| Description | Reply to the letter of the 7 June. They have no objection to the Presidents and Councils of the two Societies appointing Dr G Murray as Director, to accompany the ship as far as Melbourne, but regret to find that it is apparently proposed to send the 'Discovery' into the Antarctic without a man of eminence as a Scientific Director.
They point out that no member of the existing staff was selected with the view that he might be called on to act as the sole Scientific leader in the Antarctic, and, in their oinion, nonone of them can advantageiously act in this capacity in an expedition of such importance and magnitudem and which, moreonver, is to be sent forth under the responsibility of the Royal Society.
If, at so short a notice, it is impossible to obtain the services of an eminent and experienced scientific leader, they trust that no pains will be spared to secure at least the appointment of some well-trained young naturalist of known originality and breadth of view.
With reference to the last paragaraph of the letter, they have no knowledge of the decisions which have been arrived at by the Committee of Six; nor have they had the opportunity, promised to them, of explaining to that Committee the reasons which have induced them to propose that the ship shall not winter in the South Polar regions, but that a party shall be landed to obtain all the results required.
They desire that this letter may be read to the Council, as, inasmuch as they regard the opinions therein expressed as of great imiportance for the success of the Expedition, they shall be glad it if could be printed and circulated beforehand. |