stefansson-wrangel-09-32-044v

292 THE ADVENTURE OF WRANGEL ISLAND

has the next best claim, and between these nations any
dispute can always be settled amicably on a legal basis.
But Russia seems to realize the value of Wrangel Island
better than any other country and is making protesta-
tions that are loud in proportion to the weakness of her
case. Things often go without any other reason to
those who want them most and Russia may therefore triumph. Then there is the possibility
of internationalizing the island for the benefit of all coun-
tries. But that, again, is a question of government policy
which has nothing to do with the spirit or value of the
sacrifices made by Crawford, Galle, Knight and Maurer.