In The News   The Skaguay News. Skaguay, Alaska Friday, March 24, 1899 Vol. II, No. 24. Page 1. ADVERTISING. P. A. E. Boetzkes, M. D., Physician and Surgeon. Sixth Avenue, bet. Broadway and State, Skaguay. Hours - 9 to 10 a.m. & 1 to 2 and 7 to 9 p.m. Skaguay Oyster Parlors. Fresh Puget Sound and Eastern Oysters, In Any and Every Style. Holly St., next door to Mondamin Hotel. Finest Oyster Cook on the Coast. Elegant Service. Private Rooms. Frank Clancy, Manager. First Bank of Skaguay C. S. Moody, Pres. and Mgr. S. W. Aldrich, Vice Pres. Transacts a general banking business in all branches. Exchange boufght and sold. Valuables received for safe keeping. Gold dust purchased and advances made on same. J. G. Price. : : : M. E. Stevens. Price & Stevens, Attorneys at Law. 5th Avenue and State Street. Skaguay. Stenographer in office. Skaguay Coal Co. Broadway and Second. Gilman double Screened Lump Coal; Climan Double Screened Nut; Wellington Coal. Our coal is all sacked and delivered to any part of the city. Chas. E. Severance, Manager. Dentistry. Jas. B. Wall, Graduate Dentist. Open evenings. State St., bet. 5th and 6th. Skaguay. The Principal Barber Shop and Bath House of Skaguay is now open. Everything first class. Hot and cold baths. Private room for ladies. Open at night. Call and see us. Jensen & Stinebaugh, Props. Broadway and Holly Street. F. T. Keelar, The Money King. Pioneer Auctioneer. Advance money on consignments. Buys outfits. Has barrels of money to loan. G. A. Anderson, Dealer in shelf and heavy hardware, stoves, tin and graniteware. Paints, oils and glass, sash and doors. Miners' and prospectors' outfits a speciality. Cor. State and 6th Ave., Skaguay. New Barber Shop and Bath House, McKinney, cor. of Broadway Ladies' bath with lady attendant. Plant and medicated baths. Everything guaranteed. Bob Sweet, Prop. Golden North Hotel. Large, comfortable rooms. No bar. No bunks. Patronage of business residents especially solicited. Thos. Whitten, Manager. A first class hotel. Rates reasonable. Bond St., bet. Main and State. Skaguay. Pioneer Barber Shop, McKinney Street, Two doors west of Burkhard Hotel. Finest tonsorial artists in the city. Bowman & Grigwire, Props. Magnolia Hotel, Fifth Avenue. Geo. A. Beam, Proprietor. First-class bar in connection. Fine liquores and cigars. Beer on draught. St. James Hotel. Everything first-class. Electric lights and call bells. The only fire proof hotel in Alaska. Rates moderate. Cor. Fourth Avenue and State St., Skaguay. Alfred Alm, Fruit, tobacco, cigars, cigarettes and confectionery. Iced rinks a speciality. State Street between 4th and 5th. Pacific Hotel, European Plan. Baths. Fifth Ave., near Main St., Skaguay. C. W. Klippel, Mgr. First-Class accommodations. Terms Reasonable. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ NOTICE. Notice is hereby given to the public generally that Herman Meyer, the former manager for Frye Bruhn & company, conducting and operating the Skaguay Market, has no longer any connection in any manner with said business, and all persons are hereby notified to have no further dealings with said Herman Meyer. The business that has been formerly conducted in Skaguay, Alaska, and known as the Skaguay Market, and owned by Frye Bruhn & co., will be hereafter conducted by and in the name of The Frye-Bruhn Company, to whom all accounts now outstanding must be paid. Dated at Skaguay, Alaska, this 23d day of February, 1899. The Frye-Bruhn Company. By Frank F. Frye, Vice President. John R. Winn, R. D. Weldon, Attorneys for Frye-Bruhn Co. Mar. 23, 1899. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ OUR CRIMINAL CODE. NEW COURT SYSTEM ESTABLISHED FOR THE DISTRICT. Based on Old English Law. Crimes Defined and Penalties Provided. - Fur Animals and Salmon Are Well Protected. - Gambling Prohibited. While a copy of the bill providing new laws for Alaska has not been received, a fair idea of its character and nature is obtained from a recent Washington dispatch. By far the most important provisions of the code, according to the dispatch, are those legalizing the sale of intoxicating liquors within the territory, which, it appears, were added as amendments to the original bill. It is said that the amendments, except those relating to the sale of liquor, ar enot radical. The provisions of the original bill are very broad. Not only are all crimes and their punishment clearly defined, but the course of procedure is distinctly outlined, making impossible in future the escape of notorious lawbreakers on technicalities due to defects in the old laws. The common law of England, as adopted and understood in the United States, is adopted as the foundation of the new code. The grand jury system is continued in force, but with all doubts as to its legality removed. All felonies must be tried upon indictment by the grand jury. The general criminal laws of the United States are extended to Alaska, with minor modifications. The district court of Alaska is given jurisdiction over all classes of felony, as under the old law, but with clearly defined power. System of Justice Courts. The most radical change from the old system is the establishment of a complete system of justice courts having power to commit offenders to await the action of the district court and grand jury in cases of alleged felony, and having power to try and punish in cases of misdemeanor. These inferior courts are to be presided over by the United States commissioners, appointed by the poresident under the existing laws, or by the district court, under the new laws who are by the new law made ex=-officio juistices of the peace and allowed to exercise the powers maintained at such places as may be designated by their appointments. In the same manner the present deputy United States marshals and those who may hereafter be appointed are made ex-officio constables of the justice courts. The new act supplies "a long felt want" in Alaska by providing for coroners. The commissioners appointed by the president and by the courts are under its terms given the same jurisdiction usually exercised by the coroner in cases of death by violence or under suspicious circumstances. All the crimes in the calendar are fully defined by the new law and their punishment prescribed. In most cases the crimes are defined in the same manner as by the federal code of the United States with correspondence penalties, but there are some crimes peculiar to Alaska which are taken cognizance of by the new law. In murder cases, under the new code the death penalty is prescribed for murder in the first degree, but the jury may qualify the verdict with the words, "without capital punishment," and imprisonment for life will follow instead of hanging. Other heinous crimes against the person are defined in the same chapter. The age of consent in females is fixed at the age of 14 years. One crime which the statutes of few states refer to is defined and a punishment provided for by the new act. This consists in the pointing of firearms at one person by another, even without malice, and even when the same are not discharged, or when no injury follows their discharge. The penalty, upon conviction, is a fine of $100, or imprisonment in the penitentiary for not more than one year, or bnoth. Crimes of a Mining Country. The crime of robbing sluice boxes, bedrock in mining claims and mines in general is fully defined and a punishment of from one of five years in the penitentiary or a fine of $100 to $1,000, or, both fine and imprisonment, is prescribed. The law is somewhat unique. In the chapter defining and fixing the punishment of counterfeiting, forgery and similar crimes, is mentioned one offense which probably does not appear in the code of any state in the Union. It is described as the mixing or adulterating of any gold dust with any metal or coin of less value than such gold dust with intent to pass or sell or in any way dispose of such gold dust as genuine; or the passing off, selling or otherwise disposing of such adulterated gold dust as genuine, knowing the same to be mixed or adulterated. Imprisonment in the penitentiary of from one to five years is rescribed as the penalty. A similar penalty is prescribed for the offense of haivng in one's possession such adulterated gold dusty with intent to pass if off as genuine. The new code defines at great length the crimes of perjury, subornation of perjury and bribery, or attempted bribery, and prescribes heavy penalties. The morals of the district will be pure if they can be made and kept so by law. The keeping of a house of ill-fame is made a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for not less than three months or more than one year, or by a fine of not less than $100 or more than $500, or both; opium smoking or the keeping of an opium joint, is made a crime punishable by heavy fine and imprisonment; and last, but not least, the act contains strict Sunday law provisions, violation of which are punishable by a fine of not less than $50 nor more than $500. Gambling of any kind is prohibited and made a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine not exceeding $500. The Indian wards of the governments of whole or half blood, are protected against the evil of intemperance by a provision making it an offense punishable by imprisonment in jail for not less than two nor more than six months, or a fine not exceeding $500, or both fine and imprisonment, to see them intoxicating liquors. Protection to Seals. The new code grants full protection to all fur-bearing animals within the limits of the district, or in the waters of the district. Any person killing any such animal shall be, upon conviction, fined not less than $200 nor more than $1,000, or imprisonment not to exceed six months, or both, and all vessels engaged in the violation of the law, with their cargoes, shall be forfeited, but the secretary of the treasury shall have the power to authorize the killing of any such animals, except fur seals, under such regulations as may be prescribed. The killing of seals upon the islands of Alaska is regulated, the islands of St. Paul and St. George being declared special reservations for government purposes. The salmon industry receives ample attention in the new code. The erection of dams, barricades, fish wheels, or any fixed or stationary obstructions in any part of the rivers or streams of Alaska, or the fishing for salmon or salmon trout by any means which may result in preventing or impeding their progress to their spawning ground, is declared unlawful, and the secretary of the treasury is ordered to remove all such obstructions summarily, and to put into effect all regulartions necessary to enforce this and other provisions of the law for the protection of salmon and salmon trout. It is further declared unlawful to fish for or to catch salmon of any variety in any of the rivers or streams of Alaska of less than 500 feet in width except with the rod or spear; or to lay or set any net for any purpose across the tide waters of any such stream for a distance any greater than one third of the width of the channel thereof. One closed day for salmon fishing each week is prescribed, the law making it illegal to fish on Saturday in any waters of the district other than Cook inlet, Prince William Sound, Bering sea and their tributaries. The secretary of the treasury is given full power to regulate the salmon fishing industry, and may, if he thinks conditions warrant, limit or prohibit the fishing in any stream thought by him to be in danger of depletion. Heavy fines are prescribed for violation of any of the provisions of the fisheries net. