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In The News
The Alaska Free-Press.
Juneau, Alaska Territory
Saturday, January 15, 1887.
Volume 1, No. 1
Page 1.
Subscription Rates:
One Year...........$3.00
Six Months........ 1.75
Three Months..... 1.00
Single Copies..... .10
Edited and Published by HOWARD & SONS
Address all correspondence to the Free Press, Juneau, Alaska
District Officers.
Governor - A.P. Swineford.
United States Judge - Lafayette Dawson.
District Attorney - M. D. Ball.
Marshal - Barton Atkins.
Educational Agent - Sheldon Jacckson.
Commissioners - L. L. Williams (Juneau); J. G. Brady (Sitka); J. E. Johnston (Ounalaska).
Sepcial Deputy Marshal at Juneau - Wm. McLeren.
Interpreter at Juneau - George Brown.
Night Watchman Juneau - Daniel Kennedy.
Customs Officers.
Collector - Peter French.
Special Deputy Collecctor - Edward H. Brown.
Deputy Collectors - T. A. Wilson (Wrangel); W. H. Bond (Douglas); A. C. Barry (Ounalaska);
I. Petroff (Kodiak); Wm. L. Webster (Juneau)
Inspections - H. H. Lloyd; A. Lippin_____
Probate Court.
Judge - Louis L. Williams.
First Monday in January, April, July, October.
Fire Department.
Wm. M. Bennett, President.
E. H. James, Vice-President.
John G. Heid, Secretary.
Wm. F. Reed, Treasurer.
Herman Hart, Chief.
Regular monthly meetings on first Monday in each month.
Church Directory.
Presbyterian - J. P. White, Pastor. Sunday morning 10:30; evening 7:30.
Indian - R. S. Willard, Pastor. Sunday morning 10:30; 3 in the afternoon.
Catholic - Father Althoff. Sunday morning 11; afternoon 3:30.
St. Ann's Hospital, under the supervision of the Sisters of Charity.
John G. Heid, ATTORNEY-AT-LAW, Juneau, Alaska.
D. H. Murphy, ATTORNEY AT LAW Juneau, Alaska.
W. Clark, Attorney-at-Law, Sitka, Alaska.
Dr. F. F. White, Physician and Surgeon. Hours 6-9 A.M.; 4-9 P.M. Office Fourth
St., 2nd door from Seward. Juneau, Alaska.
J. K. Simpson, M. D., Physician & Surgeon. Office on Seward St., three doors
from Coon's Drug Store. Juneau, Alaska.
G. W. Garside, U. S. Deputy Surveyor. Mining Surveys A Specialty. Juneau,
Alaska.
STEAM FERRY, From Juneau to Douglas Island. The steamer Marion will make regular
trips, three times per day, until further notice, as follows:
Leaves the Island: 9 o'clock forenoon, 1 o'clock afternoon, 9 o'clock afternoon
Leaves Juneau: 10:30 o'clock forenoon, 3:30 o'clock afternoon, 9:30 o'clock
afternoon.
J.T. MARTIN, Capt.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
THE ROUTE TO WONDERLAND
OVER THE SURFACE OF A GREAT SALT RIVER THROUGH SCENES MAGNIFICENT.
To a Treasure Vault of Previous Metals -- The Home of the Glacier -- The Land of
the Midnight Sun.
From the northwest corner of Washington Territory, along the coast line of
British Columbia and as far north as the city of Juneau, Alaska, nearly a
thousand miles, a picturesque panorama of towering, precipitous mountains and
broad rivers and bays is spread out before the ever devouring gaze of the
traveler. Nature's noblest efforts in scenic effects are here displayed. It is
as if the Yellowstone National Park or the mountainous regions of Colorado were
partly sunken into the sea until their gulches and valleys were converted into
waterways. A grand salt water river (the Inland Passage) in places hundreds of
fathoms deep, with waters as clear as an Alpine lake, whose shores in places can
be reached with a pebble thrown from the ship's side, reaches from Puget Sound
as far up the coast as Chilkoot Alaska, about one hundred miles above Juneau. An
impenetrable wall of cedar spruce and hemlock timber lines either shore reaching
from the water's edge to timber line on the mountain sides, and as far inland as
they can reach. Taking our trip in the month of December, arriving at Juneau on
the 23d, we were agreeably surprised to find the weather only moderately cold
and not at all uncomfortable. The valleys above the sea and lower mountains were
entirely free from snow and covered with vegetation not yet turned brown by the
hard frosts of winter. Of that portion of the route above Juneau we cannot speak
of for ourselves, having never passed over it, but think that the following
extract from _________[This part unreadable] _________________.
"Beyond the first parallel at Sitka, ______ the grand scenery may be _______
(this part unreadable)________from Washington Territory, he will find some of
the curiosities of nature which are to be found only in the dreaded frigid
zones, icebergs and glaciers. Before the waters of Northwestern Washington
Territory, are out of sight, great patches of snow are to be seen on the highest
of the grant mountains bordering the inland passage. These little white blotches
in the northern gullies become larger and larger as the excursion steamer wends
her way northward, until the loftiest peaks are crowned with snow. Then _____
connecting ridges, they join their white mantles; and, in a few more miles, the
blue ice of the glaciers peeped from out the lower edges of the deep snow. Lower
and lower they descend as the steamer crawls northward until the upper parts of
the passage are essayed, when they have come to the ocean's level, and, plunging
into the sun, snap off at intervals, and float away as icebergs, some of them
higher than the masts of the large, commodious steamers that bear tourist to
this fairy-land of the frigid zones, if one can be allowed to use such an
expression. Glacier Bay, which the excursion steamers visit on their summer
trips, has a great number of these frozen rivers of ice debouching into it; and
the clear quiet waters, reflecting the Alpine scenery of its shores, are ruffled
only by the breaking of the icebergs from the __yminal fronts of the glacier,
that sends waves across its whole breadth, and with a noise like the firing of a
sea-coast cannon. Muir glacier is the greatest of this grand group, and
surpasses anything nearer than the polar zones themselves. There is no use in
going into mathematical measurements, - its two and three hundred feet in
heighth and its breadth of several miles; for they but feebly represent its
grandeur, the deep impressions that figures can not measure when viewing this
frozen Niagara of the North. Not until the blue Adriatic has pierced its way
into the heart of the high Alps, or ____ _____ _____ has invaded the valleys of
the vast Yellowstone Park, will we ever leave an equivalent to this display of
Nature's noblest efforts in scenic effects. Were the other scenery as monotonous
as the ceaseless plains, a visit to the Alaskan glaciers and icebergs would well
repay any one's time and effort; but, when the tourist travels through the
greatest Wonderland of the wide West to reach these curious sights, he or she
will be paid over and over tenfold. So far everything may be seen from the decks
of an elegant steamer; but, should be tourist want a little "roughing it," let
him stop over in Glacier Bay, from one steamer's visit to another, two weeks to
a month apart, and clamber over the glaciers and row among the icebergs to his
hearts content, and until he almost imagines he is an arctic explorer. He will
descend from the troubled surface of the frozen seas of ice on the glacier's
surface, only to wade through grass up to his waist, that waves in the light
winds like the pretty pampas fields of South America. In those fields the
grasses may pitch his tent, which with a cook stove and a month's rations for
each person, is all that is needed, beyond the baggage of the other tourists.
Hunting is found in the mountains back of the bay, fish in the waters, and small
game in the woods near by. Or, if longer and rougher jaunts are wanted, ascend
the Lynn Channel, and then the Chilkat, or Chilkoot Inlet, hiring two or three
Indians to carry one's camping effects on their backs to the lakes at the source
of the great Yukon river of the British Northwest Territory and Alaska, - the
third river of America. Going up the Chilkoot trail, over the Alaskan coast
range of mountains, which will furnish Alpine climbing enough to suit the most
eager, on snow and glacier ice, one comes to a series of lakes aggregating 150
miles in extent; along these he may paddle and return, shooting an occasional
brown or black bear, moose, caribou or mountain goat, while aquatic life is
everywhere on these pretty Alpine lakes. Throughout the whole inland passage,
one i passing now and then some Indian village, of more or less imposing
appearance and numbers. In Alaska they all belong to a single great tribe, the
T'linkit, bound together by a common language, but but no stronger ties, for
each village, or cluster of villages, makes a sub-tribe, having no sympathies
with the other, and they war against one another. It is not often that one would
want to call a tourist's attention to an Indian village, for the average
encampment or habitation of the "Noble red man" is not the most attractive sight
or study. But in the T'linkit towns, we have no such hesitation, for in the
curiosities to be seen in their houses and surroundings, they are certainly one
of the strangest people on earth. They are the artistic savages of the world. In
front of each log house, and often rearing its head much higher than it by two
or three fold, are one or two posts, called "totem poles," which are merely logs
on end; but, on the seaward face, the savage sculptor exhausted all the
resources of his barbaric imagination in cutting in hideous faces and figures,
that with a hundred or so such terrible "totems" in front of a village, makes
one think of some nightmares of his childish days. The houses too, are carved
inside and out. Every utensil they have is sculptured deep with diabolical but
well executed designs, and their spoons of moun_______[this part
unreadable]________________ brings numbers of these romantic remembrances of a
yet more romantic ____________________.
