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In The News
The Skaguay News.
Skaguay, Alaska.
Friday, March 4, 1898.
Vol. 1, No. 21.
Page 1.
ADVERTISING.
J. G. Price, Attorney at Law.
Office opposite postoffice.
Skaguay, Alaska.
Stenographers in office.
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.
Frank H. Reid, Civil Engineer.
City Surveyor.
Office: Corner Keiser and Runnalls Streets.
Remick & Jackson,
Blacksmithing, horseshoeing, wagon and harness repairing.
Bond St., bet. Broadway and Runnalls.
Watson & Church.
Real Estate and Gold Mines Bought and Sold.
Office: Mizpah Lodge Building, McKinney Street, Skaguay.
References --
Perry Hinkle.
Joseph Burkhard.
H. H. Battin.
Dr. H. R. Littlefield, Skaguay.
T. J. Watson, Formerly of Portland, Ore.
Walter Church, M. E., Formerly of Leadville, Col.
C. W. Everst.
General merchandise, storage and commission.
Corner Braodway and Bond Streets.
Merchants Saloon
McKinney Avenue, Three doors East of P. O.
Choice wines, liquors and cigars.
A share of public patronage solicited.
J. E. Lilly. : : : Jno. C. Lilly.
Lilly Brothers,
Wholeslae and retail deaslers in hay and feed. Wholesalers only of
flour, beans figs, rolled oats, raisins, dried fruits.
Bond street, near Broadway.
Steamer 'Farallon.'
Will leave for Victoria and Puget Sound ports on or about the 24th of
November, and every twelve days thereafter. For further information
apply to A. Heathorn, Agent.
At Juneau Wharf.
The steamer 'Alert' will leave Moore's Wharf, daily for Dyea at 8 a.m.
and 1 p.m. Returning, will leave Dyea at 9:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.
The Kentucky House.
The finest beds in the city. Sample rooms and club rooms in connection.
Walter Church, Attorney at Law.
Opposite postoffice, Skaguay.
Joseph Palmer.
Pioneer Shoemaker.
Repairing neatly done.
Main Street and Trail, Skaguay.
Cascade Hand Laundry.
McBride St. between Broadway and Herman.
We are thoroughly familiar with the laundry business. Give us a trial.
Hotel Wickstrom
On Johnson Avenue near postoffice. Best accommodations.
Peter Wickstrom, Prop.
Woven Wire Cots.
Wool mattresses and feather pillows at cost at
Phipps.
First door west of Lilly Bros. on Bond St.
Pioneer Sample Room
McKinney Ave. - Opp. postoffice.
Only best ____ handled.
G. L. Blank, Prop.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
BUT 15 MILES DISTANT.
FLIES THE CANADIAN FLAG.
Customs Houses on White Pass and at Long Lake on Chilkoot, and Duties
Levied on All Passers.
A Canadian customs house has been erected 15 miles from Skaguay, on the
route to Lake Bennett.
A force of customs officials is stationed there, and every pound of
American purchased goods must pay duty on White pass summit.
On Feb. 27, hundreds of tons of goods were cached at the "so-called"
customs house awaiting inspection and appraisement. the Customs House is
a log affair. Here are also stationed a number of mounted police, about
25 in number, while the building floats the flag of the Canadian
dominion.
On Feb. 27, Capt. Chas. Cates reached the Canadian Customs House. Capt.
Cates was acting as convoy for goods being shipped in transit by the
Scroggy-Dickson party of Montreal. Deputy Collector of Customs Floyd, of
Skaguay, had given Capt. Cates orders to convoy the party to Lake
Bennett. Indeed, these orders are given to all the officials who act as
convoys, and will continue to be given until the United States
government orders otherwise. That they are turned back 15 miles from
Skaguay, on the summit of the White pass, is no fault of the local
customs house.
Well, Capt. Cates reached the Canadian Customs House on American soil,
in the White pass. Here Capt. Strickland of the Northwest Mounted police
was met. One of the Scroggy party conferred with him, saying: "We do not
have to take an American customs officer with us to Lake Bennett, do
we?"
"No," replied Capt. Strickland, you're on British soil now, and you can
tell your _________ get."
"No," replied Capt. Strickland, "your'e on British soil now, and you can
Under the circumstances, there was nothing else left for Capt. Cates to
do, so he returned to Skaguay.
And the Canadian customs house is in full operation a legaue and a half
from (t)ide water in Alaska, notwithstanding the American claim is for
ten leagues.
It has been stated that a gatling gun is stationed at the White pass
customs house, but this is emphatically denied by Northwest Mounted
Police officials.
The Canadian customs house at Long lake, just across the Chilkoot
summit, will also be in operation in a few days, a travelers by that
route will also be compelled to pay tribute to Canada on America soil.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
LATE ARRIVALS FROM DAWSON
The Exit About Over for the Present.
Tom Graham, of Juneau, and Will Elliott, of San Francisco, arrived from
Dawson City Monday, having left that place on Feb. 5th. Graham and
Elliott brought out with them about $10,000 in nuggets and dust. They
report that there is an abundance of food in the Klondike and that the
fear of a famine in that country is idle.
The biggest nugget yet found in the Klondike was recently uncovered on a
claim owned by Alex McDonald, "the King of the Klondike: on Bonanza
creek. It was worth $1,000.
