Democratic Sentinel, Volume 1, Number 52, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 8 February 1878 — SECRETS OF THE POLAR CIRCLE. [ARTICLE]

SECRETS OF THE POLAR CIRCLE.

Voyages of Discovery by Five Other Nations The Hcwgate Expedition Approved by a House Committee. The Committee on Naval Affairs of the National House of Representatives has reported favorably upon the Howgate Polar : Th? Sx jSWKSKi'K Polar peas have incalculably benefited the whole world ; that the knowledge acquired by experiment and discovery in that region can be obtained in no other way and in no other section of the globe ; that such knowledge is an important factor in the regulation of commerce which is absolutely dependent, so far as decreasing the perils of the deep and enlarging boundaries of navigation are concerned, upon the knowledge of physical laws. ♦ » * | There has never before been an opportunity ’afforded so promising in results as the one which now presents itself. To make such explorations entirely successful it is essential that simultaneous observations be had at different points within the Arctic circle, and for continuous periods of time. England, during the present year, will fit out two vessels, under tne explorer Nares, on a Polar expedition via the east coast of Greenland. Sweden, in 1878, under the auspices of Prof. Nordenskjold will explore the Polar regions via Norway across to Behring’s strait. Holland has determined upon another. Germany, under the direction of the Arctic Exploration Society, has an Obi expedition, commanded by Oapt. Wiggins, now on duty. Russia, during the coming spring, will push forward an ethnological expedition under the Helsingsfors Professor to the Vogels and Ostyacs of the Obi and Irtysh. After referring to the -ways in -which knowledge of the different natural sciences may be advanced by this expedition, the report continues: Wonderful already are the discoveries made in each field of inquiry noted, but we are yet in the vestibule. The region of the unknown is just beyond. We are invited thither. We know enough to realize the wealth which awaits us. Hitherto observations have been limited and imperfect, the most important of them wholly neglected. Accurate data as to all of the sciences named are wanting. Geographic discovery has hitherto been the objective point. While this is praiseworthy, while it adds a most important chapter to the book of knowledge, it should not be the primary object to which all others are subordinated. Am absolute change of operations must be had. This change will be effected by the passage of the bill H. R. 447. It meets the exact need. It provides for a long stay, which will give ample opportunity for observations and the conduct of scientific inquiry under the most favoring conditions. It provides that an intelligent system shall be pursued under the direction of the National Academy of Sciences. The report concludes: The honor of the American name is involved. Will Congress suppress this zealous spirit of inquiry and adventure, or give it scope by the passage of this bill and a meager appropriation of $50,000. To us it appears there should be but one answer, and therefore we report back the bill with a recommendation that it do pass.