In The News
The Skaguay News.
Skaguay, Alaska
Volume 1, No. 5
November 12, 1897.
Paper Published Nearest the Klondike Gold Fields.
Page 1.
OVER WHITE PASS TO BENNETT
WAGON ROAD TO BE BUILT.
A Company Organized and Backed by Ample Capital - Work of Construction
Already Under Way
Skaguay is all right! Its future never looked brighter and those of its
citizens who have stood by the town through even report, have cause for
exultation.
The Skagway and Lake Bennett Tramway is well under way and the wagon
road, which is to connect Skaguay with Lake Bennett, is an assured fact.
The work of construction has already begun. The enterprise is backed by
energetic men and ample capital, and by the first of next March a system
of excellent bridges will span the rivers and canyons that lie between
Skaguay and the summit. Work on the wagon road proper will also be
vigorously pushed in the meantime. The Skaguay and Yukon Transportation
Co. is the name of the new concern. It is incorporated under the laws of
the State of Washington and is capitalized for $500,000. Among the local
incorporators are D. McL'Brown, Chas. E. Kelly, P. M. Word, H. B.
Runnalls, M. D.; F. H. Clayson, W. Clayson, D. Samson, Norman R. Smith.
Among the non-resident stockholders are: Ex-Congressman Acklen, L. K.
Hart, John G. Greener, V. E. Schwab of Nashville, Tenn.; C. A. Bullen
and Ben. Williams, of Portland, Or.; Geo. A. Bradley, of the Kerry
Lumber Co., Seattle; John P. Hartman, Jr. of the same city, and Geo. A.
Brackett of Minneapolis, Minn.; T. M. Word, of H. A. Bauer & Co., is
president; W. L. Hatch, or Port Angeles, Secretary; D. Samson, of this
city, treasurer. Geo. A. Brackett is vice-president and general manager.
D. McL. Brown is superintendent of timber construction and Norman R.
Smith, chief engineer.
The company, "said Geo. A. Brackett to a News representative," is
backed by ample capital and the work of construction will be pushed
vigorously so as to enable people to reach Lake Bennett this winter on
sledges. We hope to have the bridge work done by March 1st, probably
sooner. We have ordered and paid for, a steel bridge 250 feet long,
costing $18,000, for the first crossing of the Skaguay river. This
bridge will be shipped from Portland on November 20 and will be
accompanied by a force of workmen to erect it, under manager C. A.
Bullen, of the Portland Bridge Co. Two other bridges have been ordered,
one 155 feet, the other 110 feet. The rest of the bridges, four in
number, will be built of wood.
"The wagon road from Skaguay to the summit will be 17-1/3 miles long,
and the grade will not exceed four per cent. It will follow the Skaguay
river the greater portion of the way. The distance from the summit to
Lake Bennett is 20-2/3 miles or 36 miles for the entire distance. We
have purchased the necessary tools for the construction of the work, and
fifty men will be put to work at once. No expense will be spared to
overcome all obstacles that may present themselves, and the people of
Skaguay may rest assured that the road will be completed with the least
possible delay.
"To show the interest felt outside, I may state that the Washington and
Alaska Steamship Company has offered to transport all our material to
this place and to take stock in payment therefore. General Manager
Kendrick, of the Northern Pacific, alive to the necessities existing for
the transportation of supplies into the interior, has instructed the
coast, officials of the Northern Pacific to aid the enterprise in every
way possible, and if it is within the possibility of men and money to
open the highway, it will be done. We are not here to fight Dyea or any
other route, into the Yukon country. On the contrary, we wish them all
God speed, as every available route will be taxed to its utmost in order
to give transportation facilities to the tens of thousands of people who
will soon set their faces Alaskaward."
The wagon road company will ask Congress for the right to collect tolls
on the bridge. This charge will be as reasonable as possible and the
maximum will not exceed four cents per pound. Mr. Brackett has received
assurances that Congress will not hesitate to grant the privileges asked
for.
"The money for this enterprise," said Treasurer Samson of the company,
"is forthcoming by the hundreds of thousands and the road will be built
for cash."
~~~~~~~~~~~~
The announcement that a first-class wagon road is to be constructed
between Skaguay and Lake Bennett, is a most welcome one, and it is of
great importance to the town. With a wagon road and a tramway to Lake
Bennett, Skaguay will be in a position to invite the thousands of people
who will start for the interior the coming year, to enter at the best
gate to the land of gold.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
One hundred thousand people will leave England and Australia in the next
few months for the Yukon country. And there is all the rest of the world
yet to hear from. Skaguay is the principal gateway to the gold fields.
Hence a wayfaring man, though a fool, cannot fail to see what this means
for the new metropolis of the north.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Juneau? Juneau? Oh, yes. That is the little town whose citizens spend
the most of the time, which hangs heavily on their hands, in dressing up
some old lie, concerning Skaguay, in new wearing apparel.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
AN ARMY POST NEEDED.
General Superintendent Brackett of the Skaguay and Yukon Improvement
Co., advocates the establishment of an army post at this point. Our
government, he says, has sent troops to St. Michaels, while the Canadian
government has stationed police wherever they can be of service in
maintaining order and opening up the great interior country. There is no
place more important as a gateway to the Yukon country than Skaguay, and
therefore Mr. Brackett believes that our government should be urged to
establish a post here, and the same instructions should be given its
commander as are given to any frontier post, to promptly act in case of
emergency and to aid and facilitate the opening up of the country.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
YUKON'S FABULOUS WEALTH.