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ INSURANCE MAY GO UP. Will Alaskan insurance rates go up because the steamer Dirigo was wrecked? The question is being generally asked among the shipping men of the Sound. It depends whether the vessel will be a total loss or not. The Victoria dispatches, stating that she will be a total loss, are undoubtedly exaggerated. They are sensationalists of the worst kind in Victoria, and the Cottage City, which brought the news, was only in port a few minutes. Every wreck has the effect of boosting marine insurance a little higher. It is not like life insurance in that respect. There is really no ground for it beyond the fact that most of the underwriters have lost money and dislike Alaskan risks. The rate is now $1.20. -- Seattle Times ~~~~~~~~~~~~ At daybreak Friday morning the U. S. gunboat Wheeling left Vancuover under "rush" orders for Manila. She made all preparations for the long voyage at Vancouver, where since Thursday she has been filling her coal bunkers and rushing provisions on board. The Wheeling reached Vancouver on Sunday last after completing an Alaskan cruise. She is really little more than a revenue boat, being a vessel of 1,000 tons with four six-pounders on board, besides half a dozen smaller guns, making her a formidable vessel for her size. It is probably the design to use her in the Philippines in work around among the 1,200 islands of the group, where the larger vessels cannot of necessity go. She is well-manned and her captain, H. T. Burwell, ranks as a commander of the navy, and has seen a good deal of service. The Wheeling will probably call at Honolulu and will complete the trip to Manila in 20 days' steaming. -- Victoria Times. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Winter! Time when coal goes up as mercury goes down -- when blizzards come and snow tops all the street cars in the town -- when small boys ice the front sidewalk to make a coasting hill, and broken limbs bring doctors in to run a great big bill -- when steam pipes burst and though you cuss you've got to call the plumber -- and Cousin Eben's family comes to make up for last summer! Oh, confound winter! -- Morals -- Buy coal from the Skaguay Coal Co. They sell the best and cheapest coal now on the market in this city. The manager, Mr. Severance, is all right and he will furnish only the very best goods. Hit him a lick for luck. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ RO UGH ON ATLINITES. If you can't get better and more stylish work done at Dr. Wall's dental par__s than at any other place in town, it won't cost anyone anything for anything. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ THE GRANDEUR OF ALASKAN SCENERY. A trip from Dawson City to civilization across the ice and snow is nothing to attract attention now-a-days, but Mrs. Frank McGregor and Mr. George T. Hall witnessed a scene that in all probability will never be gazed upon again. On the 17th of January these two travelers were silently wending their way across that vast almost unbroken field of ice and snow on Lake LeBarge. Mountains everywhere; no sign of life; still as the grave; no sound save the tramp, tramp of the weary treavelers. It was about 11 o'clock in the morning when Old Sol peeped his head above the mountain tops; their hearts leaped with joy, and do you wonder, when I say gthat they had not felt its cheering ray upon their cheeks for many a long month; and on they tramped, the silence becoming more painful, the moments going slowly by each one bringing a little more suspense, for their comrades were far behind; no resting place in sight; nothing by snow, snow, eternal snow. Every few minutes finds them looking back, hoping, watching, waiting; when suddenly some boject arrest their attention in the far distance. What is it? A city? Was it an illusion sent to cheer them on their weary march? This city of transcendent glory appeared to them on first view as a glorious transfiguration of nature. Far abobve in the blue, cloudless vault of heaven the sun seemed fairly to kiss the tops of the snow-capped peaks standing as sentinels, silent and motionliess; so still that the silence seemed to add an awe-inspiring solemnity to the magnificence of the scene now passing before them. On the ride of a mountain lying off to the right of them this strange sight presented itself like a grand panorama. A beautiful body of water, quiet, still and sparkling like crystal, was just outside the gate of entrance to this lovely city. The city itself seemed to be enclosed with a high stone wall, perhaps thirty feet in height. In one place, to the left, the wall seemed broken and ready to fall. The rest seemed perfectly intact. The city seemed to be about two and one-half miles in width, but in length was apparently endless. The entrance gate before spoken of was a large, beautiful arch, the masonry of the architecture being plainly visible says the Seattle Times. One large, broad street led from the entrance the whole length as far as the eye could see. Smaller streets crossed in and in fact seemed platted like any city. In the center was a large public square, but with no trees, flower or grass. As we looked through the entrance at the first right-hand corner of this square we could see a long, low brick building. It may have been a market building, but of course our travelers could only see the rear of it, but it seemed of gloomy nature. On the opposite corner to the left was a magnificent building of at least three stories in height. In color it was almost white, like marble, with two towers that sprakled like polished silver. On the corner diagonally across from this was another building of almost indescribable beauty built in more of the Corinthian style. In color this was pure white and was built in a semi-circle, running up to a great height, ending in what looked like a church spire. At the front was a large porch, the entrance being guarded by four pillars of the true Corinthian style of architecture. Directly across, to the left, was another building conspicuous for its plainness. It was large, low and gloomy, but seemed very unattractive. The city seemed built with many terraces, one street rising above another. On the brow of the loftiest one on the right stood a huge castle battered and shattered by the councils of war. One could almost imagine he saw birds flitting in and out of its spire crowned turrets. Scattered all over the city were many beautiful dwelling houses, while below, at the right, were smaller cottages. For fully two hours the two travelers had the privilege of gazing upon this wondrous scene and stydying it in all its details, thus photographing upon their minds and brains the peculiarity of a city combining both old and modern styles of architecture, yet with no sign whatever of life, human, animal or vegetable. The sun was fast crossing the vault of heaven'; at half past two o'clock the day was far spent in that far Northern clime and Phoebus was about to drive his "fiery car" beyond the Western sea. They looked and gazed; grander and grander grew the scene; a sight that rivaled in beauty anything ever sketched by man, far gran der than human tongue can tell, each spire and turret seemed bathed in living glory; from out the windows burst a blaze of light; such light as their mortal eyes shall not behold again until "the archangel" from some mountain pinnacle shall proclaim that time shall be no more. The sun seemed arrested in its course. He stopped, as it were, for one last lingering look; then dipped. They look again; 'tis gone, and in his place the moon has risen and slivered the dark outline of the nearest hill, while far off the snowy summits shone like white clouds in the sky. But the picture of that "Silent City of the Yukon" is painted upon the minds of those two travelers, and will be until the "Sun of Time" has set forever. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Wood for Sale. -- Order your wood from the Manhattan Wood Yards, State street. All kinds of the very bewst wood, any size, kept on hand and delivered on short notice to any part of the city at reasonable prices. Geo. Sexton, Manager. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Page 2. ANOTHER CANADIAN OUTRAGE. In holy writ we read of a man who went down to Jericho and fell among thieves. In modern literature, present day news, we read of a peaceful and law abiding servant of the American governement journeying from Skaguay to Log Cabin and falling among thieves at the Summit. Peradventure (sic) there was no good Samaritan chanced along to help out the victim who was robbed by a band of men, the majority of whom wore hats of 6-1/2 or less size. The above refers to the insult hurled at the stars and stripes by he Canadian officals at the Summit, on Wednesday, when convoy McLean was stopped and robbed of the goods he was sworn by Uncle Sam to protect. The man McLean, evidently something of a sissy himself, made no resistance, but suffered himself to be robbed in the broad open light of the day, not even asking for "two fingers" of the whisky taken from him. No reason was assigned by the cone-shaped headed highwaymen for their action which they disguised under an offical cloak, but the cause was probably to gratify an inherent and general thirst. Deputy Collector Andrews, of this port, is somewhat nonplussed at the rank action of the "don't-ye-knows," but he will probably take decided steps in the matter at an early date. Evidently the passage of the alien exclusion act has somewhat inflated the warts on the shoulders of a few petty Canadian officials. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ PORCUPINE WILL BOOM. A Special correspondent of the San Francisco Call says: "A report which came from Porcupine creek by the steamer Wolcott plying between Skaguay and Haines' Mission, caused excitement here. It was to the effect that the Canadian flag had been moved down the trail from Pleasant Camp, on the Dalton trail, four miles, so as to take in the Porcupine, Salmon creek and other placer mining districts in American territory. Coming about the time sensational stories were wired from Washington, D. C., concerning the acquisition of Lynn Canal by the British, it received considerable credence. Investigation has proved the report untrue up to the present time. It is known here, however, that a Canadian police officer left Lake Bennett recently for Lake Tagish with instructions to secure there an extra detail of police, return to Bennett and proceed thence to Porcupine post. The situation on Porcupine Creek is strained anyhow. There is little doubt that should the Canadians get that section of country many claims would not be abandoned without bloodshed. Sentiment is crystalizing there against allowing any Canadian to make a location or to mine there in retaliation for the exclusion of Americans from Atlin. As is well known some of the Canadian police at Pleasant amp Post have staked claims at Porcupine. A movement is on foot to quietly notify all aliens holding locations in American territory to get out of the country. This would be done through a miners' meeting and such a meeting would be secret, as the law gives aliens equal rights to mine. Anybody who knows anything about miners' meeting knows that what the miners decide on is usually carried out to the letter. No man would dare to stay in a mining camp of the west or northwest after having been notified to vamoose. It is ten to one that the proposed action will be taken in the Porcupine country. Some claim-jumping is now going on in Porcupine, but not to any great extent. Small steamers on Lynn Canal are carrying more freight and passengers to Haines' Mission each trip. At the present rate there will be at least 3,000 people on the trails and creeks back of the Mission in thirty days. The weather is now very cold and windy, but it does not seem to stop the crowd." ~~~~~~~~~~~~ TROUBLE ANTICIPATED. The "whole hog" policy of the Canadian government is very liable to engender more or less international strife. This result was anticipated by the American authorities as evidenced by the following dispatch from Washington under date of the 17th: "A collision between Americans and Canadians in the Atlin district, on account of the British Columbia alien exclusion law, was apprehended by the representatives of the United States government in the late Canadian conference and the report of a battle between miners, although now known to be a canard, shows that the administration has been expecting serious trouble. "It is said that the Canadians have been particularly aggressive in this boundary matter right along; that they have several times advanced the lines of the boundary claimed by them, and that in each case this extension coincided or followed very closely the discovery of new gold fields in the vicinity. The indications are that the United States government will be obliged to take some steps to police its side of the border in Alaska in a method corresponding to the Canadian system. "One of the members of the joint high commission states that the commissioners were sadly embarrassed in their efforts to settle the Alaska boundary by British Columbia legislature, which so far from endeavoring to secure a peaceful adjustment of the boundary difficulty had by the passage of irritating legislation done much to retard an angreement. "With infinite difficulty the joint commissioners had succeeded in reaching an agreement to which all could subscribe, looking to the settlement of this boundary question, and of the conflicting mining interests generally. Within a week the British Columbia legislature passed an act nullifying completely all of the interests which American miners had so painfully and expensively acquired in the new Atlin district. This caused great irritation, and was the subject of considerble discussion before the commission. It is believed, however, that with the ratification of the treaty which was expected to be negotiated, carrying with it the provision for the settlement of the mining controversies, the obnoxious law would be vacated by the superior force of the treaty. Apprehensive of trouble in the event of failure of the instrument, the two governments, the United States and Great Britain, reached an arrangement in the nature of a modus vivendi, roughly defining by certain handmarks the boundary between the British and American possessions from the Klondike section down the British Columbia." ~~~~~~~~~~~~ COLLECTOR IVEY IN HOOK. He Should be Fired, ---- Him. "When Collector J. W. Ivey, head of the Alaska customs department, was in Seattle a few weeks ago on his way to Washington, D. C., he remarked in a newspaper interview that all was serene in the north. 'This is the first time,' said he, with a sigh of relief, 'that I ever came away without leaving a row b ehind me. But this time, I am thankful to say, everything was harmonious.' "Then Mr. Ivey went on to tell in detail how he and Judge Johnson had buried the hatchet, and how the whisky ring had been cowed, how the newspapers had ceased fighting him, and how the rainbow of peace was spanning Alaska with iridescent promise. "It may be that Collecotr Ivey was right when he said that Alaska newspapers had declared their fight against him at an end. But if he was, at least one Alaska newspaper has fallen out of line since he made the statement. That newspaper is the Stickeen River Jornal, published at Fort Wrangel, which, in its issue of March 11, bitterly attacks 'the rotten conditions existing in the customs department of Alaska,' which 'has excited the disgust of all law-abiding citizens,' and 'which frequent efforts have been made without success to weed out.' It is in this vigorous style that the Fort Wrangel editor manifests his pacification with Collector Ivey. "As compared with the gang of grafters, who, under guise of law, collect illegal fees and extort 'blood money' from so-called law-breakers, 'Soapy' Smith was a prince, who carried on his nefarious business openly, without pretense of justice. It was the rule with 'Soapy,' as it is will the customs house grafters, never to overlook a bet, and never was a people more bowed down under a weight of tyrannical rule that this people of Alaska under the present government of this territory. "Further on the Alaska editor says: 'J. W. Ivey, the collector of customs for the district of Alaska, is a man whose methods are too well known to require extended mention.' And still further, 'It is a well known fact that there are more lawbreakers under Ivey's supervision than among all the rest of the inhabitants of Alaska.' "It is evident that Collector Ivey, like Rear Admiral Dewey, has one insurgent at least who won't be pacified." The above is from the Seattle Post-Intelligencer of the 16th, and it fully shows and sets forth the situation and feeling against Ivey in the district of Alaska. If Ivey has one friend in Alaska that friend has failed to present himself in the collector's behalf. As a dead dog, a chump and a man wholly unfit for the position he was appointed to fill, Ivey has proved his eternal fitness. Let him be fired, and let his position he filled by an honest man. Who and what is J. W. Ivey? ~~~~~~~~~~~~ The Juneau Daily Record says: 'Dr. dutton is very jubilant over the Porcupine country, and estimates that the number of miners that will be developing claims this spring will reach 3,000 and says that in his judgment the creeks are spotted owing to the coarseness of the gold, and that the benches and hillside claims will turn out very valuable, and also that the Klondike will be outdone bny the new American Eldorado. 'Look out for some large sized nuggets from the Porcupine,' says Dr. Dutton, 'for that district will yield some very large ones, and will be a world-beater'." ~~~~~~~~~~~~ SKAGUAY'S HOSPITAL. As was originally intended, the Bishop Rowe Hospital is now and has always been "Skaguay's Hospital," and although maintained by the Episcopal church, the idea was, and is now, that the institution was built and its use promulgated for the benefit of the sick without regard either to religion or nationality of its patrons. This broad view and manner of dealing was and is necessary in this country of Missions, and the hospital when transferred to Bishop Rowe was accepted on these terms, and in the broadest sense, without any contraction hinging upon the church, thus leaving the hospital open to every denomination, all ministers being welcome when solicited by the patients, and by permission of the doctor in charge. Bishop Rowe was very particular in his instructions that during his absence from Alaska that the affairs of the hospital would be entirely in the hands of the manager. Hospital Work. There is so much in such work that a large book could be written upon the subject, and the history of hospital work in Alaska since the first rush to the gold fields would volumes. Only those who daily come in contact with the patient, the nurse and the doctor can fully appreciate the latitude of such undertaking. The experience of a year has been an important episode in my life, and the conclusions drawn there from have fully convinced me of the great importance and necessity of hospital care of the sick. The Record. The hospital was opened Feb. 19, 1898. The lost and log cabin cost $600; the expenses of the institution to April 6, 1898, amounted to $509.80; the number of patients treated since Feb. 19, 1898, to March 23, 1899, make a total of 127, there being 21 fatal cases out of this number. Since April 6, 1898, the hospital ... account shows $4,449.95 Building account 1,004.18 Medicines 230.00 Total $5684.13 Cash of Bishop Rowe $2,030.00 Hospital dues received $2.654.13 An Emergency Hospital. The Bishop Rowe hospital has always been used as such, and is now an emergency institution, with a staff of the best doctors, competent nurses, a large stock of medicines and comfortable wards, bath room and outside kitchen. The