The New York Herald Newspaper, September 4, 1873, Page 3

(GREENLAND. The Arctic Expedition in Search o the Polaris and Crew. Voyage of the Juniata to the Re- gion of Ice and Snow. Perilous Naviga‘ion---“Icebergs Ahead !”’ “Breakers Close Aboard!” — ALAND OF DESOLATION Boarded by Esquimaux Near the Peak of Sukkertoppen—The Natives ‘atHome’— * A8mall Governor and a Big Assist- ant—What They Do for Denmark. A Hop in a Hopeless Hovel—Terpsichore Adored in Mud—Effects of Blubber on the Female Form. How Ice Dogs and Seal-Skin Suits Were Obtained at Holsteinborg—The Es- quimanx at Prayer—Familiar Faces in a Strange Place. es SUPPOSED POSITION OF THE POLARIS, Prospects of the Expedition--- Bound for Disco. On Boarp U. 8. SLOoP-OF-WAR JUNIATA, HOLSTEINBORG, Greenland, July-21, 1873. ‘When the Juniata weighed anchor ten days ago fm the snug harbor of St. Jonns, N. F., the prospects of her Arctic voyage to rescue the Polaris ‘were as bright as brave humanity could desire. Scarcely, however, had the hardy pilot waved his hairy cap in token of adieu when a fog, to which the proverbial London mist was only as a poor ‘man’s breath on a frosty day, suddenly enveloped the vessel, leaving her to plough the dreary waste im worse than dungeon darkness. In vain did the rays of the summer sun struggle to penetrate the cola and cheerless heap of vapor; in vain was the hope indulged that the bank would “lift: it clung to the ship like a poor relation, and night fell with an oppressive gloom. Of all tne em- barrassing fortunes that befall the mariner the fog is, by long odds, the meanest: it has him at every turn; it baffles and dispirits him and diminishes his usually large stock of that rare and praiseworthy element which make Job's charac- terso remarkable. As if to tantalize us the fog ‘would now and then clear off, only to come again 4m greater volume, more sluggish and clammy than before. But the fog was not the only enemy to be encountered. Huge icebergs loomed up in all directions through the dense mist, towering high im air and floating along with seeming indifference to the waves which lashed against them. At times &@ Geafening sound broke upon the ear when-a fragment of ice, perhaps twice the size of the ship, Separated from the berg and plunged into the sea ‘with a frightful noise. The spice of danger madé ali hands more than antmated, and it was only alter some fiity or sixty of the icy vagrants had been given a wide berth that their appearance became somewhat familiar and less awe-inspirmg than at first. The lookout had @ busy time of it trom the start, and “Iceberg ahead, sir!” went forth fre- quently with an ominous sound, A STORM, The Juniata was bound to Fiskern@s, a settle- ment on the south coast of Greenland, preparatory ‘to ber cruise up north. It was hoped that sledge dogs and skins for clothing, with which to prose- eute the search, could be obtained, should the ice mot prevent the vessel from proceeding further than Upernavik. Owing to the seemingly endless fog that prevailed observations were impossible, and for five days the navigator was compelled to rely for the position of the vessel on the lead line and dead reckoning. On the fifth day out the fog broke, only to be succeeded by a squall, which finally ended in a furious gale. At midday of the 13th the Juniata scudded under steam and d@ouble-reefed foretopsail, close-reefed maintop- sail and foresail and forestormstaysail, with a heavy following sea. The ship behaved nobly under circumstances well calculi.ted to test her capacity. The sea rose to a great height, surging and ro#ring as the wind biew flercer, and, looking aft, it would seem as if each succeeding mountain of water were about to sweep over the vessel and bury her forever, With dawn the storm abated, and towards evening the wind died out. It was the first day on which an observation had been obtained since lé¢aving St, Johns, and when, towards six o'clock, the lookout cried, and ahead !’’ a feeling of intense relicf prevailed. ICE NAVIGATION. It is, doubtless, an interesting subject to read about—that of ice navigation—but when one be- comes threatened with an carly grave, under cir- cumstances which make the blood run cold, the @ifficuities of steering clear of treacherous and unyielding icebergs can be more keenly appre- ciated. Approaching Fiskernes the icebergs could be counted by the score, of every conceiy- able size and shape. “ICEBERGS AHEAD!” responded to by “Hard to port!” or “Hard a-star- bo’rd !” became the frequent cry, and many a heart ‘on board beat quickly as the stanch craft almost grazed the bergs, which, onco struck, would seal the fate of the well directed ship. It would, in- eed, be rare to witness such masterly navigation, or such care and judgment as were exercised in, perhaps, the most trying emergency in whicia ‘verse! could be placed, as were displayed on board the Juniata. Fantastic forms presented them- Selves on all sid: nd so strange and varied were ‘the effects produced that the mind could picture to iteeif rare and wonderful objects. Cautiously feel- ing ber way, the Juniata might well be compared to & stranger wandering through a cemetery ‘whose marble tombstones compelled a long and Circuitous pathway. The land ahead was the southern coast of Greenland, and as the vessel drew nearer the snow-capped peaks appeared in @rand array. We now enjoyed the novel iuxury of having “DAYLIGHT ALL NIGHT,” ‘the effect of which was an evident disinclination fo “turn in;” for even as late as ten o’clock the Sunlight flooded the snip, and it required a strong effort to retire under the Impression that it was getting late. For aman ofa champagne turn of mind, or one accustomed to become merry by fre- quent “flushes” of fortune, this state of affairs might have proved ogreeable. But the novelty quickly wore away, and the clockwork of a man- ofwar soon asserted itself with characteristic promptness. On the morning of the 15th the Juniata stood near the land off Fiskernes, The ensign having becn set a gun was fired, in the hope of attracting some attention. A deathly still- mess prevailed. Not @ soul appeared, nor was there made manifest any sign of life. Un- able to obtain a pilot, and the weather Becoming very foggy, the vessel stood of shore to the northward and eastward, ‘bound for an intermediate port, wherein the arti- cles required might be secured. Denser and denser became the heavy mist, and at noon it was tmpossi- Die to see ten yards in any direction. Strange enough, too, the wind was iresh; but the fog hung over the alto like a vali, and tre old foretodings of NEW YORK HERALD, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 1873—TRIPLE SHEET. danger returned with renewed force and vivid- ness, Few were in a peaceful frame of mind, but when the watch sang out, “BREAKERS AHBAD!””