KLONDIKE'S GREAT OUTPUT.
Placers of the Famous District Will Not be Exhausted for One Hundred
Years. The New Discoveries.
Varied and contradictory as are the reports concerning the food supply
in the Klondike, it is worthy of note that there is not a dissenting
opinion, whether expert or otherwise, concerning the fabulous richness
of the placer claims of that district. All who have visited the Klondike
tell the same story - it contains the richest deposit of gold yet found
in the bosom of mother earth. And it is not reasonable to suppose that
the Klondike region is the only very rich gold spot in the interior of
this great country. The coming years will doubtless develop other
Klondikes just as rich and just as extensive as that which in the past
few months has set the world aflame with excitement.
A report recently made public by an expert mineralogist who was employed
by the Rothchilds to examine the auriferous deposits of the Klondike,
makes interesting reading. This expert thoroughly tested and
investigated the extent of the deposits in four hundred and twenty-six
claims in the district, which includes Eldorado, Bonanza, Baker, Miller
and other creeks. A most careful examination was made and in his report,
the expert states that not less than $90,000,000 will be taken out of
these claims the coming year, that is on the supposition that only 1,500
men will be employed in taking out the yellow metal. The total estimated
value of the gold in these four hundred and twenty-six claims,
estimating the smallest amount in any one pan at fifty cents, reaches
the tremendous sum of ten billion dollars. Supposing that $100.000,000
is taken out each year, the claims promise to be rich producers for one
hundred years to come, as it will take that period to exhaust the placer
grounds of the Klondike at the present rate of working, that is to say
if the output is kept within the hundred million mark yearly.
Pat Galvin, of Montana, a well-known mining man, who has recently
visited the Klondike country, says that the output next year will be
simply enormous as it will be largely increased by the working of
valuable bench claims, rich in gold, which are yet untouched.
The discoveries on Sulphur, Indian, dominion, Mooseskin, Quartz, Hunder
and other promising streams and gulches bid fair to rival the Klondike.
Then rich finds are said to have been made on the Minook below Circle
City and in other streams in American territory, and it is safe to say
that the discovery of rich placer regions in the interior is only in its
infancy.
Reports have recently reached Skaguay that some good finds have been
made on the Hootalinqua, the McClintock and other streams in that
section. A great many of the gold seekers en route to Dawson have, it is
said, stopped at the new gold fields and that the work of prospecting is
going on rapidly and with promising results. Absolutely definite
information as to the reliability of the reports concerning these finds,
is lacking, but that the Hopotalinqua abounds in gold has been
demonstrated beyond a doubt, and with systematic prospecting rich
deposits will undoubtedly be found.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Klondike gold excitement has been productive of a host of modern
Ananiases. Where all have done so well in the art of fabrication, it
would perhaps, be invidious to particularize, but it seems to us that
one C. J. Gregory, of Chicago, is entitled to stand in the front rank of
penurious truth users. This individual is quoted in an Associated Press
dispatch as saying there have been "eleven murders, nine suicides and a
dozen or more deaths from privation on the Skaguay trail this year."
Besides being a monumental liar, C. J. Gregory, of Chicago, is an
imbecile. It is almost a work of supererogation to repeat that the
reported murders, suicides and deaths on the Skaguay trail proceeded
from the pure inventions of sensational quidnunes(?), of which this
Gregory is past master.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Tacoma Ledger is trying to raise Cain, because a military
reservation has been created at St. Michael. The Ledger professes to see
in this an attempt to perpetuate the control of the Yukon country in
the hands of the North American Trading and Transportation Co. and the
Alaska Commercial Co., who now have trading posts at St. Michael,
inasmuch as hereafter no such concerns can establish mercantile
relations on the island. While we do not see in this order setting aside
St. Michael as a military reserve, any ulterior motive, it would be well
that no military concern be given an opportunity to monopolize an
portion of the Yukon country. It belongs, or should belong to the people
of the United States.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
At the coming sessi0on of congress it is probable that some special
legislation will be enacted for Alaska. The district should be raised to
the rank of a territory with the same privileges that are accorded the
other territories of the Union. Alaska is one of the richest of Uncle
Sam's possessions; it has become known, better than ever before, in the
past year, and it is about time its swaddling clothes were cast aside
and a territorial system of government inaugurated.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
It is gratifying to notice that at last the Puget Sound newspapers,
notably the Post-Intelligencer, have abandoned their furious attempts
to kill off the town of Skaguay. These newspapers would have shown
prudence had it never been attempted. Skaguay was born of necessity; it
has prospered and is prospering, and it is but good business sense for
the people of the Sound cities to cultivate its acquaintance.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
The business men of Skaguay should lose no time in getting ready for the
great rush of gold seekers to the interior, which the new year will
usher in. The advantages of Skaguay as an outfitting point should be
carefully set forth, and there is no better way to do this than in the
columns of the home newspaper.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Page 2.
We doff our tile and make our most Chesterfieldian bow to Bro. E. O.
