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In The News
The Skaguay News.
Skaguay, Alaska
Friday, February 11, 1898.
Volume 1, No. 18. Page 1. SALMON RIVER STRIKES. MUCH PROSPECTING DONE. Miners, However, are Reticent as to What They Have Found. - Good
enough for Those who Don't Want to Work. Good strikes of placer gold have been made in the Big Salmon, Little
Salmon and other streams in that region emptying into those rivers. The find has been kept quiet, and although rumors of strikes on the Big
Salmon have been quite frequent of late, nothing really definite has been
learned as to the extent of the recent discoveries. A good deal of prospecting has been going on all winter near the mouth of
the Big Salmon, but in most cases, water has interfered with sinking to
bedrock, and work has been perforce abandoned. But further up the river some 15 or 20 miles, bed-rock has been reached
at a depth of 25 feet and pay dirt has been uncovered. Just what it pays,
cannot be learned, but J. D. Burnham, of Chicago, and D. McKercher, of
Toronto say that it is good enough for "any man who does not want the
earth." Burnham and McKercher went in to that country last fall and
remained there until the middle of January. Both men were reticent as to
the extent of the strikes, but to some friends they confided the fact that
the deposits were not only rich, but extensive as well. At Little Salmon, there are 11 men in camp and 30 at Big Salmon. Then
there are nine men in camp seven miles up the Hootalinqua and seven
more at the mouth of the river. All told, there are less than 200 between
Dawson and Tagish, but between the latter place and Lake Bennett, there
are numbers; some in camp, where they have been for some months, and
others who are constantly pressing onward and downward to Dawson. Quite a number of men are in camp near Tagish, having been refused
permission to pass the customs house because of having less than 1000
pounds of food, the amount which its officials have decided is necessary
for one person one year. A few weeks ago two miners from the Cassiar country, reached
Hootalinqua, having made their way down by way of Lake Teslin. When
Burnham and McKercher met them, they were practically without food, but
were long on hope. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ SKAGUAY. Its Present and Prospective Condition.
By a Stranger Ed. News: My impressions of Skaguay, which I had entertained prior to
landing here, have been, after a few days stay among your citizens, almost
entirely changed. This being the case, I thought that probably an article
written on the above subject would be acceptable for publication in your
valuable medium. In the first place, the outside world knows very little of the advantages of
this place. The accommodations for shipping were a complete surprise to
me. three wharves, and two more in process of construction, speak very
well for a six months old place. Then, too, the business and trade of the
place is a source of astonishment to a stranger who has been persuaded
that he will be actually robbed if he delays purchasing supplies until he
reaches Skaguay. Why, sir, it is at points of embarkation that they tax a
fellow, and not here. I am assured that if the business men of this place
would have an estimate of the various articles of supply published and
circulated in the coast cities, their volume of trade would be immensely
increased. Then the cost of living here is very reasonable. I have found that a good
meal for a working man can be had for twenty-five cents, and there are
many places in town where a poor man may rest for the same. This
brings the price of living - I speak for the working man - to one dollar per
day. What coast town can make a better showing than this? It is true, I
find many men apparently seeking employment; however, I have been
watching, and I see that there is plenty of work for willing workers. The
drones are always out of employment whenever they may be found.
Indeed, there are many things in this town which the attention of
outsiders should be drawn. A fine electric light plant you have. Then there are two saw mills, having
a capacity of 25,000 and 20,000 feet per day respectively. Besides these
two, I am informed that another is under construction. The town is nicely laid out, and the location all that could be desired. But
it is to improvements that are yet in the prospective, to which I owuld now
refer. You are certainly in need of a telephone system; but that is minor.
Undoubtedly the future of your town depends upon the future of mining
in the interior. This we now believe to be an assured success. Now,
although the ideas which I am about to state are common property, yet I
believe that they should be constantly reiterated until the end is
accomplished. There is no place in such close connection with a short
route to the interior as this place, that has such facilities for improving that
route, and making it absolutely the best route for the traveler to take. Your surveyors report that the grade to the summit is only a 4 per cent
one. A wagon road is being built and it will undoubtedly be finished in
good style shortly. Mr. Brackett is a man of great energy and will certainly
push it through to a quick and successful finish. This road, when
completed, will be a great convenience to the traveler who wishes to do
his own transportation, or have it done at fair rates, and it will perhaps,
answer for a short time - nearly as well as a railroad. Then, understand, it
will be the bed for a steel track, and you need a railway to assure the
posperity of this place. If a railroad be not constructed to the head of the
water route to the interior, then trade will be diverted to other and more
enterprising places. Then, to get a railway should be the aim of all citizens who have the
interests of this place truly at heart. I see that you keep this idea
prominent in yioyur paper, but it cannot be put in too emphatic a light. If
the best interests of your town are to be served, a railroad is really needed
in the near future. You paper, I have noticed during my short stay here, is
very vigorous in pointing out the advantages of your town; and justly so, I
may add. But the News is a paper that would - pardon me for offering the
suggestion - bring great credit in Skaguay if it were circulated freely in the
coast towns. I notice it contains very full information for intending
prospector. Now, if to this were added an approximate list of prices, it, I
feel assured, would do good, and add materially to the profits of Skaguay
merchants. Pardon me for using your valuable space, but it is for the
interests of this place that has impressed me so forcibly that I write. Yours,
A Traveler. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ AN INDIAN MOTHER'S SACRIFICE. Saves Her Child but Loses Her Own Life. A pathetic story comes from the heights of the Chilkoot pass, which
emphasizes in a pathetic manner an Indian woman's devotion to her
offspring, and the solid indifference and brutality of several Indian men. A few days ago a party consisting of several bucks, two squaws and a
child, were making their way across the Chilkoot trail from Lake Lindeman.
A furious snow storm arose completely preventing the women from
making their way through the blinding blizzard, which seems to be
peculiarly at home on the top of the murderous mountain. The men, if
such they can be called, left the poor women and child to their fate, and
pushed ahead to a place of safety. Abandoned by their male companions,
the women found a place where the fury of the storm was not felt so
keenly. The child was benumbed, and the mother knew that unless it
could be taken to some place where warmth could be found, it would
freeze. Taking off her own clothes, she wrapped the child in them, and
placing it in the arms of the other woman, she urged her to try and reach
shelter. Struggling on through the blinding snow and howling wind, the
woman and the child at last found a place of safety, where they were
cared for. Next day, when the storm had ended its fury, search was made for the
child's mother. She was found, stark naked, cold in death, beneath a drift
of snow. She had taken off every rag of clothing and placed it on the child
that it might live. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ RESOLUTIONS OF RESPECT. At a recent meeting of members of the I.O.O.F. order in this city, to make
arrangements for shipping the body of Thomas D. Jackson, deceased, to
his former home at Falls City, Wash., the following resolutions were
passed: Skaguay, Alaska, Feb. 2, 1898. WHEREAS, The messanger of death has again visited our midst and called
from us our brother, Thomas D. Jackson, of Falls City Lodge, Falls City,
Wash., the Odd Fellows, who are now in Skaguay, desire to express their
sympathy to the Falls City Lodge, and also to the friends of the departed.
Therefore, be it RESOLVED, That we extend to Falls City Lodge our hearthfelt sympathy
because of the fraternal chain which is so suddenly broken; but ewe know
that those shattered links of Friendship, Love and Truth will again be
united in the great hereafter. SECOND, That we endeavor to bind up the broken hearts of the family and
friends of one departed brother, by honoring his memory, and by showing
all respect in our power, for the remains of our brother so long as they
remain with us; and that we prepare the remains for transportation and
then escort them to the steamer. The ties which bind us to relatives and friends left behind, vibrate with
tenderest sympathy for those who will mourn the loss of Brother Jackson
at his home. Goodfellows of Skaguay ~~~~~~~~~~~ There are indications that the present session of Congress will accomplish
nothing in the way of legislation for Alaska. The woes of Cuba and the
cries of the interested Hawaiians for annexation, are occupying much time,
and, in the meantime, Alaska, with his boundless natural wealth, can wait
and suffer. The development of Alaska is just commencing, and if
Congress would only devot a day or two to some legislation of merit, that
development would be greatly accelerated. But Congress won't. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ THEY DOUBT NO MORE. SKAGUAY THE GATEWAY. For All Parties Going to the Interior. A Railroad to Bennett Before Many
Months. Jim Hill to Furnish the Money to Build the Same. How vastly different are the conditions prevailing in the town of Skaguay
now from what they were four short months ago. When the publisher of
the News [Sherpy] landed here on the sixth day of last October, the town
was virtually filled with "doubting Thomases" - men, women and children.
