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In The News
The Skaguay News.
Skaguay, Alaska.
Vol. 1, No. 1
Friday, October 15, 1897.
SKAGUAY AS IT IS TODAY.
THE ALASKA METROPOLIS.
Some Facts Concerning Its Social Conditions, Business Prospects, Etc.,
Etc.
We feel safe in saying that there never was in the history of this
country a community or a class of people more maligned or worse
misrepresented than this same town of Skaguay and its inhabitants. The
very conditions and surroundings of its birth made it the target for
every malcontent and disappointed prospector or gold hunter who failed
to reach his destination. Having sprung into existence almost in a day,
as it were, the conditions and accommodations were of the very crudest.
Men and youths, fresh from stores and offices, landed here by the
hundreds, with no well-defined ideas of the hardships and difficulties
they would have to encounter to reach the gold fields. When they finally
did come to a realization of what was before them hundreds become
disgusted and turned their faces homeward. In order to justify their
weakness and apparent lack of spirit, many of them conceived the idea of
writing letters home describing the horrors of the trail. This would not
have been so bad had these discouraged and discontented prospectors not
turned their batteries of abuse against the people of this community.
For months the daily papers and cross-roads sheets have filled their
columns with letters from people who claimed to have been at Skaguay, in
which the town and its inhabitants were pictured as something beyond the
place of civilization. This continued until it became a popular fad, and
scarcely a newspaper man in Washington or Alaska felt like going to
press without an article on the horrors of Skaguay. The female portion
of the community were pictured as Amazons of the most pronounced type -
rough, uncouth, uneducated, and most of them of the lower order of
society. Now, what are the real facts regarding this community? Simply
these: The town of Skaguay was brought into being by a spontaneous
movement, a popular demand, as it were, for a trading point at the very
gateway of the golden Klondike. Men of sound judgment and superior
business acumen came here to look over the situation, and it did not
take them long to discover that this was the natural landing point for
the thousands of people going to the placer mines of the interior.
Here was a natural and ideal site for a town, consisting of hundreds of
acres of land, gently sloping towards the bay, covered with a heavy
growth of timber suitable for building purposes. The harbor is not so
well sheltered as mariners could wish, still it is far superior to any
other in this portion of Alaska, with the possible exception of Haines'
Mission. Three immense wharves are being constructed by capitalists at a
cost of thousands of dollars, and when these are completed boats can
land with ease and many of the difficulties in that respect be obviated.
There are numerous streams coursing down the mountainsides that can be
utilized for furnishing the city with an abundant supply of the purest
water with which man ever quenched his thirst.
On the first day of last August there were but two frame buildings -
they might very properly be termed "shacks" - on the present town site.
Today there are several hundred, some of them three stories in height,
while new ones are springing up every day. Nearly every line of business
is well represented, and the magnitude of the lines carried is a matter
of surprise to newcomers. The merchants and business men will compare
favorably with those of any town of equal size in the United States. The
ladies of the community, of which there are something like 100, are many
of them from the higher walks of life, bright, intelligent, active.
The morals of this community are a surprise to every newcomer. While
there are saloons and places of questionable resort, still the
proprietors of these places seem to be of the better class, and the
disturbances that occur as a direct result of their existence are
comparatively rare.
Taking everything into consideration this same young city of Skaguay is
a wonder of the nineteenth century, and a constant source of surprise
and delight to every newcomer. We think we are safe in predicting that
within a period of two years there will be a city of at least 10,000
people on this spot.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Mrs. M. L. Sinclair, of Snohomish county, is stopping with Mrs. Church,
and will remain during the winter.
A. F. Burton has leased Burkhard's hall for the winter. A large number
of improvements will be made in the same, such as the erection of a
dressing room, laying a new floor, etc.
Mrs. Church is a pioneer in Skaguay, and has probably received more,
free advertising than any other woman in Alaska, outside of Mrs. Berry
or Mrs. Lippy, of Klondike fame.
H. C. Morse is a man who never does things by halves. As an evidence of
this it is only necessary to inspect the hotel building he is erecting.
When completed, the building will be a model of its kind.
The editor has met a number of old Washington acquaintances here in
Skaguay. Among the number are L. M. Presnall, Mr. Bartlett, John Patton,
L. W. Stocking, Dr. Runnalls, Jim Quinn, and one or two other parties
whose names we can not now call to mind.
Clayson Bros. believe that a liberal and judicious use of printer's ink
is a stepping stone to business success, and therefore ordered a half
page "ad" for the first issue of the News and 100 copies of the paper
for distribution in Portland and adjoining towns. That kind of spirit
manifested by the business men generally will build up a paper here that
will be a power in this portion of Alaska.
We know of no individual in this community who is more enthusiastic over
the future of Skaguay than Dr. H. B. Runnalls. The moment the doctor
landed on the beach here he sized up the situation and declared that on
this spot was to be erected a large city. So far his faith has not been
shaken in the least - in fact it grows stronger each day. This week he
filed on a piece of land for a dairy farm, near town.
Jensen & Steinbaugh have purchased the Scheisz barber shop, Holly
street, and took possession on Monday. These gentlemen are not only
genial fellows, but thoroughly understand the tonsorial business.
Fuel is a legal tender in this community, therefore parties desiring to
subscribe for the News, and ready money not being conveniently at hand,
can bring us wood and receive credit on our books for the same. Thus
reciprocity would be established in the community.
One of the happiest men in Skaguay last Wednesday was Dr. Littlefield,
whose wife arrived from Portland on the steamer Elder. The doctor is a
prominent figure in the affairs of this young and growing town, and is
recognized as a gentleman of ability.
This community is extremely fortunate in numbering among its inhabitants
Major Strong and his accomplished wife. The Major is an editorial writer
of superior ability, having held position on many of the leading daily
papers of the county. Mr. and Mrs. Strong contemplate going to the Yukon
in the spring.
Mrs. C. B. Beesen, of Seattle, arrived in Skaguay a week ago Wednesday
on the City of Seattle, and now has charge of the Kerry Lumber Company's
yard here, as manager. Mr. Beeson is a very pleasing gentleman, and like
nearly all newcomers, is greatly surprised at the magnitude of Skaguay.
The citizens will please bear in mind that the News office is located in
the Morse hotel building, corner of Runnalls and McKinney streets.
People are cordially invited to call and leave any item of news that may
come under their observations, as we are always pleased to receive such
contributions.
We believe we are safe in making the declaration that nowhere on earth
are there more individuals connected directly, or indirectly, with
newspapers than right here in Skaguay. It indicates the great desire
there is among the people of the United States to learn as much as
possible regarding the Yukon gold fields.
