86 ADDRESS. 



But one more view of this subject remains, and that we shall 

 present as concisely as possible. We have thus far spoken only 

 of the tropical islands, of their inhabitants, and of our shipping, 

 with the nautical and scientific labours to be performed in those 

 regions. That the picture is not overdrawn we most confidently 

 appeal to the members on the floor of Congress, whose con- 

 stituents are immediately interested in the various traffic of those 

 seas. To them of right belongs the more able support of this 

 measure, if indeed opposition can be anticipated to an enterprise 

 demanded, we repeat again, by the wisest considerations of 

 national policy, and honour, and the imperious calls of suffering 

 humanity. 



We have said, that only one more view of this subject remains 

 to be taken. Follow us, then, for a moment, from the sunny isles 

 of the tropics, to regions farther south, where the indefatigable 

 whaler must yet pursue his mighty prey along the verge of the 

 Antarctic circle, where our intrepid sealers scale the seemingly 

 inaccessible cliffs and mountains of ice in quest of their game, and 

 where the discovery ships should spend a few months during the 

 most favourable season of the southern summer. 



What ! extend our researches to regions surrounding the South 

 Pole \ And wherefore not ? Shall the reproach for ever rest upon 

 our character, that we can do nothing, think of nothing, talk of 

 nothing, that is not connected with dollars and cents ? The great 

 and beneficial objects of the expedition have been already dis- 

 cussed. Will you not allow us some scope for high and daring 

 adventure ? We know that whatever our interest and our honour 

 require, will meet with the approbation and support of the great 

 body of the American people ; but we also know, that without 

 some devotion to science and liberal pursuits, though we may 

 become powerful, yea, in an uninterrupted career of prosperity, 

 invincible by land and sea, yet we can never be truly great ! 



Those who raise objections, and oppose insurmountable obsta- 



