stefansson-wrangel-09-09-018

TO RELIEVE PARTY ON WRANGEL ISLAND

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Canadian Government Supplies Money For Expedition to North.

OTTAWA, Aug. 24. (Canadian Press).—Relief for four men, stated by Vilhjalmur Stefansson, Canadian explorer, to be now in danger on Wrangel Island, has been provided by the Canadian Government, the sum of $3000 being advanced to Mr. Stefansson for the purpose of taking the necessary relief measures.

The matter of the ownership of Wrangel Island was brought up in Parliament last session, when it was stated that the Stefansson party of four men, headed by Allan Crawford of Toronto, haid raised the British flag and claimed sovereignty over the island as a British possession, though there were at the time conflicting claims as to ownership.

The relie fexpedition arranged by Stefansson on the provision of the money by the government is stated to have sailed from Nome, Alaska, yesterday. Nothing has been heard of the Crawford party since September last, and the ship which sailed is carrying fresh supplies and a new party to continue occupation of the island.

Wrangel Island is claimed to be rich in fur and mineral deposits.

Did not use this. R.B.