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In The News
The Nome News
Nome, Alaska
Saturday, January 20, 1900
Vol. 1, No. 16
Page 1.
THE FUEL SUPPLY.
Is Now Becoming a Serious Question.
Prices are High, Quality Poor -- Few People have Enough, Others Have More Than
Enough.
The fuel question in Nome is a most important, not to say serious, matter at
this time. While few people may have fuel enough and to spare, the majority have
not. The weather is piercing in its intensity, and the problem of getting enough
fuel to last from day-to-day is a hard one with many. For miles, east and west
of Nome, Alderwood has been gathered up and none remains. It seems to the news
that the grossest indifference and neglect have been exercised over this would
question, especially in view of the fact that we are in the midst of an Arctic
winter. There are persons in this town, who, not content with securing a supply
of wood necessary for the winter, have been busily engaged in storing it up for
use on their claims and elsewhere next summer. This thrift would be commendable,
were it not for the self-evident fact that the man who takes more wood from the
public domain than his actual needs require, for this winter, is a Barabbas.
There is said to be considerable quantities of coal stored about town, but it is
submitted that not so very many people in this town can afford to pay the prices
asked for it.
The question of fuel supply under existing conditions, should not be viewed
solely from assorted commercial desire to reap huge benefits simply because it
can be done. The news is not an alarmist, it sincerely hopes that there will be
no suffering because of the lack of fuel. It also hopes that this matter will be
viewed from a broad and liberal standpoint and that no evil may result because
of what has already been done.
Stealing wood along the beach that has been piled up by individuals is said to
be common. Many men have to mount guard with guns over there wood piles in order
to save them. T. Boardman, who lives a few miles below the Nome River, says that
for weeks he has been compelled to keep his wood with his rifle. Similar
complaints are heard on all sides. And the end is not yet. Wood is now selling
at $40 a cord and not very good at that, while coal is quoted all the way from
$125-$150 per ton.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Mr. Pilgrim Drives a Stake.
To the Editor of the News:
in reply to the article published in the Gold Digger of January 17, 1900 under
the heading "Pilgrim to be married" I submit the following: I wish to state that
the Gold Digger was misinformed in regard to the lady's name, and I also wish
that the Gold Digger would be more careful in future, because pastries are hard
to locate in this district. I admit that I do considerable stampeding, although
I never located claim unless I justified in holding it; but the gold digger
ought to be more careful in future where he drives his stakes, as Miss Rose
Desmond may not stand for anyone trespassing on her property, and whenever I
intend to get married I, Walter Pilgrim, will give full particulars of it
myself.
Respectfully yours, Walter Pilgrim
Nome, Jan 19, 1900.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
NEWS NOTES.
Burrell & Brown have transferred their mail contract as the contractors for the
Kotzebue sound route to another party.
Frank Johnston, of the El Dorado club rooms, is suffering severely from an
attack of rheumatism.
Tuesday night J. B. Miller, of the Grotto, rushed into the building and reported
to his partner, Jim Wilson, that the building was on fire. Jim seized a fire
extinguisher and rushed to the roof and vainly endeavored to find the fire. All
he could make out was a volume of smoke rolling over the roof from an adjoining
building. Jake did the proper thing for the boys, who is one accord asked him
the brand of "hop" he was in the habit of using.
Dr. Gregg is a dignified possessor of a new for, which is the envy of his
friends and a joy to the passerby.
In the case of Hansen and Hall, who were convicted of petty larceny last week US
Commissioner Rawson on Monday refused an application for a new trial, on a point
raised by prosecuting attorney Bard, that the Commissioner has no authority to
grant new trials.
Messrs. Pope, Beaton, Bates, Wheaton, and other employees of the A. C. Co. were
pleasantly surprised Friday evening by the appearance of about 40 ladies and
gentlemen, who were warmly received and it goes without saying that a most
pleasant evening was enjoyed by all participants.
Frank McCafferty, the A. E. Co's agent at Golovin, has been in town this week.
T. Z. Kruzner, recorder for the Kowik mining district, Norton Bay, is in town.
Norman R. Smith, deputy United States mineral and land surveyor, return this
week from a trip to Port Clarence, whither he went on professional business.
During his stay he surveyed a number of placer claims for recorder Morse and the
N. A.T. & T. Co.
Charles A. Gay will commence at once to work a stream thawer on the beach about
6 miles above town.
