xvi FOREWORD 



by the quality of his earlier work, by his originality and resource- 

 fulness, offered to subscribe $22,500 to his expedition. The Amer- 

 ican Museum of Natural History generously duplicated this sub- 

 scription. 



As the plans progressed, it became apparent that more funds 

 would be needed for the expanding program, and Mr. Stefansson, 

 with the approval of the above organizations, approached the 

 Premier of Canada to ascertain if the Canadian Government desired 

 to participate in the work. Sir Robert Borden immediately offered, 

 on behalf of the Dominion, to assume the entire expense of the 

 expedition if the National Geographic Society and the American 

 Museum of Natural History would agree to relinquish their claims. 

 On our cheerfully acceding to Sir Robert's wish, because of our faith 

 in Stefansson and our desire to see his important project adequately 

 undertaken, we received the following very pleasant letter from 

 the Canadian Premier: 



PRIME minister's OFFICE, CANADA. 



"Ottawa, Ont., 21st February, 1913. 



"Dear Sir: Mr. Stefansson has shown me your letter of the 11th 

 instant, stating that you are willing to forego your claims to a 

 share in his exploration of the northern waters of Canada, and to 

 cancel the arrangements which you had so generously made to con- 

 tribute towards the expenses of this undertaking, and I wish to 

 thank you for your courtesy in withdrawing in favor of this Gov- 

 ernment. 



"We are most appreciative of the valuable results obtained by 

 Mr. Stefansson's explorations in the northern part of the American 

 continent, which have given valuable information as to this com- 

 paratively unknown portion of the Dominion of Canada, and have 

 to thank you for the part you took in assisting Mr. Stefansson in 

 that work. The Government of Canada feels, however, with regard 

 to the present exploration, that it would be more suitable if the 

 expenses are borne by the Government more immediately interested, 

 and if the expedition sails under the flag of the country which is 

 to be explored. The Government is, however, desirous that the 

 line of investigation begun by Mr. Stefansson and the members of 

 your Association should be continued and would be glad of the 