The social ball given in Burkhard's hall last Saturday evening, was very
largely attended, and a royal good time had. The great drawback, and the
only one to this social event, was the limited number of ladies, the men
out-numbering the women about six to one. The ball was gotten up by that
prince of good fellows, A. F. Burton, and that in itself was a guarantee
that the affair would be conducted successfully. These dances will be
held regularly during the winter.
Rev. R. M. Dickey delivered a sermon in Burkhard's hall last Sabbath
afternoon to a very large congregation. The reverend gentleman preached
a very eloquent and timely sermon, which was listened to with the
closest attention. At the close of the services a movement was set on
foot for the erection of a building to be used for religious services
and a public school. The movement for raising the funds necessary to do
the work has already been commenced and quite a sum of money collected.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
TRAMWAY OVER THE SUMMIT.
WILL BE BUILT AT ONCE.
Strong Company Organized to Rapidly Push Construction Work.
The Skagway and Lake Bennett Tramway Company has recently been formed
with three of our Skagway residents as organizers. Mr. Harry E. Battin
represents large monied interest in Portland, Oregon, and along our
coast, while Mr. Henry C. Ash, of Philadelphia, is backed by capital
from the eastern states. Mr. Ensley A. Webste, who is well known in
railway circles as a practiccal engineer and builder, will have charge
of the construction. Recognizing the great need for some kind of
transportation into the Youkon (sic) that would take the place of the
beastly work of packing on men's backs, and of the costly and
unsatisfactory way of using pack animals, these people with others have
devised this tramway system as the most feasible, the more practicable,
the cheapest, quickest and most satisfactory route. Skaguay has been
chosen as a terminus because from this place as the head of navigation a
through line to Lake Bennett can be built to carry freight and
passengers from tide water to the head waters of the Yukon without a
single change, at the same time being the shortest route. To the public
at large who contemplate going to Klondike or any of the gold fields of
interior Alaska, this will be the most satisfactory way yet conceived.
This tramway will be finished to Summit lake by the time the sledding
season commences, and it will be completed in the early spring, so that
direct communication can be had as soon as the lakes are clear of ice.
The altitude of the White Pass is known to be lower than any other, and
here the percentage of grade is very moderage by following the water
courses rather than the precipitous horse trail.
Such a line, starting from Skaguay, will prove of untold value to this
town, for it will necessarily bring the larger share of travel this way,
and no one can foretell the numbers of people who will go to the
interior next year.
Among other inducements the low rate at which freight can be handled by
this tramroad is worthy of mention. The exact amount has not been
figured as yet, but it will not be a quarter as much as the lowest rates
now run, and the people of the States can estimate their expenses before
leaving home. This enterprise should have the hearty cooperation of the
citizens of Skaguay, who will be the first to derive a material beneift
therefrom. As soon as it is made public throughout the States and the
world it will be recognized as the means to obviate the many hardships
of this trip which have been endured on all routes up to the present
time. The stock books for subscribing to this company will be opened in
a few days at Mr. Battin's office on Bond street, so that our people can
derive the benefit of investment.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
The people of this community have long desired a medium through which
their advantages as a commercial center could be made known to the
outside world, and through which could be refuted the infanmous lies
that have been told about Skaguay and its inhabitants. The citizens now
have such an organ in News and every individual in business here should
patronize its advertising columns to the full extent of his or her
ability. We mention this matter because there may be some people who
have little conception of how a newspaper is sustained, and pull their
purse strings tight when our advertising man calls upon them.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
J. C. Lilly came over the Skaguay trail from Lake Bennett, arriving here
on Sunday. The young gentleman says that he carried fifty pounds on his
back with ease, while his horse packed 210 pounds and came through with
very little difficulty. He says the Skaguay trail is all right, and he
can prove it.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
GREETING.
In presenting this the first issue of the News to the people of Skaguay,
I have but few apologies to offer or promises to make, I shall endeavor
to publish to clean paper, avoiding, if possible, all personalities and
above all the News will be published in the interests of this community.
Fromt its very inception, Skaguay and its citizens have been maligned,
abused, and villified as no other town or community ever was before, and
one of my missions here will be to correct, as far as lies in my power,
these false and malicious reports, and give to the world the truth
regarding this truly wonderful little city of ours. While I am fighting
the battles and working for the material interests of this community,
the merchants and business men should not forget that there must be
something more substantial than the healthful breezes that circulate so
freely hereabout, to make this a successful business institution.
Trusting that the first issue of Skaguay's newspaper will be kindly
received, I am
Yours Truly,
M. L. Sherpy.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
THE SKAGUAY TRAIL.
The White pass, or, Skaguay trail, has, probably, been the subject of
more adverse citicism, in the newspapers of the United States; has been
the fruitful source of more anathemas on the part of many of those who
assayed to reach the lakes, during the past few weeks; has been so
misrepresented by those who failed in crossing the divide, that an
impartial statement concerning it seems to be both necessary and
appropriate at this time. The News, therefore, presents to its readers
such a statement.
When the great rush to the Klondike gold fields was inaugurated last
summer, naturally one of the first questions confronting the intending
argonaut, was by what route was he to reach the goal of his desires.
This, necessarily, was not a question of easy solution. For years the
Chilcoot pass had formed a highway by which miners and others had
reached the interior. The difficulties which beset the traveler over
that route were well known, and it is not a subject for wonderment that
so many people, anxious to speedily reach the new gold fields, with as
little delay as possible, were eager to find a new and supposedly easier
way to the lakes. The White Pass trail, it was believed, afforded what
was desired, and thousands of men set out over it.
It must be remembered that the trail was comparatively unknown; that but
little work had been done upon it so as to put it in a condition for
travel to pass over it. The route, moreover, had not been selected with
any care. It may be truthfully said that a way had been merely "blazed"
out and that the path between Skaguay and Lake Bennett was about as
nature made it; man, at least, had improved it but little.
In the unprecendented rush that followed, a veritable stampede it may be
called, the ill-prepared path was in no condition to withstand or
accommodate the immense travel so suddnely flung upon it. Thousands of
men and horses lined the trail within a few days, and in a very short
time, after the rush began, the congestion was complete. By reason of
the great stampede the trail was well nigh impassable. The low, marshy
places became quagmires and the mountain paths a slippery toboggan
slide. Added to all this was the fact that the great majority of the
gold-seekers were men inexperienced in mountain traveling, unused to
hardships of any kind, and who know literally nothing of "packing" or
pack animals. A "tenderfoot" fails always where an experienced
mountaineer threads his way in safety and with dispatch.
The tales of woe that have filled the columns of the newspapers; the
vitriolic denunciations of the Skaguay trail by the men who failed to
cross it with their outfits; the terrible experiences recounted by the
disappointed are the logical outcome of what might be expected of men
who were in no wise fitted, physically or otherwise, to endure the
journey and who had not counted the cost of the undertaking.
