ARCTIC EXPLORATION.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 5247, 18 February 1882, Page 2 (Supplement)

ARCTIC EXPLORATION.

Another sacrifice has been offered up to the cruel Moloch who goes by the honoured name of Arctic Discovery. It is ; however, some consolaiion to know that in this instance a portion of tho enterprising party are in safety, and we may hope to Boon hear that an additional number have been recovered. No fault lies with those who promoted the illfated expedition. The Jeannette was supplied with every known appliance for securing the objects sought by Mr Gordon Bennett, who spared no expense to ensure the safety of those who were to carry out his behests. But all the care in the world will not prevent accidents in the terrible Arctic Seas, aud one of these befell the Jeannette when she was "nipped" in the ice and had her sides crushed in. So far as can bo

judged, her captain appears to have been exploring in a northerly direction after leaving Wrangel Land. After searching about there for Professor Nordenskjold's vessel, the now famou3 Vega, he allowed the temptation of Polar discovery to draw him away from the coast, and gallantly sailed forth into unknown seas. As yet we know not whether any valuable dis-' coveries were made : it does not appear probable, inasmuch as the Jeannette had Qot advanced farther than.77 deg. north

latitude when she met her fate. On this jdisaster happening those on board took to

the boat 3, and one of these is now in [safety at Jakutsk,; while a second is reported to have reached the northern mouth of the Lena. In the latter instance the survivors are represented' as being in a state of cruel distress ; but now that their whereabouts 13 known the Russian authorities will have no difficulty in sending them help. This news from the frozen North, deplorable as it is, will have a redeeming feature if it influences the English Government to despatch an expedition next summer in search of Mr Leigh Smith. He has been missing for some time ; and, as his yacht only carried, it is said, sum eietit provisions to last until next autumn, he will not be able to. agaiu winter in the Arctic Seas. Perhaps the Eira, like the Jeannette, may have been uipped in the ice, leaving those on board to make the be3t fight they could against Nature in her sternest and cruellest mood. ; .