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In The News
The Nome News
Nome, Alaska
Saturday, December 30, 1899
Vol. 1, No. 13
Page 1.
THE MUDDLE EXTENDED.
Settlement Effected With Mr. Foster.
City Agrees to Pay Him $1200 -- Lot Ordnance Passed -- A City Scavenger.
At the meeting of the municipal council Friday night chairman Lowe, of the
hospital committee, reported that a settlement had been reached with Mr. Foster.
The latter he said, had agreed to accept $1200 in full payment of his claim
against the town. Chief of police Eddy reported that because of his illness he
was unable to complete his report for December. His report for November was
submitted as follows:
No. Arrests, drunk, etc. - 34
No. Arrests, felonies - 13
No. Witnesses held - 3
total - 50
No. Conviction secured - 28
Dismissals - 12
Forfeiting bonds - 6
Held as witnesses - 3
Deported - 1
Total - 50
Amount police court fines collected - $339.00
Gamblers and prostitutes - $275.00
Total - $614.50
Paid out by dept. - $43.80
Amount turned over to treasurer - $570.70
Total - $614.50
The mayor suggested that a special committee be appointed to report upon the
city finances the first of the year. The suggestion was adopted and the mayor,
Dam and Pennington constitute the committee. Fire Chief Allen reported the
organization of a hook and ladder company; he also asked that the fire Bell be
placed on a pedestal 20 feet high, that it might be heard when rung.
Ordinates number 31, regulating the location of town lots, was read and pass
substantially, as reported here to four in the news. Lots must be improved by
ditching not later than May 15, and further improved by the erection of a
building by June 15 next. Judge Rawson's bill of $168, costs in cases where no
fines were collected or where convictions failed, were allowed; chief Eddy's
bill for similar claim was disallowed.
Marshall Lee made inquiries as to the object of the Lot ordnance, and he also
suggested, as an engineer, that the street commissioner and city surveyor where
the proper parties to superintend the ditching of lots. The application of L. S.
Burrell for a very franchise was referred to the mayor, Wright and Lowe. The
appointment of Frank W Swanton as city clerk was unanimously confirmed. On
suggestion of health officer Jerauld the mayor was authorized to appoint a city
scavenger.
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Mr. Kurtz Retires.
Mr. W. C. Kurtz, who has been associated in the publication of the news since
its inception, has disposed of his interest to Messrs. Boundy and Kappelman. Mr.
Kurtz proposes to devote his attention to the mining interests he has acquired,
and will probably do some prospecting this winter.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
For the Outside.
J. S. Kimball company will dispatch a fast express for the outside, via Dawson,
on January 1 next. Messrs. R. R. McRae and F. H. Nagle, the gentleman in charge,
are in every way responsible, and the responsibility is further guaranteed by
the Kimball company. Besides, they are sworn carriers of the post office
department, and have had large experience in the Yukon country. Good time and a
safe delivery of letters is therefore assured, the rate for which is one dollar
per ounce. Letters may be left with the J. S. Kimball company, Front Street.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
NEWS NOTES.
Major Lippincott, of the Hunter, served a whole sheep, roasted to his patrons,
the El Dorado gave a free dinner in the club rooms on this receive and another
next day, both being largely patronized.
The thanks of the news force are due and are hereby tendered to A. W. Piper, of
Piper's bakery, for a package of Christmas mince pies. Mr. Piper is an old
newspaper man himself.
Price & Lane's store, the Ocean and Horseshoe saloons are now lighted by
electricity, the motive power being supplied from Price & Lane's pumping
station.
Rev. D.J. Elliott returned Sunday from a visit to Golovin Bay. Mr. Elliott
brought back with him a real Christmas tree which was in evidence at the
children's entertainment at St. Bernard's church.
M. R. Button, who was always active, has been instrumental in organizing a rifle
club and at 1 PM today several sharpshooters "will meet on the waterfront and
have a "shoot." The distance will be 200, 300 and 500 yards. An admission fee of
one dollar is charged and the best marksman will take the pot.
"Kangaroo Jack" Underwood and James Freeman, who have proved themselves
successful beach minors up the beach, spent Christmas in town.
J. D. Morgan,J. H. Fredericks and Miss Lorenzo expect to leave for the outside
via Katm ai about January 10. Miss "Lorenzo is a good "musher" and she thinks
that she can make the journey "just as well as anybody."
Squire Bellew, who lives in a cabin on Second street with Earl Hyde, is
suffering from chronice Bright's disease of the kidneys and is expected to live
but a short time.