Charles L. Cole returned Wednesday from a trip to Port Clarence. Mr. Cole is
favorably impressed with that district.
John Heitman came in from Golovin city Wednesday. Mr. Heitman says there is
considerable activity in mining circles at Golovin, but prospecting work is
retarded by the fact that water is almost invariably struck about a foot from
the surface.
Colin Beaton, of the A. C. Co., sold a team of eight dogs Thursday for $1000.
Mr. Beaton advertised in the News. A word to the wise is sufficient.
John Kill, the affable proprietor of the Nome market, entertained a number of
friends at dinner Tuesday evening, in his well-known hospitable manner.
C. P. Dam and Capt. Heckman left this morning for the outside via Kadiak. They
took out United States mail and a number of copies of the News.
The dog case of Midgley vs. LeClair was won by the former last Saturday, after
four trials.
Five of the demi-mondaine went on a strike last Monday and refused to pay an
assessment of $17.50 each levied against them in the Municipal Court. They were
placed upstairs in the City Hall, where they made the malamutes howl by singing
French and American songs, while downstairs the court was hearing the case of
Cashel against Beall.
J. A. Sciaroni came in from Saint Michael on Tuesday. He says the beach Sands at
Unalakleet were salted; hence the report of the rich strike. He also says he did
not think enough of the reported Creek strike to stake a claim. Mr. Sciaroni is
securing winter views of Nome.
Jos. Dexter came up from Dexter on Thursday.
Recent arrivals from Saint Michael and Golovin Bay state that scores of men and
dog teams were met on the trail, headed for Norton Bay. The trail is in good
condition.
Jack Egan returned this week from a trip to Saint Michael and Norton Bay.
Tom Moon, recorder for Cape Denbigh mining district in the Norton Bay country,
arrived in town Thursday. He says that while good prospects have been found on
Bonanza and Christmas creeks enough development work has not been done to
warrant a correct estimate of the value of the discovery. Mr. Moon discourages
any stampeding to the district.
The last meeting of the literary and debating society was equally as interesting
as any of the previous ones. Features of the meeting were solos, recitations and
duets,while a vere interesting part of the program was the sleight-of-hand
performance by T. G. Snell, who proved himself and able prestidigitateur. The
program for next Wednesday's meeting includes an address on sanitation by Dr.
Davey, address by Judge Greene, declamation Col. Davis, solos Miss Lamont, Harry
Leland and Dr. Humphrey.
A couple of natives brought in a sled load of Bering Sea crabs Friday morning.
They sold them readily at one dollar per.
Dr. Rininger reports three cases of a mild form of scurvy in town.
Al. Dietrick has returned from a trip to the Kutchbluck country. He made several
locations for the Addie B. Mining company.
N. D. Foster, a member of the town Council of Golovin city, is in town. Mr.
Foster says that the outlook is promising in his section. The most talked creeks
are Ophir, Crooked and Sweetcake. On No. 1 Crooked Creek Frank Lease last fall
rocked $106 and eight hours. No. 1 below on Sweetcake yielded $75,000 last year.
The total output of the creek was about $100,000. The Dewey mining company will
probably erect a sawmill at Golovin city next spring. On the trip up from
Golovin, Mr. Foster was accompanied by J. H. Wilson, A. McEwen and Miss Walton,
the noted woman stampeder.
At 830 this morning the thermometer at the news office registered 34 below.
The whistle at Lane's well is sounded at 645 and 7:45 AM., 12 p.m., 12:30 p.m.
and 4:15 p.m. regulate your clocks and watches and let us have a uniform time.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Benefit for Firemen.
A ball will be given in Brown's Hall Friday evening next in aid of the benefit
fund of the fire department. Mr. Brown has generously donated the use of the
hall for the purpose, and it is intended to give the firemen a rousing benefit.
It will be strictly a "hard times" affair and "full dress" raiment is barred.
Tickets have been placed at a dollar 50 each. Prizes will be offered for the
best sustained characters, male and female. It must not be forgotten that the
fire department is a purely volunteer organization and the friends of the fire
boys are interesting themselves in the success of the dance in order to create a
fund for sick or disabled members of the department.
The following ladies and gentlemen have consented to act upon the committees:
floor committee--E. R. Beeman, Jas. H. Lee, F. W. Swanton, Colin Beaton, F. L.
