THE WHITE WORLD 



to be one man's business to call for everything that was 

 needed, and to see that he got it. 



The Thetis and the Bear were purchased at Dundee 

 for the expedition. The English Government had gener- 

 ously offered the Alert to the Government of the United 

 States, an offer which was gladly and thankfully accepted. 



I remember vividly the extreme care with which the 

 officers and men were selected. Every applicant was ex- 

 amined by a medical board, under instructions from the 

 Surgeon General, prescribing a standard of physique neces- 

 sary to withstand the exposures and hardships of the Arc- 

 tic. Many were rejected. 



Especial attention was paid to the victualling of the ships, 

 this being a matter of the most vital importance. A fre- 

 quent change of diet, as had been found from previous 

 Arctic experiences, was essential. Tea and chocolate were 

 the chief stimulants. It is an odd fact, and one of consider- 

 able interest, that in the Arctic regions, the use of coffee 

 has injurious effects on many constitutions. Tea seems to 

 be the best stimulant. But there are times, particularly 

 after severe exposure, when the internal warmth can be 

 communicated only by the use of hot spirits. 



The most careful inspection was also given to the cloth- 

 ing, which was made at the New York Navy Yard, the 

 officers and the men being fitted as they joined. Care had 

 been taken to see that on board each vessel, there should 

 be at least one officer who had had more or less Arctic 

 experience. 



Our equipment was the best that pains or money could 

 obtain at that time. But, naturally, it was not comparable 

 with that of the later Peary and Wellman expeditions, and 

 especially with that of the superb Baldwin-Ziegler Expe- 

 dition. These were provided .with all sorts of aids and 

 facilities which were not dreamed of in our day. 



To return to our own expedition. The fitting out was 

 by no means the only thing done to facilitate the objects 

 in view. The Navy Department had the most cordial 

 support and interest of the Secretary of War, and the two 

 Secretaries had many consultations on the various points 

 relating to the expedition. It was thought wise to take 

 subsidiary measures which might result beneficially. Re- 