Nearly every individual we met and conversed with regarding the future of
the town shook their heads and declared that they very much feared that
this was not going to be the gateway to the interior; that the black eye giv
en the White pass trail last summer and fall was having its effet and that
they very muh feared that Dyea, Haine's Mission or some other point, was
going to b e the place. To be sure, there were a few men and women who entertained the
greatest faith in the future of the town - and all honor should be accorded
them - but as we stated before, hundreds of property holders here shook
their heads and a look of sadness overspread their features when the
future of the town was discussed. One reason for this was the fact that a
lot of fellows had formed a corporation -- or several of them -- for the
alleged purpose of putting in tramways and cables to transport goods and
passengers cheaply and expeditiously over Chilkoot pass. One of the first
things these fellows did was to send out thousands of circulars and much
printed matter, showing that the only route to the interior was by way of
Dyea and Chilkoot, and their transportation schemes were to be in
operation by December, while the residents and property holders of
Skaguay wee not in a position to do this, nor did they have corporations of
large menas to back them in such an undertaking. To be sure, the people
here were satisfied that a tramway and wagon road would be constructed
in time to accommodate the great rush of people to the Yukon, but they
were at that time in an embryo state.
Now, however, everything is changed. There is no one in these latter days
who is bold enough to question the future greatness of Skaguay as
hundreds of buildings are going up on every hand; property is rapidly
advancing, while the population is incfreasing at the rate of several
hundred per week. It is now readily understood that the only practical
route to the interior during the late fall and winter, is by the White Pass,
and hundreds are going over by hand sleighs, dog teams, oxen and pack
horses. The river b eing froze solidly, enables persons to make an easy
ascent in that way to the foot of the summit. However, the latest and best news for the people of this locality is that Jim
Hill, one of the ablest and most successful railroad builders in the United
States, has agreed to furnish all the funds necessary to speedily construct
a narrow gauge railroad from the foot of Runnalls street, in Skaguay, to
Lake Bennett, using the wagon road for that purpose. One steel bridge,
250 feet in length, has already arrived, and others have been ordered and
will be here in a short time. There has, in the past, been considerable opposition to a railway, but that
feeling has passed away to a large degree, and now a railroad will be
welcomed, because it settles the question of supremacy. It has been
admitted by every person familiar with the conditions here, that the first
point to secure a railway, would be the great town of Alaska, and this
being true, then there should be no more doubts and fears on the part of
our people, for a railroad to Lake Bennett is an assured fact. Skaguay is
strictly in it, and don't fail to remember the assertion. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ ON THE CHILKOOT TRAIL. Clyde Chamb erlain, of Portland, who arrived here on the last trip of the
Streamer Elder, with 15 dogs and two tons of provisions, has had quite an
experience with the Chilkoot trail. When he arrived at Dyea, he found he
could not use his dogs at all. He says he could not earn $1.00 per day
with his dogs, a freighting between Dyea and Sheep Camp is done by
teams at a rate of 1/4 ct. to 1-1/2 ct. per pound. From Sheep Camp to
the Scales, about four miles, a good dog team can haul 200 pounds, six
dogs to a team. There is an immense amount of freight at the foot of the
summit awaiting to be taken over - enough to keep Archie Burns' cable
running for several months. The cable runs only occasionally - when the
weather is favorable - and a horse is the motive power. When the wind
blows the cable stops, and as the storms rage early and often, the cable
runs only spasmodically. The trail is almost blocked with outfits from Sheep Camp to the foot of the
summit. Caches are found everywhere, and as the snow coveres them,
one is piled over another, no one knows how deep. There is a bad mix-up
anyway. Mr. Chamberlain went to within a few miles of Linedman. Of his 15 dogs,
he got back to Sheep Camp with eight, in poor condition. The others were
frozen to death. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Judge Hannum, of Juneau, arrived on the Islander, Wednesday. ~~~~~~ Messrs. Wishnar and Pease, of the Seattle Post Intelligencer expedition to
the interior, have their outfits cached at the Ford, waiting for more
favorable conditions before attempting to cross the summit with their
heavy oxen. Mr. Pease was in Skaguay one day last week, and says that
he and his partner are standing the hardships and exposure incident to
such a trip as they are attempting, remarkably well, considering that they
never experienced anything of the kind before. Mr. Pease further stated
that the News was in error when it stated in a recent issue that F. W.
Payne had charge of their expedition. Mr. Payne, the gentleman says,
assisted in getting their outfit to the summit in exchange for having his
own outfit hauled over, but has nothing to do with the Wishaar-Pease
expedition so far as directly the management of the same. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ KELLY AND THE SHARP. Dr. Chas. E. Kelly, the well known druggist, besides being thoroughly
familiar with his business, is also up-to-date in other lines strictly
professional. A few days ago one of the bunco genus tried to come the
short change racket on the druggist, but quick as a shock of lightning Kelly
turned the tables on the would-be sharp, and as cool as a cucumber,
pocketed the $5. bill which Mr. Bunco thought to have filched from the
druggist. Then Kelly heaped coals of fire on the short change man's head. That is,
he roasted him. And by the way, the term "short change" man is strictly
appropriate, as after getting through with Dr. Kelly, the shark was "short"
where he expected to have been "long." ~~~~~~~~~~~~ The News recognizes that Skaguay is a frontier town, and that peculiar
conditions prevail here. The publisher realizes that he would have a big
contract on his hands were he to attempt to revolutionize the social
conditions prevailing here at preset, but he honestly believes that a
newspaper conducted on lines of decency and fairness will eventually be
recognized and accorded the support of all persons who have the welfare
of the community at heart. The News will be conducgted in the future, as
in the past, with a spirit of fairness and good will towards all respectable
citizens. We are not after boodie, but the desire to do a strictly legitimate
business. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ GOOD WORDS FOR SKAGUAY. Judge M. G. Mundy, of Portland, Or., who recently visited Alaska, made the
following statement to the Oregonian regarding Skaguay, upon his return
to his home: "A good _ear has been ___ against Skaguay, and I believe it is a much
abused town. As a matter of fact, it is a pretty substantial one. It has
hotel accommodations for 2,000 people, and restaurants, wharves, banks
and grocery houses. People who have money invested there hope to
make it a city, and it looks as if nothing could now prevent its becoming
such. The only thing it lacks is the completion of the tramway across the
White pass, and this will be accomplished in a very short time." ~~~~~~~~~~~~ UNION CHURCH. Sabbath services as follows -- Morning service at 11 o'clock, Sunday school and Bible class at 2 o'clock
and regular evening service at 7:30. During the week -- Monday evening, Christian Endeavor, Wednesday, mid-week service;
Friday, singing practice. A cordial invitation extended to all. R. M. Dickey, Pastor. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Anyone discharging firearms in the city of Skaguay, south of Buchanan street,
will, upon proper complaint and proff, be deemed guilty of disorderly conduct
and punished accordingly.
John U. Smith,
U. S. Commissioner.
Skaguay, Alaska, Dec. 27th, 1897.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Instances are reported to the News daily, which go to
show that intending Klondikers can save considerable money by buying their
outfits in Skaguay. The buyer purchases only what he actually needs as the
Skaguay merchant does not sell his customer a lot of cumbersome and useless
truck.