Bates, Chief W. J. Allen; Asst. Chief Palmer, Geo. Schultz, Maj. Strong;
Director, Dr. J. G. Humphrey; Reception Committee -- F. W. Mettler, Capt.
Ferguson, A. M. Pope, M. E. Button, E. F. Lewis, F. J. Kelly, Mesdames King,
Mitcchell, Miller, Barian, Johnston, Yate, Lee, Strong, Miss Mary Corliss.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
CARROLL IS FREE.
Prosecution Fails For Want of Witnesses.
Prosecuting Attorney Bard's Ire is Raised -- Dr. Smith is Out -- Illegal Selling
of Whisky.
Joe Carroll, the "Argosy of the Snows," is a free man. When his case was called
in court on Wednesday it failed for want of witnesses and prosecuting attorney
Bard asked for its dismissal, which was granted. Judge Bard says he will take
similar action in every other United States case that comes up, unless
sufficient evidence is, in his opinion, to be found, when complaint is made.
Dr. Smith, who some weeks ago was sentenced to serve a six-month sentence for
stealing a quantity of canned goods belonging to the city, has been released. It
was shown that he had hitherto born an exemplary character, and that the crime
for which he was convicted was done while he was under the influence of drugs.
A largely signed petition was presented to US Commissioner Rawson and Smith was
released on parole, the judge having no authority to remit the sentence.
In the commissioners court on Friday John Erickson was fined $250 and sentenced
to 30 days imprisonment for an assault upon John Griffin at Nome River. Sam
Howe, charged with selling whiskey without a license, was found guilty but
sentence was suspended owing to the previous good character of the prisoner.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Mail From St. Michael.
A sack of United States mail arrived Thursday from Saint Michael having been
forwarded from that point by mail clerk Kimball. It was brought to Nome by Bouse
and Ansel. The mail was principally from Eagle, Circle and Rampart, among that
were a few letters from Dawson bearing September dates. About 200 letters in all
came in. It is not expected that any Dawson and outside mail will reach here
until sometime in February.
W. B. Hastings, the A. C. Co's agent at Saint Michael, who has been in town this
week, will leave for Saint Michael, tomorrow taking the regular United States
mail with him. C. P. Dam and Capt. Heckman left this morning for the outside,
carrying mail, via Katmai.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Deaths of the Week.
W. N. Fletcher, aged about 30, died Sunday at St. Bernard hospital of a
complication of diseases. Fletcher was an attorney and came here from Omaha. The
Funeral Took Pl., Wednesday afternoon.
Frank Coons, formerly of Edgeley North Dakota died Tuesday morning after an
illness of over three months, death being due to typhoid fever. Coons was a
member of the Masonic body, and the funeral Friday was under the auspices of the
Anvil Masonic club. Coons was about 35 years of age.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Page 2.
CONGRESS AND ALASKA.
It is scarcely probable that Congress will enact much new legislation for Alaska
at the present session. This territory will, without doubt be divided into two
districts for judicial purposes. In any event an additional District Judge will
be appointed. The criminal code will no doubt be amended to some particulars and
it may be that a civil code for Alaska will be enacted. At least it is to be
hope so, and the period of our dependence upon the Oregon code and its every day
vagueness, as applied to Alaska, be ended for all time. We might also feign hope
that some readjustment of the present method of taxation, without
representation, will be made but it is hardly likely to be done. The government
needs a big revenue just now and Alaska will have to bear more than her just
share of the increased burden imposed upon the country by reason of the wars in
which we have been late engaged. Therefore, upon the whole, we need not expect
very much and we are sure not to be disappointed. While Alaska Bay not be ready
for territorial form of government, in view of the vast expanse of territory
embraced in the district, and for geographical reasons, sparseness of settlement
and the like, there seems to be no reason to the news why we should be longer
denied representation in Congress. With the delegate in that body, of the proper
kind of material, of which plenty may be found, great good would be
accomplished. Such a desideratum can be brought about if the people of Alaska
will act as a unit. We are entitled to it; therefore let us press our demands
boldly and unceasingly.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
NORTON BAY PLACERS.
The Norton Bay country may prove to be a formidable rival of the Snake River
region, if the different reports coming from that section be half true. Capt.