Hunker creek is proving immensely rich and Mr. Graham says there are a
number of claims on that stream worth $100,000, or more.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Lake Bennett News.
The name of the town of Bennett has been changed. The rusing burg is now
known as Portage City. There is a regularly elected town council, and an
arbitration committee which settles all disputes arising out of lot
jumping and the like. An interesting decision was recently rendered in a
contest over a lot, in which R. Hiltz, a former citizen of Skaguay, was
the defendant. The plaintiff won.
Portage City also has a labor union, and its members hearing that
McAulay Bros., were contemplating building a tramway between Lakes
Lindeman and Bennett, sent a committee to the McAulays, asking them to
desist, as it would interfere with the rights of labor.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
A TRIP TO LAKE LEBARGE.
Capt. Wood, of the Northwest Mounted Police, returns.
Capt. E. Z. wood, of the Northwest Mounted Police, returned Sunday from
a three weeks' trip to the interior. Capt. Wood left Skaguay Feb. 3rd,
his intention being to go to Big Salmon river, where Major Walsh has
been encamped since list fall, for the purpose of conferring with the
administrator of the Yukon district. Capt. Wood learned, however, that
Major Walsh had gone down to Dawson and would immediately return, coming
out to Skaguay. Capt. Wood, therefore, went no farther than the foot of
Lake LeBarge. He says there is a great deal of sickness all along the
route, the ailments generally being severe colds. No deaths were
reported.
People are making their way down the lakes in considerable numbers.
Coming up, Capt. Wood met the advance party, Mr. and Mrs. Hinch leading
the way, drawing dsleds. The weather was bitterly cold, and travelers
were forced to seek shelter for days. Capt. Starnes, of the Mounted
Police, and a party of men are building boats at Lake LeBarge.
Capt. Wood heard no complaints from any one during his trip. On his
return he was accompanied by Inspector of Mines, Phil Walsh, brother of
Major Walsh. The latter is expected to arrive in Skaguay this week.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
AN UNPREJUDICED OBSERVER.
Tells of the Business Being Done on the Skaguay Trail.
A. R. Yantis, of Grant's Pass, Ore., and his partner, returned last
Saturday from Lake Bennett where they have been in camp for some weeks.
They left Bennett at 8 o'clock in the morning, and reached Skaguay at 6
p.m. the same evening. Mr. Yantis, during his stay at Lake Bennett and
his trip from there to this city took particular care to note the amount
of travel and the prevailing conditions. While at Lake Bennett he made a
note of every man arriving over the Chilkoot trail, and he found that in
the 15 days previous to his departure from the lakes but three men had
reached the interior over the Chilkoot pass.
Coming out on the Skaguay route he counted 520 tents, 420 caches, passed
125 men drawing sleighs, 227 horses and sleighs, 16 oxen and 40 dog
teams, from three to eight dogs in each team. Mr. Yantis was compelled
to stop two hours on the summit while the caravans moved past. Every
team was making easy progress and good time.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
COL. DOMVILLE'S PLANS.
Col. James Domville, M. P., who visited Skaguay last fall and examined
the White pass route, is one of the staunchest friends Skaguay has. In a
recent interview in the Toronto Mail and Empire, Col. Domville said
among other things:
"The only way to get into the Yukon country properly is to build a
railway, and the only practical route for that purpose is White pass.
The next best route is by the Yukon river which, of course, is the
all-water route. The Stikeen river route is absolutely useless.
"A railroad through the White pass would not cost much and it will not
be difficult to build. We have had an engineer over the route and have
ascertained what the probable cost will be. It can be built without the
aid of a government grant, and will pay well. I wouldn't ask a shilling
of a bonus from the government."
Col. Domville states further that he was at present negotiating for the
building of a railroad through White pass. His company was going to send
out a thoroughly equipped party by their own steamer to explore the
country. He thought that the reports of the gold possibilities of the
region were fairly correct.
Mr. Domville predicts that the best year for the Klondike will be 1899.
The country will be better known then, parties will know what its
requirements are, and will go out properly equipped. They will
consequently have better success.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Long Shorty" Bigelow and Tim Creedon returned Tuesday from a
prospecting trip in the interior. They traveled by dog team and took in
1,500 pounds of supplies. The party was absent 28 days.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
AERIAL TRAMWAY LIES.
DYEA TRAIL CONGESTED.
Not a Tramway in Operation Nor Will There Soon Be - A Man's Back the
Only Reliable Line.
I view the pertinacity with which alleged transportation companies, who
claim they are operating tramways, aerial and other kinds, between Dyea
and Lake Lindeman, are being circulating in the Sound cities, three well
known gentlemen of this city on last Friday made a trip to the summit of
Chi9lkoot pass. They were Messrs. J. T. Cornforth, of the
Alaska-Colorado company; Norman R. Smith, the well known engineer, and
A. C. Lewis, of Tacoma.
The trip was made with much toil and great difficulaty, and attended by
not a few dangers. However, the topmost height of snowy Chilkoot summit
was at length reached. During the trip careful examination was made of
the condition of the trail, the means of transportation, the amount of
freight in transit to Lake Lindeman and the progress being made on the
different aerial tramway lines to the summit.