But the inland passage to Alaska is not the only grand and picturesque part of
that great territory visited by the excursion steamers; for beyond and as far as
Mount St. Elias - they often sail to this the greatest cluster of high mountains
on the Western Continent, - Lituya Peak, 10,000 feet high; and Fairweather and
Crillon, a third taller; then beyond, Cook and Vancouver cluster near sublime
St. Elias, nearly 20,000 feet above the level of the ocean that thunders at its
base, and whose jagged top may be seen a hundred and fifty miles to sea. How
disappointing are the Colorado peaks of 12,000 and 14,000 to one for the simple
reason that they springs from a plain already 6,000 to 8,000 feet above
sea-level, and seem, as they are, but high hills on a high plateau. How like
pygmies they appear to Hood, Tacoma, Shasta, and others not so high above the
ocean base line, but whose every foot above sea-level is in mountain slope. How
grand, though, must be St. Elias, whose waist is the waters of the wide sea, and
whose 20,000 feet springs from the Pacific Ocean, from whose calm waters we view
its majestic height."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In all of our travels we do not think we ever fell in with a more accommodating
set of men and officers than those on board the steamer Idaho. Capt. Carroll
apparently did everything in his power to making his passengers comfortable, and
Mr. Jacobs, in matters pertaining to freights, was unusually accommodating, and
i, without doubt, the right man in the right place. We would recommend the S. S.
Idaho under the present management for safety and a pleasant voyage to all
desiring to take a trip to this country.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In the latter part of December upon the return trip of the Idaho, we were
favored with a visit from Gov. Swineford, who was the first cash subsccriber for
the Free-Press. The governor was on his way to the states and as the steamer
remained here but a short time we had no time for interview him, but will catch
him on his return trip and endeavor to inform our readers as to his views and
what will be done for the future prosperity of Alaska.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The average make-up of a Siwash Indian is enough to make a donkey laugh. We
laughed until we cried as a specimen about nineteen years of age strutted by our
window, arrayed in fur cap, heavy overcoat, flour-sack breeches, with the
miller's brand stamped in red on the seat, and no shoes and stockings on. There
was snow and ice on the streets, but while the upper half of the buck's body was
clothed in heavy winter garments, the lower half was left bare and exposed.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Great Douglas Island Mine,
The Biggest Mine to the World and still Growing Riches.
About two and one half miles east from Juneau just across the bay, is the great
mine ________ ___________ Island, though the channel which separates the island
from the mainland is only about one miles wide.
Douglas Island is a body of land about twenty miles long and seven or eight
miles wide, ____ between Gastineaux Channel on the east and north, and Stevens'
Passage on the west and south, these two bodies of water uniting at its
northwest and southeast extremities. It is fairly well timbered with spruce,
hemlock and alder; of sufficient size and quantity to furnish all the timber
that is likely to be required for the mines, and a large amount of fuel as well.
The gold belt has a trench from southeast to northwest, and so far as known
skirts closely along the coast bordering on Gastineaux channel, having been
found and prospected to a greater or lesser extent over a continuous length of
about eight miles. About midway of the belt as thus far explored is situated the
mine and mill of the Alaska Mill and Mining company, to which I paid a ______
visit of inspection only a few days ago. I was courteously shown through both
the mine and mill. Mr. John Treadwell, who is part owner and superintendent, and
seemingly took great pleasure in not only imparting all desired information, but
likewise in explaining to me the process of extracting the gold a
_________[unreadable]_______ course, I was so ________ familiar ____________ in
the treatment of _____ carrying mineral in a free or native state, but the
handling of the supurates (concentrates) was something the explanation of which
in detail, greatly interested me - but of that I will speak further along.
I learned nothing of the occasion of my last visit to justify the least
qualification of my already expressed belief that Alaska _______ truthfully
claim to have within her borders what Barnum would ____ "the greatest gold min
on earth," but its owners and managers do not ask or desire any such
advertisement. On the other hand, however, they have nothing to conceal, and
will be equally content whether the public is freely informed, or doesn't betray
the least desire to know anything, concerning the value of their property. They
are like the man with a new and loving wife, in whom all his hopes and joys are,
for the time being, centered - perfectly content with themselves and all the
world beside.
Some additional facts and figures concerning this great mine, based on closer
inspection, and information gleaning from official sources, may not prove
uninteresting to our readers. The width of the ledge between walls on the tunnel
level, as shown by the survey, is just 482 feet -- the tunnel being 20 feet
below the outcrop on which mining was originally commenced. From this outcrop a
shaft was _____ on the foot-wall to connect with the tunnel which was driven in
through the hanging on a gently rising incline from the top of the mill. All the
time this work was in progress a little five stamp mill was kept running to
practically test the quality and value of the rock, and contributed in no small
degree to the payment of the expenses. At the same time other tunnels, merely
for exploration, were driven in the leddge to the north-west and south-east, by
which means it was proved conclusively that the pay rock held an approximate
width of about 600 feet over the whole length of the company's two claims --
3000 feet -- in fact that there was enough pay rock above the level of the main
tunnel to keep a 120-stamp mill in constant operation for at least fifty years.
It was ascertained too, that the rock carried considerable more gold on tunnel
level than near the surface, while the mine product shows that the yield
gradually increases as the main pit, the bottom of which is still 150 feet above
the level of the tunnel, grows in depth. Starting with a yield of about $8.50
per ton the management now confesses to a little over ____, exclusive of
sulphurots, while I am informed that frequent assays gives promise of nearly, if
not quite $100 per ton by the time the tunnel is reached. _____ says of the
tailings show a loss of about 25 cents per ton, as compared with the assay value
of the rock.
Figure it out for yourself - 360 tons a day at say, $14 per ton, true gold and
half that value in sulphurots, the cost of mining and milling, everything
included, being not more than $1.25 per ton. Then take into calculation the fact
that the rock is constantly growing richer and that the mine can easily be made
to produce enough of it to keep five times as many stamps incessantly pounding,
and you will have something like an adequate idea of Alaska's first, but it is
to be hoped not greatet gold mine - the hope amounting to almost a positive
belief, being based on the known existence of a quartz ledge on Admiralty island
which carries a width 3 times greater than that of Douglas island, and the
outcroppings of which assay all the way from a trace to a dozen dollars in gold.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
WHAT ALASKA REALLY IS,
And What Prospectors and Capitalists May Expect to Find in Her Mineral
Resources.
No part of the Globe presents such a wide range for prospecting and explorations
as does Alaska and the Yukon district. From Portland canal, the eastern boundary
of Alaska, to Golovin bay in the _______________________[unreadable]
___________________ been found by ino_________ prosp__________ few of these
discoveries have attracted ________ ___________ on account of the great distance
to be traveled or the uncertainty of the find. It is but a few years back since
Alaska was known as a mineral country. The discoveries have all been either
accidental or the result of some Indian's information. To the prospecting and
mining world Alaska offers a tempting and extensive field - a country entirely
unexplored, only the beaches of a few islands being prospected by aid of a
canoe; she offers inducements to the hardy miner and prospector which no other
country under the sun can. It is not our object to deceive and encourage a class
of people to come to this country without informing them what they may expect.
