New Britain herald., 1925-08-19
Adverse Weather And Early Winter Compels Change In Plans -- National Geographic Supports Explorers Stand And Navy Dept. Also Ccncurs.
LIKELY TO MAKE
 TRY NEXT YEAR
By The Associated Press.

 Milan Arctic expedition has aban- doned hope of carrying out it's full exploration program over the polar sea this year.
 Curtailment of the expedition's activities was forced by adverse weather, which has locked the northland in ice and fog well ahead of the usual winter season.
 Will Make Investigations
 MacMillan and his explorers will proceed, however, to carry out other objects of the expedition including scientific Investigations from the present base at Etah, Greenland.
 The change in plans was an- nounced today by the National Geo. graphical Society, after it had been advised by MacMilan that the proj- ect of stablishing an advanced base on Cape Hubbard and flying from there over the frozen northern sea was not feasible because of this years unusual weather conditions.
 The veteran explorer advised so- ciety officials that in view of all the circumstances, to go ahead with the original plan would be 10 at. tempt "the impossible
 Official Statement
 Unexpected summer snowstorms. continuous fog, and unprecedented weather conditions which prevent flying, resulted in the announcement today by the National Geographic society that the MacMillan Arctic expedition would proceed inme- diately from Etah to accomplish other objects of the expedition.
 This decision was made following radio message from MacMillan stating he and the expedition Inem- bers now agree that establishment Of an advance station on Cape Hub harl and exploring the Polar Sea from that point Is not feasible this year in the time left before the 'Bowdoin' and the 'Peary' would have to leave Etah ahead of the ice barrier.
 Commander MacNillan has been advised hy the National Geographic society 10 follow his judgment in the matter and 10 proceed 10 the other explorations the expedition planned as soon as he deems # wise, leav- ing the Polar Sea work for a subse- qUent effort.
 Message Is Filed
 John Oliver Ia Gorce, vice-presi- dent of the society, this morning sent the following radio message to the leader Of the expedition:
 'Nonald B. MacNIillan.
 'Nireless Station, WNP.
 "Ahoard the Bowdoin, Ttah, Green
 land.
 'The National Geographic society has every confidence in your decis- ion based on expert knowledge, ex- perience and integrity, and will stand by your judgment in delaying further exploration If unknown area. We concur with proceeding upon further plans of expedition. The society is proud Of you and every man under your command and conFratulates you, Commander Byrd and navy personnel, on the splendid attempt.
 Was To View Ruins.
 As annorncci at the outset the expedition contemplated an explor- etion Of Morse ruins in Greenland and Labrador. with view 10 com pairing the two and thus determine whether there was eleventh century communication between the old world and the new, The explorers also planned, on tho return trip, 10 explore by airplane the interior of unknown Labrador, there studying the bird and fish life, and also the Eskimo tribes.
 "Another important objective are the flights contemplated over Baffn Island, new 'Grcat Lakes region Of thIs continent, which lakes teem with fish life, and the entire area is a habitat of many kinds of birds which are of greatest interest to the naturalist ad the sportsman.
 "NacMillan's message describing tfe handicars imposed hy weather conditions pointed out;
 "'We have been here tat Etah) IS days. Two depots have been es- tablished. only 90 miles from the ship base We have a thousand miles to 20 in addition 10 another thou sand to establish an advance station. Since this must be done in 10 days we now are wasting time in trying the impossible this season and de-
 ,Contlnued on Page seven.l