DRAMATIC ANNOUNCEMENTS OF COOK AND PEARY 27 



outcroppings upon the surface that would have meant an almost 

 limitless fortune if they had been farther south. 



"It is not at all improbable that where such resources abound 

 we shall also find remarkable deposits of crystal formations. I do 

 not think it is out of the range of possibilities that some day gems 1 

 of various descriptions will be brought from the polar regions. It 

 is true that under existing conditions the ice presents apparently 

 insurmountable physical barriers. But just as I am convinced of 

 the ultimate utility of the resources of the north, so am I convinced 

 that after more scientific investigation we will discover how to 

 utilize the extraordinary terrestrial magnetism or electricity and 

 devise means to serve us in overcoming the apparent barrier that 

 nature has seemingly provided." 



Aside from the somewhat sordid view of the material benefits 

 which the Arctic realm is likely to yield, lie the indubitable ones of 

 its possible scientific and mental benefits. The extension of our 

 knowledge of the earth's surface is not lightly to be contemned. 

 Until man becomes acquainted with the full extent of the planet 

 which has been bequeathed to him, knows its shape, its conditions, 

 everything regarding it, he has not made full use of his inheritance. 

 Around the North Pole lay a great unknown area. To-day it is 

 known. That domain can be set aside as fenced in and done with 

 so far as knowledge of its general conditions are concerned. This, 

 in itself, is something worth gaining. 



But next comes in the scientific value of the discovery, and it 

 is not safe to decide as yet how great this may be. There are 

 meteorological phenomena to be observed and studied ; there are the 

 movements of currents, the range of temperature, the possibly im- 

 portant electrical and magnetic conditions. No one knows what 

 may be there of service to mankind, and until an exhaustive investi- 

 gation has been made no one can know. We may close this con- 

 sideration of the subject by repeating Dr. Franklin's question : "Of 

 what use is a baby?" 