Mechanics and laborers must not expect to find employment in this country. What
is needed at present is men of experience and energy, possessed of sufficient
means to prospect for the mineral wealth which may be found upon the islands and
mainland. Alaska, unlike other territories, must be prospected as well as
developed by capital. In other sections the prospector could remain in the
mountains until cold weather warned him to desist, then he could return to the
settlements with every assurance of finding employment sufficient to earn him
another prospecting stake. Here it is entirely different. If he is not the owner
of a bank account, he must leave the country to earn one, unless he can make it
in the placer mines. At present there is but one developed mine in the
Territory, the Treadwell, on Douglas Island, owned by the Alaska M.&M. Co.
Probably no state or territory can show a "Plant" to compare with the one on
this mine. One hundred and twenty stamps are pounding constantly, having
forty-eight Free Vanners to concentrate the sulphurets. An adit cuts this mine
between walls of slate for a distance of over 400 feet, and it is estimated that
there is ore enough in sight to keep the present plant running for fifty years.
There are a great many locations on Douglas Island which show very large and
promising bodies of quartz, all awaiting the arrival of experienced mill men
possessed of sufficient capital to develop the same.
Next in importance to the Douglas Island discoveries are those of Silver Bow
basin and Berner's bay. A mill has been started in the basin and developments
are being made which may lead to great things. The Berner Bay district is very
promising, as there has been some very rich locations made there this last
season among which may be mentioned Price & Co., Smith & Co., Brady & Co., and
many more. Two mills have been ordered for this district, and active
developments will commence early next spring. What Alaska wants now is capital.
Let capital organize prospecting parties, send them to Alaska in search of the
great mineral belt which Humboldt has located within our borders.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Geo. Dickenson left Juneau on the 3d for Chilkat, where he keeps a general
merchandise store. He took with him a large stock of goods. Success to you,
George.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Painkiller at Coons. Pure Nitric Acid at Coon's. Cough medicines at Coon's. I
don't know what at Coon's.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
W. F. Reed, wholesale and retail grocer. General merchandise and provisions,
miner's outfits, etc. "The Reed House," pleasant rooms and tables always
bountifully supplied. Juneau, Alaska.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
D. W. Walker. Dealer in Hardware, stoves and tinware. Miners' supplies. Copper
plates and rocker irons. All kinds of job work. Headquarters for miners
outfitting for the Yukon. Juneau, Alaska.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
D. Martin, dealer in groceries, dry goods, clothing, boots and shoes, hats and
caps, hardware, crockery and glassware, sash and doors. A full line of yarns and
zephyrs. Highest cash price paid for hides & furs. Chamois, oil cloth and
carpets, Indian curiosities a specialty. We offer special inducements to
purchasers from the Island and orders from all points in the Territory promptly
attended to. Juneau, Alaska.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Page 2.
Fellow citizens, we were born and christened to-day and, as our name proclaims
us, not a slave, but free from debt and independent of clique or corporation.
Having presented ourself as such, even the magic charge of gold will be
powerless to have around us the bonds of slavery. To-day we launch our little
craft, this independent Free-Press, in your seas, and side by side with you to
ride the glittering swells of fortune, or breast the black waves of despair;
hand in hand with you to unfurl the banner of industry over this great
Territory, that it may be utilized for the good of man to that end for which an
all-wise Creator designed it. With yours, our shoulder is pressed against the
gateway, and, if we push as one man, smiling success and glittering fortune will
press in at the opening. We open our eyes in a land as yet only spoken of and
but little known, but in a land that will emanate from a wilderness into one of
the richest sections on the globe. Our existence will be devoted solely to
gathering and proclaiming the news of her advancements, and to make known and in
a measure to remove all obstacles, of a nature both local and national, that may
be strewn in her pathway. We will take side with no petty local quarrels,
neither will be lead ourselves as the mouth-piece to monopoly, and will always
lift a voice and assert our rights, and demand recognition as citizens under the
U. S. Government. If, under these _______ citizens you wish to receive us in
your midst, all we ask of you is to make it manifest by giving us your support,
and lending your strength with ours that the end for which we labor sooner or
later may be accomplished.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
After this the Free-Press will be issued on Saturday.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Already parties of miners and prospectors are getting ready to take the trip to
the Yukon, and we doubt not that the majority of them will return next fall with
big sacks of dust and wonderful stories to relate.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
We think from practical observations, that we are safe in making the assertion
that there is more gold in twenty square miles of Alaska than in any State or
Territory in the Union, and, too, that time will show it up.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This, our first issue of the Free-Press, is six hundred copies, and most of them
taken. If you like the paper, fellow citizens, subscribe for it, and if you
think it worthy, send it to your friends in the East Outsiders, who are desirous
of gaining information in regard to this country can not do better than by
enrolling their names on our subscription list.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
One of the necessities of Juneau is a money-order office. Not only would it be a
source of revenue to the government _______ great convenience to our citizens,
and especially our merchants. Hundreds of dollars would be carried through the
mails monthly, and we see no reason why we should not have it. Let the petition
be drawn up, signed, and sent to the department asking for such.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Since coming to this country we note many changes for the better that could be
made in our Territorial affairs, but perhaps, none more so than that of the
manner and place in which our government officers are located and terms of
District court are held. Our officers are now located at Sitka, on an island way
out in the Pacific Ocean, where nobody lives but the officers themselves, and in
a section of country where no mining or other industries are carried on.
Witnesses and criminals are conveyed from the mainland, the place where
nine-tenths of the business is carried on, thence and back again at a great
expense, and which expense could be overcome by locating the officers and terms
of court where it is proper and necessary that they should be located.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Death of Patrick Greeny.
On the 14th of last December, three men named Charles Malloy, Daniel McInness,
and Patrick Greeny, left Juneau in the sloop Olympia to go to Peril Straits on a
prospecting tour, which, unfortunately, resulted in the death of Greeny, by
drowning. They left Auk Inlet about ten o'clock the same evening, with a fair
wind, which continued till they arrived at a place on Chatham Straits, a little
north of Point Augusta, when they stuck a head wind, and very squally weather.
McInness was at the helm, Malloy and Greeny were below, and, as a squall
________________ caused them to list over; they went on deck and McInnes told
them to lower the peak, which they did, and then the gaff-band was carried away,
and three hoops stripped from the luff of the sail, and as the gaff swung before
the mast they thought the sail was carried away. It was dark at the time, and
they made for a harbor.
They then slacked the sheet off, to keep her away, with the boom ashore. They
could not see how far they were from the beach, and McInness shouted to Greeny
to see how far they were from the shore.
Greeny answered back to keep her out from the land, and started to go aft, when
a squall struck her from the land, and swung the boom over to the other side. Mc
Inness halloed to him, but it was too late, as the boom knocked him over-board.
He then put the helm down, and hauled in the sheet to bring her round to the
wind, to deaden her speed, in order to try to pick him up, but, through a cause
that they afterward found out, she would not come to the wind, as the
rudder-head was carried away. When they got close to the wind, it was near the
shore, and they let the anchors go, and lowered the skiff; but the sea was so
rough that the skiff filled, and McInness was compelled to swim to the shore.
The skiff later drifted ashore. They think that Greeny must have been knocked
senseless by the boom, as he never uttered a word, or made any noise whatever.
McIness had to wait about an hour before the sea went down and he could get
aboard of the sloop. They then looked for his body about seven hours, and, as
the tide was drifting them toward Cross Sound, they gave it up as hopeless, and
returned to Juneau. Deceased was a native of Ireland, about thirty five years of
age, and came her from Seattle.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Died -- James MacNeil about 5 P.M. Jan. 17th. He had been ill since last
October, but grew worse. A few hours previous to his death he seemed to rest
comfortably, he having suffered much pain during his illness.