In spite of slaming adverstisments, dodgers, cards, etc. to the contrary
which are being circulated in Seattle, Tacoma, Portland and other
cities, as well as on the various steamship lines on the Alaska route,
not a foot of any of the alleged tramways is in operation, and no
tramway will be completed before May 15th, next, if then. Of course
Archie Burns' whim is doing business, whenever the weather will permit,
but this is not a great factor in solving the question of transportation
between Dyea and the lakes.
"The only means of transportation between Dyea and Lake Lindeman," said
Mr. Cornforth to a News representative, "is by wagons to Sheep Camp, and
by packing on mens' backs to the summit of the pass up a 35 per cent
incline, entailing the severest kind of work and the greatest hardships.
"Preparations are being made to build an aerial tramway between Sheep
Camp and Stone House, the motive power of which will be furnished by a
gas engine. The distance is about three miles. By next June this line
may be in operation.
"The towers on which the cables of the Chilkoot Transport Co. are to be
stretched are small, and it seems to me a cable longer than 3,000 feet
cannot be operated using these towers for supports. Under the most
favorable circumstances, it cannot be completed before the middle of
next May.
"The only safe reliance on the chilkoot trail is pack animals as far as
Sheep Camp, and after that point is reached, men's backs, and if this
weather lasts that means of transportation will be shut off in a great
measure.
"Scattered along the trail between Sheep Camp and Dyea 3,500 tons of
freight are cached, and this amount is being added to at the rate of 100
tons daily. Most any one can see the inevitable result. The Dyea trail,
even at this time is congested, and that congestion will daily become
greater until the blockade be complete. The condition is very blue
indeed.
"The only hope for the movement of any large body of people or any
quantity of freight lies in the Skaguay route," Mr. Cornforth added.
Mr. Smith also confirmed all that Mr. Cornforth had stated, adding that
the unenviable condition of the Chilkoot trail, and the utter inadequacy
of the transporation facilities could not be exaggerated.
Such is the plain statement of fact, made by the above gentlemen and in
view of these statements it seems to be almost incomprehensible that
alleged transportation companies are using every means, fair and unfair,
to induce intending Klondikers to send their outfits over lines not yet
completed and which will not be completed (if at all) for months to
come.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
HOSPITAL FUNDS.
The sum realized at the ball, given in DeWitt's hotel last week, in aid
of the hospital fund, amounted to $124, with some additional sums yet to
be collected. The benefit at the People's Theater on Saturday night,
netted $55.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Page 2.
Will Uncle Sam allow Canada to occupy this country without protest?
Nothing succeeds like success. Success begets responsibility and breeds
enemies. Skaguay has been a success from its very start. This is why the
envious coyotes of other places regards its growth with alarm.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
It is high time that this international boundary question was settled.
Either Canada has a right to the territory she has recently occupied,
without as much as apoligizing for the unwarranted intrusion or she has
not. If the territory is Canada's then it does not belong to the United
States; it if belongs to us then Canada should be served with notice to
quit. The News does not belong to the jingo school, but it does believe
in the preservation of every right belonging to the American people and
every foot of territory which is rightfully ours. This matter can be
easily adjusted by the two governments interested, if each will take a
little time from less important matters and arrange a settlement.
Canada has been agressive, in fact her aggressiveness in this matter
amounts to impudence. The Canadian dominion seems to be getting "too big
for its breeches" and Mother England should either furnish Canada with a
new pair or enlarge the old, for Canada, of her own voliton, cannot
appropriate American territory, without England's consent. The duty of
our government is plain. Canada should be compelled to vaczate the
territory which she has seized in such an unwarranted manner until the
boundary line is definitely located.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Chicago Snow and Ice Transportation Co.'s locomotives, which were
intended to scale mountains with the ease and facility of a Darius Green
flying machine, are stuck fast in Seattle mud. The agent of the concern
in Seattle has been arrested for obtaining money unlawfully, the company
having received between $40,000 and $50,000 from the unsuspecting public
in return for promised passage to Dawson. The fake transportation
companies in neighboring towns are doing business on a similar basis.
The law will probably reach these people after a while.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
THE "ALL CANADIAN ROUTE."
Like the Chilkoot Trail the Wrangel Route is No Good.
J. F. Wardner, who was in Wrangel a few days ago reports that the
Stikeen river is covered with slush to the depth of four feet.
Many foolish argonauts who attempted that route have been compelled to
return, including the expedition from Victoria, B. C., headed by
ex-Governor Dewdney (sic) (probably Rodney). There has also been
considerable suffering, and while no actual fatalities have occurred
cadses of men being badly frozen are frequent.
After going 30 miles up the river J. G. Brile and his partner were
compelled to return after both their horses had died of starvation, it
being impossible for them to secure forage. Briles feet were badly
frostbitten, while his partner's feet were so badly frozen that his left
foot and five toes of his right were amputated. Many people are leaving
Wrangel weekly, disgusted with the 350 miles of travel before them
before even reaching Lake Teslin.
The international boundary line seems to have moved toward Skaguay with
kaleidoscopic rapidity.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
CONCERNING THE HOSPITAL.
While all comers are admitted to the hospital on a physician's
certificate, whether they have money or not, and all are treated alike,
those who have money are expected to pay for their keep, nursing and
their own physician.