Sylvester, of the Alaska Searchlight, for the following very
complimentary notice which appeared in that publication of November 6th;
Skaguay has a weekly newspaper of which its citizens may feel justly
proud. It is clean, well-edited and well printed. M. L. Sherpy is both
editor and proprietor and is well fitted in every way to fill the
positions with advantage to his fellow townsmen, satisfaction to
the outside world and profit to himself. We welcome the Skaguay News and
heartily recommend it to everyone wishing reliable information
concerning the enterprising little town of Skaguay.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
THANKSGIVING PROCLAMATION.
Governor Brady has issued his first proclamation, appointing Thursday,
Nov. 25th, as a day of public thanksgiving to God for past blessings and
His continued kindness and care over us as a district and nation. In
this proclamation, Governor Brady says the people of Alaska have much to
be thankful for in the year which has just passed. The wonderful gold
discoveries of the Klondike have been brought prominently before the
public and many "who have derided Alaska as good for nothing" are now
admitting that it has wonderful possibilities. Governor Brady says it
should not be forgotten that while the cattle upon a thousand hills are
the Almighty's, the gold, coal and copper in the mountains and the fish
in the sea are also His, and the people of Alaska can raise their voices
in praise and thanksgiving for the abundance that they have enjoyed the
past year. The Governor also finds cause for rejoicing over the abundant
harvests throughout the Union and in the dominion of Canada and that
their products find good markets.
President McKinley on Oct. 29th, also issued his first Thanksgiving
proclamation designating Thursday, Nov. 25th, for national Thanksgiving
and prayer.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
WHAT A FEW CITIZENS BELIEVE.
James Cannon, who has mined on the Hootalinqua, believes that the rivers
and streams in that section will be among the big gold producers of the
Yukon country.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Treasurer Samson, of the wagon road company, believes that Skaguay will
be the metropolis of Alaska, as it already is the best business point.
And there are others.
D. M. Brogan believes that there are "thousands in sight."
A. H. Miller believes it to be unlucky to pass a $20 gold piece on the
sidewalk. He likewise believes in having a new story to tell
occasionally.
Arthur Heathorn believes the Farallon to be a good thing and likes to
see business pushed along.
Commissioner John U. Smith believes that the last of a Pooh Bah is not
a particularly happy one at times.
E. A. Webster believes that the Skaguay & Lake Bennett Tramway will be
the popular route to the Yukon.
Archie Burns believes that he is the original "Old Man" of the Chilkoot
mountains.
W. F. Saportas believes that there is at least one newspaper in Juneau
which does not love the truth.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
MANY RECORDERS AT DYEA.
Eight Offices Already There, "and Back Counties to Hear From." Confusion
Liable to Reign Supreme.
Dyea is ahead of Skaguay in at least one thing, and that is the number
of recorders of town lots and real estate conveyances. It seems that F.
B. Flood was elected town site surveyor and recorder, about two months
ago, by a gathering on the lower end of Dyea Island, and upon going to
Seattle, appointed A. P. Webb, deputy. Ten days ago E. T. Casey arrived
on the scene and at a larger meeting was elected town site recorder. U.
S. commissioner, John V. Ostrander, of Juneau, claims also to be a
recorder for Dyea, and has appointed three deputies to receive records
at Dyea and Skaguay.
U. S. Commissioner, J. U. Smith, also receives records for filing; this
makes in all eight recorders, and a man with an instrument for record
finds himself in a predicament as to where he shall record the deed.
We have examined the U. S. and Oregon statutes, applicable to the
matter, and find that no U. S. Commissioner has power to appoint a
deputy, and that the pretended appointment of a deputy under the Oregon
statutes is based upon the Statute that each County Clerk of a county in
Oregon may have a deputy, but as there are no counties in Alaska and no
county Clerk, and even a Commissioner is not allowed a deputy, nor even
an assistant in his office, there is no warrant of law for such a
procedure. Under the provisions of an act creating the civil government
for Alaska, May 17th, 1884, twenty-third Statute at Large, pg. 25, we
find the following:
"Said Commissioners (meaning all U. S. Commissioners for Alaska) shall
also have the power of Notaries Public, and shall keep a record of all
deeds and other instruments of writing acknowledged before them and
relating to the title to or transfer of property within said District,
which record shall be subject to public inspection."
Inasmuch as the jurisdiction of the commissioners of Alaska is
concurrent all over the territory in all things, this undoubtedly gives
every Commissioner power to record deeds anywhere in the Territory. A
later act provides that the U. S. Dist. Judge should limit the
jurisdiction, as to recording, for the Commissioners in their immediate
vicinity and an order was accordingly made partitioning the Territory.
An act of June 8th, '97, created four additional Commissioners of Alaska
with all the powers, duties, fees and emoluments and jurisdiction that
the other Commissioners had at that time, and their places of residence
were to be designated by the President by an order. Dyea was designated
as the official residence of one of these four Commissioners, and in our
opinion has all the powers and jurisdiction as any other Commissioner in
Alaska. Among the powers of the Commissioner are the following:
The powers of the Oregon Justice of the Peace; of the Commissioner of
the U. S. circuit Courts; Probate Judge; the power to grant Writ of
Habeas Corpus; to perform marriage ceremonies (not to grant divorces);
to hold coroner's inquest; to keep record of deeds and other instruments
of writing acknowledged before them and relating to the title to, or
transfer of all property within the District of Alaska and to try the
right of possession of real property under the statutes of the State of
Oregon relating to Forcible entry and Detainer, and of many minor
matters of detail.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
N. Truedson, who has had a news and stationery stand one door east of
the postoffice, for some time, sold out his business this week to other
parties. He will go to Dawson in the spring.