highest rate of running expenses amount to $10 per day, the lowest $5 per day; minimum rate, $7.50. To meet this expense it would require three permanent boarders the year round, and $1.05 per day additional. The hospital has been maintained every day since it was opened, although for weeks at a time there were only non-paying patients in the building. Expenses. One can readily see that it has cost money to run this hospital. The expense has been cheerfully met on our part, but if I understand correctly, it was not intended that the whole burden of expense should be borne by Bishop Rowe, but that some help was expected from the general public. Admission of Patients. It often requires the nicest judgment in this matter, and some firmness at times. Our doctors are consulted on the point. No one is ever turned away without just cause. Arrangements have only been made for male patients, but in several cases of emergency we have admitted females. When we have infectious diseases in the wards, such as has been the case this year, it is not proper or safe to admit other certain cases, or to admit visitors or others not connected with the hospital. Nursing. The mainstay of a hospital are the nurses, and without good nurses you just as well not have a hospital. The nurses employed at the Bishop Rowe Hospital have accomplished more noble work, and much of it in pure charity (what noble charity), in that line, than any other set of people sojourning in this cold land of snow and frost, and when the smoothing of a pillow, the moisture to the lips, and a kind word to the suffering one is received with greater appreciation than would be scaks of gold sut fresh from the Yukon placers. Our doctors have been true and loyal in their wok, and too much cannot be said in their praise, their's indeed has been true charity, and their reward can only come hereafter. The hospital dividends are few and far between, but there are some. Infectious Diseases. The necessity for a separate building some distance removed from the main hospital, but yet near enough to be under the same supervision, is quite apparent. It is very probable that the proper location can be secured at nominal cost, and arrangements very likely can be made in the near future for the erection of such a building. There are still certain conveniences necessary to the main buildings which will require the expenditure of considerable money, and thus make a more complete institution. Frank A. Wise, Manager. Skaguay, Alaska. March 23, 1899. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ The rotten postoffice service which would necessarily have followed the edict of postmaster Sampson, which edict, by the way, was issued from the said Sampson who is an inmate of a Seattle hospital, and is not able to walk, and who, poor fellow, never will be, but who is still postmaster, nominally, at this place -- God pity such places with such far-distant postmasters -- has been greatly assisted during the past week or ten days by Deputy P. M. Sherpy, who, without remuneration, has devoted his time and attention to furthering public accommodation at the local mail emporium. Let us have a postmaster who can stand on his feet. The interests of Skaguay demand it, and business interests cannot wait on powders, pills and plasters. What we want and must have is decent until facilities. Skaguay is too far up the scale to be monkeyed with by invalid officials. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ ADVERTISING. Royal Baking Powder Absolutely Pure Easiest to use, makes the sweetest and lightest biscuit, cake and bread, and makes them more healthful. Royal will keep fresh and sound, and is the only baking powder that cna be used to advantage in Alaska and the Klondike. Our Specialities for Next Week. Underwear. Of all the celebrates makes. We still continue to make this one of our banner specialties. All sizes and weights. Suspenders. New spring pattern in the well known Crown Brand. The stylish plaids, basket weaves -- all colors, polka dots in blue, cardinal and old rose backgrounds are very swell. Neckwear. Silks and satins, in figured effects, black, oxblood, cardinal, garnet grounds with figures well spaced, military stripes in gay colors. The leading shapes are puffs, tecks, four-in-hands, new batwings and imperials. Cheney's Boston Store, Exclusive Clothiers, Hatters and Gents' Furnishers. Figure with W. L. Green for your Hardware and Miners' Supplies. Holly Street, bet. Main and State. James Carroll & Co. General Outfitters are not open on Fourth Ave, bet. Broadway and State, with a full line of groceries, clothing, shoes, etc., etc. Call and get prices. Order your goods by the "City of Seattle" and you will have them in your store ten days later. This fast and popular steamer runs direct between Seattle and Skaguay. Next sailing from Skaguay, Monday, Mar. 27. A. S. Dautrick, Agent. Third and Broadway. Alaska Steamship Co. Operating steamers rosalie and Dirigo. Steamers arrive Skaguay Mondays and sail Tuesdays at 9 a.m. for Alaskan and Puget Sound Ports. For information regarding freight and passenger rates: Apply to Frank E. Burns, Agent. H. Friedentha. : : : J. D. Donovan. Dyea Mercantile and Mining Co. Atlin and Yukon Outfitters Boots, shoes, rubber and oil goods, clothing, hats and caps and gents' furnishing goods. Also carry a full line of fancy and staple groceries. 422 Broadway, bet. 4th and 5th Aves., Skaguay. --- PUT PACIFIC COAST STEAMSHIP CO. SCHEDULE HERE. FRAME 95, FOLDER 1186. --- O'Brien & Hinkle, Oldest and safest packers and forwarders from Skaguay to Lake Bennett. Rates as low as the lowest. We solicit your orders, and refer to our past history as to our competency. We have never broken or lost a package. Office, Occidental Hotel. D. C. Brownell, Dealer in hardware, iron, steel, stoves, tinware, crockery, hardwood lumber, spokes, etc. Corner Fourth Avenue and Broadway. Moore's Wharf Company, Operating the Moore's Wharf at Skagway Bay, Alaska. 750 feet deep water frontage, sheltered from high winds of Lynn Canal. The only wharf at whcih vessels of large tonnage can lay and discharge at all times. For further information apply at office on wharf. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Page 3. LOCAL NEWS. The recent arrivals in our city are all delighted with our fine weather. Mr. F. F. Clark was at Haines' Mission on business Wednesday of this week. The Epworth League entertainment at Keelar's hall Wednesday night was well attended and highly enjoyed. For Sale At A Bargain. -- Best paying and best established milk business in the city. Apply at the News office. Again the report is current in the lower country that Skaguay is under martial law. Such advertising is not of the enviable sort. For the second time trial of the Fleming-Brooks case, involveing $231, has miscarried, the last jury, after being loced up all night, failing to agree. R. C. Wilson, formerly purchasing agent for the railway company, has gone back to Seattle, having severed his connections with the railroad people. Parker & Aggers, cor. Bon & Main. Theodore Christian, for many years in the U. S. Customs service on Puget Sound is here enroute to Atlin, where his brother Edward owns several promising claims. It is reported that there are now only three stores being operated in Dyea. Many former "shopkeepers" there moved their goods here, the remainder going to Haines' Mission. The small building occupied by Miss Farrar as a millinery store has been moved across the street from its former moorings and placed on the lot adjoining Judge Wilcoxen's office. Hundreds of people are leaving here almost every day for Dawson, the object being to get in before the ice begins to soften. The river has been in excellent condition for travel all winter. Forty gallons of whisky were captured from a wagon on the street Tuesday of this week. Why wasn't the stuff captured when it came here and not after it had been hauled up town and cached? A. G. Mathews, at one time sheriff of Pierce county, Wash., and known as the man who scared to death the big bluffer detective, M. C. Sullivan, is in the city on his way to Dawson where he owns valuable claims. Thieves entered the wareroom of Dr. H. B. Runnalls a few nights since and stole the entire contents, including a summer's mining and prospecting outfit. If petty thieving is continued somebody's neck will be in jeopardy. Deputy Marshal Tanner went to Sitka on the Cottage City with White, the Englishman who attempted to lead an assault on Camp__ two weeks ago, and who, by a large sized majority, got very much the worst of the venture. Mr. Billett, the genial and gentlemanly manager of the local branch of the Canadian Bank of Commerce, returned yesterday morning on the steamer Humboldt from a business trip to Montreal and New York. He will return to the lower country in a few days. Rev. J. J. Walter, the newly appointed superintendent of M. E. church mission work in Alaska, arrived Wednesday and will remain here several days. He is much pleased with Skaguay and with the work which is being accomplished by his co-laborer in the vineyard of the Lord, Rev. Sprague Davis. T. W. Lillie, the Skaguay Atlin expressman, arrived yesterday, having made the trip in 56 hours. He says people are arriving in Atlin at the rate of 100 every day and that it is quite a hot town. He reports a lumber famine which greatly retards building. Incidentally, Mr. Lillie has no use for the alien law. He was accompanied by his partner, J. F. E. Carman. They lef for Atlin this morning with freight and express. Judge C. A. Schlebrede has been holding court at Dyea the past two days. Regular trains are running through to the Summit with passengers and freight. Col. J. D. Thaggard left on the ten o'clock train today for Atlin. O'Brien & Hinckle are taking in fifteen tons of freight for him. J. E. Lilly will go to Porcupine tomorrow to look after his mining interests. He will be gone several days. About 500 men are now employed in the construction department of the railroad and work is progressing very satisfactorily. H. A. Bauer has a new line of men's suits, pants, overcoats and D. B. Ulsters. Quantity and price the best. General Auditor A. L. Burdoe, of the White Pass and Yukon Ry. Co., is back from a three weeks' business trip to Seattle. He will leave again for below in ten days or two weeks. Mr. A. L. cheney left yesterday for Los Angeles, California, having received notice of the death at the place of his father-in-law, Geo. Libby. For Rent. - Nicely furnished room, with