—“CLOSE ABOARD !”” a feeling of alarm was visible on many a weather- beaten face. Scarcely a word was spoken, The orders were issued in clear trumpet tones, and the same discipline which at all times marks the ves- sels of the navy now told to great advantage. Confusion there was none, and not even the ominous cry of “Breakers close aboard, sir!” dis- turbed the equanimity of the cool and brave commander. The vessel was stopped and backed and just cleared the breakers, which rolled over the rocks with the wildest fury. Icebergs of enormous dimensions floated past in dozens, and a more critical position for @ vessel it has seldom been the mariner’s lot to see. What with fogs and currents the navigation proved exceedingly dangerous, Evidently the vessel was set in shore by strong local tides, which have a rise and fall of eighteen feet, and although she was steered @ point off her course to seaward the ship was set bodily in shore by the tides run- ning into this sound, which were accelerated by a moderate northeasterly gale. The next settlement at which dogs and skins could be obtained being Sukkertoppen the Juniata once more stood in to ward the land, and being again set in too far by the current she hauled off shore. When the fog cleared up somewhat, on the morning of the 16th, she neaded for Hamborg Island and anchored, It was the first time that the rock-bound coast was ‘seen in all its wildness and desolation, for although previously within afew miles trom the land the view was entirely obscured. The Juniata was now saie from all the enemies she had hitherto combated so bravoly, being sheltered from the storm that raged so turiously without, SHOOTING EIDER DUCKS. In‘the afternoon a party of officers went to a neighboring island, and succeeded in shooting a number of eider ducks, while others went to the main land for exploring purposes. With the exception of mosquitoes it was utterly destitute of life, and after a weary and fruitiess tramp up precipitous crags the travellers indulged in a smart game of snow ball—an event which, occurring on the 16th of July, proved quite a novelty. Amore cheerless spot it would be hard to find on the face of creation, and the charm of “Greenland’s icy mountains” as quickly disappeared as the sense of utter loneliness became more firmly impressed on the mind, Once on board the ship few cared to return; for, even with all the dangers attending @ cruise in the Arctic Sea, the security of the snug and well trimmed man-of-war was far more preferable than the bleak and barren shore. At seven o’clock in the evening two Esquimaux were seen aproaching the vessel in kyacks, and their appearance was hailed with evident satisfaction. It was at first supposed that the strange-looking objects were swimming, but the rapid manner in which they moved through the water soon resolved all doubts on the subject. Presently two dirty-brown faces,” creased with grins, appeared under the stern of the vessel. They gazed up inqutringly, and as they sat in their swift and graceful crait. they looked hike a brace of Newfoundland dogs on the tiptoe of expectation for a good mouthful, THE KYACK is a canoe-shaped frame work, entirely covered witn tensely-stretched sea-skins and very handsome in mode}. 1n the centre is an elliptical hole, to re- ceive the occupant, who, filling up the space, ren- ders the little boat botn air and water tight. The length of the kyack is about eighteen feet, and it tapers fore and aft to an absolute point. The beam is only twenty-one inches, and it is propelled by a double-bladed oar, grasped in the middle, which the Esquimau uses padale fashion. He seems, indeed, to be part and parcel of the whole machine, The rapidity with whicn these kyacks move through the sea is surprising. The two strangers were promptly hoisted on board, kyack and all, and the wonderment which their presence created, especially among the crew, was beyond description. Neither could speak a word of English, and it,is only fair te add thet we were ina similar predicament so far as the Esqumau tongue was concerned. When, however, they bad been regaled with a hearty dinner—and before it the poor fellows looked hungry enough— they were made to comprehend that the Juniata ‘was going to the harbor of Sukkertoppen, and that the services of a pilot were in demand, Commander Braine despatched one of them with a letter to the Governor of Sukkertoppen, setting forth the con- dition of affairs, while the other remained on boara, In the dense fog that prevailed in the morning the vessel had passed the beacon outside Sukkertop- pen, and the present anchorage, off Hamborg Island, was fliteen miles from that settlement. Next morn- ing the Lieutenant Governor, accompanied by a pilot, boarded the ship, which soon got under weigh for SUKKERTOPPEN. The Sukkertop, or Sugar Loaf, as it is more gen- erally known, is a wild, isolated peak, and over- looks a region as rugged and inhospitable as ever met the eye. It rises over 3,000 feet from the sea, and presents @ spectacle almost ‘startling to be- hold, Steaming away from this solitary and life- less region the vessel stood out once more, and at noon the rock-bougd barbor of the little colony that nestles at the base of bleak and frowning preci- pices appeared in sight. The rocky gorge is so narrow and broken that a stairway connects the miserable huts, and, when the tide rises, part of the settlement is cenverted into a temporary island. The rugged cliffs and grotesque structures at their base give the place a picturesque appearance ; but the surroundings, so far as life is concerned, cannot scarcely be viewed with other than feelings of disgust. As the vessel came to anchor she was surrounded by scores of natives in kyacks, and the clamor raised by them was speedily communicated to the shore, where a crowd of women and children had congregated to see the strange arrival. A motlier group never assembled in any country. What with the shouts of the children and