It is not the intention of the News to cast any reflection upon the men
who so galiantly attempted to cross the mountain range, and failed. Many
of those are deserving of all credit for the heroic efforts that they
made. That they failed is not to their discredit, and had all succeeded
in reaching their destination this plain statement of fact would not
have been necessary. These men battled with a mountain trail, all
unused, as they were, to such mode of traveling, and physically unfitted
for work - they failed. The experienced, and those who knew how to rough
it, succeeded.
This writer has talked with many men who have traveled over the Skaguay
trail, several times since the first of last August. Some have denounced
it in unsparing terms; others have emphatically stated that it is no
worse, and in many respects better than many of the mountain trails in
Colorado and other mountainous states. Experienced packers from the
mountain states have had little trouble in reaching Lake Bennett with
their outfits, and are united in the statement that this trail compares
favorably with any on which they have operated.
Mountain trails are never strewn with roses; difficulties present
themselves to the man unused to such thoroughfares, whcih are enough to
daunt the stoutest heart, but, we repeat, to the man who knows how to
surmount such obstacles as must necessarily present themselves, the way
is open.
The people of Skaguay are alive to the difficulties which the White pass
trail presents to the average traveler; they have learned of the
criticisms, the denunciations which have found their way into the public
prints of the entire country; they know that much of the criticism is
unjust, for the reasons that have already been pointed out in this
article, and that the ireful denunciations which have been evoked are
not warranted in fact.
An easy, cheap and quick way of reaching the lakes is a prime necessity.
No man, be he rich or poor, has time to idle or fritter away. When a man
sets out upon a journey he naturally seeks the easiest, quickest and
cheapest means of reaching his destination. These are the desiderata
sought for by the intending seeker after the gold of the Yukon.
"What route shall be taken in order that I may most speedily reach the
end of my journey?" is the important question. With the experience
gained the past few weeks and the knowledge obtained of the
topographical features and the climatic conditions of the stretch of
country which separates tide water at Skaguay from Lake Bennett, it can
be truthfully stated that the Skaguay trail will present the easiest
means of reaching the interior. The trail is now in a better condition
than ever before, but, of course, at this season of the year, when
mountain storms are liable to rage at any moment, travel is rendered
exceedingly more hazardous and difficult than in the summer season.
But, it is proposed to give he intending traveler into the great Yukon
basin just what is needed to reach Lake Bennett. A company, in which
many of the leading business men of Skaguay are interested, has been
organized to build a wagon road to the summit. This will include the
building of a number of bridges for passengers, over which a reasonable
toll will be charged. The survey of the road has been made and a
feasible route has been found. The grade will be light - not to exceed
four per cent for the entire distance to the international boundary
line, two miles beyond the summit of the mountain range. The preparatory
work of constructing the road is already under way; and the promoters,
among whom are men well known in business and financial circles of the
United States, are confident that the road will be completed early next
year.
This question of securing easy communication with the great interior,
through American territory, seems to us to be one which concerns every
patriotic American. The Canadian and British Columbia governments, alive
to the importance of the subject, are bending their energies to open up
a trail via the Stickeen river and Lake Teslin. This will, if a feasible
route be found, open up a new country, and add to the volume of trade of
British Columbia cities, as outfitting points, and the Pacific coast
cities of the United States will suffer in loss of trade and the
prestige, as commercial points, that they now enjoy. We say, in language
susceptible of no double meaning that the great bulk of the travel to
the Yukon must, in the future, either go by way of the Sitckeen river,
practically, as far as the commercial aspect of the case is concerned,
through Canadian territory, or to Skaguay and thence to Lake Bennett.
With the completion of the wagon road the Skaguay route must be the
point of departure, inasmuch as it will afford that which is demanded -
an easy, quick and cheap way to the Yukon gold fields.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The scow, Skagit, which has been plying the waters of Puget Sound as a
snag boat for the past 8 years, arrived in Skaguay Oct. 6th. The boat
will be pulled up on a well located lot on Broadway and be converted
into a first class hotel. It will be thoroughly equipped, being steam
heated and electric lighted. It will be able to accommodate 150 guests.
The lower deck will be converted into store rooms, several privileges
having already been let to the following gentlemen: Mr. Phelps for the
restaurant; Mr. Bell, the Whatcom tobacconist, will be in evidence. Mr.
E. A. Hegg, a well know photographer, will have a studio, as well as
Mrs. Eva Copeland, the renowned Seattle artist. There will also be a
club room managed by Mr. James Yarkin. The "Hotel Skagit: will be ready
for business about the 15th of this month. Ben F. Nudd also has an
electric light plant with which he intends lighting the hotel and as
many business houses as possible.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
ADVERTISING.
NOTICE!
Moore's Wharf
The approach to the above wharf will be completed on or about the 25th
inst.. Freight can them be handled on the said wharf and, if required,
teams will be supplied at reasonable rates to haul same to any desired
point on this side of the First Raise, a distance of four miles.
For further information apply to the undersigned,
Wm. Moore
New Home Restaurant and Lodging House,
McKinney Street, near Broadway.
Miss Bernhofer.
H. R. Littlefield, Physician and Surgeon.
Trail and Shoup Streets,
Skaguay, Alaska.
Jas. Leddey : : : F. E. Fuller.
Leddy & Fuller, Attorneys-At-Law,
Postoffice Building
Juneau, Alaska.
Log Cabin Bakery.
Home-Made Bread.
Boston Baked Beans a Speciality.
Miller & Devany.
Look Here!
If you want to keep warm get your houses built by Squires and Jinkens,
Residence, corner Main and Holly sts. at Z. Craven's.
All jobbing promptly attended to. Stove fitting and stair building a
speciality.
Joseph Palmer, Pioneer Shoemaker.
Repairing neatly done.
Main and Trail Streets, Skaguay.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Page 3.
_ (first initial) M. Word, of the firm of H. A. Bauer & co., is having a
building erected in Dyea, which the firm will occupy with a branch store
about the first of November.
Louis Dohlman, the gentleman recently from New York, declares that
Skaguay is the coming city of the northwest. The slanderous reports
regarding this town almost deterred the gentleman from coming here, but
he is now glad he did so.
M. Klinkenstein, F. H. Clayson and Dr. Hornsby, are the three gentlemen
selected by the citizens and property owners of Skaguay to represent
them in the coming fight against Bernard Moore, who has laid claim to
the entire townsite of Skaguay. It will be a feather in the cap of these
gentlemen if they succeed in winning the case.
The last issue of the Seattle Times, received here, contained a
sensational article to the effect that fifteen hundred destitute and
disheartened men were at Skaguay, most of them desiring to leave for
down Sound points. Having no money, they were becoming desperate and
stowing themselves away on outgoing vessels. Such a stampede was there,
says this writer, that the chief officers of the steamer City of Seattle
had guards placed about the vessel in order to prevent stowaways from
boarding her, but in spite of the vigilance of the officers, a number of
men succeeded in getting on board. The article predicted a terrible
state of affairs here this winter, owing to the destitution prevailing.