Mr. G. N. Wright, who has been associated with Dr. Runnalls in the
handling of the mail, left for the east on the City of Seattle, for a
two months business trip. During his absence, Miss Lewis, the
stenographer and typewriter, will assist Dr. Runnalls with the mails.
The News is under obligations to Bro. Swinehart, of the Juneau Mining
Record, for favors rendered.
J. T. Cornforth, manager of the Colorado-Alaska Transportation company,
who made a trip over the Skaguay trail this week, says that the proposed
route of the wagon road to Lake Bennett is an excellent one. Mr.
Cornforth goes from here to Pyramid Harbor. He will return in a few
days.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
ADVERTISEMENTS.
Alaska Meat Market. Choicest of Fresh and Salt Meats, Bacon and Lard.
Laumeister & Co., Props.
Wholesale and Retail. Holly Street.
German Bakery and Coffee House
(Formerly known as Packers' Bakery.)
Removed to Holly and Runnalls Sts.
Side entrance Alaska Meat Market. Good Meals, Quick Service.
Roukendorf & Olschewsky, Props.
Healy & Wilson.
The Largest and oldest Mercantile Store in Dyea. A Complete Stock of
Outfittings. Packers and Forwarding agents.
First Class Hotel in Connection.
American Bakery and Lunch House.
The Best Bread in Town, Fine Cakes and Pastries, and Stewed Fruits of
All Kinds. Hot Coffee, Tea and Milk, Ham Sandwiches, Baked Beans. Wedding
and Party orders a specialty.
White, Hanbloom & Carroll, Props.
Holly Street, near Runnalls.
When you are in Dyea and want a meal such as your mother used to cook,
Call at U. S. Restaurant. The Big Tent.
F. Stringer, Prop.
Holly House.
Hotel and cottages. Restaurant in Connection. Rooms to Let.
W. F. Saportas, Proprietor.
G. A. Noble, Manager.
The Pack Train Saloon.
Keep the Finest articles in their line in the city. Club Room in
Connection.
Corner Broadway and Trail. Skaguay.
Steamer Mayflower.
Staunch and Seaworthy Boat, plying between Skaguay and Juneau and way
ports.
For passage and freight apply to D. Samson, Samson's Hotel, Skaguay.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
SKAGUAY TO DAWSON CITY.
New Transportation company Will be Located Here.
The Colorado-Alaska Transportation Company is the name of a strong
financial concern which proposes to establish a transportation line
between Skaguay and Dawson city. The general manager of the new company
is J. T. Cornforth, of Denver, who has been in town this week and who
has made a thorough examination of the Skaguay trail. Mr. Cornforth had
intended to operate on the Dalton trail, but the proposed building of
wagon and tram roads to Lake Bennett, induced him to come to Skaguay and
investigate. He did so and the result is that the Colorado-Alaska
Transportation company will make this town its headquarters and will
operate a daily service from here to Dawson City. Horses, mules and dogs
will be used as may be found convenient or necessary. Posts from ten to
twenty miles apart will be erected and the line will be thoroughly
equipped to meet all climatic and other obstacles that may arise. Drags
will be used across the summit to pack the snow and the sleds and
sledges used will be of a new pattern, shod with brass instead of steel.
It is not too much to say that Mr. Cornforth has had more experience in
the freighting business than any other man now in Alaska. He operated
transportation lines across the plains prior to the advent of railroads;
he established lines for himself, the United States Express Co.,
Wells-Fargo and others in Colorado and other states, and is thoroughly
familiar with mountain trails and how to operate them. He is convinced
that the Skaguay trail is the best and most feasible route to the
interior and it is for this reason that he has decided to locate the
headquarters of his company at Skaguay.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
The dance to be given at Burkard's Hall Saturday night next, will be the
last until after Thanksgiving, when there will be a masquerade.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC.
All matter intended for publication in the News, must be in not later
than Thursday noon. We propose to issue this paper strictly on time, if
possible, but we cannot do so if people come rushing in with matter at
the very last hour. The common excuse is that the matter had been
forgotten, but this will not go in the future. So, please be on time
with an article you may wish to have appear in the paper each week.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Attorney J. G. Price went over to Juneau on Tuesday, where he has
several cases in the district court.
Last Friday the building occupied by the Boston Store, was moved out
even with Broadway, and that popular establishment is better located
than ever. We understand that Mr. Cheney is expecting a large invoice of
goods from the east in a short time.
Mr. C. B. Beeson informs us that during last week he handled at least
one hundred and thirty-five thousand feet of lumber and building
material, and says his business is increasing right along. He expects
225,000 feet of material being on board large scows, in tow of a tug.
Mr. Beeson is certainly a rustler from away back, and his employers are
fortunate in securing his services.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
ADVERTISING.
White Pass Hotel
Holly Street near Runnalls.
First-Class Meals at all Hours. Open Day and Night.
Miller & Devaney, Props.
I. M. Long, Attorney at Law and Real Estate Broker.
Cor. Bond ave. and Main St.
Skaguay, Alaska
Burkhard Hotel.
Well heated, and accommodations for 175 guests. Largest and best
appointed hotel in Alaska.