The following sums have been paid by or for patients iin the hospital to
Mr. Hobbes, the manager:
Albin Anderson $27.00
John Delhanty $6.00
Frank Russel $25.00
Peter M. Salium $13.00 (could be Saliam, Saliom, Salinm)
Tom Williams $2.00
P. R. Russell $10.00
Wm. Mann $15.00
E. R. Simmons $5.00
Total $114.00
Mr. Hobbes has expended $113.00 in payment of bills, leaving a balance
on hand of $1.00.
A number of donations of supplies have been received but they need more
towels, sheets, old flannel and cotton cloth, lamps and any delicate
eatables for the sick. all such donations will be thankfully received
and acknowledged.
Hospital Committee,
By Walter Church.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
IN DEFENSE OF THE POST OFFICE.
Being somewhat familiar with the mail service of this place I desire to
call the kicker's attention to some of the difficulties that confront
the office here.
By reason of the phenomenal growth of this place the office is only
allowed a boy's pay for doing ten men's work. Then, too, there are
hundre4ds of new names and faces every dya, and nearly every one has a
request to make or instructions to leave relative to his mail. A new
arrival depends on getting his last mail before going to the interior at
this office; and after being on the trail forty-eight hours he begins to
send in orders by every friend and messenger he meets for mail, and as a
result the postman is often asked to run through a large bundle of mail
as much as six times a day to see if there is mail for "John Smith."
Again, the mails are irregular and come in heavy shipments and it is
surprising that the importunate public get their mail with the dispatch
they are getting it; and the people of this place should feel gracious
toward those in charge who have to bear all these burdens without
adequate pay and procure the assistance of eight men just to accommodate
the public.
C. W. Corlis.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
TO ADVERTISE SKAGUAY.
The committee appointed at the meeting of citizens on MMonday evening to
devise ways and means of advertising Skaguay and this route to the
interior, have lost no time in discharging the duties imposed upon them.
A folder containing articles illustrative of the growth of the city, the
Skaguay route, relative advantages of three trails leading into the
Yukon, the shipping facilities, and sanitation, have been prepared by
the members of the commieett -- Messrs. Sylvester, Bartlett, Church,
sperry and Strong. The printing is being done by the News, and the
little work will be ready for distribution in a few days.
It is proposed to circulate the folder on all steamers on the Alaska
route, in Seattle, Victoria, Vancouver, Tacoma and Portland.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
DEATH OF HARLEY B. BAKER.
Harley Bertram Baker, aged three years, son of Mr. and Mrs. E. Baker,
died last Monday night of pneumonia. Funeral services were held at the
home of the child's parents, on Tuesday at one o'clock, the interment
being in the city cemetery.
Dr. Keller will do your dental work at reasonable rates.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Have Dr. Keller attend to your teeth at once. Don't risk a trip into the
interior with defective teeth.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
A LONG-FELT WANT.
The DuBois Furniture Co. has 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.
If you want a good salve go to Kelly & Co. and ask for Garland's Happy
Thought salve. If it is not satisfactory to you your money will be
refunded. Garland's Happy, the kind that cures.
A nice line of ladie's dress goods and underwear at Burkhard's.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
UNION HOSPITAL.
Nineteen patients have been received, five discharged and two died,
leaving 12 now in the hospital; most of whom are doing well. There are
three cases of meningitis. The others are principally a grippe and
pneumonia.
Wm. Mann was admitted March 26 - unconscious - and remained so most of
the time until his death Wednesday evening.
He was brought to the hospital by the Robert Pritchard party, from the
third bridge, on the trail. Pritchard said Mann had no money or
supplies, but was going over to Dawson with his party by working his
way. Pritchard and party gave $15 to pay his expenses. Mann was a son of
John Mann, of Bonaventa county, Quebec. He was buried in the city
graveyard yesterday, by Undertaker Peoples, and Rev. Mr. Dick delivered
the funeral sermon. He left some old bedding, and two valises of
clothing, sent down by Mr. Pritchard. No papers were found on his
person. His pockets contained only a knife and some tobacco. Mr.
Pritchard was notified of his death through the Mounted Police, and a
letter sent to his father, containing all that could be learned
regarding his son.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
WATER WORKS UNDER WAY.
The Seattle & Skaguay Light & Water Co. are actively at work, and very
soon Skaguay will have a first class water works system. Pipe is already
laid from the lake east of town for a considerable distance, and the
work will be prosecuted with vigor, until it is completed. The work of
putting in mains in the principal streets will soon be inaugurated.
Andrew Jackson, a well-known water works expert of Seattle is in charge
of construction. Mr. Jackson arrived in the city a few days ago. The
engineer in charge is Mr. Whitworth, pof Seattle. The others of the
company are: President, Dr. H. B. Runnalls; secretary, Geo. N. Wright.
A reservoir will be built at once with a pressure of 200 pounds, and a
second is also to be erected. The pipes and material for the work are
now on the way here. The company is erecting cabins near the lake for
the use of the men employed in the work.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
United States commissioner John U. Smkith was in the city from Dyea this
week.
N. D. McAulay, of Victoria, B. C., owner of the Chilkoot hotel, Dyea,
and one of the promoters of the White Horse rapids trmway, arrived on
the steamer Lakme this week with 90 tons of supplies, which he is taking
in to the interior, by way of Skayguay route. Mr. McAulay knows the best
route to the lakes.