Investigation of this report shows there was absolutely no foundation
for it whatever. The individual who wrote that article knew that he was
penning a deliberate and malicious lie, but he imagined he was pandering
to a popular fad prevailing at Seattle, by describing the horrors of
Skaguays.
Two instances that have come under our observation recently show the
pure cussedness that animated the individuals who have been sending or
carrying back to their friends the tales of woe that have filled the
newspapers of late. One young man, whose home is in Seattle, arrived at
Skaguay the latter part of August with a four year grub stake and plenty
of money. He took the outfit up the trail about four miles and sold it
for a good round sum. Returning to Skaguay he commenced "bucking the
tiger" and soon his money was gone. This young disciple of Ananias
returned to Seattle and told his people that he had his entire outfit
stolen by thieves at Skaguay, and that it was an impossibility to get
over the trail. Of course, he got himself interviewed by some reporter
and thus another tale of woe regarding this community was started on its
rounds. Another young man from the Queen City arrived here about the
same time with an eighteen months' grub stake. This brave chap did not
even make a trip over the trail but sold the outfit here in town and
after spending the money in questionable resorts, returned to his people
in Seattle and declared that his entire outfit had been ruined by rain.
He, of course, discoursed learnedly regarding the difficulties of the
trail, and thus was added anothe chapter to the record of frightful
conditions prevailing here at Skaguay. These are but two instances out
of hundreds of similar ones that have come directly under our
observation. While condemning the reprehensible acts of these would-be
argonauts, still we can not help but declare that the individuals who
would "stake" and send out on such a hazardous trip such inexperienced
and callow youths as above mentioned, are asses of the most pronounced
type, and no sympathy should be wasted upon them because of their loss.
For sale. - An elegant, upright piano. Apply at this office.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
SKAGUAY HAS...
One bank.
Fifteen general merchandise stores.
Nineteen restaurants.
Four meat markets.
Eleven hay, grain, and feed yards.
Twenty-six contractors.
Six real estate offices.
Six drug stores.
Three wharves.
Four transfer companies.
Three bath houses.
Three dentists.
Two dressmakers.
One bowling alley.
Eleven saloons.
One saw mill.
Six lumber yards.
Nine steamboat companies.
Three tin shops.
Nine hotels.
Five fruit dealers.
Four civil engineers.
Five hardware stores.
Four new stands.
One book exchange.
Two shoemakers.
Seven bakeries.
Eight blacksmiths.
Eight pack trains.
Six cigar and tobacco stores.
Three furniture and mattress stores.
Seven doctors.
Six lawyers.
Three typewriters.
One photographer.
Four sign painters.
Two barbershops.
Five storage houses.
Five wood yards.
Three laundries.
Seven lodging houses.
Ten grocery stores.
Three chop houses.
Four clothing and woolen goods stores.
Three employment offices.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
NUDSON'S HAPPENINGS. (the following article is as actually shown in the
newspaper.)
Mestor paper faller, aye yust cum oop har bout sax days go; aye ban von
svedish man das bout all oye no, one faller he say Nudson aye skal laide
to no putty vell if your modder hae bon von yankie faller or svenskie
voman, vell aye ban von stranger in das country so aye tank aye cconnot
tol him but mae sistar Yenneys modder, das faller hae ask mai gude money
tings, but aye tole him oye don no any ting an aye tank hae dont fine
out vot aye dont know. he say Nudson, you know da difference between da
Klondyke or a empty stomache? do you know Nudson da government hae
appointed a Klootehman to keep the waves off da new wharf? Do you know
dat Ed. Welsh foller hae ban oppointed trail inspector for da summit,
and dat Billy Leslie hae bon a hell hoopen populist since ha growed dot
spinish on his face? vell fen dat faller hae found out Nudson hae dont
know nothing he say you skal go out and squat on von lot and fen dae
50,000 fallers cum oop har to Skaguay in da sgring you skal be von hell
rich norskie mon, so Nudson hae go out on trail to hold down lot but dae
bane too big for von little faller to hold, but aye tank aye skal hold
him any how, sae mestar paper faller aye skal lake putty vell if you
skal bring me oop har one pair of mittens mae hands ha ban getten putty
cold holden da lot down aye can tole you dat, vell aye took das Skagway
place hae ben van hell gude town any how, fen aye vas down to Skattle
aye met won faller hae name ban Saportas hae say Nudson aye tank if you
shal go oop to Skagway you skal get 'bour fem dollars day. Vell aye tank
das loan putty gude far von Swedish faller, so aye hide maeself under
von 6x2 scantlin pile and a float oop har on da barge Ayax; sae mestar
paper feller aye shal vish you shal not tole da captain man 'bout dat
for aye got a yob har now pullen da meat from da dead hosses an soleing
it to dose dog fallers an da captain ha might take Nudson avay from it.
Vell aye ban all right any how, aye hav got sax dollars cashed on da
summit, and aye got fein pounds flour, saxteen evaporated brunes, tra
yards of tripe, so aye can eat maeself and board mae clothes. Vell aye
tank aye skal run oop da trail an go fishen for Klondikers in Lake
Bennett, aye shal tole you 'bout it next time mester.
Ole Olaf.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Louis Dohlman, of New York city, is stopping at Burkhard's hotel. He is
looking over the business situation here.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
ADVERTISING.
Skagit Restaurant
Chas. Phelps, Prop.
Finest meals in the town for 25 cts. Short orders a speciality.
Located on the Skagit.
Sioux City commission Company.
A full line of blankets, stoves, hardware and merchandise.
Chas. Hansen, Manager.
Trail, near Broadway, Skaguay.
W. A. Bell,
Finest line of cigars and tobacco in the city; also fresh roasted
peanuts, candy and fruit.
Located on board the Skagit.
Bay View Hotel.
Day & Turner, Mgrs.
Neat comfortable rooms. Excellent table.
Bond Street : : : Skaguay, Alaska
Boston Store!
Managed by Cheney & Co.
Clothing, dry goods, boots and shoes, horse blankets. Choice line of
tobacco and cigars.
Broadway, opposit Sampson's Hotel.
E. A. Hegg, Photographer
Fine views and photographic work done at reasonable prices.
Cor. Broadway and Bond sts.
Joseph Burkhard & Co.
General merchandise, hardware, tinware, oils, paints, clothing, boots
and shoes; and a full and complete stock of everything in the
merchandise line.
Broadway and McKinney streets.
"Gilt Edge Kitchen"
T. M. Llowell, Proprietor.
Regular meals and short orders.
Broadway, near Bond.
