Editing Clements Markham (section)

=== National Antarctic Expedition, 1895–1904 ===
{{Main|Discovery Expedition}}
Murray's call for the resumption of Antarctic exploration was taken up again two years later, when the RGS acted as host to the sixth International Geographical Congress in August 1895. This Congress passed a unanimous resolution:

{{blockquote|[That] the exploration of the Antarctic Regions is the greatest piece of geographical exploration still to be undertaken. That, in view of the additions to knowledge in almost every branch of science which would result from such a scientific exploration, the Congress recommends that the scientific societies throughout the world should urge, in whatever way seems to them most effective, that this work should be undertaken before the close of the century.<ref name= Jones57>Jones, pp.&nbsp;57–59.</ref>}}

The joint committee organising the British response to this resolution contained a difference of view. Murray and the Royal Society argued for a largely civilian expedition, directed and staffed by scientists, while Markham and most of the RGS contingent saw a National Antarctic Expedition as a means of reviving naval glories, and wanted the expedition organised accordingly.<ref name="Crane75"/> Markham's tenacity finally won the day when in 1900 he secured the appointment of his protégé Robert Falcon Scott, by then a torpedo lieutenant on {{HMS|Majestic|1895|6}}, as the expedition's overall commander. In doing so he thwarted an attempt to place the leadership in the hands of Professor [[John Walter Gregory]] of the [[British Museum]].<ref>Crane, pp.&nbsp;92–93, 97–101.</ref><ref name= Jones62/>

In the view of Markham's critics, this represented the subordination of scientific work to naval adventure,<ref name= Jones62>Jones, pp.&nbsp;62–64.</ref> although the "Instructions to the Commander", drawn up by Markham, give equal priorities to geographical and scientific work.<ref>Savours, pp.&nbsp;16–17.</ref> The "science versus adventure" arguments were renewed when, after the return of the expedition, there was criticism over the accuracy and professionalism of some of its scientific results.<ref>Crane, pp.&nbsp;392–394.</ref>

[[File:Discovery at barrier1902.jpg|thumb|left|''Discovery'' moored in 1902]]
Markham faced further problems in securing funding for the expedition. In 1898, after three years' effort, only a fraction of what was required had been promised. Meanwhile, the Anglo-Norwegian explorer [[Carsten Borchgrevink]] had obtained a sum of £40,000 (over £3&nbsp;million in 2008)<ref name= MW/> from publisher [[George Newnes]], to finance a private Antarctic venture.<ref name= Jones57/> Markham was furious, believing that funds were being diverted from his own project, and denounced Borchgrevink as "evasive, a liar and a fraud".<ref>E. Huxley, p.&nbsp;35.</ref>

He was equally hostile to [[William Speirs Bruce]], the Scottish explorer who had written to Markham asking to join the National Antarctic Expedition. On receiving no confirmation of an appointment, Bruce obtained finance from the Scottish [[Coats baronets]] family and organised his own [[Scottish National Antarctic Expedition]]. Markham accused Bruce of "mischievous rivalry", and of attempting to "cripple the National Expedition&nbsp;... in order to get up a scheme for yourself".<ref>Speak, pp.&nbsp;71–75.</ref> The Scottish expedition duly sailed, but Markham remained unforgiving towards it, and used his influence to ensure that its participants received no Polar Medals on their return.<ref>Speak, pp.&nbsp;127–131.</ref>

A substantial private donation and a government grant finally allowed the National Antarctic Expedition to proceed. A new ship, the {{RRS|Discovery||2}}, was built, and a mainly naval crew of officers and crewmen appointed, along with a scientific staff which was later described as "underpowered".<ref>Crane, p.&nbsp;279.</ref> ''Discovery'' sailed on 5&nbsp;August 1901, after an inspection by King [[Edward VII]], at which Markham was present to introduce Scott and the officers. The ship was gone for just over three years during which time, from a base in the [[Ross Sea]] area, significant explorations of this sector of Antarctica were carried out, along with an extensive scientific programme. Although it was reported by the ''Times'' as "one of the most successful [expeditions] that ever ventured into the Polar regions, north or south,"<ref>''Times'', 10&nbsp;September 1904, reported in Jones, p.&nbsp;68.</ref> it was largely ignored by the government of the day.<ref name= Jones72>Jones, p.&nbsp;72.</ref> Markham was criticised in official quarters for privately sanctioning a second season in the Antarctic, contrary to the original plan, and then being unable to raise funds for the expedition's relief in 1904. The cost for this had to be borne on [[His Majesty's Treasury]].<ref>Crane, pp.&nbsp;278–379.</ref>