F. F. Clark, Mgr.
Cor. Broadway and McKinney ave., Skaguay.
H. A. Bauer. : : : T. M. Word.
There is no time like the present to Secure Bargains at H. A. Bauer &
Cos.' Store. A Large Invoice of Goods Just Received. Rubber Boots,
Mackinaws, Blankets, Underwear, Arctic Sox, Dry Goods (all Kinds),
Quilts, Ladies Shoes, Hats and Caps. A Little of Everything. All at
Living Prices You Will Find.
Main Store at Skaguay. Branch Stores at Sitka and Dyea.
A. C. Fasel.
Dealer in Wall Paper, Paints and Oils, Also Sign Writing.
McKinney Street, below Broadway. Skaguay.
Stop at Hotel Seattle !
J. D. Gass, Manager.
Best Rooms, Beds, Meals. Most Comfortable Place in the City, Steam
Heated Throughout.
Skaguay, Alaska.
Go To The French Laundry For Washing. Flannels a Specialty.
Johnson Avenue, two lots east of Broadway. Skaguay, Alaska.
Rice's Place !
First-Class Saloon, Restaurant in Connection, Open Day and Night.
Jake Rice, Proprietor.
Cor. Trail and Holly Streets.
Skaguay Meat Market !
Choice Meats, Retail, and Wholesale. Stall-fed on the Shirley.
J. D. Brackett, Proprietor.
Broadway, near Bond, Skaguay.
Jas. Leddy : : : F. E. Fuller
Leddy & Fuller, Attorneys at Law.
Postoffice Building, Juneau, Alaska.
Miners Hotel !
Broadway and Bond Sts.
Warmest Rooms in Town. Spring Mattress Beds.
Skaguay Trading Co.
Dealers in General Merchandise.
John Kalem, Prop.
Cor. Broadway and McKinney.
James T. Regan,
Blacksmithing, Horse and Ox Shoeing, Wagon Repairing, Etc.
Main st., near Trail, Skaguay.
Merchants Saloon.
We are now open for business in our fine new building on McKinney
street, near Broadway. Having just removed our old store on Trail near
Shoupe. Good beds in connection. Give us a call.
For Stationery or Newspapers go to N. Truesdon.
Near postoffice. Best Klondike Sleighs.
Creedmore Rifle Range
Prizes offered for highest score.
Holly Avenue Near Runnalls Street.
H. B. Runnalls, M. D., M. R. C. S., L. S. A.
London, England.
Physician and Surgeon.
Office: Postoffice Building.
"The Grotto"
J. Henry Foster, Prop.
Furnished rooms upstairs. Cor. Trail st. and Holly ave.
Skaguay Transfer Co.
A. Henderson, Manager
Warehouses and office south side of Bond street between Broadway and
Runnalls.
Storage and Forwarding, Hay, oats and barley for sale; Studebaker
wagons; sleighs and harness for sale; teaming and packing done; goods
shipped in our care to this city or interior points will be delivered,
stored or forwarded, as advised, with punctuality and dispatch.
Midway Saloon !
Choice Liquors and Cigars, Club Rooms and Furnished Rooms.
A. J. Rochon, Prop.
Runnalls and Holly st.
Kerry Lumber Co.
Dealers in Rough and Dressed Lumber, Shingles, Lath, Etc., Also
Builder's Hardware.
C. B. Beeson, Manager.
Skaguay, Alaska.
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.
Samuel L. Lovell, Attorney at Law.
Collections Made and Rents Collected. All Legal Papers Drawn. Practicing
in all Courts.
Office with U. S. Marshal, Broadway, Skaguay.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Page 3.
LOCAL NEWS.
Mr. Chas. E. Warner, representative of Westinghouse Electrical and
Engineering company at Tacoma, is in the city this week. Mr. Warner,
like many others, was agreeably surprised at finding so thrifty a little
town.
M. Klinkowstein left on the City of Seattle on Tuesday for a visit to
New York. He will defend Skaguay against all comers during his absence
in the east.
The old trail between Broadway and Holly street will soon be a thing of
the past. The Klondike saloon building is being removed from the trail
to Holly street.
For sale cheap, a pair of new counter scales. Apply at this office.
Skaguay real estate is beginning to boom and several business lots
changed hands this week at good prices.
Just received, a large consignment of Pure Apple Cider at Burkhard's.
Charles Ransford returned this week from Porcupine Hill. He says that
there are about two feet of snow on the summit and the weather has been
about zero for some days.
Strictly first-class meats at Green's market.
United States Deputy Marshal McInnis is in Juneau in attendance at the
district court.
Chas. A. Phelps left for Seattle yesterday, via Juneau. He will purchase
a complete electric light plant in Seattle and on his return to Skaguay
he will commence its erection. The plant will be ample to supply the
needs of Skaguay for some time to come.
Occident air-tight stoves, best made at Green's market.
A party of four men, composed of G. C. and C. H. Woodward, of
Philadelphia, and L. A. Wisherington and J. C. Cornish, of Little Rock,
Arkansas, reached the summit with their supplies, but have returned to
what is known as the third bridge, where they will remain until there is
sufficient snow to admit of taking in their supplies on sleds, when they
will start for the interior. The boys are hearty and expect to make a
quick trip.