Louis Cohen's Cigar Store.
We have the finest cigars, tobacco and pipes that money can buy. Give us
a trial.
Broadway, near McKinney, Skaguay.
Donovan & Friedenthal,
(formerly Richet, Miller and Co.)
Groceries, clothing, shoes, stationery, drugs, and everything in the
general merchandise line.
On trail, near Main street, next door to Dr. Littlefield.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
NOTICE.
FINAL PROOF AND ENTRY.
U. S. Land Office at Sitka, Alaska, Sept. 16, 1897.
Notice is hereby given that Bernard Moore, a citizen of the United
States, over the age of 21 years, has made application to this office to
make final proof and entry by said applicant under an act of Congress
approved March 3, 1891, relating to the survey and entry of lands in
Alaska, of the lands described as follows, to wit:
That certain tract of public land known and platted as U. S. Survey No.
13 situate fronting on Shkagway (sic) Bay, Taiya Inlet, Lynn Canal,
Alaska, and bounded as follows:
Commencing at the SE cor of the site on the meander line of Shkagway
Bay, 25 links distant from mean high water, at a Trap stone 16x12x12 ins
set 17 ins in the ground, market S no. 13, being cor no 1 deeply cut
side facing claim, whence US initial monument no 8 bears north 79 deg 30
min west 56.182 chs dist, and is in latitude 59 deg 27 min north and
longitude 135 deg 19 min 50 W.
1 -- Thence north 20 deg 45 min east 6.39chs to Trap stone 18x10x12 ins;
14 ins in ground, 25 lks distant from mean high water, market S no 13
cor no 2.
2 -- Thence north to deg 00 min west along meancer line of Shkagway Bay
657 chs to Trapstone 8x14x16 ins, set 12 ins in the ground 20 lks
distant from mean high water, market S no 13, cor no 3 barb wire fence
tranding north 58 deg 45 min west 29 chs, and south 58 deg 45 min east 3
chs bears north 25 deg 00 min east 55 chs dist, barb wire fence trending
north 54 deg 30 min W 8.5 chs, and south 54 deg 30 min east 3 chs bears
north 25 deg 00 min east 11.42 chs dist northeast cor 1-1/2 story log
house dims 15x16-1/2 it bears north 25 deg 00 min east 16.60 ch dist.
barb wire fence trending north 35 deg 30 min east 6.50 chs, bears due
north 13.80 chs southwest cor brush stable.
3 -- Thence north 65 deg 00 min west along the meander line of Shkagway
Bay 3.38 chs dist to trap stone 24x8x10 ins set 18 ins in ground 50
links dist from high water market S no 13 cor no. 4.
4 -- Thence south 82 deg 00 min west along the meander line of Shkagway
Bay, 6.34 chs to trapstone 18x10x12 ins set 14 ins in ground 40 lks dist
from mean high water, market S no 13 cor no 5.
5 -- Thence north 61 deg 00 min west along the meander line of Shkagway
Bay 10.69 chs to trap stone 24x8x12 ins set 18 ins in ground 50 lks
distant from mean high water, market S no 13 cor no 6.
6 -- Thence north 15 deg 30 min west along the meander line of the left
bank of Shkagway river 12.60 chains to trap stone 20x10x10 ins set 15
ins in ground 40 links distant from mean high water market S no 13 cor
no 7.
7 -- Thence north 27 deg 15 min east along the meander line of the left
bank of Shkagway River 10.95 chains to trap stone 24x8x10 ins set 18 ins
in ground 30 links distant from mean high water mkd S no 13 cor no 8.
8 -- Thence north 2 deg 30 min west along the meander line of the left
bank of Shkagway River 4:15 chains to trap stone 26x9x9 ins set 20 ins
in ground 25 links dist from mean high water mkd S no 13 cor no 9.
9 -- Thence north 11 deg 00 min east along the meander line of the left
bank of Shkagway River 2.94 chains to trap stone 24x8x10 ins set 18 ins
in ground 30 lks dist from mean high water, marked S no 13 cor no 19.
10 -- Thence north 59 deg 15 deg 15 min cast along the meander line of
the left bank of Shkagway River 8.99 chs to trap stone 20x10x10 ins set
15 ins in ground 25 links distant from mean high water marked S no 13
cor no 11.
11 -- Thence north 37 deg 30 min east along the meander line of the left
bank of shkagway River 8.50 chains, enter cottonwood timber, 13.13 chs
to trap stone 26x8x10 ins set 20 ins in ground 40 links distant from
mean high water, marked S no 13 cor no 12.
4.70 chs small alder, cottonwood timber and underbrush. A cottonwood
tree 2-1/2 feet in diameter marked S no 13 B T bears south 37 deg 30 min
west 4 links distant. A cottonwood tree two feet in diameter marked S no
13 B T bears east 37 links distant.
12 -- Thence south 52 deb 30 min east leave the Shkagway river, 4 chains
leave cottonwood timber, 4.65 chs old bed of creek, 5.30 chains enter
thick spruce timber, 6.87 chains pack trail to beach, 20.25 chains small
stream, 30 chains Mill creek. 30.10 chains ascend steep mountain
scattering small spruce and black pine, 32.89 chains ascend steep bluff
smooth bedrock, 37.68 chains impracticable to set corner on steep bluff
and sliding stone, a cross at exact point of witness cor on bedrock on
line just run north 52 deg 30 min west 4.79 chains from true corner, a
trap stone 26x10x10 ins over cross mark marked S no 13 W C, a black pine
18 ins in diameter marked S no 13 B T for W C bears north 28 links
distant, a black pine 12, ins in diameter marked S no 13 B T for W C.
13 -- Thence south 37 deg 30 min west 48.37 chs to northwest corner
stake, Bernard Moore wharfsite 49.37 chains to stone marked S no 13,
being cor no 1, the place of beginning.
Said tract hereby applied for was surveyed by Charles W. Garside, U. S.
Deputy Surveyor for Alaska, under the act of Congress approved on March
3, 1891, and known as Survey No. 13, Officio Surveyor General of Alaska
and the Commissioner of the General Land Office, and contains 160 acres
of land. Magnetic v ariations 30 degrees east. The 4th day of November,
A. D. 1897, at 2 p.m., is appointed for such proceedings before this
office. Any and all persons claiming adversely any portion of said land
are required to file a protest of adverse claim thereto in this office
on or before said last mentioned date, otherwise the final proof and
entry of said land will be made by applicant. Said applicant names the
following witnesses:
George W. Garside of Juneau, Alaska.
George Harkrader of Juneau, Alaska.
J. T. Martin of Juneau, Alaska.
Karl Koehler of Juneau, Alaska.
Ed James of Juneau, Alaska.
Malcolm Campbell of Juneau, Alaska.
C. W. Young of Juneau, Alaska.
John W. Dudley,
Register U. S. Land Office.