the howling of the dogs and the smell of fish and the blighted look which every thing presented, it is safe to say that this first impression of the visitor was not a favorable one, AT THE GOVERNOR'S HOUSE. Accompanied by the Lieutenant Governor, Com- mander Braine proceeded to the gubernatorial mansion—a little wooden structure, of the provin- cial candy snop pattern, with little blinds. The Governor is a little man with @ pinched face, upon whom the severe winters "of twenty years in this locality have evidently told, His large, triangular shaped head sat on a pair of narrow shoulders seemingly unabiec to bear the weight, but he had a clear, mild expression at once friendly and in- telligent. He received Commander Braine with every courtesy, and spared no effort in snowing him and your correspondent over, the little settle- ment. He had been Governor for over fifteen years at Holsteinborg, and his removal to Sukkertoppen was regarded promotion. Happy man! The appointment as American Consuls to these settle- ments of afew of the irrepressivle hangers-on at the White House would satisfactorily dispose of them in @ month, and perhaps the experiment would be worth a trial, WHAT GOES TO DENMARK. The Governor conducted us to the public store where he retails to the natives hard tack, coffee and candy. All the skins collected by the Esqui- maux are haggled over to the Governor, who pays the hunter in money or in kind, In fact the whole trade of Greenland through the Royal Greenland Fishing and Trading Company is an absolute monopoly of the Crown, and no foreigner is allowed to trade with Dane or Esquimau—a system which enables the institutions of Denmark to be carried out, as spirits and other injurious articles are entirely excluded from the country. ‘the sum, however, paid the hunters bears no relation to the commercial value of the several articles in the Copenhagen market. For instance, a fox skin jor which the Esquimau receives half a dolar is worth ten or fifteen dollars in Copenhagen. The stores are conveyed annually from Denmark by ship, and are thence distributed to the various outposts, each of which is presided over by @ Dane or half-breed, who keeps the company’s accounts, distributes the necessaries and gathers produce for the com. pany’s profit. The ship returns with @ cargo of skins, stockfish, eider down furs and blubber, Altogether the Danish rale is satisfactory to the Greeniandera, and the laws are administered with creditable impartiality. Punishment is inflicted ih the shape of fines, which are deducted at a certain percentage. After all the company makes but little. The business transactions seemed to be car- rie@ on with the strictest regard to honesty, while the company seems to be actuated by the desire to care for and improve the condition of a people whose forefathers were steeped in barbarism. HUNTING THE REINDEER. The Governor informed us that there were no dogs fit to hunt at Sukkertoppen, and that as for the other articles his last stock of skins had al- Teady been shipped to Copenhagen, Our trip to the settlement was, therefore, marked by some dis- appointment.’ 1 may add that Sukkertoppen is one of the principal depots for reindeer skins, and Most of the natives were away on their summer hunt collecting them. These furs form a valuable part of the clothing among the natives of both sexes, The seal skin is used only for pantaloons and boots or moccasins—the most secure article against the wet. With the promise that the Goy- ernor would visit the Juniata before she left, Com- mander Braine took his leave, AMONG THE NATIVES, + Ascending a rugged stairway in the rocky gorge I came in full view of a crowdof Esquimau ladies, who elmost stared me out of countenance. In their broad, chunky faces blubber and astonish- ment struggled for superiority. Something like the African damsels, described by Dr. Livingstone» they displayed great bulbousness below their dusky ribs. The prominent feature which aaserted itself in unmistakable form was dirt, especially among the matrons of advanced years, By and by they became less astonished, and when spoken to by the ice pilot manifested a strong desire to enter mto converation, which, however, was not prac- ticable. But the smell in all directions was appal- ing. Offal stood forth in bold reltef at every turn, seal meat lay rotting in the sun, and, to crown all, blubber smeared everything dead and alive. In fine, the odor was indescribable. But the people seemed indifferent to the surround. ings, and, being the residents and taxpayers ol the Place, have most right to complain. But what can be said of the habitations? Upon the invitation of &@ wiry-looking old dame, in comparison with whom Meg Merriles was a Venus, I entered one of the huts. The family was evidently a poor one, for within a space of eight teet by twelve were a couple of grandmothers, a @ozen children and half that number of hungry dogs. Most of the houses are built with stone or turf, raitered over with drift- ‘wood and roofed with mosses, ‘skins and earth. The entrance 1s through a tunnel not over three feet tn height, and the stranger, in a moment of forgetfulness, is apt to bump his head against the Tafters, to the intense delight of the tawny urchins that follow in his wake. MUSIC IN THE WILDERNESS. ‘While most of the dwellings were of the kennel order, there were, nevertheless, others having some pretensions to cleanliness and comfort. These had glass windows and wooden floors, ana could boast three or four well regulated apartments, Here and there were scattered about skins and furs, in arranging which the occupants seemed busily emgaged. There were generally from six to @ dozen persons ina house, ranging from the first to the seventh stage of man’s existence. The sleeping booths were divided by partitions, about two feet in height, and seal-skins did duty for feather beds. Despite the attempt at neatness in the best of these houses the greasy odor was still defiant. We had been seated but a iow minutes when three or four muscular-looking damsels entered slyly and took the nearest seat to the door. Between the natural color of their com- plexions and the inclination to blush I should say the shade presented by these hopetu) Maideus was not unlike the hue of a fower pot. Far away in a dark corner sat a dismal young man, more Dane than Esquimau, who, taking ad- vantage of the lull