Rev. A. G. Grant, formerly of Almont, Ont., pleasantly remembered as
having spent several days in Skaguay a few weeks ago, came into town
this week from Lake Bennett. Mr. Grant is taking an outfit in Dawson,
where he proposes to engage in missionary work. Mr. Grant made the trip
from Lake Bennett to Skaguay in 13 hours, stopping enroute about two
hours.
Tom Wheeler, formerly sheriff of Yellowstone county, Mont., but now
located at Dyea, made the News office a call on Thursday. Mr. Wheeler is
a pioneer of Montana, and still thinks it the best state in the Union.
The steamers City of Seattle, Navarro, Utopia, Danube, Rosalie, Farallon
and Humboldt have been in port this week, as well as the bark, Richard
III, the steam schooner Lakme and others.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
ADVERTISING.
Kauffman Bros.
Big Opening March 1st.
Kalem Building, 19 Broadway.
Mrs. W. M. Leslie,
Dressmaking and plain sewing. Parkas a speciality.
Main and 10th Street, Skaguay.
Mrs. A. Raleigh.
Representing H. B. Litt of Portland. Has a line of ladies' cloaks,
capes, skirts, etc.
Next to Everest's on Broadway.
Post-Office Drugstore.
Williford-Foster Drug Co.
Pure drugs, medicines, and chemicals.
In charge of Dr. Williford.
E. R. Peoples.
Undertaker and Embalmer.
Broadway and Shoup.
Sam Freeman Horesehoeing and General Blacksmithing.
(Formerly Wm. Stanley's old stand.)
Bond Street : : : Skaguay, Alaska.
Gun and Locksmith
Repairing of guns, revolvers, knives, lock work, compass charged and
repaired, kinives and shears ground, saws filed, etc.
Louis Kruschke
Burkhard's Store.
Millinery, stationery, china, ladies' furnishing goods, plain sewing.
Mrs. Mary Conrad.
Corner Runnalls and Delaney sts.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Page 3.
L. C. Pease, of the Post-Intelligencer news syndicate, who is en route
to Dawson, was in the city this week, having come in from Lake Bennett,
where his supplies are stored awaiting the opening of navigation. Mrs.
Wishear, of the same party will push on down the lakes, using _____
freighters.
C. W. Walsh, a hotel man of Portage City, Lake Bennett, was in town
Tuesday.
Deputy Marshal McInnis this week notified the business houses to clean
up their premises, including water closets, etc. The order has been
generally obeyed.
The Oldd Vienna Restaurant, Mrs. L. Thompson, prop. At the Midway.
The steamer North Pacific, Capt. Carter, arrived in port Tuesday night,
12 days out from Seattle. She brought in about 90 passengers, including
a party of 25 St. Louis people en route to Dawson, each of whom has a
two years' supply of provisions.
A "long-felt want" has been filled in Dyea by the establishment of a
hospital, where the many sick people of the neighbotring town may be
cared for. The proprietor of the hospital is Dr. L. Price, a noted
specialist in his line. Dr. Price already has an extensive practice in
Dyea, and with increased accommodations which he is adding to the
hospital, the sick will be cared for in a thorough manner.
C. S. Moody, president of the First Bank of Skaguay, has returned from a
business trip to Puget Sound. Mr. Moody says there is great activity in
the leading Sound cities just now, and the paid emissaries of Dyea
alleged transportation companies, and Wrangel, are doing their level
best to divert travel by these paper routes.
F. F. Reid, the city surveyor, has added to his engineering appliances a
complete set of Young's instruments, and is now thoroughly equipped to
do all kinds of surveying.
Fine imported perfume at Bean's, cor. Broadway, near Shoup.
D. H. Warden has returned from a visit to Victoria.
The "Ladies Aid" will serve refreshments in the church Saturday, Mar. 5,
from 5 to 7 o'clock p.m. Price, 15 cents. Proceeds to go to the beneift
of the hospital.
J. F. Wardner, a well known mining man of Idaho and British columbia
arrived on the Danube. Mr. Wardner is taking in 50 tons of supplies to
the Klondike. He came to Sakguay three weeks ago, looked over the routes
to the interior and selected the Skaguay road. Mr. Wardner is
accommpanied by his son.
Young man who has had the experience of entire trip to interior, wishes
work on trail with party. Enquire at this office. Douglas Ross, German
Bakery.
Mr. Klinkowstein and wife have returned from a three month's visit to
his former home in New York City.
The Astoria liner Pak Shan arrived in port yesterday with a heavy cargo
of freight.
The australia arrived this morning from Puget Sound with a large
passenger list.
The Empire Theater on Holty avenue will, when complete, be one of the
best appointed houses in Alaska.
Jensen & Steinbaugh's bath house on Holly, near Broadway is now open.
R. S. Robertson, representing the Seattle & Alaska Transportation Co.
and the Tacoma & Alaska Transportation Co., is in the city looking over
the situation. Mr. Robertson will probably open an office in the city.
Dr. Keller, the painless dentist. Kelly block.
Gen. Supt. Brackett of the wagon road company was a passenger for
Seattle on the City of Seattle on Tuesday.
