Rensselaer Journal, Volume 10, Number 36, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 14 February 1901 — JOURNALISM IN CREENLAND. [ARTICLE]

JOURNALISM IN CREENLAND.

Vint It Was All Cut*, Next Came Beads and Afterward* Whole Sentences. ; One of the most amusing skipper* Malting Philadelphia is the genial ■commander of the British bark Calcium, one of the fleet of Greenland (cryolite traders which has just discharged her cargo here and loaded jcoal for Demerara. A fine specimen [of the real old-time sailor. Captain Smith possesses a fund of knowledge gathered through years of rough exjperiences, the record of which would form the ground work for an up-to-date sea novel. - For years this picturesque skipper gained knowledge of the high latitudes jthat has been of great benefit to him In his present trade through service Aboard one of the old Peterhead whaliers, a fleet once famous, but now almost extinct Captain Smith has been Eae of the most successful of the Arcc traders, his only mishap being the iBS of the British bark Argenta, which he commanded, in the fall of 1896. This vessel was actually crushed to (atoms by the Arctic floe ice. All were (rescued after a thrilling experience, and made their way to Fredericksshaab, where they were housed and (fed by the Danish Governor. Captain Smith has a greater knowledge of Greenland that any other man in the merchant service. When he can be Induced to tell of the bleak settlements surrounded by the polar Ice hls stories are always appreciated, and he is sure of a large and nighly appreciative audience. Several days ago, just before his departure for Demerara, the skipper told a most interesting story of journalism in Greenland. Journalism In Greenland, he said, is represented by a single paper, and to its proprietor, Mr. Moeller, is due the credit of educating a large number of the natives, because he not only printed the paper for them, but also taught them how to read It This wonderfully energetic man performs single-handed the functions of editor, reporter, proprietor, printer, distributor and business manager. The entire paper, which is printed in Godthaab, is the product of his own pen. Some time ago he set up a primitive printing establishment and every two weeks he performs a long journey on skates to dispose of his journal. Originally it contained only a few crude illustrations, but gradually other matter was Introduced until now it contains articles on the affairs of the day. This man actually taught IBs subscribers to read the paper, first Introducing words, then sentences, and now articles on topics of the day. Mr. Moeller is a Dane and has lived In Greenland for many years. He takes a deep interest In anything calculated to make lighter the burdens of the natives, and is beloved by all who know him.—Philadelphia Press.