-
tions. will be included in our equip
ment to supplement the customary
dogs and sledges.
These will be used for observations
purposes from the base of operations,
always the ship, and might prove in
valuable in returning to civilization
should the expedition meet with dis
aster.
How the natural forces operate az
the pole; whether the perpetual!y NOV
ing ice-foes of the Arctic sen swir.
in continuous circle about the polG:
whether their movement is directed ly
constant east wind-so frequently
noted in former expeditions - or
whether by ocean currents: just what
atmospheric conditions prevail these
are some of the questions we hone to
be able to answer before the trip is
concluded.
Charting New Lands.
A careful study Of the fauna life
on the ocean-foor of the Arctic, with
comparisons with the animalcuiae en-
istence of other waters, will also form
a part of the research work. Chartinc
of new lands-if such eXist--and
soundings of the Arctic ocean in va.
rious attitudes are further objectives.
Admiral Peary, making deep sound
ings at the pole, probed for 5000
feet-nearly two miles-wthout find
ing bottom.
Our ship, which we hope soon to
have under construction, will be built
of toughest live-oak, with special con-
structive features to resist the ter
rife impact with ice-foes naturally to
he expected on such trip. 1t will be
small, to permit of quick moving.
which is often imperative to escape
being caught and crushed like an egg
shell between rapidly approaching ice
fields. If caught in such a cul-de-sac.
the only recourse is blasting out
"berth" with dynamite, or abandoning
the vessel to her fate
The ability to sense danger from
approaching ice, and to act swiftly and
decisively, is one Of the most neces-
sary requirements of Arctic explorers.
The ship will carry a most complete
equipment of scientific Instruments
many probably supplied by the United
States coast and geodotic survey.
Timed foods of all kinds, tea, cof-
fee and chocolate, will be carried to
provide a varied diet for the long
period in which we shall be distinctly
out of the pale Of the menu card and
the warm bath. Our principal food.
however, will consist of seal, walrus
and polar-bear steaks. We can. at
some convenient place in the Arctic,
kill several thousand Of these and pile
them up on the ice, covered with snow
as our food reserve. They will keep,