in conversation, which had hitherto been confined to nods and grins, dived into a locker and produced a violin, whitch he quickly tamed into submission, As he commenced to rattle of a lively air the women’s eyes glis- tened, and, the contagion being communicated to their feet, a brisk pattering on the floor was com- menced, Even the dogs wagged their tails, and before long two sturdy damsels stepped forth and performed some Terpsichorean feats, which, for rapid shuMing and intricate twirls, left nothing to be desired. Encouraged by applause a brace of youngsters joined in the dance, which was some- thing between a Boston dip and a Donnybrook jig. By this time the apartment nad be- come thronged to excess. Crowds surrounded the house and peered through the window in blank amazement, and even the children screamed with joy and apprehension combined. The dust Tose in clouds, and breathing becoming a matter of diMcuity, to say nothing of the aroma from ail quarters, we paid the piper and took our leave. THE GOVERNOR VISITS THE JUNIATA. It was a great day for Sukkertoppen. ‘Never in the history of the promising spot had a vessel, and @ man-of-war at that, of such dimensions as the Juniata come to anchor in the harbor, How she ever got in and how she ever got out again I am net prepared to state. Lying quietly at anchor within a pistol shot of the hugh crags, she seemed as large as the entire set- tlement, and during the livelong day crowds stood gazing down from on high on the strange and war- like visitor. I have said that Governor Larssen had gratefuily accepted the invitation of Commander Braine to visit the vessel. Six o’clock was the hour appointed for the reception, and the occasion } Was one which will not readily be forgotten in the annals of Sukkertoppen. Preparations had been made for the arrival of His Excellency, ana the event was awaited with feelings of awe and curiosity. “A few minutes after six o'clock the Danish flag was seen floating from the stern of a rowboat, and “Here comes the Governor!” passed along with lightning speed. A guard of marines in full dress was drawn up on the quarter deck, and as the high functionary of Sukkertoppen passea up the gangway he was cordially welcomed amid a rousing salute of fifteen guns, As the sound re- verberated and almost shook the settlement out of existence @ wild howl was raised on shore, as if an earthquake had given decided symptoms of approach. A more bewildered looking man than the littie Governor it has never been my lot to behold, Arrayed in sealskin boots and breeches, a short jacket trimmed with dog skin, and a little jaunty hat bound with green, the very picture of @ Leprechaun, he gazed to the right and to the leit, as if to say, “What have I ever done to you’? He was warmly greeted by the captain and officers, and as the marines presented arms he was pleased beyond description. Unable to speak Eng- lish, comversation was carried on through the Lieutenant Governor, a very agreeable old Dane in specs, and accommodating to p fault, The two dignitaries wereentertained in the cabin by Uon- mander Braine, who, at the close of an interesting conversation presented them with substantial tokens of his regard. Both had heard of the rescue of Tyson’s party, but more than that knew noth- ing. What the functions of the Lieutenant Gov- ernor wete I could not well ascertain. He was, nevertheless, communicative on all points of in- terest, and took especial pleasure in dilating on the characteristics of the Esquimau race, In reply to the interrogatory as to, whether Sukkertoppen had a jail or house of correction, he said crime was unknown in the settiement. He attributed the pres- ent happy state of affairs to the total absence of spirituous liquors, the taste of which, he said, was unknown in these parts. Allin all the Lieutenant Governor was @ jovial dignitary; and, although the cynic might assign some other cause than cli- matic influence for the aristocratic hue of his finely-developed nose, there is no doubt that the government has a sealous and obliging oMcial in Mr. Tuncoup, Shortly before eight o’c!ock the two distinguished visitors waddled off, highly delighted with their reception, and were profuse in their offers of friendship. To be sure they had nothing to give or sell, for the best of reasons, but then good wishes were kindly stowed away in the top locker of a grateful memory. A GREENLAND nor. Whatever may be the peculiar characterestics of the native Esquimaux in regard to their sanitary condition, their love of music and the dance is de- cided. Of the jatter accomplishment they are pas- sionately fond, more especially the women, who from infancy learn the art with aurpriaing rapidity. ‘This fact had ample illustration on the evening of the Governor's visit. The bint came from the settlement itself, for I am told that a bevy of chubby dameels Le! managed to convey the idea to those who had goue ashore at noon that a hop would be agreeable, A dense fog prevailed outside, and, the wind still blowing from the northeast, it was deemed pradent to remain at anchor. Accordingly alarge party left the ship to join in tne Terpsi- chorean exercises, which proved @ greater treat than many had reason to anticipate. The entire population of Sukkertoppen was out. The scraggy appearance of the males, with theiy long, unkempt black hair, was fully made up by the jaunty and fantastic display of the ladies, who, standing in Mie at the public storehouse, awaited the inaugura- tion of the festivities. All turned ont in their dest, which consisted of a silk handkerchief tied about the forehead, a knob of hair, festooned with rib- bon, standing out from the crown, like ornamented Pperique tobacco; jackets of the brightest colors, seal-skin breeches which reached to the knee, and boots of every hue in the rainbow. ll who were able sported earrings and beads, and it is no exaggeration'to say that Sukkertoppen was proud. Ata signal trom the Lieutenent Governor the two fiddlers on the steps of the storehouse struck up @ lively air, and in a twinkling 1s was “hands all round.” “The costumes were exeeedingly pictu- Tesque, and the grace and agillty with which the Greenland gypsies used their limbs would have done credit to the Italian dancing master who en- gineers the ballet. The fiddlers rasped away till the strings fairly squeaked with joy; the dogs ho , and mothuys