E. Irving Halsted and Chas. E. Warner, of Tacoma, members of the firm
of the Alaska Forwarding Co., took a little "turn" over the Skaguay
trail this week and were very favorably impressed with the possibilities
of this route as a winter trail.
The telephone line between Skaguay and Dyea will be in operation on
Monday next. The Skaguay central office will be located in Kelly & Co's.
drugstore. The owners of this enterprise are C. E. Kelly of this city,
and A. A. Richards of Dyea.
Padlocks, nails, tinware and hardware is kept by J. Burkhard & Co.
Mrs. H. A. Turner and Miss Walsh, of the Bayview Hotel, made the News
office a very agreeable call last evening. Mrs. G. Turner is comparatively
a new arrival, having come up from Portland on the last Elder, while
Miss Walsh has been here for some time.
The climate of Alaska has been maligned for years and has served as a
fruitful subject for ridicule and denunciation. And yet though the
middle of November is nearly here, there has been but little rain and
hardly any frost.
The Klondike saloon owned and operated by Coslet & Ward.
In ten minutes on Friday night $300 was raised at a meeting held to
devise ways and means to flag the trail across the summit. This simply
shows that the business men of Skaguay are ready to respond to all calls
that may be made whose object is the benefit of the town.
One of the best lines of boots and shoes ever brought to this town, at
F. H. Clayson & Co's.
The tramway company are hard at work pushing the construction of their
enterprise. Good word has been received from below, and there is no
doubt but there will be plenty of funds to complete the work.
Say ! Have you seen the fine new lot of boots and shoes that Joseph
Burkhard & Co. just got in?
The Waechter-Steuber party, who attempted to drive a hundred or more
head of cattle over the Dalton trail to Dawson City, and failed in the
attempt, went over the Skaguay trail to Lake Bennett in four days, and
experienced but very little difficulty in the operation. The beeves
have already been slaughtered and are on their way to Dawson by this
time.
First-class tailor made suits at F. H. Clayson & Co's., Runnalls and
Bond streets.
When two or three individuals get together in a back room, plan a scheme
for revenge on some one against whom they have a fancied grievance, and
also to place a few dollars in their own packets at the same time, they
should be sure "the walls do not have ears." "Boys," it was nicely
planned, to be sure, and no wonder you "smiled" and slapped each other
on the back with glee at the thoughts of it, but many people are "on" to
the Portland scheme, and it would be well to countermand the order. It
may save you and yours a great deal of trouble at "this end of the
line."
Mr. G. H. Lent, chief engineer of the City of Seattle, and a member of
the company that operates her, was a pleasant caller at this office last
Saturday after the arrival of the steamer here. Mr. Lewnt was one of the
pioneers in steamboating in Alaskan waters, he being one of the first to
make the venture in a very early day. He is a very agreeable gentleman
indeed, and we hope he will find time to call again.
A five thousand-dollar stock of general merchandise came in on the City
of Seattle for Brackett & Everest. Cor. Broadway and Bond streets.
F. F. Clark, manager of the Burkhard house, finds a marked improvement
in the business of that hotel by reason of the new men coming in,
brought hither by the bright prospects for the future of the town.
Mr. H. A. Bauer, of the firm of H. A. Bauer & Co., after spending two
weeks in Skaguay, left on the steamer, Farallon, for San Francisco,
where he goes to purchase an immense stock of outfitting goods for the
company's stores at Skaguay, Dyea, Sitka, Sheep Camp and Canyon. Mr.
Bauer is a very pleasant appearing and agreeable gentleman and his
ability as a business man is recognized by all who know him.
There has just been received at John Kalem's, about ten tons of
supplies, consisting of staple and fancy groceries, sauces, catsups,
pickles, syrups, apples, almonds, new currants, citron, spices, teas,
coffees, jellies, and our extra choice brand of fancy mocha and java
coffee - the fines on earth. Prices to suit the times. We will also have
our new store erected in a short time, and we will then have the fines
and most varied stock in Skaguay.
The infant child of Mrs. Hattie E. Grundy, died Monday night at the
Miner's Hotel. An inquest was held and an autopsy performed on the body
of the child to determine the cause of death. The jury returned a
verdict of death by uremic poisoning.
Steamer Corona arrived in port this morning with a fair passenger list
and a large quantity of freight.
Mrs. Duncan, dressmaking and plain sewing. Bond St., west of Broadway.
A lady at Seattle, who made application at one of the steamship
company's offices, in that city, for a stateroom and passage to Skaguay,
was informed that every room had been engaged for some time, and
therefore the lady could not be accommodated. Many people believed that
during November and December matters would be very quiet here in Alaska,
but every available berth on the steamships plying Alaskan waters
engaged weeks ahead, indicates that the rush has fully begun. What will
the condition be in three months from now, think you?
Wanted - A mandolin. Must be cheap. Inquire at this office.
Mrs. Sherpy has removed her book exchange from its former location, near
the post office, to the rear of the News office, where she will be found
in the future.
Kow's milk from kows at Green's market.
L. M. Pressnal, of the Tramway company, called last evening to say that
the approaches to the first bridge have been completed, and that track
laying will be commenced today or tomorrow. Mr. Pressnal, who has been
foreman of the work, feels highly elated over the progress the men have
made in the short time since active work was commenced.
Oil goods, best in the market, at F. H. Clayson & Co's.
