THE AMERICAN ARCTIC EXPEDITION.

Kumara Times, Issue 940, 4 October 1879, Page 4

THE AMERICAN ARCTIC EXPEDITION.

[from the times correspondent.] San Francisco, July 9,

The departure of ihe Jeannette yesterday morning, in search of a passage to the North Pole, was not only an event of much local interest, but one of national importance. This enterprise has been carried eut at tbo expense of Mr James Gordon Bennett. although the officers and crew are assigned to duty on board the Jeannette for the purposes of the expedition by the Navy Department. Lieutenant De Long, the commander, it may be remembered, was the hero of the cruise of the Juniata in 1873, at which time he cave evidence of capability for succsssfully conducting an enterprise which might be inaugurated under more favorable auspice*. He became firmly impressed with conviction that the likeliest and most practical passage to the North Pole was in the direction, and by way of, Behring's Straits. These ideas he imparted to Mr Bennett. who after due consideration, came to the same conclusion, and thus it was that, finally, the present Arctic expedition was resolved upon. Mr De Long was authorised to purchase a suitable vessel for the purpose, and he brought the Pandora, which had recently returned from a cruise in the Arctic seas, and was then lying for sale in the London Docks. Subsequently her name was by Act of Congress changed to Jeannette, in honor of Mr Bennett's only sister, and as such was enrolled as an American vessel, the officers and crew of which were to be supplied by the American Navy. She is a barque-rigged screw steamer of 420 tons burden, and 80-horse power nominal. Since her arrival here from the East, some months since, she has been under-going repairs—of which she stood in much need—and her hull has been strengthened by additional trusses and knees. The entire machinery of the vessel has undergone the strictest examination, and, with two new boile'S, may be said to be complete in every respect. K.verything that could possibly be suggested for c nvenience or comfort appears to have been carried out on a most liberal scale. The The store of provisions is calculated to last for three years and a half. Salt provisions have almost been discarded from the list, the chief foods consisting of canned meats and fruits, dessicated vegetables and dried meats, including 75001bs of pemmican, made of the best quality of lean been, which is first dried and then mixed with raisins. It is then mixed with equal quantities of refined lard in a liquid state. Only a limited quantity of spirits has bpen supplied, but a large quantity of lime-juice was put on board, which will be served out to the crew regularly as a ration, and, it is hoped, will prevent the danger of scurvy. The otrJeers and crew of the Jeannette number 33 souls, 25 of whom are before the mast. The expedition is especially well provided with scientific instruments, and with a complete set of photographic apparatus with about 30doz dry plates for views. Some 150 miles of telephone wire have been taken, and an electric light of immense power has been presented 10 the expedition by Mr Edison. The crew are all picked men who have undergone a searching medical examination ; among them, only five aro native-born Ameticans, the rest consisting of English, Irish, and German, with three Chinese to act as servants, no other nationality offering for the service. The Navy Department originally determined on sending a man-of-war to convoy the expedition as far as Behring's Straits ; but when tte time for its departure arrived no vessel was found available fo athe purpose.