Mr. MacNeil was about fifty years of age. He was born in Scotland and his
parents' emigrated to Canada. His widowed mother and family are still believed
to reside in Paisley, Canada. About 20 years ago Mr. MacNeil, being the eldest
child left home for the West. After lumbering in California, he mined at Caribou
and Cassiar whence he drifted to Alaska and has lived in or about Juneau for
about six years. J.P.W.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
About a year ago the Indians killed the superintendent of the Alaska Commercial
Company at Cook's Inlet, and now comes the report that the unfortunate
superintendent's predecessor at Kodiac has shared a like fate -- been murdered
in cold blood by these bloodthirsty savages. These inhuman acts of frequent
occurrences by the Indians, causes feelings of indignation to rise up in the
breasts of the white populations who are fast gaining in strength and numbers on
these shores. Not only does this feeling prevail against the Indians, but the
government as well, for the latter could if, she see fit, send to this country
the protection she now stands so much in need of. Where the tragedies named have
occurred is the locality from whence the government derives a big revenue from
the seal fisheries. The white population is weak and entirely at the mercy of
the hundreds of Indians who here have their hunting grounds. This locality is
also infested by renegade white men, law breakers in every sense of the word,
who are now trespassing and catching seals in these forbidden waters, and need
to feel the strong arm of the law as well as do the Indians. Under the present
state of affairs our U. S. Marshal is powerless to catch the murderers or
restrict them in the least, and so these depredations still continue. The best
and only means of putting a stop to these lawless acts or to bring the law
breakers to justice would be for the government to send up and place at the
disposal of the governor a gun boat.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Route to the Great Yukon,
A Brief Description of the Route by Water, the Portage, and the Hardships to be
Endured.
The Jealousies Existing Among the Indians Who Pack for White Prospectors.
The route in present use, is the one Lieut. Swatka traveled on his Military
reconnaissance in 1884 and the same which has been used by Hughs, Densmore,
McClinchy, Cloudman, Franklin and many more old-time Alaskans. The manner of
getting to the portage has been heretofore by __________ the mouth of the
Day-Aye river, at the Lynn Canal, or Chilkoot Inlet, distant from Juneau about
one hundred miles north. Fare by canoe to the portage was last season from $6 to
$10 each, and time from three days to two weeks. Fifteen miles south of the
portage is the Mission where is also an Indian settlement.
The Chilcoots monopolize the business of carrying and packing to the Yukon. It
has been the custom for prospectors to stop here, procure their packers, and go
on to the mouth of the Day-Aye river, fifteen miles north. From this point to
the lake on the north side of the mountain the trail follows the Day-Aye Canyon
for about eighteen miles, which brings you to the foot of the mountain; thence
to the summit three miles, then down the mountain to the lake twelve miles. This
point is the terminus for the packers, and boats are built here from a scanty
growth of timber suitable for boat-building.
Indians charged last summer thirteen cents per lb for packing across the
portage, and in some instances collected $1 from each man as toll. Great
difficulty arises from the manner of treating with the Indians.
Early last season the charge for packing across the portage was nine cents per
lb, the chief of the Chilcoots naming the price, and furnishing the packers.
Later on, when twenty and thirty men or more met at the portage all eager to be
the first across __________ they began by offering the Indians $10, $11, $12 and
$13 which latter sum finally became the settled price.
The Chilcoot Indians are very jealous of this business, and consider that as the
trail passes through their country, they should not only monopolize the packing
industry to the exclusion of all other tribes, but that they should also be the
judges of the class of merchandise which goes over the trail, as well as to the
characcter of men who chose to come into that country.
The same objection will not be made to a miner as to a trader, and it is
doubtful whether a trader could get his goods packed across the trail at any
price, as these Indians trade with the interior Indians, making semi-annual
trips to the Yukon for that purpose.
The only protection miners going to the Yukon can have against unjust charges,
is to organize and have one man make terms with the chief, failing in which he
should be protected by the presence of some Naval or Military force, which will
protect the miner in his right to either do his own packing, or the privvilege
of hiring Indians belonging to other tribes.
There are many Indians belonging to the Stick tribes, the Auks, Takous, Hoonahs
and others, who would be glad to pack on this trail for less money, but the
Chilcats claim the exclusive right, and, in some cases, have refused white men
the right to pack their own goods, and, in the case of other Indians, they could
only pack when the Chilcoots were all loaded.
Should there be much of a rush to the Yukon this season, miners will find
transportation scarce, unless protection is furnished other tribes which alone
will induce them to go to the portage.
There are a great many worthy Stick Indians who can be relied upon for this
business, providing that the proper steps are taken to protect them.
Prospectors and others should be provided with sleighs and snow-shoes until May
1st, if not later, as the lakes and upper Yukon remain frozen until June.
Advices received here state that the Dominion Government contemplates sending an
expedition into the Yukon district, the coming season. The expedition will
likely establish trails, postal-routes revenue stations, and other necessary
offices. Postal communication should be established with this district, and it
is to be hope that a joint Government expedition may locate some permanent road
to the country to the coming season.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Johnson Mill & Mining Co.,
A List of their Properties and What will be done in the way of future
developments,
Their Operations for the Year of 1880.
the above-named Company was organized early last spring in San Francisco, and
under the laws of the state of California.
Through their manager, Mr. J. A. Johnson, they bought last spring a group of
twelve adjoining quartz lodes, known at the "Takou Group." When Mr. Johnson
first made his calculations for the purchase of these valuable properties, early
last summer, they were difficult of access, the only means of communication with
Juneau being by the old Silver Bow Basin trail; but, through his prompt
exertions, there is now nearly completed a fine wagon road; from Juneau to the
mines, a distance of two miles and a quarter.
The Company has also completed their mill, and made other improvements, and Mr.
Johnson is expected to arrive soon from San Francisco to finish the tramway, so
that they may be enabled to make a long run this summer and thoroughly test and
develop the rich Takou and other ledges.
The successful advancement of this work can have no other than a beneficial
offer on the destinies of Juneau; not only in directing capital toward the many
other rich quartz properties in Silver Bow Basin, but also giving employment to
a large number of ten.
Such grand and rich properties, lying only three miles from tidewater and
navigation, cannot remain long undeveloped, once the Johnson Mill and Mining
Company proves successful in its workings, which it cannot fail to do, under
careful management.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
What would Alaska be without her inland water-ways? Surely nothing more than a
waste - a country that without money nor the ingenuity ______________ ways are
roads constructed by the works of nature. In other mining regions an outlay of
thousands of dollars had to be made in the construction of ways before they
could be reached, but Alaska has not this great drawback to contend with. The
great inland passage is to us a rail-road already built, and a route that will
use this great Territory to rapidly fill up with white inhabitants, and cause
her mineral resources to be developed. Even in the interior, this is also the
case. Her broad rivers and lakes afford easy means of transportation from one
section to another, and it is only the less important ways that will have to be
constructed by man. Let these latter route be opened up and we will show you and
output in gold that will astonish the most skeptical and unbelieving.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It is reported that the U. S. and Canada governments will combine in opening a
route to the Yukon country. They will begin operations next spring, first
looking over the route up the Takou river, 20 miles below Juneau. Only put a
road through to that section, and Alaska and the northwestern portion of British
Columbia will develop into the greatest mining country in the world. The route
should be pushed through by all means.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
We never saw a country before where the sun rises in the west and sets in the
east, but it does in Alaska. Old inhabitants here say that it is liable to rise
at any point of the compass at any hour of the day or night, and travel any
course that it sees fit. One thing we do know, and that is Old Sol has evidently
been irrigating the turnip patch, judging from the way it has been raining and
snowing here the past week. He deluged us in about two feet of the beautiful,
but probably wanted to scald the chintz-bugs off his vines and sent down a warm
rain, which washed the beautiful into the bay.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Specimens of gold quartz that were shown us reported to have come from Silver
Bow Basin, were the richest in gold that we have ever seen in any country. Free
gold, and in large chunks, was scattered through the rock, and we dare say that
a ton of such stuff would heal a man for all time. But where the richest of
these specimens came from is as yet unknown, that is the lead apparently has not
yet been discovered. Here's a chance for some experienced prospector to make it
for some tracking the float to its source.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Those who are going to the Yukon, and want to see the obstacles of opposition
"kicked out in the first round," go to Coon and Co.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
We are now selling at manufacturers' prices, and can beat any San Francisco
prices heretofore offered," says Coon and Company, Druggists.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
INDIAN CREMATION,
THE FUNERAL PYRE - THE LAST RESTING PLACE - DISPOSAL OF THE DECEASED'S EFFECTS,
The Manner in Which the Native Indians Dispose of Their Dead.
Editor Free-Press:
the writer having had information the other day, of a cremation to take place at
the Indian village, bethought him to stroll down the beach and witness the same.
The defunct Siwash was known around Juneau as "Frank," and was formerly employed
at Martin Bros. store in the capacity of Indian clerk, and the kloochman (if
being a double cremation of one of each sex) had been called Jennie; both, as it
happened, having died of consumption.