It's marbles to chalk that the Chicago Snow and Ice
Transportation Co. will never attempt to carry ouut its contract for the
transportation of government relief supplies over the Dyea trail. And it
is safe to wager that if the company make the attempt, it will fail.
Pilot Cauffman seems to be responsible for the wreck of
the Corona. Cauffman seems to belong to that class who "know it all."
That doesn't go, however, in Alaska.
In the hurry of making up the paper last week, the News
force got a little ahead of time, and the first page bore the date
February 7, when it should have been the 4th. We trust our readers will
pardon the error, and we will try and see that it does not occur again.
When Gen. Merriman arrives in Dyea with the expectation
of carrying his supplies right through to Lindeman, what a surprise will await
him!
the experience of Alaskans is not such as to make them
warm advocates of Hawaiian annexation.
Will Cribbs, late of Pittsburg, Pa., has taken a
position with Kelly and Co., the well known drug firm.
Messrs. Bartlett Bros. have their pack train of forty
animals in operation from Skaguay to Lake Bennett. They report the winter
trail in first class condition.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Page 2.
There are no politics in Alaska, but all parties which
have representatives here are united in demanding some recognition in the way of
needed legislation in Congress.
When people tell of a railroad to the Yukon country just
remember that when the first railroad is built the starting point will be
Skaguay. Those deluded mortals who are banking on some other route being
chosen will find themselves very badly left.
Deputy Collector of Customs Floyd is in receipt of a
fine new "sealer" boat for the use of the customs force at this point. The
boat is 23 feet long and Collector Floyd pronounces it a dandy.
The customs collections at this port for the month of
January, aggregated $1,500. This is an amount, probably in excess of the
sum collected in all other Alaskan ports.
Rene LePreux, of C. E. Kelly & Co., who left Skaguay
several weeks ago for a trip to Europe, has returned, and is now in Seattle.
Mr. LePreux's object in visiting Europe was to secure a number of dogs for
freighting purposes. In a letter to Mr. Kelly, he states that he was
successful in his mission, and purchased 30 of the finest dogs for draft
purposes, to be found in Belgium. Mr. LePreux is expected in Skaguay in a
few days.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
GOV. BRADY IN TOWN.
Gov. Brady arrived in Skaguay, Friday morning on the
United States Gunboat Wheeling, Capt. Sebree [reported]. Gov. Brady was
accompanied by Judge Tuttle, U. S. Commissioner at Sitka. The Wheeling
came up to look into affairs here and at Dyea and will coal for Killisnoo and
Yukutat tomorrow. There has been trouble among the Indians at Killisnoo
and Yakutat, the origin being caused by a too copious supply of hoochinoo, where
officers discovered two stills in operation. There has also been an
alleged case of witchcraft and the life of the witch has been threatened.
The Hoonahs have been up to considerable devilment lately and the Wheeling will
give the natives an object lesson which they will remember for some time to
come.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
The News is a firm believer in the usefulness of
fraternal and benevolent societies as now conducted. If the teachings and
lessons taught in the initiatory exercises and ceremonies were lived up to the
world would be better and man a more rational and reasonable being. Not
only do these orders afford and induce sociability, but in a very many cases
want and distress among members are relieved in a substantial manner.
Not only this but the _______ of _______ _______ are
taken care of and looked after in a most commendable manner. This has been
exemplified during the past few weeks by he members of the I. O. O. F. of this
city. While it is true that no charter can be granted for lodges in
Alaska, yet the members have banded together for social and benevolent purposes,
and are doing splendid work. Let the Masons, K. of P.'s, A.O.U.W.'s and
other equally worthy orders, do the same thing, and Skaguay will be a better
town for their having done so.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Ensley A. Webster, superintendent of construction of the
Skagway & Lake Bennett Tramway co., arrived on the Queen after an absence of two
months in Portland and San Francisco where he has been in the interests of the
company. His trip was entirely successful and work will now be pushed with
all dispatch. Bridge material, horses and other supplies necessary for the
prosecution of the work are on the way. The company's mill is turning out
lumber for construction purposes, and in a few days the work of constructing the
line again be under way.
Treasurer Ash, of the company, is still in San Francisco
but will return shortly.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
THE TIES OF FRIENDSHIP, LOVE AND TRUTH.
The ties of friendship, love and truth are exemplified
in Skaguay by the many members of that noble order who by their prompt and
generous actions as shown by the manner in which they cared for the remains of
Thomas A. Jackson, whose unfortunate death was chronicles in our last issue.
As soon as it was learned that an Odd Fellow had died, a
meeting was at once called and about forty Odd Fellows responded. A
liberal donation was made to meet any expense necessary in preparing and sending
the body to Seattle. A committee of five was appointed to take the matter
in hand, and the manner in which the duty was performed show that thought
hundreds, and in many cases, thousands of miles separate these men from their
respective lodges, yet the teachings of the order are as sacred with them here
in a land of strangers as at home with friends and relatives. The remains
were placed in a metallic case, which in turn was packed in ice and placed
aboard the steamer Utopia and sent to the sorrowing family.
Another meeting was called at which steps were taken to
organize a Social Club of Odd Fellows to minister to the wants of those who
should be so unfortunate as to meet with accident or sickness, and it is desired
that all Odd Fellows at Skaguay should enroll their names as members of the
club.
Mr. T. Isaacs, at the store of Goldburg Bros., on the
trail, near Holly street, has charge of the list which is open to all Odd
Fellows who feel it their duty to take part in this worthy cause.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
One of the peculiar developments of the growth of the
American export trade in manufactured products is the growing complaint among
London merchants of our lack of ocean transportation facilities. It is a
far cry which reaches us in the matter when it comes from London. We are
familiar with the complaints from our own manufacturers and merchants whose
business with many countries is seriously checked for lack of direct lines of
transmission, but it is something new to have complaints come from those whose
interests are presumably not in line with ours. But is must be remembered
that a very large part of the trade of the world centers in London.
International exchanges are arranged there, and London factors buy and sell for
clients all over the globe. They buy either as their clients direct or for
their best interests, and the current in either case is running strongly toward
American wares. But they object to the high cost of transportation and
loss of time involved in making shipments to some English port and thence to
some other destination. They very properly ask, "why do you Americans not
start direct lines of your own?" Can we ever expect a more propitious
time? -- London Age.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
NINETEEN DAYS FROM DAWSON.
Five Men Arrive With Big Sacks of Gold.
Nineteen days from Dawson, establishes a brand new
record. The record makers are: Thos. W. O'Brien, of Toronto; Colin Henry
O'Brien, his son, aged 5 years; Robert Lowrie, Steward Menzie and John McIntyre,
of San Francisco, and Joseph McNeil, of Ontario.
The party left Dawson on Jan. 20, and reached Skaguay
Feb. 10, having covered the distance in exactly 19 days. They had four dog
teams of five dogs each. The party encountered some cold weather on the
way out, about 47 degrees below; most of the way, but at Tagish, it was even
colder. Cohn Henry O'Brien is a fine, stout little fellow, bright as a new
dollar, and stood the journey like a veteran. He was born at Circle City.
Thos. W. O'Brien has been a trader at Circle City and
Forty Mile since 1887. Mr. Leonard has also been in the country since
1887. All the members of the party brought considerable gold, Mr. O'Brien
having the largest amount. A small grip sack full, which probably weighed
70 pounds, was placed in the custody of Manager Miller, of the Occidental hotel,
while the hotel safe containing all the way from $1,500 to $2,000.
In conversation with a News representative, Mr. Lawrie
said that he estimated the output of gold this winter at about $10,000,000.
The output will be curtailed somewhat on account of an insufficient supply of
candles, and many claims were not worked early in the season because of the
strike of miners to keep up wages. Plenty of men can now be had for one
dollar an hour but first class men command $1.50.
Hunker creek is proving a bonanza ___ _______ _____on,
and Gold Bottom are all good.
The food supply is short, principally in flour and
beans. Flour is now selling at $50 a sack, although last fall it sold for
$75; candles, in October, even $100 a box; there are now, $40, a supply having
been brought up from Circle City.
