NORTH POLAR EXPLORATION.

Southland Times, Issue 1154, 7 May 1869, Page 3

NORTH POLAR EXPLORATION.

The ' Athenaeum' has the following : — "It appears pretty certain that our cousins across the Atlantic purpose equipping an expedition next spring to solve the interesting problem as to the existence of open water around the north axis of our globe. The discoveries of Kane and Hayes show beyond all doubt that the western shore of Smith Sound extends to the northward for a considerable distance, pointing to the conclusion that the land trends in the direction of the Pole. Hayes further conceives that beyond Cape Constitution the Greenland Continent terminates, and that open water exists from this termination to the pole. Thus, Smith Sound is one of the best, if not the best, starting points for North Polar Exploratiou ; aud as the Americans have tho credit of pointiiig this out, it strengthens the probability that they will endeavor to crown this by the solution of the above problem. Besides this probable American expedition, Germany and .Svvodeu will make renewed attempts next summer to reach the North Pole ; aud thus, unless England stirs in the matter, it is greatly to be apprehended th-it her Hag will not be the first to wave in that interesting locality. Such a shortcoming on our part would be the more to be regretted, because the record of Artie explorations runs like 'a bright silver thread ' through the history of our ra»ratime enterprise. To sail to the North Pole has long been a favorite scheme of our Artie heroes. In 1527, Thorne strongly urgec 1 Henry the Bight to patronise such an expedition, and Hudson, it will be remembered, made two daring attempts to reach the North Pole. Apart from the great interest attending such an expedition, the scientific result would be highly importantNor should it be forgotten that we possess great advantage for such au undertaking. The experience gained by our numerous Artie expeditions is so much available capital which only requires to be prudently invested to yield high interest. We hope the Government will take this matter np. Our navy can win laurels iv the service of acieuce as well as in battle ; and here is a prize within its grasp, which, if we are not energetic, will assuredly be snatched by another nation."