U. S. Land Office at Sitka, Alaska, September 16, 1897. Notice of the
above application will be published in the Alaska Mining Record, printed
at Juneau, Alaska, which I hereby designate as the newspaper published
nearest the land described in said application.
John W. Dudley,
Register U. S. Land Office.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Page 4.
NOTICE.
The publisher of the News did not come to Skaguay with the idea or
intention of asking a bonus from the citizens for establishing a
newspaper in the community. This is simply a business proposition, the
same as a merchant or tradesman. We looked the field over and,
concluding that it was a good one, purchased the plant and commenced
business. The proprietor of this paper is not, as yet, a subject for
charitable contributions and trusts he never will be. "Every tub should
stand on its own bottom," is an old, old saying, but very trite one,
nevertheless.
The green-eyed monster seems to have taken possession of the little town
of Juneau, and many lying prophets find a temporary abiding place in
that hamlet.
Of the 2,000 or more citizens of Skaguay there is not one who will
subscribe to the Seattle Pot-Intelligencer's statement that Skaguay is
"the camp of the disconsolates."
Has the Seattle Post-Intelligencer been subsidized by Victoria, B. C.,
merchants or the promoters of the Stickeen river route, to boom the
route to the Yukon through Canadian territory, and Victoria as the
natural supply point?
To those good people who have been mourning over the "wickedness and
crime" in Skaguay, the newest and liveliest town in the United States,
the News wishes to say that nowhere in the wide world is there a more
orderly town and crime is practically unknown.
It is safe to say that Seattle is the chief supply point for the Alaska
trade, including Alaska's largest and most enterprising town - Skaguay.
And yet the Seattle Post-Intelligencer has never missed an opportunity
to give Skaguay and its citizens a "black eye." There is only one
explanation of the Post-Intelligencer's course. It must be either _____
or stupid. Probably the former.
F. W. Vaille, superintendent of the railway mail service of the Pacific
coast, was in Skaguay last week, coming from the Sound on the City of
Seattle.
On Monday next the actual work of construction of the tramway over the
summit will be commenced. The location has already been selected for
terminal grounds, car shops, etc., and the enterprise will be pushed
with all possible speed.
Mrs. L. A. Nadeau and little daughter accompanied Mr. Nadeau to Skaguay
on the City of Seattle on her last trip from the Sound. Mrs. Nadeau and
Mrs. Strong are old time friends, and it is hardly necessary to say the
meeting between the ladies was an affectionate one.
As showing the contemptible spirit manifested by many persons who leave
Skaguay and return to the Sound, we mention the name of W. J. Rogers,
who returned to Tacoma recently, and in an interview with the
Post-Intelligencer, said this town was dead. It seems that his
conscience pricked him and he subsequently declared that he did not
intend to convey the impression that the town was really dead; it was
quiet now; but would boom in the spring. One reason why he thought it
would be lively here was because Skagway (sic) had a wharf. Now, if this
Mr. Rogers visited our town - and evidently such was the case - why did
he not state what is an actual fact, that Skaguay already has three of
the largest wharves in the territory of Alaska, practically completed.
Such smallness gives one a tired feeling.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
ADVERTISING.
E. C. DOWNIE & CO.,
Can outift you cheaper than you can buy at Seattle, and pay freight; and
you can get the articles you need and not have to waste money on useless
articles.
Stop at Hotel Seattle!
J. D. Gass, Manager.
Best rooms, beds, meals. Most comfortable place in the city. Steam
heated throughout.
Skaguay, Alaska.
Alaska and Northwestern Territory Trading Co. Sawmill!
Lumber: Rough, matched and dressed. All lengths and sizes. Short lengths
a speciality.
R. Hill, superintendent.
The Gem Saloon and Hotel.
The finest accommodations in the land.
Scotty Connelly, Prop.
Cor. Trail and Holly Streets.
Goldberg Brothers,
Dealers in general merchandise.
Holly Street : : : Skaguay, Alaska
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Page 5.
LOCAL NEWS.
George Kittenge and Ed. Terry, of Seattle, are still in the city.
H. C. Morse, our landlord, has laid a fine sidewalk in front of the News
office.
Elihu Baker expects his wife to arrive from Seattle on the Farrallon.
The steamer Al-Ki arrived here on the 10th inst. with 76 passengers and
78 dogs.
W. M. Lesley recently returned from Lake Bennett and reported the trail
in good condition.
Dr. Hornsby, a veteran newspaper man, and a gentleman in all that the
term implies, was a caller this week.
Mrs. A. Clayson, of Portland, mother of the Clayson Bros., arrived in
Skaguay on the Elder last Wednesday. The lady will make her home with
her sons.
A. J. Magurn, representing the Toronto Globe, is here. He came with the
Canadian government expedition and will return with Hon. Mr. Sefton.
Mr. C. Starnes, inspector of the northwest mounted police, with
headquarters at Skaguay, made the News office a very pleasant call this
week. He is a gentleman whom it is a pleasure to meet.
W. G. Hall, of Portland, Oregon, manager of the Alaska Pacific Express
co., and secretary of the Northern Pacific Express Co., was in the city
a few days last week. The gentleman was greatly surprised at the rapid
strides our town has been making, and predicts a bright future for it.
The Alaska Pacific Express Co. intends to carry the mail from Skaguay to
Lake Bennett, beginning Nov. 1st. It is proposed to have the citizens of
lake Bennett elect one man to receive and distribute the mail. The
elected man will receive the mail from the Express Co., and receipt for
the same.
Not long since an individual from Colorado arrived in Skaguay with a
number of small mules, with which to do packing on this trail. It was
freely predicted that they wold not prove successful here, but the owner
has already made four trips to the lakes and back, and declares the
trail to be a very good one, indeed.
H. H. Fraiser, who has been doing considerable packing over the Skaguay
trail, returned to the city Monday. He reports the trail in splendid
condition, and that men need not experience much difficulty in getting
over White pass at the present time. He says there are fully 500 people
camped along different portions of the trail, most of whom will winter
in Skaguay.
Our city is being honored this week by the presence of a number of
notable celebrities from the Dominion of Canada. The gentlemen came here
for the purpose of ascertaining the condition of both the Skaguay and
Chilcoot passes as about forty tons of supplies for the Canadian mounted
police are to be taken into the interior at once. The Skaguay trail was
found in such excellent condition that a portion of the supplies will be
taken over this route and a portion by the Chilcoot. Following are the
names of the gentlemen composing the party: Hon. Clifford Sefton,
Minister of the Interior; Major Walsh, Administrator; Hon. Justice
McGuire, Judge of the Supreme Court, N. W. T.; Mr. Wade, Registrar; W.