There is plenty of food at the latter place, but the
supply at Fort Yukon is reputed exhausted.
Mr. Lowrie says that the Northwest territory will never
be prospected so long as a miner knows he can only locate 100 feet.
The party will all return to the interior in the course
of a few weeks.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
BONDING OF FOREIGN GOODS.
As considerable misinformation prevails concerning the
bonding of freight through to Canadian territory, from Skaguay, a News
representative interviewed Deputy Collector of Customs Floyd on the subject a
few days ago. Goods purchased in Canada and destined for the Canadian
interior, are subject to duty, unless the parties importing them, give a good
and sufficient bond, that the goods shall not be opened or disposed of while in
transit, and further, the merchandise must be accompanied to the international
boundary by a customs inspector, whose services must be paid for by the parties
owning the goods.
Another point which Deputy Collector Floyd wishes to
emphasize is that people coming from the United States to Alaska must ship their
goods in American bottoms, or pay duty on arrival here, or have their goods
seized. This ruling has been brought about by the fact that not a few
persons have purchased goods in American cities, had them shipped to a Canadian
port, and re-shipped in a foreign vessel to Sakguay.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
RELIEF EXPEDITION COMING.
Will Arrive on the Signal About February 12.
The Seattle Post Intelligencer is authority for the
statement that the government relief expedition for the Klondike, will leave
Seattle Feb. 5, on the steamer Signal. Two officers, 22 men and 110 pack
animals will constitute the advance guard of the government relief expedition to
the Klondike. In Skaguay they will make all the preparations preliminary
to the departure of the main body, when it shall arrive, and there will be no
further delay. The Signal is a steamer better arranged for the
accommodation of freight than passengers. The original intention of
Carroll, Johnson & Co., her owners, was to send her north January 20, with a
cargo of livestock and feed. Since she is called upon to carry twenty-four
passengers, alterations will be made between now and February 5, to insure the
comfort of the soldiers. It is probable that any passenger accommodations
added now will be made permanent, as the Signal is to be operated regularly on
the Seattle and Skaguay run.
The Signal came into Skaguay bay last Sunday morning,
and after discharging her cargo, sailed for the south early Monday morning.
Capt. Benderguard hoped to be able to reach Seattle in time to carry out the
program as arranged by the military officials.
If all goes well, the Signal may be expected to arrive
in Skaguay about Feb. 12, or perhaps, a day or two earlier.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
SUICIDE AT SHEEP CAMP.
Two men, whose names the News could not learn by
telephone to Dyea, were arrested Friday at Sheep Camp for stealing from a cache.
One of them tried to escape, and being chased by his pursuers, he turned and
fired at them. His pursuers dropped in order to avoid the thief's fire,
and the latter, thinking that he had killed them, turned his gun upon himself,
sending a bullet through his brain.
A placard bearing the legend "This is a thief," was
fastened to the other man, and he was paraded through the town and sent to Dyea.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
LUMBER COMING THIS WAY.
Almost from the hour of its birth, Skaguay has been
subjected to the inconveniences of a lumber famine, and prices have continued to
rule higher un__t the present time, it is almost out of sight. The News
has time and again pointed out to the saw mill owners and lumber dealers of
Washington and Oregon, that there was a terrible shortage of that product here,
and that the wise thing for them to do would be to charter vessels and send
their product here as rapidly as the prices received were highly remunerative.
Happily, this advice is now being followed, and lumber and building material is
coming to Skaguay at a rapid rate. Scores of vessels of different kinds
are being loaded, or have already been dispatched to this port, and the chances
are that prices will not rule so high in the furture, as they have been in the
past. One bark, the Canada, is being loaded at Tacoma, with over a million
feet, and will arrive here within a short time. The News honestly believes
that had there been sufficient lumber to supply the demand, there would have
been at least one third more buildings here in Skaguay than there are at
present.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
The name of Samson's hotel has been changed, and a neat
sign announces that comfortable hostelry as the Occidental.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
NOTICE.
REPUBLICATION.
FINAL PROOF AND ENTRY.
U.S. Land Office at Sitka, Alaska. Dec. 16, 1897.
Notice is hereby given that Bernard Moore, a citizen of
the United States over the age of 21 years, has made application to this office
to make final proof and entry by said applicant, under an act of Congress
approved March 3, 189a, relating to the survey and entry of lands in Alaska of
the land described as follows, to wit:
That certain tract of public land known and platted as
U. S. Survey No. 13, situate fronting on Skagway Bay, Taiya Inlet, Lynn Canal,
Alaska, and bounded as follows:
....
Said tract hereby applied for was surveyed by Charles W.
Garside, U. S. Deputy surveyor for Alaska, under the act of Congress approved on
March 3, 1891, and known as Survey no. 13 which survey was duly approved by the
ex-Officio Surveyor General of Alaska, and the Commissioner of the General Land
Office, and contains 160 acres of land. Magnetic variation 30 deg east;
The twelfth day of February A. D. 1898 at 10 o'clock A. M., is appointed for
such proceedings before this office. Any and all persons claiming
adversely any portion of said land are required to file a protest of adverse
claim thereto in this office on or before said last mentioned date, otherwise
the final proof and entry of said land will be made by gthe applicant.
Said application names the following witnesses:
C. W. Garside of Juneau, Alaska
George Harkrader of Juneau, Alaska
J. T. Martin of Juneau, Alaska
Karl Koehler of Juneau, Alaska
Ed James of Juneau, Alaska
Malcolm Campbell of Juneau, Alaska
C. W. Young of Juneau, Alaska
John W. Dudley, Register.
United States Land Office, Sitka Alaska.
Dec. 16, 1897.
Ordered: --
That notice of the foregoing application be published
once a week (or six consecutive weeks in the Skaguay News, a newspaper published
at Skaguay, Alaska, which is hereby designated as the newspaper published
nearest the land described in said application and so applied for.
John W. Dudley, Register.
~~~
[The land plat, though in the paper, is not described
here. If you wish a copy of the plat verbiage, please contact me and use
the following in your subject line: folder 1186, frame 142, column 3. Colleen]
~~~~~~~~~~~~
W. W. McBride, late of Portland, walked all the way from Lake Bennett on
Thursday, to secure some medicine for a cold, with which he was suffering.
Mr. McBride states that there is a good deal of sickness ab out the lake, and
on the trail, and not an ounce of medicine of any kind to be had. Kelly &
Co., however, have an outfit on the way.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
IN THE UNITED STATES COMMISSIONER'S COURT, in and for the District of Alaska,
at Skaguay,
Geo. L. Rice, Plaintiff,
-- vs. --
Neil McArthur, Defendant.
SUMMONS.
To Neil McArthur, the above named defendant: --
In the name of the United States of America, you are hereby required to
appear before the undersigned, a United States Commissioner for the District of
Alaska, on the 25th day of February, A. D., 1898, at ten o'clock in the
forenoon, of said day, at the office of said Commissioner, at Skaguay, Alaska,
to answer the above named plaintiff in a civil action.
The defendant will take notice that if he fails to answer the complaint
herein, the plaintiff will take judgment against him for eighty dollars ($80)
and cost of action.
Given under my hand this 13th day of January 1898.
John U. Smith,
U. S. Commissioner.
J. G. Price,
Attorney for Plaintiff.
Jan. 14, W. 7.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
ADVERTISEMENT.
If you want to get fat, board at the German Bakery.
Ronkendorf & Olschewsky, Props.
Bill of Fare.
[NOTE: $1.00 in 1898 equals $27.78 today.]
Rolled Oats - .25
Flannel Cakes - .25
Buckwheat Cakes - .25
~~~
Plain Steak - .35
Rib Steak - .50
Sirloin Steak - .50
Tea Bone - .75
Porterhouse Steak - .75
Tenderloin - .75
Hamburger Steak - .40
Mutton Chops - .40
Pork Chops - .40
Pork Sausage - .40
~~~~ Eggs.