All members of the A. O. U. W. order in Skaguay and vicinity are
requested to meet at Goldberg's store, Holly street, on Saturday
evening, Nov. 20, at 8 p.m. sharp, to talk over matters pertaining to
the good of the order.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
WAR ON THE SUMMIT OF CHILKOOT.
Archie Burns Has a Prior Claim to the Route and Will doubtless Sustain
It.
There promises to be a merry old war in regard to the possession of the
summit of the Chilkoot pass, over which the cab le or tramway must be
constructed to carry freight to Lake Linderman. One year ago, Archie
Burns, foreseeing the great advantages to be derived from securing
control of the summit of the pass, located the same for trading and
manufacturing purposes.
Some months ago he commenced the construction of a wire cable over the
summit, and now comes at least two other companies with propositions
similar to his, who demand the right to go over the pass, following
identically the same route. This right Mr. Burns emphatically disputes,
and thus all work is practically at a standstill, and the matter will
doubtless be taken into the courts before a final settlement can be
reached. From information received at this office, through persons
familiar with the surroundings, Mr. Burns has a priority claim to the
summit of the pass, and ought to, and doubtless will be able to sustain
his position, and if other propositions of a similar nature to his be
allowed to go over, they should be made to pay handsomely for the
privilege.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
HOT TIMES AT DYEA.
Eager Lot Locaters Get to "Scrapping." Courts Must Settle The Matter.
On the 4th of November E. T. Casey, a prominent citizen of Dyea, and a
man named A. M. Gregg, had a "discussion wid fishts," as the Irishman
said, with the result that the latter came out very much the worse for
the encounter. Gregg had Casey arrested for assault and battery, the
trial taking place last Saturday, Attorneys Price, of Skaguay, and
Miller, of Dyea, appearing for the defendant, and U. S. Commissioner
Smith acting as prosecuting attorney. After a hot contest the case was
given to the jury which disagreed, three standing for acquittal and
three for conviction. Another trial will take place shortly. The News
has no desire to prejudice the case, but from what we can learn, Casey
was not the aggressor in the matter, but being more scientific in the
manly art of self defense, had the best of the encounter. Hence the
arrest.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
The publisher of this paper has been laboring hard at least nineteen out
of every twenty-four hours (Sundays excepted, of course) since embarking
in business here; not from choice, but necessity has been the impelling
power. We have not fared sumptuously, neither has our family resided in
a Fifth Avenue mansion, as most people know, but notwithstanding this,
one or two individuals with an ax to grind, are going about among the
businessmen trying to induce them to discontinue business with the News
because the publisher is growing wealthy, and is likely to soon become a
plutocrat. A word to these chappies: People who reside in houses
constructed entirely of glass, ought to be a little cautious how they
throw stones. See?
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Squires & Jinkins have been erecting an audition to the Burkhard hotel
this week. This firm of contractors always do their work in a
satisfactory manner, and are always in demand.
Customs Inspector, Frank Hartman, believes that he knows a keg of nails
when he sees one.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Page 4.
SECRET ORGANIZATIONS.
The time is not far distant when the different secret organizations will
have regularly chartered lodges in this city. There are here scores of
individuals who have been active members of them back in the states and
in the provinces, who would love once more to meet their brothers in the
lodge room, where they would feel perfectly at home and at their ease as
they cannot elsewhere. The publishers of this paper, while regretting to
state that he was not always as regular in his attendance at the lodge
rooms of the different organizations to which he belonged, as he might
or ought to have been, still there lingers within his breast a reverence
and love for the splendid lessons taught each individual who must pass
through the initiatory ceremonies before becoming an active member.
There are scores of organizations, both beneficiary and fraternal, that
are of the very best, but the writer confesses to a lingering preference
for the Masonic, Knights of Pythias, A. O. U. W. and National Union
organizations - not because they are any more worthy than many others we
might name, but simply because we happened to become identified with
these and not with either the I. O. O. F., Elks, Modern Woodmen of the
World, Maccabees and many other splendid orders we might properly
mention. As have stated in the beginning, the time will soon come when
all, or at least many, of the above named organizations will be
represented in Skaguay.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Mr. A. A. Smith, a newspaper man late of Port Angeles, Wash., arrived on
the City of Seattle last Saturday to cast his lot with Skaguay. After an
inspection of the place, Mr. Smith expressed himself to the News as
follows: "Your city is a revelation. To one from the Sound, where
stories of the horrors of White Pass trail have been rife for so many
weeks, there is no other way to express it. The first impression of the
place, as one comes into the harbor, can not but be favorable and to
find city streets, sidewalks, business blocks and residences pushing
back into the forest, which ninety days ago was untouched, is a sight to
be witnessed nowhere else. Skaguay unquestionably holds the key to the
situation and in the judgment of many who have studied the Alaska
problem; is the site upon which will rest the San Francisco that is to
be built somewhere between the Sound and St. Michael. Your people can
not be too proud of what they have already achieved, nor too jealous in
guarding the heritage that is theirs.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
PROPOSALS FOR HEWN TIMBER.
Sealed proposals will be received by Skaguay and Lake Bennett Tramway
Company at the office of H. H. Battin, on Bond Street until noon,
November 20th, 1897, for furnishing and delivering square and flat
timbers to be used in the construction of a bridge across the Skaguay
river, near the present ferry. Specifications and amounts can be seen at
the above office. The company reserves the right to reject any and all
bids. Address bids to Ensley A. Webster, and endorse them "proposals for
timber."