struggled to hold their off- spring on their tawny backs. Fairly exhausted by the exercise on the rocky surface, the visitors were first to succumb, not, however, before the ladies had demonstrated their proficieney in the mazy whirl of the waltz, At the suggestion of Mr. Tuncoup, all hands adjourned to one of. the houses, and, having crawled through the rabbit-hole entrance, resumed festivities. From some cause, a spirit of rivalry, perhaps, the two fiddlers became separated, and each conducted his own orchestra in different Tanches. The cronies in the corner chuckled with delight, but I cannot say that the male portion of the populace relished the fun. They hung about the doors in anything but a pleasant mood, aud only brightened up when laden with presents of plug tobacco. Away went the fiddler again with imereased vigor, straining every nerve to make the instrument do double duty, and away went the belles in highest glee, enjoying with colossal smiles the errors of their dashing partners. Some thoughtful person had conveyed a bag of coffee on shore, and when the aroma ascended from the caldron outside the door the joy of the assem- blage was at its height, Sweetened with Danish candy, tinfuls of the hot beverage disappeared in a twinkling. ‘Few, if any, of the women had claims to beauty; scarcely one was shapely; but, for all that, they were by no means unattractive, while their decorum was irreproach- able and worthy of example im many a more pre- tentious place. It was noticeable, however, that the older they grew the more careless did they become in dress—a circumstance somewhat out of the ordinary routine of ancient and civilized fe- males in other parts of the glove. With few excep- tions blubber had left its undeniable stamp on nearly every face, for both young and old were burdened with heavy folds of fat about the chin and cheeks, which, polished for the dance, shook merrily in the light and wagged in unison with the fiddier’s strokes. Some- what exhausted from repeated efforts, vocal music succeeded as well sustained a dance as ever threatenea a barn floor, and when at length eleven o’clock arrived, and broad Gaylight at that, and the visitors bade adieu, something like a feeling of regret was visible in many a shining face. The boats shoved off, and Sukkertoppen was soon wrapped in soothing slumber, BOUND FOR HOLSTEINBORG. Unsuccessful in obtaining sledge dogs or skins at sukkertoppen, since there were none to be had, Commodore Braine, having secured an Esquimau Pilot, Jeft with the Juniata on the morning of the 18th, and stood out of the harbor for Holsteinborg, distant about ninety miles north. The littie land- jocked harbor now fading from view had afforded complete shelter, for the water was without a Tipple, and wind there was none. But once again at sea, our dreaded joe, the fog, again sagged over the vessel, and, with a stiff nor’westcr blowing twowards the shore, the annoying features of the previous cruise were again presented in all their ugliness and stubborn tenacity. Nothing short of unceasipg vigilance and sound judgment om the part of the Commander and officers brought the vesse) so successfully through many a trying emergency. The poor diminutive pilot shook with nervousness when the land be- came obscured, and once, when breakers were reported close aboard, he fairly quailed. But he won universal sympathy from the devotion dis- played at his post of duty, standing ali day on the | bridge trying to peer through that which was im- penetrable. Sometimes the fog would clear away for half an hour, and his delight became unbounded; again it would envelop the ship, and his fidgety deportment asserted itself in renewed twisting and perplexing demon- strations. But his troubles were soon at an end, and when the Juniata steamed slowly into the har- bor and came to anchor near the settlement he was the happiest creature on board. Although it was now twelve o'clock, the scene of clamor and excitement on the part of the natives was re- newed. The rattling of the chain when the anchor was let go aroused the slumbering inhabitants, who, donning their skin attire, if, indeed, they ever take it Off before it falls off itself, and, jump- ing into their kyacks, rushed forth pell-mell, each one handling his double-bladed oar with masterly skill. They swarmed around the ship like bees, and what with shouting and paddling and gaping and asking questions and grinning and waiting for chunks of pork, a rare spectacle was produced, But ail was still on board, and save the officers and men on watch the company of the Juniata sought repose. Ick Doas. Determined to make as little delay as possible, Commander Braine went ashore at an early hour in the morning, and, calling on the Governor of the settlement, informed him of the condition of affairs. He was welcomed with great warmth by both the Governor and his wife and assured of every assist- ance Within their power. in order that no time might be lost a messenger was despatched from’ the gubernatorial mansion—a little two story house, the very pink of neatness—with orders to secure all the available dogs. Meanwhile the genial little ruler, unlike his brother at Suk- kerteppen, in figure, style and appearance, imparted some interesting jnforthation relative to the district and*its barren surroundings. The population of Holsteinborg, he said, numbered about 150 souls. Most of the men were at present engaged in hunting deer. Six or seven hundred barrels of seal ofl and large quantities of dried codfish were annually shipped to Denmark, ‘The brig Constancia was at this time lying in the harbor, laden with the products of tne countryy ready to sail for Copenhagen, and only awaited a fair wind to commence the voyage; and I may add that through the courtesy of her captain I am ena- bled to forward this hasty letter, At noon the messenger returned with the triumphant announce- ment that he had secured ten full-blooded Esqui- manu dogs, and a subsequent examination of the animals by the ice pilot of the Juniata proved the correctness of the assertion. A more ravenous pack of beasts it would be hard to find. They were all Jashed and senton board, where a large pen had been prepared for their reception. Next in order were the seal-skins with which to make clothing for the officers and crew of the Tigress, should in searching for the Polaris, be compelled to winter in the