Seventy days on the Dyea Trail! That is the experience of Messrs.
Ruthyn, Turney and H. C. Feldman, who arrived in Skaguay Wednesday. Two
months and a half ago they left Dyea with 1000 pounds each. Sheep Camp
was easily reached, but then their troubles began. For seventy long days
they toiled and perspired between Sheep Camp and Lake Lindeman,
encountering almost incredible hardships. But there is an end to all
things, and finally Messrs. Turney and Feldman succeeded in landing
their outfits at the lake, although the gentlemen themselves, were
almost completely worn out. They will remain in Skaguay for a few weeks
and recuperate.
Mr. Lewis Garrison, stenographer and type-writer. Office: 17 Bond St.
Work alone at a reasonable price.
Notice. - Team owners wishing to lease or contract teams, apply at once
to Viningt & Wilkes, Dyea.
Herbert Haven, druggist, can be found at Bean's drug store.
Capt. F. G. Gilmore, who made two very successful trips to Alaska with
the old side-wheeler, Gen. E. Starr, last fall, came up from the Sound
as pilot on the steam schooner, Del Norte, arriving here last Saturday.
The Seattle and Alaska Navigation Co. own the Del Norte, and have
already chartered several more steamers to place on the route. Capt.
Gilmore is one of the most genial steamboat men we have met for years,
and knows every foot of the inside route between Seattle and Skaguay.
Dr. Newell, physician and surgeon, Dr. Brooks, occulist. Office on
McKinney street.
Zeb Freisch, of Juneau, a returned Klondiker, is believed to have been a
passenger on the ill-fated Clara Nevada.
A number of Canadian customs officials arrived on the Danube. Their
mission is to facilitate the transmission of goods from Skaguay to the
interior.
E. C. Phelps, of Nevada; Al. Kyle, and M. P. Nash arrived this week from
Dawson having left that place Jan. 15th. They brought no late
information concernin g the Klondike, but, state that there is no danger
of starvation in the Klondike country.
Mr. Sylvester should keep close tab of his hired men - especially
newspaper hired men.
Through the foresight of George Eckerd, a copy of the Skaguay News has
been received. The News is loyal to its town, and holds up the advantage
of its pass to the lakes, and without hesitation tells of reports of
adverse to the passability of the Dyea passage. In all respects the News
has the appearance of a metropolitan weekly journal, being well-filled
with advertisements. It asserts that latest arrivals from Dawson say
there is no danger of starvation in the interior. - Vancouver (Wash.)
Columbian.
Good building for sale or rent. Chas. E. Warner & Co.
J. P. Laumeister, of the Alaska Meat Market, left this week for a trip
to Tacoma. While in the City of Destiny Mr. Laumeister will "shake down:
the people concerning Skaguay.
Mrs. W. M. Davis arrived from Seattle on the Queen and will make her
home here with her husband and son. Mrs. Davis was accompanied by Mrs.
John Replinger, also of Seattle.
A. A. Smith is managing editor of the Alaskan during the absence of Mr.
Dunbar.
J. J. McGreal has established a messenger service between here and Dyea.
He also does an express business between these points. Can be seen at
Bauer & Co's. Store betwen 10 and 11 o'clock a.m.
W. L. Miller, clerk of the hotel Seattle, died Monday of inflammation of
the bowels. Mr. Miller was a passenger on the wrecked Corona. He is
supposed to have come here from Kentucky, a letter found in his effects
bearing the Lexington postmark. Miller was about 35 years of age. The
interment took place in the city cemetery Tuesday.
J. H. Martin is agent for the San Francisco chronicle. Office at
Portland Bunk House.
The regular Tuesday night meeting of the Literary and Musical Society
was well attended, as is usual and the following interesting program was
rendered: Piccolo solo, Mr. Edwards; encore, bassoon solo. Song, Miss
Davis, "A Little Rag Doll." Recitation, Mr. Glissman, "Your Mother."
~~~~~~~~~~~~
PUBLIC NOTICE.
Notice is hereby given that I, the undersigned, own Lot one (1) of Block
nine (9) of the town of Skaguay; that I have given power to no one,
except my attorney to occupy, lease, or sell said lot or any portion
thereof, and that, upon the favorable termination of the suit of
ejectment now brought against May F. DeSucca, I shall take action to
collect renatl from each and every occupant of said lot or any portion
thereof, for the period of their occupancy.
A. D. McLennan.
Skaguay, Feb. 28, 1898.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Yesterday Mr. D. M. Brogan presented Mrs. J. M. Rowan, wife of the
deputy marshall killed by Ed. Fay, with a check for $305, the balance of
a fund raised by subscription, the names of the donors to which were
published by the News last week. The total amount raised was $424, and
the expenditures were as follows:
Undertaker $91.00
Wagon $6.00
Digging grave $8.00
Watchers:
Dr. Bryant $4.00
Dr. Hornsby $2.00
H. J. McInnis $8.00
Total $119.00
The subscriptions to the fund were paid to Mr. Brogan at different times
during the past month, and as fast as received there deposited in the
Bank of Skaguay, and would have been paid over to Mrs. Rowan some time
ago but for the fact that it was understood that a number of people
wished to subscribe to the fund, hence the list was left with the bank
for that purpose.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
COTTAGE CITY ON THE ROCKS.