heater. Is within less than two blocks of postoffice. Is suited to two men, or man and wife. Apply at this office. Fine, fat, spring chickens at the Portland Meat Market on Broadway, two doors from Holly. Mr. and Mrs. John W. Troy are rejoicing over the birth of a little girl who came Wednesday night to gladden their home. Isaac S. Malette of Humeston, Iowa, who was admitted to Bishop Rowe hospital on the 18th inst. died this morning at 6:20 o'clock of spinal meningitis. Ed. Broemser, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. T. J. Broemser, arrived on the Laurada from Ilwaco, Wash., and will make his home here. He is a bright appearing, prepossessing young man. The party or parties who persistently allow their horses to run at large on the streets when there is nothing stronger than wind for them to feed upon, shold be called down in no uncertain manner. What became of the starved horse committee appointed last fall by the what-you-call-it club? Parties desiring to go to Atlin can now go on Loomis & Grimes' stage, which leaves the postoffice, Skaguay, every Tuesday morning at 8 o'clock. Single trip fare, $20.00. Money refunded if trip is not made in three days. For further particulars and information apply to the company's agent, Capt. Johnson, of the Clipper Steamship line, Skaguay. General Manager E. C. Hawkins, of the P. & A. Railway company, is back from a six weeks' trip to lower points. He says the work of constructing the line on to Bennett will be pushed as rapidly as possible, and with favorable weather it is hoped to have trains running to Bennett early in June. Mr. Hawkins predicts a prosperous year for this portion of Alaska. Skaguay Camp No. 1, Arctic BNrotherhood, is now a growing and prosperous reality, and applications for membership are being filed every day. An enthusiastic meeting of the Camp was held Tuesday night, at which several candidates interviewed the goat. After the business had been transacted a sumptuous banquet was enjoyed, the viands being furnished by the German Bakery. There is enough filth in the yard in the rear of the News office to generate every disease from Asiatic cholera to dog mange, and this filth did not come from the New office, either. A few days ago Deputy Marshal Tanner ordered us to clear the back yard of waste paper. We have done so, and now respectfully request that official to continue in the good work of ordering the yard cleaned up. Ray Dougherty, a lad who looks to be not over fourteen years old, arrived here Wednesday from Pocotello, Idaho, in quest of his mother, Winnie Dougherty. The little fellow traveled by brakebeam to the coast, and worked his way on a boat to this place. At last reports he had not found his mother, who wrote the boy from this place in February. Jailor Byron Young has taken the boy in and is providing for his wants until he finds his mother. Herman Myers, the well-known butcher and meat dealer, has purchased of Captain H. C. Morse, the corner lot on State street and Fifth avenue on which, ten days ago, the latter started to construct a building. Since the purchase of the property, Mr. Meyers (sic) has arranged for the building of a large and more substantial structure, the first story of which will be occupied by the proprietor and owner as a butcher and meat shop. The second story will probably be used as a printing office. You don't mind the cold weather when you have on one of Diehl's heavy, made to order suits. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ TROUBLES OF HER OWN. Evidently it is not all peace and harmony between the Wrangel Journal and Deputy Collector Joseph A. Arment of that town. In its last issue the Journal says: "Fortunately for our many subscribers, Editor Arment, Nit, the 'Grafter,' called at our office and paid the amount he was in arrears for subscription. This will enable this publication to appear as usual for some time to come. Incidentally this man Arment demanded an apology for certain remarks which have appeared in the Journal, and which he considered as being a reflection on him. The apology was refused. The idea of offering an apology to a man too despisable for a self-respecting person to speak to, is really laughable, and if made in this case it would cause Joe to swell up like a poisoned pup, even to the bursting point. No, we will not apologize; on the contrary, we affirm that every statement detrimental to Joseph A. Arment, deputy collector of customs at Wrangel, which has appeared in the columns of this paper, is true; and the truth has not been half told. The facts have been laid before the authorities at Washington, D. C., and it is to be hoped that before long Wrangel will be rid of this octopus." ~~~~~~~~~~~~ George Clancy and J. A. Cates arrrived yesterday afternoon fifteen days from Dawson. They came out with five wolf dogs, the fines team ever brought out from the interior. Geo. Clancy is a brother to the Clancys of this city. Both men have been very successful in Dawson. Men's $8 pants for $3.85. Supply Co., Kelly block. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ A CANARY CAUSES TROUBLE. In Gilbert's opera, "Mikado," the Lord High Executioner sings: "On the branch of a willow a little bird sat. Singing willow , tit-willow, tit-willow." In Skaguay is a little bird that does not sing, and yet it has been the means of precipitating trouble between two familyies. One family acquired possession of a female canary, claiming to have purchased it from a stranger. Another family claimed the bird, asserting that it had been turned loose to exercise. Family No. 1 refused to give it up. Family No. 2 swore out a writ of attachment. Deputy Young attached the bird, which is now cared for by Mrs. J. M. Tanner. Family No. 1 paid an attorney $20 to look after the case. Family No. 2 employed two lawyers at $20 each to do the same thing. The case will probably come up for hearing before Judge Sehibrede today or towmorrow. In the meantime the innocent cause of all the trouble eats bird seed, washes its face, hops about in a cage and otherwise conducts itself in a manner becoming to a well-raised, little, two-bit hit canary. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Previous to the death of the late Rev. Dr. Campbell, he performed a marriage ceremony in this city, and, owing to certain conditions existing at the time, the News, always on the alert for information, headed a short account of the event with "Are They Married?" The question was never satisfactorily answered, but a few days ago the News received a letter from the alleged groom, who is now in Seattle, to the effect that the inference drawn from the above-mentioned heading had worked him a great injustice and that he had placed the matter in the hands of his attorney, Aurora Borealis J. Ham Lewis, who, in his wisdom and learning, would communicate with us rleative to the damage we did his client. We are sorry if, in our capacity as a disseminator of news, we did the couple who naturally supposed they were legally married, any damage. The News will not willingly wrong any one, much less an innocent, matrimonially inclined couple. But to be threatened with having the renowned James Hamilton Lewis turned loose on us causes us to tremble away in pat the "quick." Poor little "us." When J. Ham. gets through with us there probably won't be the shadow of our former bombasity left. We tremble at the thought of being hauled over the coals by the late warrior and distinguished statesman. Ham, we take it all back. We never did it. Just presume that to all intents and purposes your clients are legally married. Let us kiss and make up. Yum, yum. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ The largest stock of men's and boy's fine clothing ever seen in Alaska. Over $40,000 worth. All going at less than the cost of the cloth. Sale going on night and day. Public Supply Co., Kelly block, Broadway. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ ALASKA'S LAWS. Just now there is considerable speculation relative to the new laws passed for Alaska as to what, if any, effect they will have on business industries. That the code is a lengthy one may be judged from the following statement of Geo. A. Brackett, who has just returned from Washington City: "The only reason that Mr. Carter did not get passed the whole of the cri9minal law was lack of time. The senate declined to pass it without its being duly read, and they did take it up and read as much as they could at the evening sessions and between times. In that way 200 pages were read, and this portion was passed and will become a law. This includes the general provisions, offenses against the person, offenses against property, forgery and counterfeiting, offenses against public justice, offenses against the public peace, offenses against morality and decency, offenses against public policy, offenses against public health, protection of fur-bearing animals and salmon, miscellaneous provisions and definitions, jurisdiction and place of criminal actions, power and duties of the grand jury, finding and presentation of the indictment, setting aside the indictment, pleas to the indictment, issues of law and fact, formation of the trial jury, exception, bail, etc., these running to chapter 35, which is on the prevention of crimes and security to keep the peace. This is about one-third of the whole bill. That part has been passed, the remainder will come at the next session of Congress and will undoubtedly pass." ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Rev. J. J. Walter, superintendent of M. E. mission work in Alaska, will preach in the M. E. hall Sunday at 11 a.m., at which the communion service will be observed. He will also conduct evening services. During Rev. Walter's stay in Skaguay it is probable that arrangements will be made for the erection of a new church building. Dick Case, the champion light weight boxer of the Pacific coast, is still in the city. Some people contend that a professional prize boxer cannot be gentleman, but thorough acquaintance with Case dispels all such erroneous ideas. Daily passenger and freight trains are now running to the end of the track at the summit of White Pass, and the road is handling a large amount of freight. The strikers have gone back to work, and everything and everybody is happy as the tone of a marriage bell. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ In The District Court of the United States, in and For The District of Alaska. First Bank of Skaguay, Plaintiff vs. J. W. Logan, Defendant. Upon reading and filing the affidavit of Charles S. Moody, and it satisfactorily appearing therefrom that the defendant, J. W. Logan, is a non-resident of the District of Alaska and cannot, after due diligence, be found in said district, and it appearing from the said affidavit and the complaint herein duly verified, that a good cause of action exists herein favor of the plaintiff and against the defendant and that an attachment of certain goods and property belonging to said defendant has been made herein in favor of the plaintiff, and that the said defendant is a necessary party to this cause, and it further appearing that a summons has been duly issued out of this court in said action, and that personal service of the same cannot be made upon the said defendant for the reason that the said defendant cannot be found in the District of Alaska, now on motion of Messrs. Price & Stevens, attorneys for plaintiff herein, it is ordered that the service of the summons in this action be made upon the defendant, J. W. Logan, by publication thereof in the Skaguay News, a newspaper published in the town of Skaguay, in the District of Alaska, which is herein designated as the newspaper most likely to give ntocie to the said defendant and that such publication be made at least once a week for six weeks. Given under my hand, at Sitka, Alaska, this 8th day of March, A. D., 1899. Charles S. Johnson, Judge. Price 7 Stevens, Attorneys for plaintiff. Mar. 24-Apr. 28. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Notice of U. S. Marshal's Sale of Real Property. A. H. Bryant, Plaintiff, vs. M. A. Newell, Defendant. Notice of Execution Sale. Notice is hereby given that under and by virtue of an alias execution, issued out of the United District Court within and for the District of Alaska, in the suit of the above named plaintiff, duly attested, dated the 20th day of February, 1899, I have levied upon the following described property, to-wit: Notice is hereby given that on the 22d day of April, A. D. 1899, between the hours of ten o'clock A.M. and four o'clock P.M. of said day, at the Court House door, City of Skaguay, District of Alaska, I will in obedience to said alias execution and levy, sell the defendant's interest in the above described property to satisfy plaintiff's judgment in the sum of one hundred eight and 25/100 dollars ($108.25) with eight per cent interest thereon, besides all accruing costs, to the highest and best bidder for cash in hand. James M. Shoup, U. S. Marshal for Alaska. By Josias M. Tanner, Deputy. Price & Stevens, Attorneys for plaintiff. Mar. 24-Apr. 21. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION. Notice is hereby given that the firm of Kelly & co., druggists at Dawson, Yukon Territory, Canada, and Skaguay, alaska, United States of America, said firm being composed of Charles Kelly and Rene LePreux, has this day been dissolved. Dated at Dawson, Y. T., Canada, this 25th day of January, 1899. Rene LePreux. mar10-24. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Dr. O. F. Searl, Physician and Surgeon, has permanently settled in Skaguay. Office and residence in Moss Bldg. on Holly Ave., near State St. Calls promptly attended day or night. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ ADVERTISING. Canadian Bank of Commerce. Head Office, Toronto. Capital, $6,000,000. Skagway (sic) Agency. An agency of this bank has been opened in Skagway. A general banking business transacted. J. R. Billett, Manager. Jobbing House, Corner of State and McKinney New York Goods at New York Prices. Finest stock of general merchandise in Skaguay. Clothing, groceries, boots and shoes. Outfits for Atlin and Klondike. Shipment of clothing, overcoats, boys' suits, fall caps, hats, mittens, gloves, overshoes, underwear, overshirts, sweaters, at New York Prices. All we ask is an inspection of our stock and prices. J. Perl, Prop. Fife-Alaska Co., Finest stock of general merchandise in Skaguay. Clothing, groceries, boots and shoes, dry goods. Mattresses, beds, bedding, crockery, dishes, lamps, oil stoves, lanterns, etc. Outfits for Atlin and Klondike. Opposite postoffice on State St. Speciality made of fine millinery. Stmr. "Alert" will leave Haines' Mission daily at 9 A.M., arritiving at Skaguay at 10:40. Leave Skaguay for Dyea at 1 P.M. Returning, leave Skaguay for Haines' Mission at 4 P. M. For passenger and freight rates apply to Captain Campbell, on board steamer, Moore's Wharf. German Bakery and Coffee House. Assortment of Breas: Milk Bread, French Bread, Whole Wheat Bread, Graham Bread. Dinner from 11 A.M. to 7 P.M. Good meals - quick serive. Fred. Roukendorf, Prop. J. H. Brooks, The old reliable packer and freighter to Lake Bennett. Rapid delivery of freight, in good order, reasonable rates guaranteed. Brooks has the largest pack trains in the world, having 225 head of fine horses and mules, managed by 30 experienced packers. Call and get rates and a specified time contract. Office at Brannick Hotel. The Pacific Market Co. Wholesale and Retail. Fresh, salt and smoked meats of all kinds. Meat shipped to any part of Alaska. L. H. Heidinger, prop. Fifth Ave. and State Sts., next door to News office. The Portland Meat Market. Wholesale and Retail. Meats of all kinds constantly on hand. \West Brothers, Broadway, opp. Mondamin Hotel. H. Felitz & Co., Manufacturers of Dealers in Tents, Duluth pack bags, waterproof sled covers, waterproof bags of all kinds! Fur robes, fur sleeping bags. 609 Broadway, near Mondamin Hotel. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Page 4. Mr. Johnson, republican member of congress from Indiana, says that "President McKinley is a slave of popular opinion, bowing to it, right or wrong." An Illinois man being in jail, his wife deliberately committed a petty theft so that she could be sent to join him. That is carrying devotion to an extreme. There can be too much of a good thing. Secretary Alger says he never reads the newspaper references to himself. This is too bad. By reading the papers the old gentleman would learn quite a number of stubborn facts concerning himself. The senate of Alabama has passed a dispensary bill authorizing each county and incorporated town or city, in which the sale of liquor is not now prohibited, to carry on in its name the business of buying and selling liquors. Undoubtedly there is a large sized African in the senatorial woodpile. The senate committee on privileges and elections has decided that no case has been made against Senator Hanna, and has ordered a report to that effect. Wellington, a Kansas town, has a law suit on hand, the result of calling its new jail after a woman who was locked up in it and who afterwards established her innocence. She sues for damages. THis is what comes of fooling with a woman. An Arkansas girl punched out both the eyes of a tramp with her parasol recently because he tried to hug her. The Arkansas girls, like all other American girls, like to be humbugged, but they draw the line when it comes to being bum-hugged. Intending miners are slowly but surely relaizing that they can save both time and money by purchasing their outfits in Skaguay instead of bringing them from below. When all expenses are counted the saving by purchasing here is from ten to thirty per cent. Some of the Chicago officials are possessed of a very keen sense of justice. It is said that recently in that city a justice of the peace fined a man $25 for lying. The offense was aggravated by the fact that the prisoner was unable to lie out of it, and his failure enraged the justice. It is a most extraordinary fact that since the birth of the present republic of France not a single president has completed his term of office in a normal manner, excepting only Grevy in his first term, and even he resigned in the middle of his second term because of the scandalous conduct of his son-in-law. People with conscientious objections to vacinnation are now allowed to expose their children to smallpox in England. The argument of a recent objector in the Marylebone police court was that "if God Almight thought that vacinnation was necessary or even desirable He would have performed the operation before the child was born." There is about as much necessity for a third political party in this country as there is for a fifth wheel to a wagon. The experiment has been so often tried and failed that every reflecting person must be convinced that no third party will ever be able to accomplish anything other than mischief. Buy what matters to we Alaskans how many parties there are? We don't vote, you know. This is hyow the Chippewa Indians petition congress: "Oh, men, we come to you because you are the source of all power. You have a commission sitting among us who take $13 of our money, and every evening when night falls $13 will live to us. We do not want to be short and left sitting asked on the sands of the lake shore." The coming bonnet is said to be a dandy. It will have a cow-catcher in front, a tail board behind, a flower garden on top with a bunch of grass on one side and a bird carcass on the other side. The whole will be elaborately banded together by crushed ribbons and topped off with a very loud millinery bill. Easter comes early in the season, so get ready to take your medicine, you fellows who have to whack up. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ McKINLEY'S "GREATNESS." The attempt of the republican members of the Nebraska legislature to glorify President McKinley in connection with our war with Spain is exceedingly nauseating. The Nebraska legislature has actually adopted a resolution declaring McKinley to be "the greatest president since Lincoln's time." When it is considered that Mr. McKinley has never been anything but a figure head since he occupied the presidential chair, that he has been an instrument in the hands of others who have been utilizing his services to promote their selfish ends, that unti instructed he is vacillating on all questions of public concern, that he has not sufficient confidence in himself to define his position on any question, that in all his manipulating to reinstate himself he has blundered and made himself obnoxious as to render it almost certain that he will not be renominated, it requires a vast amount of gall on the part of those who are fawning at his feet to call him great. He has certainly proved a great disappointment to the people who elected him president. So far as the war with Spain is concerned the president commanded at the direction of his advisors. If there is any glory attached to the victory over Spain it belongs to those who advised the president to declare war and to those who did the fighting. Instead of being great, no public man has ever exhibited more weakness. McKinley is not a president. He draws the salary attached to the high position, while others utilize him as a part of their political machinery. McKinley is a bimetallist in the hands of the advocates of the gold standard. He is a high tariff man winking at free trade. He is an expansionist in favor of contraction. He is a republican in favor of despotic government. He is anything which the enemies of the common people of this country desire him to be. To talk about McKinley's greatness is an insult to the intelligence of the people. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ All that Alaska got from the adjourned congress is a criminal code. The liquor license system is introduced. Hitherto the smuggling of liquor has been the rule. The license system will doubtless be an improvement. The territory must wait another year for a civil code, which it greatly needs. -- Tacoma News. It seems that the cheeky Canadian officials have grabbed a nother section of American territory in Alaska. This is a new manifestation of Uncle Bull's cordial regard for us. If such a thing has happened on the Main border our country would be in an uproar. We out this way don't seem to count for much. -- Tacoma News. Newgate prison, London, is to be torn down and the site covered with a modern building. It has held many illustrious prisoners as well as outlaws. William Penn was confined there as a non-conformist. Daniel Defoe wrote "Robinson Crusoe" there. Jack Sheppard and Dick Turpin were there often. Through its corridors thousands of men marched to the gallows. Those who anticipate going to Havana may be interested in knowing what one who has been there says: "The streets are in general very narrow and the sidewalks eighteen inches wide; there are some avenues that are very wide and well shaded with beautiful trees; there are also fountains and monuments at the principal corssings. The city ahs several beautiful parks. The streets are paved with rock and the houses are of stone and concrete and look more like prisons than dwelling places, for there are no glass windows but instead iron gratings. The front yards are all behind the houses." Hereafter any officer in the army who may desire a six years' vacation on full pay may obtain it by calling his superior a liar. It is interesting to note how the cirminal law in different states regards the act of calling a man a liar. According to the New York World it is a misdemeanor in Kentucky, a crime in Virginia, a slander in Georgia, legal provocation for assault and battery in Mississippi, ande probable ground for civil action in West Virginia. It might have been added that in the regular army, where the person to whom the epithet is applied happens to be the commanding general, in disfavor with the administration, it is a bright and shining achievement, rewardable by a release from all irksome toil for six years at a salary of $15 per day. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ ADMINISTRATOR'S NOTICE. Notice is heeby given that Frank A. Wise has been appointed administrator of the estate of A. J. Campbell, deceased. All persons having claims against said estate are hereby notified to present their claims with the proper vouchers, within six months from the date hereof, to the administrator at his office in the law office of Church & Day, Skaguay, Alaska. February 24th, 1899. Frank A. Wise, Administrator of A. J. Campbell, dec'd. Church & Day, Attorneys for Administrator. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ ADMINISTRATOR'S NOTICE. Notice is hereby given that the undersigned has been duly appointed by the United States Commissioners' Court for the District of Alaska, at Skaguay, administrator of the estate of Andrew Bronk, deceased. All persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same to me, properly verified according to law, within six (6) months from the date hereof at Sakguay. J. M. Tanner, Administrator of the estate of Andrew Bronk, deceased. Dated this 2d day of March, 1899. I. N. Wilcoxen, Atty Mch. 3 - Apl. 7 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ NOTICE OF U. S. MARSHAL'S SALE OF REAL PROPERTY. A. H. Bryant, Plaintiff, vs. M. A. Newell, Defendant Notice of Execution Sale. Notice is hereby given that under and by virtue of an alias execution, issued out of the United District Court within and for the District of Alaska, in the suit of the above named plaintiff, duly attensted, dated the 20th day of February, 1899, I havew levied upon the following described property, to-wit: All of the defendant M. A. Newell's right, title, ownership and interest in and to the west one-half (1/2) of lot nine (9), block four (4), town of Skaguay, District of Alaska, according to the plat and survey of the said town by F. H. Reid, C. E., together with all improvements thereon. Notice is hereby given that on the 27th day of March, A. D. 1899, between the hours of ten o'clock, A. M. and four o'clock P. M. of said day at the Court House door, City of Skaguay, District of Alaska. I will in obedience to said alias execution and levy, sell the defendant's interest in the above describ ed property to satisy plaintiff's judgment in the sum of one hundred eight and 25/100 dollars ($108.25) with eight percent interest thereon, besides all accruing costs, to the highest and best bidder for cash in hand. James M. Shoup, U. S. Marshal for Alaska. By Josias M. Tanner, Deputy. Price & Stevens, Attorneys for plaintiff. Feb24-Mar24 ~~~~~~~~~~~~ ADVERTISING. West Coast Steam Navigation Co's steamers will arrive at Skaguay every seven days. The fast and commodious steamer "Homer" due Skaguay, Mar. 24. Old reliable steamer "Farallon" due Skaguay, Mar. 31. For passenger and freight rules, apply to W. E. Ross, Agt., Juneau Wharf. ATLINITES ATTENTION !! For best meals and comfortable bunks, go to "Exchange Cafe," Discovery St., Atlin City. Geo. W. Walker, with L. D. Kinney. The Merchants, Ferguson & Harrison, Props. Fine wines, liquors, cigars. Pure, cold draught beer, 10 cts. Fifth Ave., b. State and Broadway. The Monogram. Gentlemen's Resort. Broadway, bet. 5th and 6th. Skaguay Brewing Co. The Skaguay Brewing Co. are now turning out a superior article of beer. Their product is absolutely unexcelled. Your attention is especially called to their bottle beer. Family trade solicited. Ask for Blue Top Beer "Red Star" beer. Take no other. W. F. Matlock, President. R. C. Smith, Sec. and Treas. N. K. Wilson, Druggist. Finest stock of drugs, chemicals, toilet articlesw, etc., in the City. Reasonable prices. Best assortment of stationery. Prescriptions a speciality. Holly Ave., near State. Buy your goods at wholesale prices. We are the exclusive wholesale grocery house in Skaguay. Our experience of 12 years enables us to defy competition. Goods delivered free of charge to any part of the City. John Kalem, the Wholesale Grocer, Corner Broadway and 5th Ave. The American Tailors, leaders of fashions. Our goods are the best. Our wok the finest. A perfect fit guaranteed. Goods always in stock. Cleaning and repairing. 408 Broadway, Skaguay, Alaska. F. Nelson, Prop. Chickering and Kimball Pianos The best in the world. Write to D. S. Johnston, for catalogues, prices and terms. You can save from $100 to $150 on the price of a piano get the best. D. S. Johnston, Tacoma or Seattle, Wash. Wholesale and retail dealer. Board of Trade, Holly Street, Skaguay. The finest resort in all Alaska. Lee Guthrie, Proprietor. Mixed drinks a speciality. None but the best mixologists employed. Elegant resort for gentlemen. The Bank. Formerly the Pack Train Saloon. Keep the finest articles in their line in the City. Club Room in connection. Cor. 6th Avenue and Broadway, Skaguay. Geo. L. Rice & Co. First and Last Chance Saloon Drew & Maher, Proprietors. The very finest line of wines, liquors and cigars in Skaguay. Mirror Saloon, Holly, near Broadway. Only the choicest of the choice kept in stock. Frank Clancy, Mgr. Skaguay Beer Hall State Street, near McKinney. Rudolph Dietwyler, Prop. Fine wines, liquors and cigars. Draught beer, 10 cts. Per uart, 25 cts. Jim Clancy : : : Tom Nash The Grotto Refitted and reopened by Clancy & Nash Finest gentlemen's resort in Skaguay, games in connection. Next door to Board of Trade. City Brewery Chas. A. Saake, Proprietor Manufacturers of steam and lager beer, made of the purest and best hops and malt. Best bottled beer made in Alaska. Special attention given to family trade. Main St. bet. Holly and Shoup, Skaguay, Alaska. B. & B. Bottling Co. W. J. Blackwell, Manager Manufacturers and Dealers in soda water, sarsaparilla, ginger ale, champagne, cider; sarsaparilla and iron, and all kinds of mineral waters and syrups. 4th Ave, formerly Bond. Opp Electric Light Plant. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The Skaguay News Skaguay Vol. 1, No. 1 Friday, October 15, 1897. SKAGUAY AS IT IS TODAY. THE ALASKA METROPOLIS. Some Facts Concerning Its Social Conditions, Business Prospects, Etc., Etc. We feel safe in saying that there never was in the history of this country a community or a class of people more maligned or worse misrepresented than this same town of Skaguay and its inhabitants. The very conditions and surroundings of its birth made it the target for every malcontent and disappointed prospector or gold hunter who failed to reach his destination. Having sprung into existence almost in a day, as it were, the conditions and accommodations were of the very crudest. Men and youths, fresh from stores and offices, landed here by the hundreds, with no well-defined ideas of the hardships and difficulties they would have to encounter to reach the gold fields. When they finally did come to a realization of what was before them hundreds become disgusted and turned their faces homeward. In order to justify their weakness and apparent lack of spirit, many of them conceived the idea of writing letters home describing the horrors of the trail. This would not have been so bad had these discouraged and discontented prospectors not turned their batteries of abuse against the people of this community. For months the daily papers and cross-roads sheets have filled their columns with letters from people who claimed to have b een at Skaguay, in which the town and its inhabitants were pictured as something beylond the plae of civilization. This continued until