Siem, an excellent authority, by the way, on this section of Alaska, says that
there has been a steady output of placer gold from the Norton Bay district for
the past five or six years. The gold has been mined principally by "squaw men"
and natives, who have taken the gold to Saint Michael and bought their supplies,
but who have always been reticent as to the place from whence it came.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Progress of the Census.
The Census of this district will not be completed until about July 1. Mr. R. J.
Becker, the Census agent, has about half completed the numbering of Nome's
inhabitants, but has abandoned the work for the present and will leave this week
for Port Clarence, where he will take a census of the natives. Mr. Becker's
estimate of the population of Nome and district is about 2500. His duties are
multifarious and include making long trips, the employment of a native
interpreter and the collection of various kinds of statistics, besides numbering
the people.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Page 3.
SOME RICH QUARTZ.
A Sample That Assays $570 to the Ton.
Assayer Thomas also Finds Some Rich Samples of Beach Sand -- Thinks This is a
Quartz Country.
Assayer G. W. Thomas, who has his office in one of the N. A. T. & T. Co's
buildings, has been kept busy of late assaying all kinds of quartz, as well as
many samples of beach sand. A news representative found him exceedingly busy a
few days ago and his work room. The furnace was at a white heat and crucibles,
mortars and other paraphernalia usually found in an office of this kind was in
ample evidence.
Mr. Thomas is from Angel's Camp, California and is a thorough assayer and quartz
expert. "I have recently made assays of quartz," he said, "running all the way
from a trace of gold to $570 at on. No, I cannot say where the samples came
from, but the rich rock I believe came from somewhere in the Golovin Bay
country. I believe that this section of Alaska will prove to be a Quartz
producer. I have visited Anvil and other creeks in the district and taken such
samples of rock as I could find, and these assayed from two dollars to six
dollars. Schist is the country rock so far as I have observed, and there is
besides limestone and quartzite. Yes, I believe that extensive quartz ledges
will be found here, as well as in other places."
Recently from 32 pounds of beach sand Mr. Thomas got a button of gold weighing
$19.35. All the gold that he has assayed will average about $18 an ounce. Other
samples of beach sand have run from $.50 to eight dollars a ton. Mr. Thomas
thinks that the cyanide process is not adapted to saving the gold in the Ruby
sand, the goal being to course. The process would work if there was nothing to
interfere with it, such as the presence of copper in the sands. Mr. Thomas is
found that some of the concentrates run very high.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
NEWS OF THE TRAIL.
Mr. Brown's Trip to St. Michael and Return.
N. N. Brown, who recently returned from Saint Michael, says that no traveler
need take stove nor tent with him, as accommodations can always be had at the
native villages enroute. A pinch of tea, salt, or whatnot, will always
remunerate them. They are hospitable and treat you kindly. Mr. Brown says they
are the healthiest, happiest, and most contented people he has ever met.
Unalakleet is the largest village between Nome and Saint Michael. There are
about 300 there, 9/10 of them being natives. A Swedish mission is established
there under the management of Mr. Quest. There are 180 children in the school. A
Christmas tree was prepared for the children and the new year treat was
provided. Mr. Hendrickson and Miss Johnson have charge of the Golovin mission.
There are about 50 children in the school. At Saint Michael there are 32 steam
craft insight. The machine shops are running at Healy and Saint Michael, 40 men
being employed at the former and 30 at the latter. Everyone is waiting patiently
for the outside mail to arrive, though doubtful of its arrival before February
1. Mr. Brown was 25 days in making Saint Michael and 15 days in returning. There
were Stampeders all along the line, the principle being to the Unwoktolik and
its tributaries, Bonanza and Christmas creeks. Claims are 500 feet each. Tom
Moon's recorder. $.15 to the pan is reported on discovery, Bonanza. If what Mr.
Brown saw and heard was true, McCafferty had about $.27 cents to two pans, while
Zipi had $.15 from one pan.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
HANGED HIMSELF.
Gus Gahart, the "Dago Kid," who recently arrived here from Nulato, reports that
on November 15 he helped to cut down a man who had hanged himself with a rope in
a cabin at Nulato. Gahart had forgotten the man's name but said he was from
Seattle. The body was buried with the rope around the neck. The cause of the act
was said to be despondency.
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Page 4.
PAY GRAVEL FOUND.
Fifteen Cents to the Pan on a Tundra Claim.