G. McGrefor and Capt. Norwood, Inspectors of Mines; Mr. Bliss,
Accountant; Mr. Dufferin Pattullo, secretary to Major Walsh.
United States Commissioner Smith is at Juneau on official business.
H. D. Kirmse, watchmaker and jeweler. All work guaranteed. Skaguay,
Alaska.
The Farrallon, Corona and rosalie are all over due, and expected to
arrive at Skaguay any day.
The town has been filled with strangers during the past week, and nearly
every one of them was surprised and delighted at the wonderful growth of
Skaguay.
Copies of the News will be on sale at Mrs. Sherpy's place two doors
below the mail office; also at the News office.
There have been so many public meetings in town this week that the News
reporters have been unable to keep track of them; hence, our columns
contain meager reports.
Kelly, the druggist, will have something to say to the public in the
next issue.
Stowell & billings, formerly of Montana, have been buying considerable
real estate in Skaguay. These gentlemen believe there is a very bright
future before this rustling young city.
Judgine from indications, the first issue of the News will meet with a
hearty reception, and we trust cordial relations will always be
maintained between the publisher and his patrons.
Mr. T. H. Lowell, of the Gilt Edge Kitchen, bought out his old partner,
Mr. Holden, the tenth of this month. Mr. Lowell will conduct the
business alone.
Mr. Ed. Guthrie is about to have built the finest building in the city.
It will be 50x100 feet, and two stories high; French plate windows, and
elegantly furnished throughout. It will be used as a lodging house and
club room.
Mr. Charles Sengfelder will shortly leave for Portland, Oregon, where he
will buy a complete stokc of wall paper, paints, oils, varnishes, glass,
etc., and will return with the same ready for business by November 15th.
A very rich quartz head has been discovered within a few miles of
Skaguay, but we are not at liberty to give the name of the discoverer or
the location of the find. Suffice it to say that every indication points
to the fact that this rising young city will have a quartz mine
tributary to it that will prove a bonanza, both to the discoverer and
the town.
Citizens of Skaguay, be careful about fire. As yet the town has not been
visited by the fire fiend, but it is likely to come at any time because
of the necessarily crude, and in many cases, careless manner in which
stove pipes have been passed through roofs of shacks and tents. As we
said before, be on your guard and take no chances in this matter, for if
any extensive fire should occur, it would not only be a swvere loss to
occupants of the buildings burned, but the people of Juneau and Seattle
would declare that it was the hand of God smiting the residents here for
their immorality, (?) and wickedness (?).
Up to within a week or two there has been an unwritten law in this
community against petty thieving, and this law has been violated in but
few instances. However, we have been reliably informed that cases of
petty thieving are becoming more numerous as time goes by. The peculiar
conditions prevailing here, the fact that it is necessary for people to
allow voluable articles to remain out of doors for want of room within
their dwellings or places of business, makes it necessary that some
means be employed to check this growing tendency to purloin articles
belonging to others. A word to the wise ought to be sufficient.
At the close of a public meeting in the interests of the town, held one
evening this week, the chairman, Major Strong, read in open meeting the
article in the Seattle Times telling about the fifteen hundred destitute
and desperate men desiring to leave this place. We wish the Times
prevaricated could have been present and heard the shouts of derision
that greeted the reading of that article. Such reports as these,
encouraged and abetted by the business people of Seattle is what is
driving the immense trade of this section to Portland and other points.
Business men here know tht Seattle desires to kill this place, as it is
certain to become a formidable rival for the Yukon outfitting trade.
The first of August there were but two wooden buildings on the townsite
of Skaguay. Today there are three hundred, many of them two and three
stories in hieght. How's that for rapid growth?
One cause of the orderly condition of Skaguay is our peace officer, U.
S. Marshal McInnis. While he is firm in the discharge of his official
duties, still he is gentlemanly and courteous to all with whom he comes
in contact.
Mr. Ben F. Nudd, formerly connected with the Pacific Lumber Trade
Journal, of Seattle, has been calling upon the merchants and business
men in the interests of the News. Any favors shown the gentleman will be
appreciated by the proprietor.
"Alaska Southern Wharf Co." will have its wharf completed in about ten
days. Excellent facilities for accommodating all classes of steamers.
Will have storage room for about 2500 tons of freight.
Mr. Brooks started yesterday for the lakes with twelve horses, carrying
2-- pounds each. Two pack trains for the Canadian mounted police,
consisting of fourteen horses in each, started for the lake yesterday.
Mr. Harry C. Ash will depart for the east on the next steamer leaving
here, where he goes to contract for machinery, supplies, etc., for the
tramway. It is proposed to have this enterprise under construction in
the shortest possible time.
One hundred thousand dollars is a conservative estimate of the amount of
money that is being expended in Skaguay this fall for the wharves alone.
These improvements have been made by conservative business men, who do
not, as a rule, spend their money unless they feel pretty certain of
receiving returns from their investments. People who arrive from the
south on the steamers are lost in wonder, because they have been assured
that Skaguay has no wharfage facilities.
The publisher of this paper has been a resident of Skaguay for ten days,
and during that time has not witnessed a disturbance of any kind nor
seen a drunken man on the streets. We now known from personal experience
that the tales of woe sent out by disgruntled persons, and given ready
publication in the coast papers, are fabrications, pure and simple.
Skaguay is as orderly a town as there is in the United States,
regardless of the fact that it has sprung into existence almost in a
day, so to speak.
The publisher of this paper would greatly enjoy mentioning in his
columns the name of every citizen of Skaguay whom we have had the
pleasure of meeting during the past week, but in order to do so it would
require a paper the size of the Post-Intelligencer. Therefore, if the
friends of the News fail to see their names in print, they should not
become disgruntled but stop and think of the difficulties under which we
have labored in getting out the first issue. It is a big task and it
would be strange indeed if we did err in many ways.
Mr. Charle sSengfelder, one of the pioneer business men of the city,
leaves in a few days for Portland, where he will purchase a large and
complete stock of wall paper, paints, oils, varnish, glass, etc. He will
return with the same and be open for business about the 15th of Novembe.
TYhe Canadian government steamer Quadra has been lying in the harbor
here since it brought Hon. Clifford Sefton, minister of the interior,
and party to town, the first of the week.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
WAGON ROAD TO THE LAKE.
A wagon road to the summit is an assured fact, as the actual work of
construction was commenced on Wednesday, the road will be pushed to
completion as rapidly as possible. The company that was formed some time
ago is a very strong one and is composed of Portland and Seattle
capitalists, who recognize the profits that must surely accrue from the
thousands of people who will go to the Yukon in the spring. The
construction of this road will not be the difficult task many suppose,
and everything will be completed in time for the spring rush. Four steel
bridges will be necessary on the route, and one or two of them have
already been contracted.