Ham and Eggs - .40
Bacon and Eggs - .40
4 Scrambled Eggs - .40
3 Poached Eggs - .40
4 Shirred Eggs - .40
4 Boiled Eggs - .40
Ham Omelet - .40
Onion Omelet - .40
Plain Omelet - .40
Spanish Omelet - .40
Cheese Omelet - .40
Jelly Omelet - .40
~~~~
Liver and Bacon - .40
Liver and Onions - .40
Corned Beef Hash - .35
~~~~ Stewed Fruits.
Apricots - .10
Raspberries - .10
Prunes - .10
~~~~
Cup Custard - .25
Cup Starch, with cream - .25
Coffee Cake - .25
Half of one Pie - .25
~~~~ Sauces.
Spanish - .25
Tomatoes - .25
Creole - .25
Cream - .25
Country Gravy - .25
Fried Onions - .10
~~~~
Fish in Season.
~~~~
Side order Hot Cakes - .15
Side order Eggs - .15
Eastern oysters in any Style.
Tea, Coffee, Cocoa, chocolate or Milk
with Bread and Butter, served with all orders.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Page 3.
LOCAL NEWS.
The Skaguay & Lake Bennett Tramway Company's mill is running full blast.
It is located near Liarsville, three miles above town.
President Battin, of the City Council, who has been confined to his home by
rheumatism for some weeks, is rapidly recovering.
For Sale. -- Barber outfit. First class condition. No. 17 Bond
St.
J. F. Gould, of Minneapolis, Minn., is in town looking over the situation in
this part of Alaska.
J. D. Brackett, of Brackett's Trading Post, left this week for Puget Sound on
a business trip.
Mr. and Mrs. T. t. Brackett are recent additions to Skaguay, Mr. Brackett is
a son of George A. Brackett. Mrs. Brackett is an accomplished musician.
The new organ which has been placed in the Union church is the gift of Geo.
A. Brackett. It is needless to say that Mr. Brackett's generosity is
appreciated by every attendant of the services, religious or otherwise, held in
the church.
The Skaguay public school recently received a handsome donation of school
books from Glovernor Brady. Gov. Brady, during his long residence in
Alaska, has always been foremost in advancing educational interests of the
territory, and in the work he has been ably seconded by his estimable wife.
Mort H. Craig, of Denver, Colorado, his wife, daughter and sister arrived on
the Queen enroute to the interior. Mr. Craig was one of last fall's
argonauts and went down the lakes to the Hootalinqua. He returned last
month and went home for the purpose of bringing his family with him.
A pack train of twenty five mules belonging to J. H. Brooks pulled out from
Kelly & Co.'s drug store Wednesday morning, loaded with drugs which Kelly & co.
are sending to Lake Bennett from whence they will be shipped to Dawson City
where the firm will open a drugstore early next spring. Previous to the
departure of the train it was photographed, the scene being witnessed by a large
number of spectators.
W. B. Dennison, late United States consul at Nanaimo, B. C., is in town.
Mr. Dennison is enroute to Dawson with a large outfit. He was so
unfortunate as to be one of the Corona's passengers and like most of them
suffered the loss of most of his goods. Undiscouraged, however, he came to
Skaguay and secured a new outfit and will pursue his journey. He has
already sent two tons of goods over the trail to Lake Bennett.
M. King, of Victoria, B. C., one of the best known loggers on the Pacific
coast, arrived on the Islander on Wednesday. Mr. King is constructing a
saw mill at Homer Bay, Lake Bennett, which will be in operation about the
beginning of April.
Deputy Marshal McInnis is in receipt of copies of the Oregon code, United
States revised statutes, etc., for the guidance of himself in matters
appertaining to the discharge of the duties of his office.
James F. Wardner, father of the flourishing towns of Wardner, Idaho, and
Wardner, B. C., arrived on the Islander Wednesday. Mr. Wardner has a keen
instinct for business which enables him to pick the winners in the game of
developing new towns and cities. He predicts a season of great activity
for Skaguay.
Skaguay suffered from a meat famine of two or three days duration last week.
With our population increasing at the rate of one thousand a week, it is some
times difficult to maintain the equilibrium between supply and demand.
The social dance given by Mr. F. F. Clark in the Burkhard hotel annex, last
Monday evening, proved a most enjoyable occasion to the thirty couples who were
in attendance. Music was furnished by the Skaguay orchestra with the
genial Nat Pollock as mater of ceremonies. Dancing was indulged in util 2
p.m.
Mr. Lewis Garrison, stenographer and type-writer. Office, 17 Bond St.
Work done at a reasonable price.
Douglas White, special correspondent of the Examiner and Journal, came up on
the Islander on Wednesday and reports that thousands of people are looking for
passage to Skaguay during the months of February and March. He was the
first correspondent to reach this paper with telegraphic news of the Corona's
misfortune.
Dr. Newell, physician, and surgeon, Dr. Brooks, occulist. Office on
McKinney Street.
The Islander arrived Wednesday with 250 passengers and a full cargo of
freight.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
HE GOT THE RECEIPT.
He was a young man and he thought he knew it all, and when he sidled into the
hotel, through the side door, he carefully sized up the crowd, and then going up
to the desk, whsipered to the clerk:
"Got any rooms?"
"Yep, how many?"
"Well, you see it's just like this. I have a friend back in Pike
county, Mo., who told me that if I came to Alaska I would have to sleep on the
ground or hang myself up to a limb, and I'm out to show him that he lied.
Gimme a six bit cot, and a receipt so I can send it back to the darn fool."
He got the receipt.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Wagons, sleighs or horses for sale or exchange. Enquire of the Dyea &
Yukon Transportation Co., J. A. Cleveland, manager, Dyea, Alaska.
We are thankful to someone, and we think it is Ansel Strong, for a copy of
the Skaguay News, the first and only paper published there. It is very
neatly printed on book paper and is illustrated. If all things at Skaguay
are as up to date as the News, they are well advanced in civilization. --
Marshfield, Wis., Times.
B. E. Ax, David Laidlow, Jacob Mogg, and Ab. Russell arrived on the Hoeheme
Wednesday evening from Auburn, Wash.
Hazel, the little daughter of E. W. Achison, who died last week of
cerebro-spino meningitis, was buried on Saturday.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
STOWAWAYS ON STEAMERS.
Thefre is probably not a steamer which enters Skaguay bay that does not bring
in more or less stowaways. These are persons, without means, who are
landed here, and for the most part, begin to prey upon the community. The
Islander on her last trip, brought in 40 of this class; the Queen is credited
with 60, and it is safe to say that each vessel brings in a full quota of this
undesirable class. Some of these who manage to beat their way in this
manner, are impelled to do so by the hope of securing work after their arrival,
but the influx of people has been so great that there is no work for them.
The large proportion, however, if it [is] safe to assume, "live by their wits,"
and work is not a prime necessity to their existence. As soon as they have
landed, they begin to prey upon the community. In this class, are the
worst elements in the nation. It is small wonder then that petty larceny
is increasing, sneak thieving is becoming common, and hold-ups are frequent.
These men must live, and they are willing to resort to almost any means, save
actual lab or, to accomplish that end.
It seems to the News that the Alaska towns should not be made a dumping
ground for the universe.
The remedy is plain: If the steamship companies bring this class of people to
Alaska, the same steamship companies should be compelled to take them back to
the Pacific coast ports from whence they came. It is probable, however,
that no action will be taken, until the startling increase of crime which is
sure to follow, rouses people to vigorous action.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
DUTIES ON FOREIGN GOODS.
Bartlett Bros. have received the following information from their agents at
Vancouver, B. C.:
Messrs. Evans, Coleman & Evans:
A telegram has just been received by us to the effect that the American
government has decided to forego the collection of any duty on Canadian goods
enter at Skaguay.
"This should be welcome news to our friends at Skaguay and will undoubtedly
facilitate the dispatch of your business, which is going to assure enormous
proportions during the Spring and Summer months.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
A NEW DEPUTY MARSHAL.