Arctic regions, Every effort would, of course, be made by the Juniata before the arrival of the Tigress at Upernavik; but provesion for every emergency was deemed requi- site, And thus were secured the dogs and skins, without which Arctic expioration @ hopeless task. In the evening Governor Larssen was re- ceived on the Juniata with appropriate honors and suitably entertained, A SCENE OF DESOLATION. Cheerless ag the Sahara stands the cojony of Holsteinborg. It is hard to tmagine anything more hopeless looking than the miserable huts and pens which nestle at the base of the lofty crags which almost surround the settlement. When, at noon, party landed from the vessel, a horde of the na- tives came trooping along, and, standing on a little eminence, viewed us with an expression of wonder, as if we had fallen from the sky. They were mostly females, and once more the prominent characteris- ties of the Eaquimau ladies—biubber ana bul- bousness—compelied attention from the passer-by. The hovels were in keeping with the people—iow, dingy nests, reeking with various combinations, and in some places unfit for the veriest criminals unhung. But no cloud of sorrow seemed to mar their contentment, They were happy in their dirt and simplicity, and the world's cares evidently brought no pain to them. While not regarded in the light of invaders it took some time before their consternation sub- sided to ordinary surprise. But it was not dificult to make friends of them, and the purchase of a few trivial articles soon put them in the best of humor. The journey through the rabbit hole was repeated, another fiddler emerged from a dark corner, more seraping followed, and at length, unable to with- stand the charms of the enlivening strains, two broad-shouldered little women entertained us with characteristic dance of the break-down order, and didn’t blow a bit after fifteen minutes uutn- terrupted shuffling on the sandy floor. A liberal distribution of tobacco among the men and a few trinkets among the ladies brightened every face in the party, and it is safe to say that they would have continued dancing to this hour had our de- parture not suddenly put an end to the festivities. PAMILIAR FACES ON SFRANGE GROUND. . Even the well-to-do Jersey mosquito, in the prime of life with all his proverbial vigor and tenacity, would cut but a sorry figure compared with the sturdy and determined bullies that infest these quarters, Altera slight rainfall a party prepared to ascend the adjacent clifs, when a cloud of Greenland mosquitoes commenced to harpoon us in the neck and face, We were evidently a relish for the relentless monsters, which they were bound to enjoy at all hazards. Once beaten off, they re- newed the attack, [don’t know how many millions strong, and although whole regiments fell gorged the ranks of the dead were rapidly filled up vy gaunt and hungry gluttons. The assault had been sudcen, and we were entirely unprepared for the emer- gency, so that, unable to withstand the ravenous ferocity of the foe, we fled the ground, I am con- vinced that the Greenland mosquito is not to be trifled with, even under any circumstance, and that the attractions of Holsteinborg are not sufi- clently great to induce a visit of very long dura- tion. DEVOTION OF THE ESQUIMAUX AT PRAYER. Whatever may be the peculiarities of the Esqui- maux in this section of the desolate land, they have onc trait which is not unworthy of imitation in more civilized quarters, When the little church bell tolled yesterday morning for service every sedt was occupied before the iast sound died away. Contrary to the refined and fashionavle habit of coming late and creating a momen- tary flutter among the congregation, the Esquimaux were punctual in theirattendance. The church is @ little wooden edifice, with seats for about 120 persons, and it is totally ae- void of any attempt at decoration; but the absence of works of art is fully compensated by the devoutness of the people, who, following the doctrines ef Luther in a primitive manner, are content in the possession of a building, however plain and unpretending, wherein they can assem- ble to pay tributes of praise and thankfulness to the Almighty. The minister was absent at a dis- tant settlement, but his post was occupied by the schoolmaster, who officiates both as organist and preacher, The males sat on the right and tne females on the left, and their decorum throughout the service was exemplary, while the hymns were chanted in @ manuer that faited not to create a feeling of admiration on the part of the strangers present: Both men and women were, of course, arrayed in their best—that is, the seal-skins of the former were newer and the ribbons of the latter more showy than on week days. I may add that the closest observation failed to detect that rare ac- complishment, in which some intelligent damsela are such adepts, of figuring to.a ten cent stamp the cost per square inch of female gear on stylish neighbors, more especially when exposed to scru- tiny within the four walls ofa church. Many of the Esyuimaux read tolerably well, but I imagine that the billet of schoolmaster of Holsteinborg 1s not an enviable one. THE JUNIATA—FATE OF THE POLARIS, A dense fog prevails outside the harbor. It is impossible to see @ ship’s length ahead, and, stil) worse, the prospect of its Clearing off is not at all encouraging. The Juniata, in consequence, is still at anchor, having been detained trom the same cause since Saturday night. Weare ready to sall at any moment, and only await the opportunity, There is not a sick man on board the ship, and a more harmonious company never sailed for the Arctic Sea, Commander Braine, who, throughout the entire voyage, tas exercised the greatest vigilance, unremitting attention and judictous foresight, his officers and crew, are con- fident of the success of the expedition. A Danish brig cailed in here about a fortnight since, but had not heard anything of the Polaris and crew. It is not probable, however, that the missing vessel has yet been able to leave her winter quarters, which are generally believed tobe in the vicinity of NortiumBerland Island. ‘The impression prevails that, in case the Polaris is hopelessly crippled, Buddington -and his party will avail themselves of @ passage on some English whaler and proceed to some port where the au- thorities at home can be communicated with. On the