The morning service consisted of the ancient ceremony known as a "potlatch"
which is always customary among the Indians of southeastern Eleaks, on the
occasion of a death of one of their number.
The "potlatch" is a division of whatever temporal goods that the deceased may
have possessed, such as blankets, drg-goods, etc. among his or her relations,
according as the merits of each individual case may justify.
In the services of the morning which are very long, and, to the Indian mind very
impressive, the first in the order of the day is an eulogistic discourse, by one
of the old men, which, being delivered by him in sections, so to speak, is taken
up and sung by the rest in a monotonous sort of chant; the old man is then
superseded by another venerable buck who goes through the same service, and he
in turn by another until all the old men have had their individual say.
The chanters keep time by continually thumping the floor with sticks, and
beating on a drum.
This performance being gone over for a day or two, the "potlatch" takes place.
The body of the decease is first wrapped in a matting, woven from split
___________ (unreadable)______________ resembling coarse straw. They then convey
the body to the place of cremation, which is always on the beach at high-water
mark. On this occasion they had on hand for the purpose of burning the two
bodies, about one cord of wood, some split, and some in small logs. First a
platform of small logs is laid, a foot from the ground, and a space of four
inches between each log. On this pyre, which was about seven feet long by five
feet wide, the two bodies were placed, about three feet apart, and around them a
miniature log hut was built to a height of four feet; the inclosed space is then
carefully filled in with split wood and fine kindling, and now, everything being
in readiness, the fire is lighted from the bottom. The native diet being chiefly
salmon, an oily substance, the bodies of the Indians seem to contain a
considerable amount of oil, as they burn very readily. While the corpses were
charring, the friends of the deceased continued to poke them with long sticks,
occasionally raking the fragments of burnt flesh from the fire, and wrapping
them in skins, blankets, etc. Returning from the cremation of the two natives, I
heard singing in a nation house, and dropped in to see what was going on.
There was quite an assemblage of natives squatted around a small fire in the
centre of the room, and at one end of the house the corpse of an old woman lay,
covered with sheets and blankets. All around the room was strung up muslin,
pieces of _____ico, and a few blankets; also three umbrellas, etc., all of which
will be distributed among the relatives and near friends. Then the process
described above will be gone through with. This is all that I will intrude on
your space at present.
L. Feymeyer.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Through the efficient help of Mr.. Johnson, we are enabled to go to press a few
days earlier than otherwise.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Do not go to the Yukon, without taking something to kill skeeters -- from Coon &
Co.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Never fear about Alaska being self-supporting. Juneau the wheel, and Coon's drug
store the hub.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It is a fact worthy of notice, yet not entirely new to our readers, therefore we
repeat, "Go to Coon and Co. for pure drugs."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A man overboard; and his last words were, "where is Coons' Drug Store?"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
No Tenas drugs sold; none but pure drugs found at Coon and Company's.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"White trash" may be supplied with anything in the drug line at Coon's.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"THE ARCTIC" corner of Seward and Front Street, Juneau, is newly fitted and
furnished with beds, which are second to none. Lodging House, north of Victoria.
Also in connection with the House, there is a well-lighted reading room. For the
accommodation of the public, which is supplied with all the latest Eastern and
San Francisco papers. And, for those who wish to have an evening's enjoyment in
a strictly first-class house, will find a billiard hall with the finest improved
billiard and pool tables. Juneau, Alaska.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Established 1881. MAYFLOWER BILLIARD HALL and READING ROOM. This elegant and
favorite resort has been recently re-fitted in ______ style, and the undersigned
respectfully calls the attention of sporting public to his new combination pool
& billiard tables. And solicits their patronage. He also constantly keeps on
hand the beat brands of Havana cigars, (Manufactured expressly for him by White
Labor). The bar always supplied with the best quality of invigorating
refreshments. N. B. -- Files of the latest newspapers received by each steamer.
Frank M. Berry, Proprietor.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
THE FRANKLIN MUSIC HALL and DANCING ACADEMY. Masquerade balls every ____day
until further notice. Here is the place where everybody can get full value for
their money, and have a rousing old time besides. The Mask Carnivals are the
leading features of enjoyment on this coast, no pains nor expense being spared
by the proprietor to make them such. Nobody barred from the enjoyment of the
finest orchestra. This side of the North Pole renders the dulcet strains to the
Terpsichoran Feast. Also in connection with this house are good, comfortable
lodging rooms. For this accommodation of the general public. S. O. Wheelock,
Proprietor.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Page 3.
January 19, 1887.
The first party or the Yukon start out this week.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Slim Jim is the handsomest man in town when he laughs.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Indications now point to a big immigration to Alaska next spring.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
O'hara and John with big and little casino play to-night at Coon's drug store.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Six degrees below zero is the coldest yet experienced her this winter. No snow
on the ground yet to speak of.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If you have a cough or catch a cold, try Mulcahy's Celebrated Cough Mixture.
ever known to fail.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A glance at our market report will show outsiders that it won't cost a fortune,
by any means, to live in Alaska.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Messrs. Bennett and Cutter, sleigh makers, are just now doing a profitable
business in fitting out Yukon parties with sleighs.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
There is a hole through the North Pole, and it is used as a chimney for Coon &
Co's drug store. If you do not believe it, go and see.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Mulcahy, the Anti-Chinese Elephant, packs his trunk with pure drugs, and sells
them at Frisco prices, and helped to drive Pig-tail John out of Alaska.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The spring-halt gait of some of the bells (klutehes) of Juneau is, we think, an
improvement on that of the Boston girls __________(unreadable)__________.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dr. White is putting the finishing touches in his ______________. The Dr. will
bring his family to Juneau [in the] sprig, with the intention of locating here
permanently.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Reward: -- For the arrest and conviction of the deaf, dumb and blind man who was
______ tied and who said Coon sold more drugs than all medicine men in Alaska
combined.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Alaska is probably the only place under the U. S. government where dogs are
profitably utilized. Here they are hitched to sleds, when snow covers the
ground, and made to do the work of draft horses.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A glance at our advertising columns will show outsiders that the businessmen of
Juneau are not lacking in the way of home enterprises. In these ccolumns will be
found a representation of every solid business firm in the city.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Free-Press respectfully solicits correspondents from Tongas Island. We are
here to advertise the whole country, therefore, don't be backward about sending
in any items that will be a benefit to this end. All articles pertaining to the
welfare of Alaska, we print free of charge.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Steps should be taken to clear out the rubbish and straighten up out streets.
Their present condition is most deplorable. Of course this cannot be done until
the ground thaws out, which will not be before spring, but it's fast approaching
and now is the time to commence devising some means whereby this end may be
accomplished.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Peter Wyburg, one of our most enterprising citizens, has commenced the erection
of a handsome and commodious residence, in fact, when finished, it will be the
finest dwelling house in the city. The building is between Seward and Franklin
streets, and will cost about $1,200. Judge Williams will occupy the house,
unless Peter concludes to quit baching. Here's a chance, girls.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The corner lot on Second and Seward streets was purchased _____ by Messrs. Wynn,
Hart, and McPhee, of this city, for $1,000 cash. They have commenced thereon the
erection of a business house 35x80, two stories high, and will have it completed
in the early spring for business. These gentlemen are all young men, with lots
of grit and energy, and bound to make it stick. Success to you boys.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Last week Dennis McNeil was brought up before Judge Williams and fined $50 for
tearing down and burning up a log cabin; in default of which he was ordered to
work twenty-five days on our streets. Our advice to all evil doers is to either
take a tumble to themselves or steer clear of Judge Williams, if they don't want
to earn their bread by the sweat of their brow.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Free-Press wishes to extend thanks to contributors to this issue. Being an
utter stranger in these parts, and unable at this season of the year to get
about and take observations of the country for ourselves, we would have fared
but poorly had not some of the old-timers come to our assistance with their able
editorials on Alaska's resources. Therefore, again receive our sincere thanks,
gentlemen, for which assistance we hope at future time to repay.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Amusements in Alaska.
Last week Messrs. Bach and Campbell, two prominent business men of Douglas
Island, sent out invitations to the fun loving populace of Juneau, to attend a
soccial dance, to be held on the Island on the evening of the 11th.
Although the rain was pouring down, over a dozen couples from the mainland
responded to the call, and, embarking on the steam-ferry, were rapidly floated
across the sound, to the scene of the Terpschoran feast.