C. J. Clark is working a steam thawer on the beach about a mile and a half above
town.
Chief of Police Eddy, is is again on duty after being down with typhoid fever
for six weeks, with his usual forethought and kindness of hearth, furnished the
prisoners in the city jail, at his own expense, a Christmas dinner, with roast
mutton and the usual adjuncts, corn starch pudding, with real cow's milk, as
well as other articles.
Z. E. Foster ccontributed a basket of sandwiches and confections to the
prisoners in the city jail, the kindly rememberance of the Christian Endeavor
people.
Dr. C. W. Brandon eexpects to leave for the outside via Katmai between th 1st
and 5th of January.
Rutledge & Garside, the civil engineers and surveyors, have, what are, without
doubt, the fines suite of offices in Nome. They are located up stairs in the
well known Kimball & Co. building.
The boys in mucklucks will be welcomed at the dance to be given in Brown's hall
on New Year's night. There will be a good orcchestra and all may enjoy
themselves. Everybody cordially invited.
Mr. and Mrs. Cowley entertained a number of friends at dinner on Christmas
night. A delightful menu was served. The guests were: James A. Gibson, W. Kurtz,
Chas. Cole, Chas. Cobb,, Chas. Lowe, R. S. Warren, Chief Eddy.
Mr. and Mrs. Frank Johnston entertained very pleasantly a number of friends at
dinner on Christmas Eve. A choice menu was served and a delightful evening spent
by the guests who included Capt. and Mrs. Siem, Capt. W. H. Ferguson, Norma R.
Smith, Chas. Cobb, Capt. J. H. Donohue.
Drs. Gregg & Jerauld are now nicely located in the Claflin building.
A. E. Claflin, of Claflin Bros. & Co., is recovering from his severe illness.
Mr. Claflin intends going outside this winter if his health permits.
Capt. Siem, of the Kimball Co. has purchased 600 feet of hose for fire
protection. This will enable water to be turned on all the buildings in the
heart of the town in case of fire.
Whist parties are becoming of frequent occurrencce these long winter evenings.
On Thursday evening Major and Mrs. E. S. Ingraham gave a delightful whist party
at their residence on Dry creek, after which refreshments were served.
"Big Jim" Gibson got a handsome Christmas present, the donor being "Big Charlie"
Hoxsie. It was a crib board made from a walrus tusk, of native workmanship, the
reverse side bearing an engraving of "Anvil City."
Frank Chapdlane, who was brought down from Port Clarence a few days ago,
suffering from frozen feet, died this morning at St. Bernard hospital.
Mrs. J. W. Donovan, wife of Councilman Donavan, is ill at the family residence.
Colin Beaton, of the A. C. Co. received a letter Thursday from W. B. Hastings,
the St. Michaels manager for the A. C. Co., stating that he and S. C. Dunham,
special agent of the Census Bureau, were at Unalakleet, en route to Nome.
Traveling was delayed owing to Mr. Hastings having twisted his ankle. The party
is expected here by the first of the year. Capt. Hansen is still at St.
Michaels.
M. J. Burns, the Port Safety businessman, has been in town for the past few
days.
John De Fries, who has been prospecting in the Cripple River Mining District,
reports finding 22 cents to the pan on a claim owned by himself and C. A.
McLennan on Hess Creek.
Jos. Sliscovich will leave next week on a two months' prospecting trip in Golden
Gate district, of which he is recorder. The office on Point Belmont will be in
charge of R. D. Depew during Mr. Sliscovich's absence.
At the last regular meeting of the Fire Department committees were appointed
from the hook and ladder and hose companies to confer with the Municipal Council
relative to caring for sick and disabled firemen.
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ALL ON THE RUSH.
Stampeding for Claims at the New Year.
About 4000 Claims Have Already Been Staked in This District -- 500 This Year.
For several days past scores of men have been "mushing" out of town in all
directions - east, west and north. Several dog teams left for the Golden country
Thursday. The cause of this unprecedented amount of traveling just now is
playing. Numbers of claims will be open for relocation after January 1, hence
the anxiety of so many to be on the ground. A. Bertillon,, who has just returned
from a trip up the Nome River to head and fence back by way of anvil Creek, says
there are 300 or 400 men camping along the route traversed by him. Some are
doing a little prospecting; but the most of them are watching some claim or
other, which they propose to "jump" on New Year's morning. There is scarcely a
creek in the district that is not being watched and the recorder's office
promises to be Busier than usual for some time after 1 January.