M. Quinlan, who for twelve years was at the head of the detective force of
Minneapolis, Minn., has been appointed deputy United States marshal, to succeed
the late J. M. Rowan. Mr. Quinlan is an old acquaintance of Mr. Geo. A.
Brackett, and brought with him the strongest kind of recommendations from Gov.
Clough, of Minnesota, and other prominent men. Mr. Quinlan was on his way
to Dawson when appointed to the deputy marshalship, having arrived in Skaguay
Feb. 1.
Mr. Quinlan has had extenvsive experience as an officer, and has a record of
which any man might well feel proud. He will try to preserve that record
here, and every law abiding citizen should do all in his power to aid the
officials in maintaining order.
Arrangements have already been made for a jail, the log building near the old
post office, having been secured for that purpose.
It is hardly necessary to add here, that the efficiency of the work
accomplished by the officers of the law in Skaguay, will be largely governed by
the support given them by the law abiding people of the city.
An officer of the law is too frequently made a target for the disorderly
element of a community, and it is necessary for the better element to stand
ready to assist, on call.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Drs. Moore and Keller will occupy offices in the new building on Broadway.
A carpenter named O'Brien, fell from a building on upper Main Street, on
Wednesday, sustaining a severe shock and a scalp wound. He is
convalescing.
We still have a few copies of the first issue of the News on hand.
Better get one right away if you want it as a souvenir.
Dr. J. E. allen is in receipt of a copy of the Indianapolis Sun, containing
several cuts reproduced from the special holiday edition of the Skaguay News, as
well as copious extracts on Skaguay and Alaska from the same issue.
Good building for sale or rent. Chas. E. Warner & Co.
Fine line of dress shoes at clayson's.
Postmaster Sampson has removed the postoffice to his new building, corner of
Main and Johnson streets. The present quarters are commodious, being a
vast improvement over the old.
The Ladies Aid Society gave a most enjoyable social at the church Thursday
evening. An interesting program was rendered, and refreshments were
served. The ladies netted $28.35.
Victor air tight heaters are the best. Seattle Stove Co. McKinney ave.
opposite News office.
Goldberg Bros. have just added a complete line of groceries to their store on
Holly ave. They are also agents for the Portland stove works for skaguay
and Dyea. Stoves are also sold to the trade.
The steamer Humbolt arrived Thursday with 200 passengers and a full cargo.
H. Bateman, of Victoria, B. C., is in the city looking over the business
opportunities.
D. H. Martin, a mining man of Rossland, B. C., is in the city, en route to
the Klondike.
Jimmy Ryan who made a gun play on Holly Street a few nights ago and who tried
to kill two men, was taken to Dyea where commissioner Smith imposed a sentence
on him of 60 days in jail.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
TO THE PUBLIC.
Parties desiring stenographic work done, can find a competent person in Miss
Cora Lewis, next door to the post office. Also type writing of all kinds.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
DENTISTRY.
Dr. Keller, located in office with Dr. Moore, 3rd door from Burkhard's store,
is already very busy. He has a most complete laboratory and dental outfit,
and is prepared to do all kinds of work known to his profession. He has
done very handsome crown and bridge work for some of our citizens, who speak
loudly for his skill. Come in and have your teeth examined and make an
appointment. You should not go into the interior, without having your
teeth in first class condition.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
C. W. Toner, representing Sherman, clay & co., dealers in pianos, organs and
musical merchandise, Seattle, has been in the city for some days in the
interests of his firm, which is one of the largest and most reliable on the
Pacific coast.
William Malloy, aged 22, died Sunday night of cerebro-spinal meningitis, in
the city hospital. The remains were sent to the home of the deceased,
Laconner, Wash., on the Rosalie.
Otto Nelson, who had his feet badly frozen on the Dyea trail, had eight toes
amputated Thursday at the city hospital. Dr. Runnalls performed the
surgical work.
Monday next is St. Valentine's day.
The Longshoremen's Union, No. 1, of Skaguay, Alaska, are preparing to erect a
commodious building near to Moore's wharf on the mainland, for use of the local
union regular meetings.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Guy Campbell, of Tacoma, who has been employed for a short time as feeder at
this office was taken violently ill on Tuesday night and on Wednesday his life
was dispaired of, but he is now convalescent and in a fair way for speedy
recovery.
LATER: John Guy Campbell, Jr., who was thought to be on the road of recovery,
died suddenly at fifteen minutes to four, Saturday morning.
Guy came to Alaska about three weeks ago, from the home of his parents in
Tacoma, Wash., and the first news of the boy's illness to reach them will be
that of his sad death. He has a brother-in-law and sister living at Dyea
who will be notified this morning, who will decide what shall be done with his
remains, which will probably be shipped to Tacoma for interment.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
The steam launch, "Julia H.," will make four trips daily between Skaguay and
Dyea, carrying passengers and packages. Boat leaves from Central wharf.
G. A. Malstrom, one of the pioneers of Skaguay, has returned after an absence
of several months in Tacoma.
Partner Wanted. -- Have lot 25x100 in desirable location. Also building
hotel and theater, 34x75. Everything paid for. Will sell or take
partner with money. P. O. Box 21, City.
Mr. Miller has just completed his new building on Shoup street, and will open
a hotel sometime this week. He will retain the log cabin bakery and run
his hotel in connection therewith.
Will McNeiley expects to leave in a few days for his home in Tacoma. He
will have a pack train in operation between here and Lake Bennett, and as soon
as he has these arrangements completed will leave. He expects to return
about April next. Mr. McNeiley packed over the trail last fall when it was
in its "reported impossible condition." He has visited Dyea and looked
over the situation there, and says that Skaguay reminds him of a city after
having spent a few days here.
Jno. F. Culvet was in the hub city for a few days this week coming over from
the city of aerial tramways (?). [sic]
E. F. Drake, representing A. E. MacCulsky & Co., Seattle wholesale grocers,
was in the city this week in the interests of his firm. Mr. Drake is one
of the best known men on Puget Sound, and he found a host of old friends in
Skaguay.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
A LONG FELT WANT.
The DuBois Furniture Co. have opened up with a stock of furniture, bedroom
sets, springs, mattresses, bedding, heaters, cots, chairs, etc. Corner
Moore and Main streets, near new post office.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
C. J. Garland, whom his friends call "Happy Thought" was in town yesterday in
the interest of his firm, Stewart & Holmes, the well known Puget Sound wholesale
druggists.
Charles Hooker, a well known druggist, is now connected with Kelly & Co. who
have found it necessary to increase this clerical force by the addition of two
competent men, Messrs. Hooker and Cribbs.
Wanted -- A position by a woman cook either in town or out. For
particulars apply at the News office.
Last Friday night, Jimmy Ryan, who claimed his house is in Sheridan, Wyo.,
started a gun play on lower Holly street. He would have done considerable
damage without doubt, but for the fact that he was seized and disarmed.
The especial victim of his wrath was R. Lafferty. Ryan was taken to Dyea,
where Commissioner Smith fined him $50.
Dr. Leonard Sugden, of Juneau, arrived in town, Thursday, from the Hootalinqua
country. Dr. Sugden says a good deal of prospecting has been done on the
Hootalinqua, McClintock, and other streams in that section. From 20 to 30
colors to the pan have been found, but water, in every instance, had interfered
with the development work. Dr. Sugden believes that the country is rich, but it will take hydraulic machinery to work it. In other words, it is not
a 'poor man's proposition."
A report reached here today from Juneau, that the steamer clara Nevada had met
with an accident of some kind a few miles below Juneau. The Clara Nevada
was bound for Puget Sound. Just what was the nature of the accident cannot
be learned, the reports being conflicting, one stating that the vessel had been
blown up. This is probably an error. [NOTE: See a report of the
Clara Nevada's sinking. Use this site's search engine.]
Winters & Hall, manufacturers' agents and commission, will engage in business
in Skaguay, and will operate the steamer Mocking Bird between this city and
Dyea. Mr. Winters was formerly commissioner of public and school lands of
North Dakota.