other hand, it is thought that the party may remain frozen in until the end of July, when, with the assistance of the Esquimaux, they wouid start for Cape York. But it is idie to speculate on a subject which can only be determined by actual search, cost what it may. How long it may take has yet to be ascertained, and, the task once undertaken, cannot be abandoned without definite and satisfactory results. There may yet be a sadder and that which the miraculous rescue of Tyson’s party developed, Who can tell what terrible scenes may have occurred witnin the last ten months in @ re- gion of perpetual ice and snow, where comfort is unknown, and where the dust of heroes has long since been scattered with the winds ? As the faint and uncertain glimmer of a distant light buoys up the sinking traveller in his lonely path, 80 must hope sustain the missing ones in whatever place their present lot is cast. If alive they cannot think they are forgotten; if dead, the fact will to light. Come ¥0 Ne BOUND FOR DISCO. It is now midday. The fog is lifting, and in half an nour the Juniata will be under weigh for Disco. Officers and men are hopeful and look on the bright side of the picture. No duty will be too onerous, no risk too hazardous, no sacrifice of com- fort too great in aiding an object which all have set their hearts to attain. On arriving at Disco the vessel will land all the available coal and ovher necessaries for the steamer Tigress. She will then perbaps proceed to Upernavik and*in- tiate the search, In what manner it will be com- menced the judgment of the Commander will best determine, UNIVERSALISTS IN COUNCIL State Convention at Lockport, N. Y. Lockport, Sept. 3, 1874. The State Convention of Universalists assembled in this city yesterday, The Convention is compara- tively well attended, and unusual interest is mani- fested. At the opening of the session, at the Church of the Redeemer, yesterday morning the following officers were elected:—President, Rev. FE. W. Crowell, of Brooklyn, N. Y.; Vice-President, Rev. L. J. Fletcher, oi buttaio; Secretary, Rev. C Flubrer; Session Clerk, Rev. James Vincent. Re- ligious services Were held last evening and this orning. E ean atternoon Mra. C. A. Saul, of the Woman's Associat: Messrs. jtenar, ton, de an address. Martin Fistcner, George Robinson, Kev. J. Fletcher and A. E. Kilby were inted ‘Trustees of the by appoll niversity, at Canton, N. Y. D. D. T. Marsan of New You , was elected treasurer for the coming year. A latge public meeting is being held inthe Hoare Opera House this evening. ‘The Convention cantinnes through to-morrow. more tragic tale in store for the community than | ee RODMAN REMAINS IN JAIL. A Bondsman Wanted—Treasurer Sprague Requested to Resigz—Opinions of Pub- lic Men—Interesting Statement of Comp- troller Schroder. The promised delegation of friends of M. T. Rod- man, the defaulting Deputy City Treasurer, have failed most lamentably to give substantial evi- dence of the sincerity of their vaunted affection for the imprisoned man. He remains in jail and 1s likely to do go a for a few days longer at all events. It is claimed that Mr. Hotchkiss and another gen- tleman of New York have offered to go bail for the prisoner, but that the trouble is to find @ third bondsman, which is necessary, and each one mast Justify in the sum of $50,009 before the United States District Attorney, A special conference, consisting of Mayor Powell, Comptrolier Schroder and Corporation Counsel W. C. De Witt, was held yesterday fore- noon for the purpose of considering what action should be taken in the premises in order to re- store public confidence in the city treasury admin- istration, The result of the consultation was that ‘Treasurer Cortland A, Sprague should be REQUESTED TO RESIGN aT ONCE and in the event of his refusing to do so he will be dismissed and the office filled by a man in whom the community can repose the most unshaken con- fidence. It is understeod that Mr. Sprague is pre- pene his resignation, which will be doubtless ded in to the Mayor to-day. The bondsmen of Sprague and Rodman held » meeting in the forenoon, in the oftice of the Brooke lyn Trust Com; iy, Court street, for the Und spe OF discussing 3 question of their responsibility as bondsmen. Mr. J. 0. Low presided, and the respon- sibility of the Trust Company for the defaication was brought up for serious review. Ifthe steating was done by Rodman while officiating in the capacity Deputy i Treasurer the bondsmen were responsible, but tf, ther other hand, he took the money as Secre- tary of the Trust Company, then the latter institution would have to make poet the loss. The result of the meeting was that the bondsmen de- cided to give their notes the Comptroller, paranis Januaryl. This was done, Sprague’s sure- les oe their notes for $22,000 and Rodman’s for fi, It 16 ascertained, powerets thag Sprague’s property, which has beén turned over to the city, will pba ample to reimburse tne city, im which event the bondsmen will not be losers. Thirty thousand dollars in bonds and stock has been transferrea to the Comptroller by Mr. PErsEnes and his real.estate is placed for sale in the keeping: of Mr, Chauncey, WILLIAM C. KINGSLEY, one ofthe bondsmen for Sprague, said, in conver-: sation with a reporter yesterday, that “Sprague nad been more careless than criminal; that actuak stealing was done by Rodman and Mills.” There may be others involved, and he would not be sur- rised if such evidence should come to light. ¢ Prague's custom was to sign anything presented im by Rodman for signature without inquiry. le neglected every rule of busi- ness, and in this respect was criminally pecan The President of the Trust Company, Alderman Ropes, remarked yesterdaythat “it was ha hue and cry had been made of @ deficit, which, altnough a deficit, did not prove a loss to the city, but was ed, when $20,000,000: was stolen in New York, was overlooked by’ the same'parties who are now s0 zealous in their: efforts to defame Brooklyn and its public men.” STATEMENT OF THE COMPTROLLER. Yesterday Comptroller Schroder made the follow~ ing statement concerning the City Treasury trauds and his efforts to check them:— We have now an ordinance on the books for some ears making it the duty of the Comptroller and Auditor annually to audit the accounts of the Treasurer; but it has been a dead letter from the start. Prior to the lst of