While the cost of construction will necessarily be very great, still
there will be no delaying the work, as the company have ample funds at
their command. Of one thing our citizens can be assured, and that is
that a wagon road, properly constructed and capable of accommodating all
the traffic that may desire to go over it, will be constructed by the
time travel commences in the spring.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Bear steaks were on sale the first of the week -something that has never
been in the markets here before. Bruin was killed a few miles from town.
The mounted police that are being sent to the Klondike by the Canadian
government, are camping out on the trail about four miles.
It is impossible for the publisher of this paper to thank, indicivually,
each one who has been of assistance to him since coming to Skaguay, but
he desires to do so collectively. Many persons have gone out of their
way to do us favors, and we feel truly grateful for the same.
If errors have crept into the News, we trust our readers, and especially
the advertisers, will bear with us patiently, as this is the first
issue, and such things are liable to occur in spite of the care
exercised. After things get down to a normal condition there will not
then be so much likelihood of errors creeping into our columns.
C. L. Waite, who has been packing on the Skaguay trail since the
fifteenth of last August, returned from Lake Bennett Wednesday of this
week, and says the trail is in splendid condition. Mr. Waite says that
he has a number of horses that have been packing constantly since the
great rush, and they are in good condition. The gentleman will continue
to pack all winter.
Two me, direct from Dawson City, by the name of Franklin Scott and David
Thomson, arrived in Skaguay Thursday on their way to Juneau. Each has
about $50,000 in dust to show for the season's work. These men bring the
report of a deliberate murder that was committed near Lake Tagish some
time ago. It seems three men from Seattle were encamped near the lake on
their way to Dawson City. Two of the parties became involved in a
quarrel, and one of them, by the name of Henderson, deliberately stabbed
the other, named Peterson, with a bowie knife, but not content with
that, beat his head into jelly with a revolver. The third man rushed to
an adjoining camp, and securing help, bound Henderson to a tree and kept
him there for ten days until the provincial polkice could take him to
Dawson City. The murder was a deliberate one, and without a particle of
justification.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hugh Weisman & Co.,
Supply brokers.
Drafts on New York and Seattle. Loans Negotiated.
Bond street, near Main. Skaguay.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Page 6.
ADVERTISING.
Buy your outfits at Skaguay because you can buy all you want! No more
than you want, and just what you want from
F. H. Clayson & Co.,
The Yukon Outfitters,
Corner Cunnals & Bond Sts., Skaguay, Alaska.
Skaguay Lumber Co.
All kinds of lumber at the lowest prices. Shingles, lath, and building
paper.
Thos. Riggs, Manager.
Corner Broadway and Kaiser avenue.
Hoefler & McRoberts,
Real Estate Agents.
Goods sold on commission.
Bond Street, Skaguay, Alaska.
Henry Sohmer & Co.
Contractors and dealers in real estate. Clearing, grubbing and grading
of lots a speciality. Choice business and residence lots to be had yet
at reasonable prices. Give us a call before you invest.
Office: Moore and Main Streets.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Willis Thorp, of Seattle, was in Skaguay several days last week. The
gentleman only recently returned from his trip over the Dalton trail,
and says that it was a sad failure for him from a financial standpoint.
Mr. Thorp started from Haines' Mission about the fifteenth of September
with ninety head of horses. When about 150 miles out on the trail a
fierce and blinding snowstorm struck the outfit and in one night twenty
of the horses succumbed to the wintry blasts, and the following night
five or six more of the poor beasts were found frozen to death, and Mr.
Rhorp, seeing tha the entire party were liable to perish, ordered his
men to take the back trail. He arrived at the Mission last Thursday and
the cattle, with the exception of five or six that strayed, arrived thee
a day or so later. Mr. Thorp will dispose of the cattle to the best
advantage possible, but his loss will doubtless be very heavy. Mr.
Thorp, notwithstanding his terrible experience, still believes in the
Dalton trail, but now questions his judgment in starting on such a
perilous trip so late in the season.
Lillian Thetesa, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A. P. Carlson, died Wednesday
morning, Oct. 6th, 1897. She was ill but 24 hours, death being due to
convulsions. The funeral services were held at the family residence.
Mrs. S. E. Shorthill, assisted by Mrs. Flinn, officiating. Lillian
Carlson was born at Everett, Wash., Aug. 19th, 1894, and was the first
child to die in Skaguay. She was a bright, beautiful and promising
child. The family have the sympathy of the entire community in their
great sorry.
Mrs. Scloville, wife of the New York World correspondent, who has been
living at Lake Bennett since her husband departmed for Seattle, returned
to Skaguay last Thursdayl, accompanied by Mr. Saportas. Mr. S. and the
lady departmed for Seattle on the Al-Ki, Mrs. Scoville going to join her
husband in Cuba.
David McKinney has been remodeling his building, on McKinney street, and
made a very great improvement in the same. "Dave" is an "old citizen: of
Skaguay, and a man of influence in the community.
On each Sabbath, until further notice, preaching services will be held
in Burkhard's hall, commencing at 3 p.m. Sabbath school at 2 p.m.
Everybody cordially invited to attend these services. R. M. Dickey,
Pastor.
Mr. R. H. David, or Boone, Iowa, arrived in Skaguay last Saturday. This
gentleman has been stopping at Juneau for some time, and from what he
had been told by the people of that town, regarding Skaguay and its
inhabitants, he almost feared to come here. It did not take Mr. David
over fifteen minutes to make up his mind that Skaguay is the natural
gateway to the Klondyke.
I. A. Nadeau, general agent of the Northern Pacific, at Seattle, was in
Skaguay last week. Mr. Nadeau came up for the purpose of looking over
the business situation, for himself. To a News representative he
expressed himself as utterly surprised at the growth of the town and the
evidences of enterprise that he saw on all sides. He expressed the
opinion that a good wagon road to Lake Bennett would make Skaguay an
excellent business point, and, in view of the short distance separating
Skaguay from the interior, a railroad is not a necessity. Mr. Nadeau had
been reading the mendacious accounts of Skaguay, its alleged miry mud,
and terrible people, in the colums of the coast newspapers, and came
prepared to wade through a sea of muddy liquid. He probably also carried
a small gatling gun beneath his overcoat, but finding neither mud not
lawlessness, he was all the more surprised at the extent of
misrepresentation that had been indulged in by the press and public.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
ADVERTISING.
Dan Lopez,
Tonsorial artist and real estate agent.
In center of Broadway, Skaguay.
Klondyke Saloon
Caslet & Ward, Proprietors.
Club rooms in connection, concern every night.
Furnished rooms to let upstairs.
Red Front Stove Factory
Stoves; tinware, plumbing, and pumps. All kinds of sheet iron work done
to order; full line of graniteware, sleds, nails.
S. S. Allen, Proprietor.
Broadway, between Bon and McKinney sts.
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