Repaired After Being Beached Forty-eight Hours.
Steamship Cottage City, Capt. Hunter, bound for this port from Puget
Sound, bumped on the rocks in Dixon's Entrance on Monday night. The
steamer slid off, however, but it was found she was taking water
rapidly, and she was beached. Repairs were effected in two days' time
and the vessel preceded on her way, reaching Juneau last night.
The Cottage City will probably arrive in Skaguay today.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Empire Theater opens Wednesday the 9th, Holly Street.
Dr. L. S. Keller, the well-known dentist, is confined to his bed by a
severe cold. He hopes to be around again in a few days.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
BURNED TO DEATH AT DYEA.
The "Every One's Home," hotel, saloon and dance hall located in the very
center of Dyea was burned to the ground Thursday morning. Bert Meeks was
burned to death and Gus Kohler of Juneau horribly burned, the flesh
dropping from his hands and face and his body being a mass of blisters.
The flames are supposed to have originated from a lighted cigar laid
down by one of the guests of the hotel. A subscription for the relief of
the sufferers was immediately started, Dr. cleveland heading rhe list
and $2,000 was soon raised.
It was stated that others had been burned to death but the report was
unfounded.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
BOARD OF TRADE ORGANIZED.
Business Men Get together in downright Earnestness.
The Skaguay Board of Trade was organized last night in the burkhard
hotel annex, thirty charter members having signed the roll.
To the Citizens' committee, appointed at the Monday night meeting is due
the credit of initiating the movement that committee decided that,
following the (instructions?) of the meeting, no better way _____ ____
devised to help the town and the road to the interior than by the
banding together of the businessmen. This has been accomplished.
The meeting last night was called to order by Mr. E. O. Sylvester. Mr.
Walter Church acting as secretary. After earnest addresses had been made
by the chairman, and Messrs. Strong, Mariner, Humber, Cornforth,
Klinkenstein and others, a motion that a board of trade be formed was
unanimously adopted.
Mr. Sylvester was placed in nomination for president of the board, and
before he could get an opportunity to decline the honor, was elected by
a rising vote. T. M. Word was elected vice president; Walter Church,
secretary, and C. S. Moody, treasurer. A board of directors, consisting
of seven members, was also elected, the president and other officials
being ex-officio members of the board of directors. The directors
elected are: C. E. Kelly, Morgan Tillinghast, G. A. Brackett, M.
Klinkenstein, H. E. Battin, S. L. Lovell and D. M. Brogan.
A committee consisting of Messrs. Strong, Hazeltine, Sperry, Bartlett
and Dick was appointed to draft by-laws for the government of the board.
The board then adjourned to meet at the same place, Saturday evening at
8 o'clock.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
The steam launch, "Julia H.," will make four trips daily between Skaguay
and Dyea, carrying passengers and packages. Boat leaves from Central
wharf.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
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 officers, carrying frieght and
passengers, connecting 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. F. Robinson,
Alaska Supt., Juneau.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Page 4.
LET THERE BE ACTION.
The called meeting at the church on Monday evening illustrates plainly
and forcibly the need of instant action in behalf of this city in order
to refute the gross misrepresentations which are continually being made
concerning Skaguay, the health of the city, the route from this point to
the interior and the like.
That the liar is abroad in the land needs not be said, that the liar
frequently hairls from Skaguay while disseminating misinformation is
apparent from the nature of his work.
Paid agents of other trails are getting in their work at the expense of
the ignorant or misinformed. While it is true that transportation
companies, alleged to be operating on the Chilkoot trail can not carry
out a single contract made, still the lies they have told and the
allegations they have made as to their ability to freight goods to
Lindeman need refutation. People are seeking the best route to the
interior, and the paid agents of these alleged transport concerns are
reaping a harvest.
That the people who make contracts with them are badly fooled every
resident of Skaguay knows; that these fraudulent misrepresentations will
rebound to the detriment of those promulgating them is sure; but in the
meantime, by their nefarious practices much damage has been done and
this city is a sufferer in consequence. We who are here know that the
Skaguay trail is the only practicable one, but we forget that there are
thousands of people who are not so informed, and when an agent of
Wrangel or Dyea meets one of these people he has little difficulty to
prevail upon him to bill his goods to either place. These same
emissaries point to the Skaguay trail of last year, and the horrors
alleged to have attended the argonaut passing over it. The fact that
$125,000 has been expended in constructing a wagon road is kept in the
background.
We want to be plain and point out facts to our citizens. We have been
too slow; we have unwisely let things take their course trusting that
our merits would command undivided attention. But we have had active,
vigorious, and, we will say, unscrupulous rivals, who do not hestitate
at any thing in order to bring grist to their mill, even if they know
that the grist will be badly ground.
Some months ago Mr. Heller, formerly of Sioux City, Ia., in an interview
in the News ponted out the fact that constant activity would be
necessary on the part of Skaguay citizens in order to meet and refute
the lies and misrepresentations which he foresaw would follow the
building up of a town here and the opening up of a great highway to the
interior. His prediction has been verified by recent events.
