The Leading Journal having put its "veto" on the proposed
search for Franklin's expedition Lieutenant Pim, the author of the new scheme, has replied by concisely skating a few reasons why the search ought to be continued.
"Firstly, there is conclusive evidence of the precise locality where the missing ships have been stopped. Secondly, the most experienced officers stake their reputation on the facility by which they can be reached. Thirdly, the space to be searched is so circumscribed that the work can be accom- plished in one season by a comprehensive scheme of search, intrusted to vo- lunteers from among those young but experienced commanders already proved in the icy regions. Fourthly, there is ground for hope that some still survive. Fifthly, it is not characteristic of Englishmen to leave any- thing unfinished, especially when there is reason to expect a successful issue. Lastly, can we allow our children to read in the history of their country, that two ships, with 138 public servants, were lost in the Polar re- gions; that for six years the most untiring efforts were made to find them ; that by the merest accident conclusive evidence of their whereabout was at last obtained ; and then, and not till then, all further effort was aban- doned?
"As regards the latter part of your article,—' If the scientific gentlemen wish for another expedition, let them man the ships in their own proper per- sons, and prove that they do not shrink from the perils to which they would expose others,'—I have merely to remark, that no lack of volunteers has ever been experienced, whether scientific or otherwise ; as evidenced espe- cially in my Siberian expedition, on which occasion, hazardous in the ex- treme as it was pronounced to be, upwards of 100 private gentlemen, many of high scientific attainments, applied to share its perils : and I do not he- sitate to say that this country will produce, whenever called upon, a host of volunteers anxious to devote themselves to so noble a cause."
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