The Stampeders who hope to find good claims to be relocated are not confined to
the male persuasion, but numbers of women have started out to secure some mining
property and others are making ready to be in with the "push."
The number of claims staked this year in the Cape Nome mining district is about
500, and assessment work has been done on 300 claims, affidavits of which have
been filed with the mining recorder. These figures are taken from a list posted
in the recorder's office by Deputy recorder Southward. Fifty-four quarts claims
were also recorded during 1898, 218 beach claims and 275 tundra claims.
Since the district was organized on October 15, 1898, 4000 claims,
approximately, have been recorded. The district includes an area 25 mi.²,
extending a distance of 25 miles in a northwesterly direction from Nome and 25
miles inland.
The meeting at which the district was organized was attended by A. N. Kittilsen,
G. W. Pricce, John Bryneston, Japhet Lindeberg, J. S. Torensis and Eric O.
Lindblom. The fee for recording all instruments was fixed at $2.50 each, but on
March 27, 1899, the fee for recording a power of attorney was raised to $25.
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Page 2.
MINING NOTES.
H. A. Ring, manager of the Nome-York reindeer express, who arrived here last
Saturday says that a number of parties are hauling wood preparatory to beginning
prospecting on Bhunner, Justide and Ishout reeks in Kanogowok districct. Across
the divide from York, in Arctic mining district some prospecting is being done.
Mr. Ring things that Mint Creek is the most promising stream in that district.
C. T. Albrecht returned from Sinrock a few days ago. He says that a $10 nugget
was said to have been found on a claim somewhere in the 20s below on Livingstone
Creek, in Fairview District, besides the quantity of coarse gold. Mr. Albrecht
returns to Sinrock this week to continue prospecting.
Probably the most ghastly location notice to be found on the coast is on a Nome
River claim. It is an Indians skull placed on a stake in which the usual notice
is written.
A number of parties are making preparations to work the beach with steam thawers.
J. S. Dexter and W. Ringling, better known as "Nunivak Bill" arrived in town
Sunday from Golovin Bay, where they had been on a prospecting trip. They spent
32 days on the trail between Nome and the Golovin country.
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Page 3.
THE RICH KOYUKUK.
Away Ahead of the Famed Klondike.
Two Doctors and a Druggist Perish in the Yukon -- United States Mail Enroute to
Nome.
A party composed of Jack Webster, John Reynolds and John McLean arrived in Nome
Saturday night from Weare at the mouth of the Tanana. They had been in the
Copper River country all last summer. This party left Weare October 22 and had
an uneventful journey to Nome. Mr. Webster says that a big strike has been made
on Slate and Myrtle Creeks about 650 miles up the Koyukuk. This he learned from
Capt. J. M. White, a steamboat man whom he met at Nulato. Capt. White told him
that the Klondike was a "grub state country compared with the Koyukuk." A
partner of Webster's was staked and sent to the scene of the new strike and
Webster says that he and his companions would have gone up the Koyukuk as well
but for the fact that they were short of provisions and they did not think it
advisable to undertake the journey. Mr. Weber was asked concerning the report
published in the news last week that the dead bodies of two men had been seen in
a boat floating down the Yukon at Koyukuk station. He said he had not heard the
report, but at Weare he had been introduced to two doctors and a druggist, who
were going down the river in a zinc boat. He had forgotten their names, but, he
said, the druggist formerly lived at Saint Michael. The party left before
Webster and as he saw nor heard nothing of them, he believes they perished.
Mr. Webster also says that a lot of mail, in a United States lock pouch, arrived
at Eaton Station. The mail had come by way of Valdez to Eagle and was dense
forwarded down the river and on to Eaton Station. Webster says he saw the mail
pouch and if there be no mistake, it ought soon to arrive here. The government
began cutting a trail from Weare to Cook's inlet, a distance of 370 miles, last
October and it is believed that the trail has been completed by this time. Mr.
Webster says that there are about 30 people on the trail between here and Kaltag,
"headed for Nome. The natives in route tell horrible tales of disease and death
in Nome and they say that "white men are dying at the rate of 12 or 15 every
day."
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CHRISTMAS FESTIVITIES.
Nome's first Christmas past off quietly and pleasantly. There were numerous
dinner parties which were not confined solely to the residents of the town and
there were neighborly calls and banquets in many of the cabins along the beach,
where Christmas cheer was dispensed with a free hand and good fellowship reigned
supreme.
