Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1922-08-29

"Wnen, however, d iiiah 10 'ttN' -
there. Stcfansson was not on the
Karluk when she was carried offshore
by the storm that set adrift the floes
in which she was frozen. He had
gone ashore with two companions 10
obtain fresh meat for the ship. The
fate of, the Karluk was not known for
more than n year.
Such an untoward incident as the
loss Of the main ship of the enter
prise. and particularly valuable and
necessary equipment; at almost the
outset, was serious handicap to the
success of the expedition. But Stef-
ansson was not daunted. He decided
that now was a good opportunity to
put into execution his project for
proving conclusively that life could
be maintained by living off the
country" on the ice of Beaufort Sea.
He had landed from the Karluk on
the coast not far west of where Dr.
Anderson's party was expected to
winter. His plan was to take what
equipment he required, consisting OF
dogs, sledges and scientific equipment,
from DIR. Anderson's party which,
with the. addition of some supplies
and equipment purchased from traders
along the coast would be sufficient
for the trip he had in mind. 1t con-
sisted of a sledge journey in the early
spring, following, northward over the
sea ice If new land were discovered
it would be roughly cnarted and the
party would return to its starting
point. If the land were extensive the
party might remain on it for year.
II no land were discovered and ice
travel continued good the party would,
after having proceeded northward as
far as considered practicable, turn
eastward and attempt to land on the
west coast of Banks Island or Prince
Patrick Island.
Covers 100000 Square Miles.
But when Stefansson discussed his
plans with Anderson, the latter de-
clined to become party to them. in
sisting that the scheme was foolhardy,
and refused to give up the equip
ment under his charge. Besides An
derson's insubordination, another diff.
fculty presented itself: the men also
were thoroughly convinced of the fool
hardness Of the undertaking and re-
fused to go. Stefansson finally sue
ceeded in winning over a number Of
them and hired two more men whom
he had known on previous trips to the
Arctic.
After experiencing considerable diff
fculty in obtaining suitable equip
ment, the ice party set out on a jour-
ney which most of those left behind
expected would end in disaster If per-
sisted in. After support parties had
been sent back, the ice party consist
ed of two men besides Stcfansson,
with one sled pulled by six dogs. They
had food for themselves and their
dogs sufficient to last about 80 days.
They found No new land, but arrived
on the west coast of Banks Island on
June 25, having been SO days on the
ice, and having travelled more than
500 miles, as shown on the map, but
when counter drift is considered,
probably nearer 700 miles. They had
not gone without meal in all that
time, but had been able to kill enough
seals to supply them with food and
fuel. Stefansson had demonstrated
the truth of his theory!
During that summer they remain
ed on Banks Island, killing sufficient
caribou and seals TO carry them
through the dark period of the winter.
The following spring they carried out
another ice trip, farther north on
which new land was discovered. In
all, more than 100000 square miles of
land and sea were withdrawn from
the area previously marked "un-
known" on the maps by Stefansson's
explorations in these and succeeding
years.
Stefansson has demonstrated be-
yond all possibility of doubt the alb
solute feasibility Of the theories which
he had the courage to hold against all
sorts Of opposition and tho faith to
put to the test with his life as a for
felt in case OF failure.