January, 1873, I spoke to the Auditor in reference to auditing the Treasurer's accounts. We concluded, how- ever, that there were no accounts that we could audit. Rodinan had all along led me to believe that ho kept the accounts in a sort of s large memorandum book, which no one but himself could under- stand; he appeared to be very stupid; this, no doubt, was part of his scheme, as at that ‘time he was keeping @ cash account in gdod form, which he never allowed ine to see. At the samo time I’ had done what I could to provide proper checks in the City Treas- ury. Rodman's ground wus gradually varrowed tnrough strange that suc! my efforts, T gradk Approached his defences. Dewitt the Corporation Counsel supported me; 40 did & minority of the Common Council. But the way was long and progress slow, a3 1 had tu do it through the Legisia- ture. ‘The investigation into the former Comptroller's accounts, and the subsequent action of the Common rane Seca me that {could get no support there in winatter. First, succeeded in getting a bill through last, year's Legislature which gave me the power to prescritie the manner of keeping all city accounts, and of rendering all statements and accounts from one department to another. ‘This bill empowered me also to call for monthly statements concerning the finances of the city, agT mightdeem desirable. Roche bitterly opposed the bill in Albany. He claimed that it gave the Comptroller too much por nd humiliated the Treasurer mere clerk of the Comptroller. Prominent Brooklyn democratic politicians waited unom Governor Hoffuan and requertad him to withhold his signature; but, to his credit be itsaid, he answered them that he thought it Was a proper measure and he signed it. jately requested the Treasurer to open a com- plete set of books; in tact, I had them opened in my office tor him. I then demanded weekly statements froin him, showing in what banks and in what amounts city moneys were deposited, and I requested that he demand from every bank @ certificate to verify bis statements; the certificates he refused to procure; the weekly state- ments he furnished when he found that I would compel him by mandamus to furnish them. At first he told me in so many words that it was Lone of the Comptroller's busi- ness where the Treasurer deposited city moneys. I pub- lished these statements regwarly, and though could not get the certificates from the banks, stlil f believed that I had established a thorough and complete check on the Treasurer—in fact, a weekly audit of his accounts. Several bank officers who read these statements weekly, and haa made comparisons, spoke to me, expressing ffatiflcation that the Treasurer was compelled to show nd. be a STILL 1 LOOKED wirH susricioN upon the connection of the Treasury with the Trast Com- a pany. 1 'telt that Rodman would not be satisfied with $1,000 per year for his ‘services as Deputy Treas- urer, and J suspected that he recelved some con- siderable benefits in the way of interest on city money from the @rust Company. I felt all the more con- vinced of this when the Treasurer paid no attention te my repeated demand for a detailed statement of interest received by him. I therefore insisted that in the new charter the provision should be inserted as per title 19, section 9. 2 When the charter became a law Sprague at once re- signed. Rodman knew ine well enough to understand that he could not be Deputy Treasurer and Secretary of the ‘Trust Company much ‘long ler the charter was signed; either he must account to his successor in the ‘Trust Company or to his suctessor in the Treasury ; Mills also knew this exposure was inevitaole; the denoucment you know—the charter did it all. Fire in Columbus, Ohio. CoLumavs, Sept. 3, 1873. At six o'clock this morning fire was discovered in the rear part of A. Mithoff & Co.'s hardware establishment, corner of High and Friend streets. It was speedily extinguished by the Fire Depart- ment, with loss to the stock of $15,000 and damage tothe building of about $1,500. The in- surance on thestock is $20,600, iu Western compa- mies. The insurance on the building ts $16,000, Incendiary Fire in Nashua, N. BH. NASHUA, Sept. 3, 1873. The stable attached to the Merrimac House was set on fire by an incendiary early this morning, destroying the stable and the Merrimac House, which was owned by George E. Boutell; the engine house owned by the city, a barn belonging to James Whitney, and the wheelwright, blacksmith and paint shops of Quiney A. Woodward. The loss is $25,000, Fire in St. Louis. Sr. Louis, Mo., Sept. 3, 1873. The small cabinet shop of Maybaum, Schrider & Co., and several small tenement houses tn an alley, between Eleventh and Twelfth streets and Angier- rodt and Buchanan streets, were purned last night, ‘The loss is between $12,000 and $15,000, Forest Fire in Maine. BANGOR, Sept. 3, 1873. A terribie fre is raging in the western part of East Surrey, in a piece of woodiand. A large force ofmen are fighting the flames, butif the high winds continue @ great number of dwelling houses wiil be burned, as all the wells are dry and hardly any water is to be had: FIRE MARSHALS REPORT. Fire Marshal Sheldon reports that there were during the month of August 104 fires, involving ® loss of $85,942; insurance, $398,750, THE NOVA SCOTIA HURRICANE. A Government and a Private Vessel Sent te the Coast—Gloucester’s Loss, Thirty-five Lives and 960, GLoucestER, Mass., Sept. 3, 1878. The government has despatched the revenue cutter Woodbury to the Noval Scotian coasts and other points in that region to aid the Gloucester fishermen disabled in the late disastrous storm, and private parties have sent the steamer Com- merce on @ similar errand. The number of Gloucester fishing vessels already reported dis- ‘bled in the gale is thirty-six. Of this number six FR . suppdsed to be totally lost, rey ting 000 in value, on which re were 251 rance. Thirty-five others were stranded, but at represented to be.but slightly injured and will probably be got off, Five other vessels were either dismasted or lost their sails, cables, anc ac. A moderate estimate of losses to Giou- cester vessels by i. stort, {net u {he coat of launching and repairs, loss e, iy vesscl, OF A total Of $60,000. The y ison te cester by the | @ $90,000, ‘The toss of lite inclu f the schooners Angie 8. Friend and ©. C. Dane and two mer ivom the Fanny R.. thirtyefive nersous in ah,