On Saturday evening Capt. Ferguson entertained a number of friends in his usual
happy manner. A repast was served about 12 o'clock and songs, toasts and witty
speech-making were indulged in. The guests included: Messrs. Davis, Roth,
Rawson, Smith, Bard, Pittmaan, Kittelsen, Cashel, Fink, Beeman, Humphrey, Rudd,
McNulty, Strong.
Mr. and Mrs. E. T. Casey entertained a number of friends at dinner on Christmas
afternoon. All the delicacies which Nome commissarists afforded were on the
table and the hospitality of the genial host and hostess was thoroughly enjoyed
by the guests.
W. McCommat and partner, Frank Davis, gave a ptarmigan dinner to a number of
friends at their cabin a few miles up the beach. Among the guests were S. J.
Goodro and T. J. Lane, well-known Klondikers.
The Christmas tree and entertainment given to the children by St. Bernard church
was one of the most enjoyable events of Christmas. A real, live spruce tree,
brought all the way from Golovin Bay by Rev. D.J. Elliott, was loaded down with
suitable presence for the little ones. Santa Claus, admirably represented in the
person of Marshall Lee, arrived in a sledge drawn by a reindeer, and he created
no end of amusement. A number of natives were also present and shared in the
good things.
Mr. and Mrs. Perrigo entertained a number of friends at whist at their residence
last Saturday evening.
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PORT CLARENCE NEWS.
PORT CLARENCE, Dec. 20.-- Gold in fair quantities has been found in the beach
Sands at Grantley Harbor, and it is thought that the Sands will prove to be as
rich as those in the vicinity of Nome.
A whaling schooner is wintering in Grantley harbor and the captain of the vessel
has shown himself to be very much of a man, having supplied needy miners with
grub at fair prices.
C. P. Dam of Nome is here on a visit. It is understood that his visit is in
connection with the townsite and the establishment of a line of steamers on the
lakes in this vicinity of Grantley, which empty into the Fish River. This
enterprise will open up a vast stretch of inland country.
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COULD NOT MAKE IT.
Peter Bernard Tries to Cross Bering Strait.
Frank Chapdlane Badly Frozen Near Port Clarence -- Brought to St. Bernard
Hospital.
Peter Bernard arrived Christmas Day from a fruitless attempt to cross bearing
straight to Siberia. He found it impossible to cross that this season of the
year, but he proposes to make another attempt in February when, he thinks, from
what the natives tell him, a passage of the straits can be accomplished.
Mr. Bernard brought down Frank Chapdlane from above port Clarence. Chapdlane had
both feet and his right hand badly frozen. He was taken to St. Bernard Hospital.
He will lose part of his right foot and the toes of his left foot and his right
thumb. Chapdlane was one of the party of six men, the others being Pete Malone,
Jerry Sullivan, Tom Conley, A. Knight and O. Gustine. They were caught in a
blizzard and he was frostbitten while rolled up in his for robe. Another of the
party fell into the water up to his neck, but he was placed in a reindeer
sleeping bag and suffered little from his involuntary bath. The party finally
reached an Eskimo village when everything possible was done to relieve the
injured man. Mr. Bernard left port Clarence December 23, thus making the trip in
less than two days. He also met Capt. Charles Brouard on December 16 and he
fears that Brouard was lost in the blizzard which subsequently raged, with great
fury. Dr. Lucien Dupay, the eccentric French man, who says he is making a trip
around the world, was also met at a cabin where he was attending a sick man. He
and Brouard had parted company and the latter had started out alone with only a
pair of blankets on his back, his intentions being to reach a native village 18
miles further on.
Mr. Bernard's proposed trip to the Siberian coast was for the purpose of trading
with the natives. The Eskimo on this side say that their fathers and
grandfathers used across the straits in February and March, but there is no
native living who has made the trip in the winter season. Mr. Bernard expects an
intelligent native named Sapshoot in Nome shortly and he will probably accompany
Mr. Bernard on his trip next February.
Mr. Bernard and a companion named Murphy on the way up were lost in a blizzard
on the side of Port Clarence. They were forced to make a hole in the snow and
wrapping themselves up, their dogs on top, they tried to sleep. Early next
morning Mr. Bernard again set out and reached port Clarence. Murphy arrived some
hours later, his face and hands being badly frozen. He remained at Port
Clarence. Another party of four men were found traveling in a circle, completely
bewildered. They were taken to Aldrich & Shea's roadhouse.
Four dogs belonging to Frank Chapdlane were frozen to death in their harness.