Dancing, to the dulcet strains of two violins, was commenced at any early hour,
and, although the hall was large and commodious, it was hardly enough so far the
crowd in attendance.
We counted twenty ladies in the ballroom, and, we might add, that even this
early in the day Alaska can boast of some as fine looking and accomplished
ladies as can any country in the land.
After supper dancing was again resumed until two o'clock, when the Juneauites
embarked for home, all expressing themselves as having enjoyed on this occasion
one of their most pleasant evenings in Alaska, and many were the expressions of
gratitude extended to their kind and benevolent hosts.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Siwashtown Society Notes.
The brilliant entertainments given here during the past week, are still the
theme of much conversation. The dancing academy has been one continuous blaze of
light throughout the holidays, the festivities being conducted under the
auspices of Mayor Kow-ee. In these portly halls were assembled the hearty and
fashion of the place, and many were the gorgeous costumes of the more wealthy
class of the fair sex, and on not a few of them an elaborate display of
expensive jewelry. Miss Kow-ee-With-a-Ring-in-Her-Nose, daughter of our much
esteemed Mayor, leader of Siwashtown society and heiress in her own right to two
Auk residences and three canoes, wore a beautiful crown fashioned from hemlock
bark and eagle feathers, a bright-colored beaded buckskin chemise, high-water
calico overskirt and a ten dollar Hudson Bay blanket thrown gracefully over her
shapely shoulders. For jewelry she displayed fourteen tin bracelets, a silver
labrette a la shingle and, through her upper lip and two brass _____ chains
encircling her brow _____. Her _____ cheeks were painted black, and her
__________ from the knees down, were bare. Her elegant costume and graceful
evolutions were the envy of the fair sex, and she was desig____ [unreadable]
______. ______ Mayor himself wore the ______ the latest style _____ hat,
encircled with eagle feathers, a military dress coat, flour-sack pantaloons and
a pair of rubber boots. His whole bearing was that of one born to command, and
he was looked upon with reverence by all. The music, which was furnished by the
Siwashtown Orchestra, consisting of two drums and five rattles, was rendered in
a soul-stirring manner.
An elegant repast was served after the dance, with the following bill of fare:
Menue. [sic]
Potages.
Muscles, a la Anglaise
Cockles, a la Nepalitan
Poissons.
Salmon, a la Cambridge
Clams, a la Coquille
Hors d'ouvers.
Fillet du Bear, au Chatrease
Dog Salmon, a la Duxelles
Marrinade of Crow
Relishes.
Seal Oil
Bear's Oil
Wine List.
Hoochenoo
Florida Water
Red Ink
Jam ___ Ginger
The scandal now going the rounds is the event of Mrs. Limping Suse taking onto
herself a fifth husband. The role in society is that a woman cannot possess
herself of more husbands than she is able to support, and as her income is only
sufficient to maintain four, and she insists on the fifth, the result will
probably be a breach in the upper ten.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
One day last week vivid recollections of the time when we run a paper way back
among the mossbacks sprung up before us - the time when old grangers made glad
the heart of the lean and hungry editor by planking down before him a big basket
full of beans and turnips or a yellow pumpkin. How we smiled when we knew we had
a quarter left out of a cash subscription paid a month back with which to
convert the golden pumpkin into a delicious pie, and how that smile turned to
groans as the Ladies' Aid Society _____ into the sanctum and shoved under our
pinched nose a petition "Cash Benefit for our New Minister." But this time it
was neither beans nor pumpkins, but a big box of rosy apples, and presented by
Rev. J. P. White, our minister, too, with a big subscription on top of it.
Beans and pumpkins used to be luscious fruit in "God's country" (?), but way up
here in Alaska, where gold nuggets are as big as the turnips themselves, they've
got altogether too common for even the hungry ink-slinger.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Messrs. Whitaker, Brown and Murdick, were in the city on Saturday last. They
reported good roads and excellent logging over the new fall of snow. Whitaker
stated that if Brown's suspender buttons held on he would probably return with
them, but otherwise he would not vouch for him as he was then engaged in taking
the Temperance Pledge in commemoration of the New Year. The boys took back to
camp a Free-Press on the "half-shell," only one side of the paper having then
been issued, which they said would be the best means of making the boys at camp
believe that Juneau really had a newspaper.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In a well, the accident occurred, while trying to put a sign on the point of a
pick for Coon and Co. Druggists.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The impression has traveled abroad that Alaska is a country of perpetual snow,
ice and intense cold, arising no doubt from its extreme northern position or its
being sheltered under the icy wing of the North-Pole. But we wish to correct
those erroneous ideas. "Uncle Sam's Ice Box: as it it sometime termed, instead
could be called a land of sunshine, flowers and green foliage; a summer resort
for tourists from the sweltering east, and a winter resort for the inhabitants
of sections much further south than its most southern extremity. Six months out
of 12 the prospector can scour the mountain sides for rich leads and wash the
auciferous gravel in the gulches, and with nearly six months of daylight to do
it in. When winter sets in the hours of sunlight grow less, but in the shortest
days of December the sun rises at about 9 a.m. and sets at 4 p.m. The
thermometer rarely falls below zero, and on New Year's day the valley was
entirely free from snow with no great depth even on the highest
______[unreadable]______ great amount of rain falls here during the summer
months, and would be called extremely disagreeable weather by some, but what
country is there that has not its drawbacks in the way of what is termed an
"Italian climate."
Notwithstanding, Alaska is the home of the glacier, this is all the more
remarkable when we take into consideration our mild winters, early springs and
long days of warm sunshine during the summer. It is a fact that at the base of
these glaciers strawberries, raspberries and many other wild fruits ripen in
profusion. In the face of all we can most cordially and unhesitatingly recommend
the trip to Alaska as one of the most delightful experiences of travel to be had
in America - an experience once rich in its grand panorama of green foliage and
beautiful flowers, lofty mountains, mighty glaciers and beautiful inland waters;
unique in its novel scenes of aboriginal life and customs and long hours of
bright warm sunshine. We recommend it as the future land for the prospector. The
climate is such that will enable the industry to be carried on, and we say,
prospectors, if you want a country vast in proportions, unexplored and rich
beyond a doubt, for your future labors, come to Alaska.
"Uncle Sam's ice box (?)" is fast proving herself to be a veritable bonanza. She
boasts of the richest and best-paying mine in the world to-day, and it would not
be out of the way to say that her fisheries and inexhaustible. She is as yet a
new country, undeveloped and un-prospected, but the knowledge that her mountains
are a network of veins of gold and silver bearing quartz, and her gulches beds
of auriferous gravel, leads us to believe that a little prospecting and digging
will develop the richest mineral section in the world. Placer gold is found in
almost every gulch that if it were deposited in almost any other country under
the sun than Alaska, it would be worked to ________[unreadable]________ only the
richest of the bars are worked - from $8 a day per man washing with rockers and
sluices. There are hundreds of gold bearing leads in this vicinity that if mills
were erected to treat their ores, immense profits could be realized therefrom.
But at present no ore is being taken out, and on many of them not even the
yearly assessments are worked.
The great Yukon country lying to the north and east of here is now attracting
some attention. A number of adventurous prospectors have already penetrated that
section, and in most instances have returned before winter set in with a
thousand or two of dollars in gold dust as a reward for their hardships. In
nearly every instance these men have reported plenty of rich diggings. We might
add that they could not very well have been otherwise, from the fact that some
months were consumed in getting into the country and as many more to get out,
leaving but a very short time in one season in which to rock out gold dust.
From a miner who has prospected the Yukon country for some six years back we
learned a few facts relative to the hardships that necessarily have to be
endured in getting in and out of the country, and of its mineral and other
resources.
There are as yet no roads or trails into the country. Prospectors have to go it
afoot and in boats, but the greater portion of the journey is made by water. The
present route is by going up river, making a portage of thirty five miles over
the range of mountains, which is very high and precipitous and covered with snow
and ice glaciers. Over the range all goods have to be packed on the backs of the
prospector or the native Indians, the latter charging at the rate of about $13
per hundred pounds. After crossing over the range, the head of Salmon river is
reached, where boats and rafts are constructed and _______[unreadable]________
the promised land is made by water, by floating down the river until the Yukon
is reached.