E. G. Howe, late of Seattle, has accepted a position on Moore's dock.
Mr. Howe was among the unfortunate passengers of the Corona, and lost everything
he possessed, including his outfit and quite a sum of money.
J. C. Dillon went up the trail to the summit this week just to satisfy
himself as to the condition of the Skaguay trail. He says the trail is in
fine condition, and that it was surprising to see the amount of goods that were
in process of transportation at the present time.
Skaguay presents a busier appearance from day to day. The rush is on,
but the present condition of the White pass will accommodate an almost limitless
number of Klondike bound people.
For the first time there is a library in London specially devoted to topics
concerning women and of special interest to the sex. It is to be found at
the Grosvenor Crescent club which has been opened about a month now, in one of
the finest London houses in one of the best situations.
The Queen sails tomorrow morning for Puget Sound points. She was
delayed a day in sailing.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
No matter how safe, how well protected a route like that from Puget Sound to
Alaska may be; no matter how new and staunch a vessel like the Corona may be;
and no matter how careful and skilled such navigators as those who have charge
of the vessels of the oldest established steamer line on the Pacific coast are,
recent events have made manifest the need of all persons to take out insurance
against marine perils.
Just as every experienced sportsman fully understands that a gain is a deadly
weapon, so the oldest and wisest beads among navigators realize best the "perils
of the deep." A man starting out to seek his fortune goes with high hopes
and a light heart. The world is his when the line is cast off from the
dock. That a thin shell of steel, not much thicker than the stoutest
blotting paper, is all that separates him from the ocean's immeasurable depth,
is a thought not likely to occur, still less the thought that the steel shell is
crushed by impact upon a rock almost as easily as an egg shell is broken upon
the edge of a cup.
The prudent man goes prepared, and if his vessel meets with accident or
destruction his goods are saved in great part by his insurance. In the
rush that is taking place few "tenderfeet" are likely to think of marine
insurance. Every outfitter in the city should suggest the matter, and if
any outfitter should carry the insurance for a customer the act would serve the
double purpose and doubtless be doubly appreciated. -- Seattle P.-I.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Page 4.
THINGS HAVE CHANGED.
It is a fact that can not be gainsaid by any person who has familiarized
himself with the events transpiring below, that the sentiment formerly
manifested toward Skaguay and the White pass, have undergone a complete change
in Pacific coast cities and interior towns. A few short weeks ago it
seemed almost impossible to hear a kind word spoken for this town or locality,
so popular had it become to abuse everybody and everything connected with the
same. It is a fact that there was a congestion or block up on the White
pass last fall, and many persons became disgusted and disheartened after
attempting to reach the interior, and turned their faces homeward, while still
another class, and much the larger one, attempted to justify their physical
weakness, or inability to reach the lakes, by writing the most abusive letters
to their friends and relatives regarding the conditions prevailing here.
As we stated on previous occasions in these columns, it soon became a fad among
certain daily and weekly papers to heap abuse upon, not only the trail and the
town, but the inhabitants were subjected to the most bitter denunciation and
abuse, which was without any justification whatever. Now, however, all
this has been changed, and nearly everybody has a good word for Skaguay. Now, as
to the moving causes in the change of sentiment: The News is modest but it is
hardly assuming too much when we say that the change that has come o'er the
people is due in a large measure to this paper, which, in season and out of
season, has refuted the false statements made in the Puget Sound papers in the
most forcible manner, and I declared its ability to prove that the stories told
of the terrors of the White pass trail, and the iniquity of the citizens here,
were largely the creation of diseased minds and had no foundation in fact.
The publisher of the News does not desire the people of this community to render
him more praise than is due his efforts in their behalf, but he does believe
that the inhabitants of this truly wonderful little city should give the paper
that cfredit its publisher is certainly entitled to.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
THE LITERARY AND MUSICAL SOCIETY.
At the regular meeting of the Literary and Musical society, Tuesday evening,
a most interesting program was given. After the minutes and other business
had been disposed of, Mr. Nelson, a native of Alaska, gave a piccolo solo, which
sustained his reputation as a musician. Mrs. Dr. Pohl then read an
excellent paper on "The Management of a Hospital" with special reference to the
Skaguay hospital which is being established under the direction of the Society.
The paper gave evidence of valuable personal experience in hospital management
and of broad culture in the art of healing. The lady is a graduated
physician, who with her husband, Dr. Pohl, also a physician, is moving to
Dawson. The society hopes to hear from her again before she leaves the city.
Mr. Howe, one of the Corona's wrecked passengers, sang "You Will Remember
Me," very acceptably. Mr. Percy Hunting recited "The Wounded Soldier," and
in response to an enthusiastic encore gave "The Raven." Mr. Hunting is a
finished actor and popular with Skaguay audiences. Mrs. Baker, who
presented at the organ, sang two numbers which were well received and heartily
applauded.
Next Tuesday evening will be devoted entirely to music, the entertainment
being under the direction of Mrs. Strong. The church is crowded at all
these meetings and it is expected that the largest audience of the series will
be present at the musical. The entertainments are free and all are
cordially invited by the Society to attend.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
The traveling public is hereby informed that the route from Skaguay to Lake
Bennett is and has been open all winter. A man can walk, can ride on
horseback, go dog team, goat team, reindeer, one horse, two horses abreast; can
hire a team to pull himself and freight or can pull it himself. In short,
he can get there if he wants to and not have to wait until next summer to do it.
~~~~~~
Those "aerial tramway" liars who operate lines, in their minds, over the
Chilkoot pass, in order to deceive the intending traveler are too contemptible
for a decent man's notice. They should be kicked when ever met by their
victims. We almost feel like suggesting a more drastic punishment.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
WORK ON THE WAGON ROAD.
Completed to the Summit Not Later Than March 1.
While promoters of aerial schemes of transportation across the mountains to
the interior have been prolific in misrepresentation in order to deceivew the
people as to their ability to transport goods to the interior, the Skaguay &
Yukon Co., which is building the wagon road from Skaguay to Lake Bennett has
gone steadily ahead, employed men, paid them and constructed the work they
undertook without resorting to lying or misrepresentation in order to induce
people to patronize the Skaguay trail.
Every day, since the work began, has witnessed steady progress and by March
1st. the route from Skaguay to Lake Bennett will be unobstructed, and a team may
be loaded in Skaguay and driven clear through to Lake Bennett without making a
stop, other than is necessary for the purpose of food and rest.
Transportation companies operating, or alleged to be operating, from the
neighboring town of Dyea have been guilty of the most outrageous
misrepresentation, and to use a stronger term - in announcing that their lines
were completed from Dyea to Lindeman. These statements were made wholly
with intent to deceive and delude the misinformed into patronizing that route.
The president of one of these concerns is quoted in an Associated Press
dispatch as stating that his line was completed and that he had contracted with
the Canadian government to transport 200 tons of freight over his "aerial line."
The whole is the basest kind of a fabrication. No line from Dyea to Lake
Lindeman has been completed and none be for weeks to come, and the man, be he
whom he may, knows that he lies when he makes a contrary statement.
Those are strong words, but the News knows whereof it speaks, and challenges
successful contradiction. It is ____ these fakirs, [sic] promoters,
transportation men or whatever they may call themselves, were called down.
It is nothing short of criminal for such men to thus deceive people who are
seeking the cheapest and easiest way to reach the Alaskan interior. It is
always better to tell the truth, and in the long run more profitable, and these
people who willfully mislead the public will find that they have done so to
their own cost and inevitable disaster.
Skaguay invites a comparison of the two routes to the interior and the means
and cost of reaching them, and the News feels perfectly safe in saying that when
such comparison is instituted the odds will be found to be in favor of the
Skaguay trail.
First. - Because an open roadway is had the entire distance to Lake Bennett
over which horses, dogs or oxen can be used.
Second. - Because it is never obstructed, for days at a time, by storms and
life and property are never in danger.
Third. - Because it presents the easiest, cheapest and most expeditious means
of reaching the interior.