There is still time to counteract the harm that has been done. We
understand that a committee appointed at the citizen's meeting held on
Monday night is noew engaged in preparing a brochure on Skaguay and its
advantages including articles by practical men. These will be sent
broadcast over the country and will accomplish much good.
In the meantime every loyal citizen should lend his earnest aid to the
work thus begun and help to carry it out.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
In view of the many false and misleading statements made through the
press and by private individuals concerning the alleged prevalence of
disease in this city, a public meeting was held Monday evening in the
church to take steps to not only refute these malicious lies, but also
to advertise Skaguay and its advantages, and especially the route to the
interior by way of this city.
The immediate matter which brought about the meeting, was the
publication in the Alaska Searchlight, published at Juneau, of an
article headed, "Clouds Hang Over Skaguay - People Dying Like Sheep in
Skaguay - Take Timely Warning."
The article then went on to state that from "ten to fifteen dead b odies
a day were taken to the morgue and at night they were placed in pine
coffins and taken out and buried in the night."
Then the unveracious Searchlight chronicler went on to describe how the
"disease" affected its alleged victims.
When the meeting had been called to order and Senator Matlock had been
elected chairman, and R. A. Grims, secretary, Dr. Hornsby read the
Searchlight article. A free discussion ensued as to the best methods to
be adopted to refute this and other base and slanderous statements which
were being persistently made concerning the health of the city and the
route to the interior.
Dr. Hornsby also read an article in the evening paper, from Mr. E. O.
Sylvester, owner of the Searchlight, repudiating both the article and
the pro tem editor, . G. Praetor.
It was finally decided to elect a committee whose duties it should be to
refute these charges, and set forth the advantages offered to the
business men, prospector or whomsoever else, by this city and the route
leading to Lake Bennett. In compliance with this, Messrs. Al. Bartlett,
E. O. Sylvester, Walter Church, Capt. Sperry and J. F. A. Strong were
elected.
Col. Will E. Fisher, president of the Skaguay Readl Estate Exchange,
presented the following, which is self-explanatory:
"To Col. Will E. fisher; President Skaguay Real Estate Exchange.
"Dear Sir:
"The committee appointed by you for the purpose of investigating the
sanitary condition of Skaguay, beg leave to submit the following report
and testify as to its correctness in every respect.
"Morgan Tillinghast, Chairman.
"H. R. Hoefler, Sec'y.
"J. H Diers.
"J. F. A. Strong.
"In view of the many alarming reports being circulated throughout the
country concening the sanitary condition of Skaguay, and the spread of
diseases, contagious and otherwise, the undersigned physicians of
Skaguay, Alaska, desire to state that up to the present time there have
been but nineteem deaths from natural causes during the past six months.
"When it is considered that there is a bona fide population of at least
10,000 people in this city, and a transient population of 6,000 and that
hundreds of people are arriving here each week, the death rate cannot be
considered high, nor is there foundation in fact for the exaggerated
reports which find currency in the outside world.
"The conditions here existing are such as might occur in any community,
and there is absolutely no danger of an epidemic of any kind.
"Signed:
"J. H. Moore, M. D., Ex-Supt. Hospi9tal for Insane of Idaho.
"H. B. Runnals, M. D., M. R. C. S., formerly Mecical Supt. South
Washburn Hospital, London.
"C. W. Cornelius, M. D.
"M. A. Newell, M. D., Cherida, Wyo
"Emil Pohl, M. D.
"Esther G. Pohl, M. D.
"A. H. Bryant, M. D.
"J. Allen Hornsby, M. D.
"T. E. Williford, M. D.
"Wm. H. Chase, M. D."
~~~~~~~~~~~~
When Hugh C. Wallace, president of the alleged Chilkoot Railroad &
Transport Co., and the other Puget Sound shareholders have unloaded
their airy aerial tramway, etc., etc., etc. stock on unsuspecting
Eastern people, those lying advertisements alleging that "the Chilkoot
Railroad, etc. is now prepared to transport freight from Dyea to
Lindeman," will be ordered discontinued.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Nineteen deaths in Skaguay from natural causes, and four from other
causes in the death record of Skaguay sinces its foundation six months
ago. And that death rate represents at least 25,000 people. The
attention of those lisars who are telling of the alarming death rate of
Skaguay is called to the above fact.
Poor Juneau! It would seem that most of its people, in order to kill the
time that hands heavy on their hands, put in most of their time visiting
the dock when steamers arrrive and circulate flase and malicious lies
concerning Skaguay. The poor old town verily is on its last legs.
One J. G. Praetor, managing editor of the "Alaska Searchlight, e. O.
Sylvester, editor and proprietor," is a "prater" from away back. Mr.
Sylvester's string attached to Praeter's pencil, seems was too short at
one end.
Some newspapers, published in Alaska and elsewhere, under startling
headlines announce that "Skaguay is under martial law." It ought to be
needless to say that Skaguay is not under martial nor is not likely to
be, although we have two companies of regular soldiers who are making
their temporary homes in the town.
The gross lies being disseminated by alleged transportation companies
concerning their ability to freight goods from Dyea to Lindeman, will
react on the men who are circulating these false statements. When
intending Klondikers find that they have been made the victims of a
monumental lying association, the reaction that is sure to set in will
injure Dyea and all concerned with it. These miserable prevaricators
will learn that every knock against Skaguay is a boost for the town.
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