Democratic Sentinel, Volume 19, Number 42, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 25 October 1895 — TO SEEK THE NORTH POLE. [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

TO SEEK THE NORTH POLE.

8. A. AaSree.'Scienttfic Aeronaut, Will Attempt the Trip by Balloqp. The plan conceived by Professor 8. A. Andree, a distinguished Swedish scientist and aeronaut, to overcome the difficulties of the polar ice by journey-

ing to the north pole by balloon, is taking such definite shape that it caji no longer be classed with visionary projects. The contemplated undertaking Is attracting wide attention in Europe, owing not only to its boldness, but also to the fact that Professor Andreo is a practical balloonist and scientific man of standing, who would not entertain a wild or obviously impracticable scheme. He Is now in Paris superintending the construction of the balloon. It will contain sleeping rooms for three, persons, and a dark room for photographic purposes. It will be equipped with a set of sails which will serve to keep It under control and propel it, and a boat.

or gondola, of considerable size, will be carried. A great number of heavy cables will be provided so that in case the balloon should suddenly sink it will be relieved of weight by the contact of the lines with the earth. It Is intended to make the trip, starting from Spitzbergen and crossing the pole to the shores of Bering Strait, next year, in June, ’ when the atmospheric conditions are most favorable to aerial navigation. A heavy snowstorm would probably be disastrous to the balloon, but in the early summer they are infrequent. It is estimated that not more than a week will be consumed en voyage. The fact that the ice which surrounds the pole and has been an unsurmountable barrier to ships will not have to be taken Into consideration constitutes one of the chief reasons for believing that a balloon expedition may succeed where those by vessel have been failures.

OBSERVATORY AND GONDOLA OF THE BALLOON.