The gold along this stream and its tributaries is deposited in small bars,
yielding each from $1,000 to $100,000 in dust, but in most instances it is fine.
Our informant stated that he would put in one season and penny-rate as far into
the interior as possible, with the object in view of prospecting for the
fountain head, or at least in getting close to it so as to find coarse gold.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The steamer Marion was swamped on last Friday, by being engulfed by the spray
blowing up on deck and freezing and accumulating, until too heavy to be borne
up. They have not got the steamer afloat and think it will again be in running
order by Friday next.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Col. Dupinsky left Juneau on the third inst for Chilkat, at which place he takes
charge of the government school for the winter. He proved to be a very
successful teacher at the school in Ounalaska, and no doubt will prove the same
over the one to which he has been transferred.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Two ships per month! The next one will be here about the 24th. She is 984 feet
wide, two feet long and 76 feet deep. She will have 248 Captains and one sailor.
Her cargo is for Coon & Co., druggists.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
SILVER BOW BAIN.
The History of Its Early Discovery, By Whom and How.
What is Now Being Done in the Way of Active Mining Operations and What Will be
Done in the Future.
Silver Bow Basin was discovered by two hardy pioneers named Joe Juneau and Dick
Harris, who had been exploring on the mainland and Island of Southeastern Alaska
in the summer of 1880.
The Basin is situated about three miles from the town of Juneau, in a north
easterly direction and these veteran prospectors had to literally cut their way
through the thick underbrush, and gradually steps round the then nearly
impassable ____ayon.
But they were rewarded for their toil, for, on looking down from the divide over
_________, they were _____ with admiration at the beautiful _____, as the creek
bottom was then clothed with long green grass, the side hills are covered with
alder, and the luscious ___mon-berry bushes.
In traveling up the Basin they found rich "float" at the mouth of what is now
known as Quartz Gulch; they followed it up the ravine and discovered two rich
lodes known as the Fuller, Montana, California, Pilz, and many more locations.
It is related of Juneau that he cried, whether with joy at finding it, or sorrow
at being too loud, as he was afraid he would not live long enough to be able to
spend the riches in sight.
They also discovered the placer-ground that has been worked so profitably ever
since.
There are about forty quartz locations, mostly undeveloped, and about fifteen or
eighteen placer locations, which are worked every season from March until the
middle of October, (and sometimes later) employing forty or fifty white men and
a large number of natives.
The mining is principally hydraulicing [sic] and the yield on an average pays
very fair wages, while some of the ground is rich.
Great credit is due the placer miners, as they have done much toward developing
the rich quartz lodes, by tripping the surface, as on most of the locations
there is from four to twenty-five feet of gravel, which they run through the
sluices and dump into the creek bottom, leaving the quartz uncovered for
hundreds of feet.
It is no uncommon sight to see see gold "glittering in the sunshine."
There are two find ditches built at considerable expense to _____ water to these
claims; one is the property of _____ Co., and ______ belongs to Coon and Co.
The altitude off the mines from twelve ________[unreadable]_______ of the sea.
Above Silver Bow there is another basin known as Dix's and the quartz lodes run
through it in a south-easterly direction, across to the head of a water course
known as Sheep Creek.
These lodes have been worked some with arastras, and the rock that they have
crushed have paid very well.
In Dix's Basin the placers have been worked for the last five years, but the
seasons are very short on account of the high altitude and the deep snow.
The bed-rock, through which the quartz lodes run, and where the placer diggings
are situated, is principally slate, and the quartz carries a base percentage of
galena.
Midway between Juneau and the Basin is the Webster Mill, of ten __mps, also the
mill of the Johnson, Milland Mining Company, whose base of operations is the
Takou Chief, Takou Union, ___stone and other lodes situated in that vicinity.
Mr. Johnson is expected soon from San Francisco, and the supposition is that he
will finish the wagon-road leading to their valuable property, and proceed to
develop their mines and extract the wealth now hidden therein.
Mr. Johnson deserves great praise for the enterprise and energy displayed by
him, and we may look for a large increase in the yield of the precious metals in
Alaska or 1887.
In connection with other milling enterprise in Silver Bow Basin is the bed-rock
flume, situated at the lower end of the Basin.
It is the impression of many miners that the bottom of the creek along the foot
of the hill where the quartz lodes run, is rich, from the disintegration of the
rock, which slides from the hills and the large body of tailings dumped there,
all containing more or less gold and amalgam, so when the flume is in working
order the lucky owners expect large returns from it.
The Basin, in the spring and summer, presents a very pretty appearancce,
surrounded as it is by high snow and ice covered mountains, with innumerable
water-falls leaping down the rugged sides, while the bottom, and side hills, are
dotted with snug miners cabins, reminding a person of the scenery in
Switzerland, or some Alpine valley.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
On last Sunday evening, Wm. Campbell, assistant foreman on the Treadwell mine,
met with a very serious accident. It was his business to put in the ffuse and
fire off the blast, but it seems one failed to go off, when Mr. Campbell
descended into the shaft and, it is supposed, that while he was engaged in
picking it out it exploded. When the unfortunate man was found, he was
unconscious, having been struck in the forehead with sufficient force to
fracture the skull. Drs. Wyman and Simpson dressed the wound, and say he will
probably recover. He is now in St. Ann's Hospital, under the care of the
Sisters, who will do everything in their power to alleviate his sufferings.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tracts, like facts, are stubborn things to overcome. We wondder if the Alaskan
will be troubled with any more of those tracts of advertising facts from Coon &
Co., of Juneau.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Established 1876.
WORKINGMAN'S DRUG STORE. By the Wholesale and Retail. Corner of Second and
Franklin Streets, Juneau, Alaska. The only pure wines and liquors in the
Territory. For medicinal purposes.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
As the undersigned is agent for some of the leading Drug Houses of New York,
Chicago and San Francisco, and carries the largest assortment of drugs and
chemicals in Alaska Territory, he is prepared to furnish the Local Retail
dealers, and all other parties at San Francisco prices. Mulcahy, the Elephant.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Pyramid of Prosperity.
One mule.
Six horses.
Two drays.
A postoffice.
Steam Ferry.
Twelve cows.
One brewery.
Water works.
Three doctors.
Fire company.
Eight saloons.
One milkman.
One gunsmith.
Two laundries.
Three lawyers.
Monthly mails.
Two hand carts.
Three churches.
Two music halls.
Three ministers.
One dress maker.
Two assay offices.
Two barber shops.
Forty white ladies.
One thousand dogs.
Two jewelry stores.
One civil engineer.
Court house and jail.
Chas. Cato, tinsmith.
Coon & Co. druggists.
Two blacksmith shops.
"Yank's" lumber yard.
The Alaska Free-Press.
Wm. Thorp, meat market.
D. W. Walker, hardware.
James Schmeig, druggist.
Sanderson's Lunch Parlors.
Surrounded with gold mines.
P. Brady, general merchandise.
Goldstine general merchandise.
D. Martin, general merchandise.
P. Corcoran, general merchandise.
W. F. Reed, general merchandise.
A deep bay and substantial wharf.
Seven hundred white inhabitants.
I. L. Bangs, general merchandise.
An abundance of wood and water.
A good school, Dr. White, Principal.
Reed House, W. F. Reed, proprietor.
Franklin Hotel, Morse & Olds, proprs.
Koehler & James, general merchandise.
Juneau City Hotel, J. J. McGrath, proprietor.
New buildings going up, and more contemplated.
C. W. Young, lumber yard and contractor and builder.
Streets that should be put in a more presentable appearance.
St. Ann's Hospital, under the supervisor of the Sisters of Charity.
Douglas Island.
Dr. Wyman.
Eight saloons.
One music hall.
One shoemaker.
One restaurant.
One fine billiard hall.
The richest gold min in the world.
Frank Bach, general merchandise.
The largest stamp mill in the world.
Fox & McKenna, general merchandise.
Alaska Mill and Mining Co.'s general merchandise.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Messrs. Cutter and Bennett, who have had five years experience in sleight making
in Alaska, wish to announce to the general public that they are now ready to
outfit all parties going to the Yukon or other places with sleighs. Their long
experience in this line is certainly a sufficient guarantee as to the quality
they manufacture.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
John G. Heid, our popular attorney-at-law, has his new house nearly ready for
occupancy. He says "me and Jim are going to occupy it," but the opinion of the
Free-Press is that Jim will have to restle elsewhere, and "me" and a hoss of
another color, with the connubial knot betwixt, will probably be its occupants.
