Year: 1875

Shall We Havo q North Pole Expe-


dition tan Appeal to Congress.


The President of the Geographical Society,
Chief Justice DAILY, has favored us to-day with
his views upon the subject of a new expedi-
ton to the North Pole. Like Admiral Porter,
Secretary Robeson and DR.. Hayes, he thinks
the scheme entirely practicable, and indorses
the Smith Sound, or american route" which
was pursued by our countrymen, Kane, Hayes
and Hall. AS might be expected from one Of
his liberal and enlightened views, without
exhibiting jealousy of any other country, he
urges upon the government and the nation
the propriety of America stepping forward to
claim precedence in field which she has
made peculiarly her own. His letter
contains many valuable suggestions, and
we cordially recommend his views to
the consideration of Congress, and renew
our hope that Congress will not adjourn with
out passing a bill authorizing an expedition
and providing the funds. 1t is matter in
which our national honor is involved. To
leave such an undertaking to be prosecuted
merely by private means is unworthy of o
country so rich in resources and 80 sensitive
of its spirit and enterprise We should act
promptly and in unison with England and
Germany. Immediate action must be taken,
for there is no time to lose. The expedition
should leave the country by the 1st of June,
which gives three months for preparation.
This is ample time if it is not wasted in delay.
But, as Congress adjourns on Thursday, the
it be done at once. The Secretary of the
Navy assures our correspondent that there is
o vessel in the service entirely suitable and
which can be spared, and he favors the ap-
preparation of a sum of fifty thousand dollars
by Congress-, contingent upon twenty-five
thousand being raised by private subscrip-
ton. Our Geographical Society is not like
similar societies in Europe, endowed by gov
eminent, and has no funds, but it has
great influence since it's new departure of o
year ago, and will doubtless bestir itself in
concert with other societies Of the country,
who should como together and act in
harmony. The sum proposed is not large,
but this is for contingent expenses, the
vessel being already in commission and the
officers and men already under pay. The
amount appropriated by the British govern
ment is much greater, being ninety-eight
thousand pounds nearly five hundred thousand
dollars, which includes the purchase of the
ships and three years. stores. The navy has at
present comparatively little to do, and
there are plenty of excellent officers
and seamen who would jump at the
chance Of such q voyage. The appropriation
bills have notyet been passed. Weare confident
the country would gladly see the expenditure
made, for there is general feeling that when
we have come so near to reaching the North
Pole it is shame that we are not going ahead
to do it actually before some other nation
slips in and jostles US aside, giving us no
hand in it and robbing us of the glory we
have already acquired. We must follow up
the brilliant record of the past. Should the
expedition be under the control of the Navy
Department, for which its organization aud
discipline are eminently adapted, every neces-
sary provision for the scientific representation
Coll Do uduO III oCdoOu, bO tldU tuo SApeQlVlOu
will 60 out in no way inferior to those
of England and Germany. In England
the matter has been most thoroughly
discussed and the best provision made. The
ablest scientists of the country are now en-
gagged, under the craftsmanship of the Secre-
tary of the Royal Society, in drawing up de-
tailed instructions, covering every department
OF scientific inquiry, which fact alone shows
the great importance attached to the enter
prise. Captain Mares, most accomplished
and popular officer, has been brought all the way
from Hong Kong, where he was in command
successful cruise around the world, to take
charge, and it certainly is most wise
choice. Captain Markham, another naval Off
Ger of large experience, and who has been in
the Arctic seas, commands the second vessel
They will sail in season to enter the ice with
the first breakup.


Chief Justice DAILY furnishes some valuable
information, and will give earnest co-opera-
tion, both in his own behalf and that of the
Geographical Society, in the event Of an ex-
pedition being determined upon. DR.. Hayes
whose large Arctic experience peculiarly fits
him for the task, promises his hearty support
and assistance, and he strongly favors naval
expedition, in which, under all circumstances
discipline will be guaranteed; and without
the most perfect discipline no such undertake
ing can fail to prove disastrous. Some men
are born to command and such men always
maintain authority, but the systematic disci-
pline OF the navy is always reliable. Admiral
Blake, who whipped the Dutch, was not a
sailor, but he was man of genius, which
supplied the deficiency. From the Coast
Survey, the Smithsonian Institution in Wash
ington and our colleges any number of amb-
tious young men, thoroughly skilled in
scientific investigation could be had at a
IL <o ;o;r <ho,, x,;t i, H.