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Two more ladies, with children of school age, arrived last week. The
necessity for a school becomes more urgent each week.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
THE DALTON TRAIL.
As Seen By Two Ladies. Some of the Hardships They Endured.
Two ladies, Mrs. Henry Waechter and Herman Steuber, who accompanied
their husbands in a disastrous attempt to drive a herd of cattle over
the Dalton trail toward Dawson City, and who were compelled to return to
their starting point, load their animals on barges and reship them to
Skaguay, then drive them over White Pass to Lake Bennett, where they
were slaughtered, were interviewed by a lady reporter of the News on
Monday. The party left Pyramid Harbor on Sept. 15th. They crossed the
Chilkat river no less than fifty times in going the first fifteen miles
of their journey. Here the bed of the stream is a mile wide, it being
composed of quick sand, a route being followed that led from one small
island to another. Owing to the difficulty in traveling, the animals
were unable to carry a pound of anything except their own weight,
therefore all supplies and food for the cattle and horses had to be
taken up the stream in canoes. About sixty miles from Pyramid Harbor the
summit of the mountains was reached. For a distance of one hundred miles
there is a succession of swamps, interspersed with rocks - a most
unusual formation, by the way - with scarcely a stick of timber to be
found. After passing over about thirty miles of this distance, the
Waechter-Steuber party discovered that their horses were rapidly giving
out for want of food, and many of them were shot, including those ridden
by the ladies. The grass was so frostbitten even that early in the
season, that it was absolutely worthless as food for the animals.
Advocates of this route to the Yukon gold fields have always claimed
there was an abundance of grass until late in the season, but this is an
error. After the horses were killed and the party compelled to turn
backward, Mrs. Waechter walked a distance of ninety miles, which she
made in ten days. This attempted trip over the Dalton trail by these
ladies, was their first experience of the kind, but they are not greatly
discouraged over their failure. Both are bright, intelligent ladies,
with whom it is a pleasure to converse. Their great loyalty and devotion
to their husbands is to be commended and ought to be an example for
other ladies to follow. They propose going over White Pass to join their
husbands at Bennett as soon as supplies can be gotten over for their
use.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
W. F. Lokowitz, of the firm of Jos. Burkhard & Co., of this city, has
had some eventful experiences crowded into his life, although yet a
young man. Mr. Lokowitz is a German by birth, and was for some years
manager of the celebrated Hotel D'Angeleterre, at Baden Baden, the great
health resort, where he entertained many of the notabilities and the
greatest dignitaries of Europe. Mr. Lokowitz was also a member of the
relief expedition of Hicks Pasha, in Africa, but he escaped the massacre
that overtook the ill-fated corps, by reason of sickness which detained
him while his companions pushed on.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
The plans and specifications of Mr. E. J. Liddicoat for the new church
and school building, have been accepted by the committee in charge of
the matter. This is quite a compliment to Mr. Liddicoat, who is a first
class architect and a very fine gentleman.
The steamer City of Seattle, sailed for the south Tuesday morning with a
fair sized passenger list, and very little freight.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
ADVERTISING.
Joseph Burkhard & Company
Wholesale and Retail General Merchandise. Headquarters for Yukon
Outfits. Largest and most complete stock in the line of Groceries, Dry
Goods, Hats, Caps, Boots, Shoes, Hardware, Doors, Sashes, Windows,
Sledges, Lamps, Stationery, Crockery and all kinds of Fancy Goods.
Remember another thing: Our stock of goods is not only the largest, but
our prices are reasonable. Be convinced by giving us a trial.
Skaguay Lumber Co.
Dealers in all kinds of lumber. Specifications and Estimates Furnished
for Buildings.
Corner Broadway and Kaiser avenue.
Thomas Riggs, Jr., Manager.
Shorthill's Kitchen.
Meals and Lodging. 35 cents each.
Broadway, near Bond. Skaguay.
Samson's Hotel Annex.
Seattle Headquarters. Only pure and Unadulterated Refreshments served.
First-class Hot Lunch to Patrons from 11 o'clock to 12 noon.
J. G. Price, Attorney at Law
Office opposite postoffice. Skaguay, Alaska.
Stenographer in office.
H. R. Littlefield, M. D.
Physician and Surgeon.
Trail and Shoup Streets. Skaguay, Alaska.
Bay View Hotel.
Day & Turner, Mgrs.
Neat comfortable Rooms. Excellent Table.
Bond Street : : : Skaguay, Alaska.
Henry C. Ash, Attorney at Law.
Investments. Real Estate.
The Finest Regular Meals and Short Order Restaurant in the City is Run
By
Mrs. Lewis and Miss Kalgaard
At the Holly House.
The Gen Saloon and Hotel.
The finest accommodations in the land.
Scotty Connelly, Prop.
Cor. Trail and Holly Streets.
Broadway Meat Market !
Cor. Broadway and McKinney sts., Skaguay, Alaska.
The Kitchen.
Managed by Mrs. J. E. Baity (Barty) is one of the best Restaurants in
the city.
Regular Meals 50c.
New Home Restaurant and Lodging House,
McKinney Street, near Broadway.
Misses Bernhofer.
A. H. Bryant, M. D., Physician and Surgeon.
Opposite Postoffice
Skaguay, Alaska.
|