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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."

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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?

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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."

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Two more ladies, with children of school age, arrived last week. The necessity for a school becomes more urgent each week.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

 



 


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