We base these assertions upon the fact that Johnny strolled into the ______ the
other day and remarked: "Goodness, it's tough to sleep alone these cold nights,
and I actually believe that I am getting more domestic every day."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Juneau Retail Market Report.
Flour per barrel $6, per 100 lb $3.25
Bacon per lb $.15
Sugar Crushed 8 lb $1.00
Coffee ground, per lb. $.25
Coffee green, per lb Rio $.16
Coffee Green, per lb Java $.18
Tea English Breakfast, per lb. $.75
Potatoes per lb. $.08
Onions per lb. $.05
Cabbage per lb. $.05
Beef fresh per lb. $.15
Beef corned, per can $.85
Beef, corned, bulk $.12-1/2
Pork, bulk $.20
Ham, best Eastern per lb. $.18
Beans, pink & white $.05
Canned goods.
Table fruits, 2 lb cans, 3 for $1.00
Pie fruits, 2 lb cans, 4 for $1.00
Oysters, 2 lb cans, 3 for $1.00
Tomatoes, 2 lb cans, 5 for $1.00
Beans, 2 lb cans, 4 for $1.00
Peas, 2 lb cans, 4for $1.00
Corn, 2 lb cans, 4 for $1.00
Yeast powders, Preston & Merrill's per doz. $3.00
Jellies & James, 3 cans for $1.00
Butter, California, per roll $.75
Tobacco.
Smoking, per lb. $.75
Chewing, Climax, per lb. $.75
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If you expect three dollars back, go to Coon's drug store with a fifty cent
piece.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If you have a cold,
Ander your bones begin to ache,
Just step around the corner,
And for Mulcahy's make a break.
He will fix you quickly,
As his medicines are pure,
And he sells his drugs so cheap,
You'll be glad, I'm sure.
He's a public humbug,
As every one does know,
And lives on Second and Franklin
In the town of Jun-ne-o.
MULCAHY, the Elephant
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
E. M. Conard, K. Valentine
CONARD & VALENTINE, Jewelers and Watchmakers. Assayers & gunsmiths. Jewelry and
curiosities. Jewelry made to order of native gold and kept in stock. Juneau,
Alaska. All work and good warranted.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
E. H. Boggs, Wholesale and Retail Dealer in native lumber. Mills three miles
east of city. Yards on Water Street. Will sell lumber cheaper than any more in
the United States! If you want lumber, call on "YANK." Juneau, Alaska.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hart & Co., Proprietors of the PALACE THEATER and CLUB. Rooms. Come, boys and
enjoy a pleasant evening. Juneau, Alaska.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Established 1870. PIONEER DRUG STORE, Schmeig & Patterson. The oldest drug house
in Alaska. Prescriptions carefully compounded day or night. We sell nothing but
first-class goods.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Page 4.
At Sitka they spread it on rather thick. They advertise beer for mechanical and
scientific purposes.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Coon & Co. have the largest drug store in Alaska, and more drugs that all others
combined.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Any person discovering a good coal mine near here, need to no more prospecting.
Get out boys, and see who'll be the first to say "I've struck it!"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
We announce to the public that in connection with the Free-Press is established
a first-class job office and we are now prepared to receive and do all kinds of
job printing.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
We can confidently expect a big rush to Alaska next spring. Therefore, it
behooves all hands to prepare to receive it. Merchants should stock up and hotel
men prepare for their accommodation.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Nowhere can be found a more industrious or hard working class of people than are
our native Indians. The men convert themselves into veritable beasts of burden
and pack great loads for mere nominal sums, and the women are equally
industrious.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A. L. Jacobs, the accommodating freight clerk on the Idaho, favored us with a
copy of the Idaho Chronicle, published in New York, but devoted exclusively to
news of the S. S. Idaho's recent trips. The paper is neat, newsy and spicy, and
elsewhere will be found an extract from its pages.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
On our trip up we made the acquaintance of Lafayette Dawson, District Judge of
Alaska. The Judge is fully awake to the interests of our new country. He is a
man of intellectual power, as we judged from his conversation and from reading
his decisions upon important cases bearing upon thee most vital interests of
this country. His rulings show a man well versed in law and the will power to
enforce its doctrines. In him we have a most excellent judge.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
THE CITY OF JUNEAU.
Juneau in town of perhaps one thousand people, including the islanders, and
excluding Indians. It is situated ________ in a bend or indentation of the
Gastineau channel, a narrow body of water for which separates Douglas Island
from the mainland. Though there are perhaps more white people in and about
Juneau than are congregated at any other point in Alaska, it is little if
anything, more than a mere mining camp, in which the streets are not
sufficiently distinguishable to afford any evidence whatever of a survey ever
having been made. The buildings are all new and all of wood, most frame, with
here and there a rough log cabin. The site of the town is on what might be
properly termed the foot hill of a high mountain which towers to a height of not
less than 3,000 feet and forms an altogether wild and picturesque background on
its northern and eastern sides. The best buildings on what is destined to be the
principal street, extend in a semi-circle around the high-water line of the
indentation, facing to the south and west, and with scarcely enough dry ground
in front of them, when the tide is at is flood, for pedestrians to pass to and
fro upon. The opposite side of this street however, is being rapidly utilized by
the creation of buildings on pile foundations it being the intention to
construct a sea-wall to stay the tides, and then, by filling in, to make the
only level street the place will ever be ____________[unreadable]__________
purpose there is an abundance of ____________[unreadable]__________ can be
______ a comparatively trifling cost compared to what would be the expense of a
similar improvement in an eastern town. When completed, and the new buildings
now in course of erection on the water side finished, Juneau will begin to put
on metropolitan airs, and her citizens will more positively than ever indulge
the belief that by reason of its greater commercial importance it it justly to
be made the political capitol in any forthcoming _____ment intended to provide
for Alaska a more perfect form of territorial government.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The steamer Seal arrived in port on the 6th inst having been out with a party on
a prospecting tour for some weeks. The boys report havingg found large
quantities of quartz, but until they get returns form their assays are in doubts
as to whether or not they have struck a bonanza. They however, found a large bed
of mica, which if followed up may prove valuable. It is of a very fine quality,
clear and stands the heat to perfection. The boys had a good time while out, and
Charley Wells says the girls (kleutches) out there in point of good looks are
way ahead of those at Juneau, but gosh! their feet would make old Muir glacier
crack with cold. Charley is now deliberating before jumping the connubial
gutter, as to which is the most preferable, good looks or cold feet.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Capt. Healy will commence running the steamer Yukon about February 15th and will
make weekly trips between Juneau and Chilkat, the latter town being the starting
point overland for the Yukon country. The steamer will run for the
transportation and freight and passengers.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Gov. Swineford during his present trip to Washington, will try to induce
Congress to give us a full Territorial government and a chance to pass our own
local laws. The Governor is well posted on the present difficulties for want of
proper recognition that Alaska is now laboring under, and if our Senators and
representatives would pay less attention to the rot of commercial agents and
more to sound truthful arguments of the necessities of their constituency, they
could give us such recognition as is absolutely necessary to the welfare of this
country.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
KOEHLER & JAMES, successors to the Northwest Trading Co. of Juneau. Agents for
the Pacific Coast Steamship Co. carrying a complete stock of general
merchandise. Dealers in Native furs and curiosities. Situated as they are in the
immediate vicinity of the Great Gold Mines of Alaska, they are in the position
to fit out prospecting parties and supply the smaller mining camps. Juneau,
Alaska.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
J. S. SHILLABER, proprietor of the Juneau Laundry, washing and ironing neatly
done. Third door above Martin's store. Juneau, Alaska
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
CHARLES CATO, The pioneer tinsmith of Alaska. Dealer of tinware of every
description including miners' sheet iron stoves. Tinsmith, coppersmith and
plumber, jobs neatly done for cash. Come one, come all, and give the Old Pioneer
a lift. Juneau, Alaska.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
C.W. YOUNG, contractor and builder. Dealer in rough and surfaced lumber, sash
and doors. Mouldings, building paper, locks and butts. Builder of skiffs and
small boats. Shops and yard on the water front. Juneau, Alaska.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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