Jessie James also lost four dogs belonging to W. C. Beall. The cold was so
intense and the wind so furious Mr. Bernard says that some of these dogs
actually jumped through the stovepipe hole in a tent to the inside. The blizzard
lasted for eight days.
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Page 4.
THE MERRY MASONS.
Had a Jolly Time Christmas Night.
Entertained Hundreds of Guests at Brown's Hall -- An Excellent Program.
The entertainment and dance given by the Anvil Masonic Club on Christmas night
was an unqualified success viewed from any standpoint. Brown's Hall was crowded
to its fullest capacity and many ladies were present. The evening's program
began with the presentation of the three act farce comedy and titled "Three
Degrees of Masonry," the production being the work of Dr. Brandon. And the
black-faced comedians each enacted his part well. The local hits in song and
pros were all good and were thoroughly appreciated by the audience. The most
admired of all the participants in the play, and the news is sure none will deny
it, was Miss Helen Bruce, the bright little two-year-old daughter of Mr. and
Mrs. Miner Bruce. The little tot did her part to perfection, with her little
face blackened, to correspond with her elders in the play. Mrs. Miller and Dr.
Humphrey also contributed several pleasing vocal selections. Following was the
cast:
Most Salubrious Master - Dr. Davy
The Candidate, George Washington, Andrew Jacckson, Arthur Pope - W. E. Chapman
Great Effulgent Light - Max Roth
Lesser Effulgent Light - Walter Church
Dr. Killoff - A. H. Dunham
Rev. Lullaby Lightfoot Worth - M. Emerson
Ex-President Cleveland - J. H. Lee
Custodian Royal Bumper - Miner Bruce
Mrs. G. W. A. J. A. Pope, Most Consequential Secretary - Dr. Brandon
Mrs. Pope's Baby - Miss Helen Bruce
The dance followed the entertainment and was continued until well into the
morning. P. J. Lauritzen discharged faithfully and well the duties of floor
manager and the Masons generally left nothing undone for the pleasure of their
guests. At the close of the entertainment Miner Bruce presented a handsome gold
emblem to Frank W Swanton, Sec. of the club, as a token of the appreciation in
which he is held by his brother Masons.
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U. S. Commissioner's Court.
Dan Kane, on a charge of assaulting C. B. Heath, alias the "hobo kid" with a
dangerous weapon, was bound over on Wednesday by US Commissioner Rawson in the
sum of $5000, to take his trial in the District Court. Heath was held in $2000
to appear as a witness and B. R. Jones in $1000. Kane promptly furnished the
necessary bond. The defense claimed that Kane acted in self-defense and that
Heath entered the Dexter with the avowed purpose of "doing up" Kane. Last week
in the Municipal Court Kane was discharged on a similar charge but Heath's
friends revived the complaint and took it into the Commissioners court.
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From Norton Sound.
J. C. Kennedy, Cape Mining and Trading Co. and Stephen Jasper returned a few
days ago from a trip to the Norton Sound country. They do not think much of that
section as a future gold producer and they are of the opinion that the stories
of rich stakes are "recorder's fairy tales." At Moses they met Joe Carroll who
showed every evidence of being in hard luck. Carroll told Mr. Kennedy that the
letters he had when he fled from Nome had been forwarded by United States mail.
Mail carriers Brown and Koltchoff were also at Moses, enroute to Saint Michael.
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NEWS NOTES.
Major E. T. Baldwin, the general manager of the A. E. Co. is a carver of ivory
of no mean order. He follows it as a past time during his leisure moments and
the work turned out by him is really artistic. Just now he is engaged on a
napkin ring made from a walrus tusk and it is a delicate piece of work.
Maj. Lippincott of the Hunter provided a roast sheep and all kinds of side
fixings for his Christmas guests.
Frank Johnson and Walter Pilgrim of the El Dorado gave fine dinners on Christmas
and Christmas Eve, which were thoroughly enjoyed by the patrons of this popular
resort.
C. P. Dam and F. Hensen returned Friday night from port Clarence. W. B. Jones,
well known in Nome, had a narrow escape from drowning last week in the
Kozymaypour River. Billy was rescued, however, and taken to an Eskimo igloo to
"dry out."
Mr. and Mrs. Bard gave a Christmas dinner, the guests being the Misses Saunders,
Col. Davis and Mr. J. H. Kelly.
Dick McArthur proved himself a first-class hose on Christmas when he gave a 12
course dinner at his Dry Creek residence. The guests included Dr. and Mrs. King,
George Hermann, Otto Rapp, Archie Mitchell, Gus Madden, W. A. Kennedy.
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