Fourth. - Because the wharfage facilities at Skaguay are the best and the
argonaut loses no time in getting his goods and placing them in transit.
Fifth. - Because no other route exists, over which goods can be as quickly,
easily and cheaply transported.
Sixth. - Because investigation will prove that the above statements are made
in good faith and not with "intent to deceive." The News is not a fakir,
does not have that reputation and does not countenance "that kind of cattle."
The company has done no shouting; has not lied as to its intentions; has
deceived no one with false promises, but has gone steadily on with withs work.
At present over 300 men are employed and the road is being gotten into shape
just as rapidly as men and money can accomplish the work. To realize what
has been done since last November, when the work was inaugurated, one must go
over the entire route to the summit. Work in the "cut off" has been
completed and sleds are going through to the Summit every day, while the
finishing touches are being applied to other portions of the road.
The management thought that the entire section to the Summit of the White
pass would have been completed by Feb. 10, but rock work of a more difficult
character than anticipated was encountered, thus necessitating a delay in the
completion of the work.
The Skaguay & Yukon Transportation Co. have already expended in prosecution
of this work nearly $100,000 and this fact surely is evidence of the genuineness
of its undertaking.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
THE "QUEEN" STRIKES A BAR,
Hung Up Nine Hours in Wrangel Narrows.
The steamship Queen, on her last trip up, met with an accident, and escaped
serious consequences by one of the most artistic scratches with which luck has
ever been credited - in fact, two accidents, for she not only grounded for nine
hlours in Wrangel Narrows, but caught on fire in the linen room, but the fire
was promptly put out before much damage was done.
The accident to the ship occurred on Monday afternoon about 3 o'clock.
It was about half tide at the time. The Queen has recently come from the
dry dock, and is touching her up, a new belt had been placed on the steering
gear. One of the strands of this belt had been severed somehow, causing
the slackened rope to slip in the wheel. The result was, that within a few
hundred feet of a point in the Wrangel narrows, where there was but barely room
for a single ship to pass, the belt broke and the Queen fell off rapidly, owing
to the disconnected rudder. The steamer floated full 300 feet broadside.
The tide was rapidly running out, and Capt. Wallace tried to back the steamer
into deep water, but she had already settled on a sasnd bar. She then
began to list to port. At 7 p.m., the cable floors even inclined to an
angle of 40 degrees, filled with people leaning on them, and bracing their feet
against every available obstacle. Occasionally, a lady would lose her
footing, and many amusing incidents occurred to enliven the wait for the
returning tide.
When the steamer grounded and rolled partly over, heavy baggage shifted and
covered the horses, killing three and injuring many others. The listing of
the steamer made it impossible for many of the passengers to be served with
their meals, and it was midnight before many of them secured food. Between
12 and 1 o'clock, the Queen righted.
After the delay in the narrows, the steamer ran so low on water that the
state room drinking jars could not be filled.
So far as can be ascertained, the steamer sustained no serious damages, but
it is the united opinion of the passengers, that she had a "mighty narrow
escape."
~~~~~~~~~~~~
PALPABLE MISREPRESENTATION.
An A__________ ______ dispatch dated Tacoma, says that Hugh C. Wallace,
"president of the Chilkoot Railroad and Transportation Company, has advices of
the completion of the company's aerial tramway over the Chilkoot Pass, Alaska.
The company's system is a railroad from Dyea to Canyon City; thence a system of
aerial tramways over the Chilkoot Pass to Lake Lindeman. This marks a new
era for Klondike travel. The time between tidewater and the headwaters of
the Yukon River is shortened from a month to one day, besides removing peril and
hardships. The company has made a contract with the Canadian Government,
at 15 cents per pound, for transporting all its freight for the mounted police
from Dyea to Lake Lindeman."
The above is one of the many lies made of whole cloth, that lend to delude
the intending argonaut. It is a crime to publish such misrepresentations,
and as far as the man who makes them, he is guilty of the grossest kind of raud.
Mr. Wallace knows, if he knows anything, that the Chilkoot Railroad and
Transportation Co. has not completed its line "over the Chilkoot Pass, Alaska."
He knows that when he makes such an utterance, it is made with intent to
deceive, and thus endeavoring to divert the tide of travel over his alleged
"aerial tramway," which, as yet, does not exist, save in the mind of its
unveracious president.
The News states unequivocally that there is no tramway or railroad from Dyea
to Lake Lindeman, and that if such is even completed, it will be weeks, perhaps
months, before it is in actual operation. If Mr. Wallace is correctly
reported in the dispatch, he made therein, statement which are contemptible in
their untruth, and are not worth of credence. It is time that the innocent
and unsuspecting should be warned against those fakirs who utterly regardless of
the truth, are willing to make misrepresentations of the most untruthful kind,
in the hope of bringing a little grist to their mill.
Mr. Wallace is quoted also, as saying that he has made a congtract with the
"Canadian government for transporting friehgt to Lindeman at 15 cents per
pound."
In view of the fact that Mr. Wallace must first complete his "system of
aerial tramways," what a cheap romancer he is.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
WATER FRONT NOTES.
Wednesday was a busy day along the water front. The Steamship Islander,
of the C. P. N. Co., arrived about noon with 400 passengers and a couple of
hlours later, the Queen steamed into port with 800 argonauts. All classes
and kinds of people were represented, not a few women and children.
The steamer Chilcat, Capt. Denning, has been placed on the Skaguay-Juneau
run.
The steamer Rosalie arrived Monday with 140 passengers and a full cargo of
freight.
The steamer Clara Nevada arrived from Puget Sound ports Saturday night with
full freight and passenger lists.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
J. T. Cornforth, manager of the Colorado-Alaska Transportation Co., of
Denver, Col., arrived on the Rosalie after an absence of some weeks. Mr.
Cornforth is rapidly making preparations to begin business. His company is
one of the strongest in the Alaska transportation business while Mr. Cornforth
has had a wide experience in many of the states and territories west of the
Mississippi.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
PACIFIC COAST STEAMSHIP CO.
Will dispatch the Pacific Steam Whaling Company's steamer "Wolcott" from
Skaguay and Dyea for Juneau, calling at Haines' Mission when sufficient business
offers, carrying freight and passengers, connvecting with the steamship, City of
Topeka at Juneau, both north and south bound.
The Wolcott will hereafter make round trips between Juneau, Skaguay and Dyea,
twice per week or oftener, of which timely notice will be given.
Passengers and freight will be billed through by the Wolcott and City of Topeka
and other Pacific Coast Steamship Co.'s. steamers. The Wolcott will make
fast time, is fitted with fine passenger accommodations and will be found to be
a very superior vessel for this route. For further information apply to
Pacific Coast Steamship Co.
H. _. Robinson
Alaska Supt., Juneau
~~~~~~~~~~~~
ADVERTISING.
Celero Kola
For Sale at the Following Places
Klondike, Pack Train, People's Theater, Scotty's Place, The Grotto,
Sampson's Hotel, Clancy's, Cripple Creek Hotel.
In fact they all handle the best tonic on the market.
Geo. T. Rice, Sole Agent.
Reliable Information Regarding Trail and Trans;portation Furnished upon
Application.
Occidental Hotel.
European Plan.
First Class Accommodations.
Miller and Brogan, Mgrs,
Skaguay.
Real Estate.
North Skaguay Improvement Co.
H. Sohmer, Pres. -- A. Vinette, Secy.
Choice Residence [and] Business Property.
Head Office, for present, Moore Ave., Near Main.
Signs, Paints, Hardware, Glass, Doors.
Building material. Wall paper, House Lining. Contracts taken for
papering, painting.
Fasel & Wintermantle,
McKinney Avenue, below Broadway.
The Peak Train Saloon
Keep the finest articles in their line in the city. Club room in
connection.
Corner Broadway and Trail. Skaguay.
Bay View Hotel.
Day & Turner, Managers.
Neat, comfortable rooms. No bar in connection.
Bond St., Skaguay.
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