The Work Now Being Done North of the A. E. Co's Old Warehouse -- Natural Gas
Deposits.
Fifteen cents to the pan has been found in the tundra, north of the A. E. Co's
old warehouse on the claim owned by Messrs. A. M. Pope, W. R. Wheaton and A. D.
Campbell, mention of the work underway was exclusively told in the news a few
weeks ago.
The shaft is now down about 37 feet and already a good pastry has been
developed, consisting of gravel interspersed with layers of Ruby sand. The
gentleman interested in the claim, which consists of 160 acres, are feeling
jubilant over the Outlook. Mr. Wheaton told a news representative that they
believe that bedrock would soon be reached. The shaft is now being sunk by
"burning," the steam thawer having been abandoned, because it was found that
greater progress could be made with wood.
Apropos of auriferous deposits Norman R. Smith, the well-known civil engineer,
who has given a good deal of study to the geological formation found in Alaska,
is of the opinion that the diamond drill will develop natural gas in this
section. "There is every indication," said Mr. Smith to the news, "that such
will be the case, and if natural gas be found, as I confidently feel it will,
coupled with the vast extent of gold bearing gravel, it will solve the cheap and
economical working of these great gold deposits."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Cashel Wins Out.
The case of tea. D. Cashel vs. W. C. Beall who was arrested last week, charged
with fraudulently contracting the debt, as told in the news, was tried on Monday
before Judge Rawson and jury. The evidence was contradictory, but it went to
show that Cashel lent Beall $500, which the latter almost immediately lost at
craps, with the understanding that unless the money was returned within a
specified time, Beall was to deed the Alabama lodging house to Cashel for $2500.
The defense claimed that the debt was simply a gambling transaction and that the
court had no jurisdiction. The jury was composed of E. T. Baldwin, D. P. Nestor,
John Kill, B. O. Wilbur, N. J. Barhydt. A verdict was rendered for the plaintiff
for the sum claimed, but on the question of fraud the jury disagreed. An
attachment was issued subsequently and Beall's dogs and other chattels seized.
The sale is set for Monday at 2 PM. Hannum and Keller appeared for Beall, and in
his address to the jury judge Hannum took occasion to roundly score Mr. Cashel
for what he termed his undignified conduct. E. R. Beaman was counsel for Cashel.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
MINING NOTES.
Joseph Sliscovich, recorder of the Golden Gate mining district and J. McCarty
returned Monday from a trip to that district. They went via the Nome River but
returned by way of Bonanza. Mr. Sliscovich took over 1200 pounds of supplies in
order to prospect some of his claims, which he thinks promising. Miss yours
Sliscovich and McCarty discovered and named Crater Creek on the trip. Mr.
Sliscovich had the misfortune to freeze one of his feet, though not seriously.
William Thompson, recorder of Fairview district, was in town this week. He says
that considerable prospecting is being done in Sinrock and Fairview districts
with promising results. Livingstone Creek in the latter district prospects well.
A. M.. Pope is now associated with Capt. Crane in his beach mining operations.
D. A. McDonald, one of the pioneers of the Golovin Bay country, is in town. Mr.
McDonald has been steadily taking out pay dirt on Ophir Creek during the winter.
He is enthusiastic over the mining future of the district. Ophir Creek shows up
well as does also Crooked Creek and Banner Creek in the Casa-de-poga country.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Nome Senate.
The "Nome Senate" will be formally inaugurated on Monday evening, January 22, in
the elk Hall. It is proposed that the Senate shall consist of two members from
each state in the Union. The object of the Senate is to discuss questions of
local and national interest, and as one of the promoters, put it, to "play the
Senate to the municipal councils House of Representatives." If this be so it
ought to be a "warm number." Seventy-five names have already been secured and
the new institution promises to be a strong one.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hunter Building Case.
On Saturday afternoon last, judge Rawson, on motion of Walter church, attorney
for Maj. Lippincott, dismissed the suit brought by Frank Johnston to obtain a
possession of the Hunter building. The building, as will be remembered, had been
bid in by Mr. Johnston, under the term of the trust deed given by H. C.
Wilkinson, in which Judge Rawson was made trustee. Judge Rawson in dismissing
the suit, said he could not reconcile the entertaining of the suit with his
judicial conscience, notwithstanding the fact that attorneys Fink and Pittman
tried with all their eloquence to show him the way.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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