it became a popular fad, and scarcely a newspaper man in Washington or Alaska felt like going to press without an article on the horrors of Skaguay. The female portion of the community were pictured as Amazons of the most pronounced type - rought, uncouth, uneducated, and most of them of the lower order of society. Now, what are the real facts regarding this community? Simply these: The town of Skaguay was brought into being by a spontaneous movement, a popular demand, as it were, for a trading point at the very gateway of the golden Klondike. Men of sound judgment and superior business acumen came here to look over the situation, and it did not take them long to discover that this was the natural landing point for the thousands of people going to the placer mines of the interior. Here was a natural and ideal site for a town, consisting of hundreds of acres of land, gently sloping towards the bay, covered with a heavy growth of timber suitable for building purposes. The harbor is not so well sheltered as mariners could wish, still it is far superior to any other in this portion of Alaska, with the possible exception of Haines' Mission. Three immense wharves are being constructed by capitalists at a cost of thousands of dollars, and when these are completed boats can land with ease and many of the difficulties in that respect be obviated. There are numerous streams coursing down the mountainsides that can be utilized for furnishing the city with an abundant supply of the purest water with which man ever quenched his thirst. On the first day of last August there were but two frame buildings - they might very properly be termed "shacks" - on the present townsite. Today there are several hundred, some of them three stories in height, while new ones are springing up every day. Nearly every line of business is well represented, and the magnitude of the lines carried is a matter of surprise to newcomers. The merchants and b usiness men will compare favorably with those of any town of equal size in the United States. The ladies of the community, of which there are something like 100, are many of them from the higher walks of life, bright, intelligent, active. The morals of this community are a surprise to every newcomer. While there are saloons and places of questionable resort, still the proprietors of these places seem to be of the better class, and the disturbances that occur as a direct result of their existence are comparatively rare. Taking everything into consideration this same young city of Skaguay is a wonder of the nineteenth century, and a constant source of surprise and delight to every newcomer. We think we are safe in predicting that within a period of two years there will be a city of at least 10,000 people on this spot. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Mrs. M. L. Sinclair, of Snohomish county, is stopping with Mrs. Church, and will remain during the winter. A. F. Burton has leased Burkhard's hall for the winter. A large number of improvements will be made in the same, such as the erection of a dressing room, laying a new floor, etc. Mrs. Church is a pioneer in Skaguay, and has probably received more, free advertising than any other woman in Alaska, outside of Mrs. Berry or Mrs. Lippy, of Klondike fame. H. C. Morse is a man who never does things by halves. As an evidence of this it is only necessary to insepct the hotel building he is erecting. When completed, the building will be a model of its kind. The editor has met a number of old Washington acquaintances here in Skaguay. Among the number are L. M. Presnall, Mr. Bartlett, John Patton, L. W. Stocking, Dr. Runnalls, Jim Quinn, and one or two other parties whose names we can not now call to mind. Clayson Bros. believe that a liberal and judicious use of printer's ink is a stepping stone to business success, and therefore ordered a half page "ad" for the first issue of the News and 100 copies of the paper for distribution in Portland and adjoining towns. That kind of spirit manifested by the business men generally will build up a paper here that will be a power in this portion of Alaska. We know of no individual in this community who is more enthusiastic over the future of Skaguay than Dr. H. B. Runnalls. The moment the doctor landed on the beach here he sized up the situation and declared that on this spot was to be erected a large city. So far his faith has not been shaken in the least - in fact it grows stronger each day. This week he filed on a piece of land for a dairy farm, near town. Jensen & Steinbaugh have purchased the Scheisz barber shop, Holly street, and took possession on Monday. These gentlemen are not only genial fellows, but thoroughly understand the tonsorial business. Fuel is a legal tender in this community, therefore parties desiring to subscribe for the News, and ready money not being conveniently at hand, can bring us wood and receive credit on our books for the same. Thus reciprocity would be established in the community. One of the happiest men in Skaguay last Wednesday was Dr. Littlefield, whose wife arrived from Portland on the steamer Elder. The doctor is a prominent figure in the affairs of this young and growing town, and is recognized as a gentleman of ability. This community is extremely fortunate in numbering among its inhabitants Major Strong and his accomplished wife. The Major is an editorial writer of superior ability, having held position on many of the leading daily papers of the county. Mr. and Mrs. Strong contemplate going to the Yukon in the spring. Mrs. C. B. Beesen, of Seattle, arrived in Skaguay a week ago Wednesday on the City of Seattle, and now has charge of the Kerry Lumber Company's yard here, as manager. Mr. Beeson is a very pleasing gentleman, and like nearly all newcomers, is greatly surprised at the magnitude of Skaguay. The citizens will please bear in mind that the News office is located in the Morse hotel building, corner of Runnalls and McKinney streets. People are cordially invited to call and leave any item of news that may come under their observations, as we are always pleased to receive such contributions. We believe we are safe in making the declaration that nowhere on earth are there more individuals connected directly, or indirectly, with newspapers than right here in Skaguay. It inidicates the great desire there is among the people of the United States to learn as much as possible regarding the Yukon gold fields. The social ball given in Burkhard's hall last Saturday evening, was very largely attended, and a royal good time had. The great drawback, and the only one to this social event, was the limited number of ladies, the men out-numbering the women about six to one. The ball was gotten up by that prince of good fellows, A. F. Burton, and that in itself was a guarantee that the affair would be conducted successfully. These dances will be held regularly during the winter. Rev. R. M. Dickey delivered a sermon in Burkhard's hall last Sabbath afternoon to a very large congregation. The reverend gentleman preached a very eloquent and timely sermon, which was listened to with the closest attention. At the close of the services a movement was set on foot for the erection of a building to be used for religious services and a public school. The movement for raising the funds necessary to do the work has already been commenced and quite a sum of money collected. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ TRAMWAY OVER THE SUMMIT. WILL BE BUILT AT ONCE. Strong Company Organized to Rapidly Push Consutruction Work. The Skagway and Lake Bennett Tramway Company has recently been formed with three of our Skagway residents as organizers. Mr. Harry E. Battin reperesents large monied interest in Portland, Oregon, and along our coast, while Mr. Henry C. Ash, of Philadelphia, is backed by capital from the eastern states. Mr. Ensley A. Webste, who is well known in railway circles as a practiccal engineer and builder, will have charge of the construction. Recognizing the great need for some kind of transportation into the Youkon (sic) that would take the place of the beastly work of packing on men's backs, and of the costly and unsatisfactory way of using pack animals, these people with others have devised this tramway system as the most feasible, the more practicable, the cheapest, quickest and most satisfactory route. Skaguay has been chosen as a terminus because from this place as the head of navigation a through line to Lake Bennett can be built to carry freight and passengers from tide water to the head waters of the Yukon without a single change, at the same time being the shortest route. To the public at large who contemplate going to Klondike or any of the gold fields of interior Alaska, this will be the most satisfactory way yet conceived. This tramway will be finished to Summit lake by the time the sledding season commences, and it will be completed in the early spring, so that direct communication can be had as soon as the lakes are clear of ice. The altitude of the White Pass is known to be lower than any other, and here the percentage of grade is very moderage by following the water courses rather than the precipitous horse trail. Such a line, starting from Skaguay, will prove of untold value to this town, for it will necessarily bring the larger share of travel this way, and no one can foretell the numbers of people who will go to the interior next year. Among other inducements the low rate at which freight can be handled by this tramroad is worthy of mention. The exact amount has not been figured as yet, but it will not be a quarter as much as the lowest rates now run, and the people of the States can estimate their expenses before leaving home. This enterprise should have the hearty cooperation of the citizens of Skaguay, who will be the first to derive a material beneift therefrom. As soon as it is made public throughout the States and the world it will be recognized as the means to obviate the many hardships of this trip which have been endured on all routes up to the present time. The stock books for subscribing to this company will be opened in a few days at Mr. Battin's office on Bond street, so that our people can derive the benefit of investment. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ The people of this community have long desired a medium through which their advantages as a commercial center could be made known to the outside world, and through which could be refuted the infanmous lies that have been told about Skaguay and its inhabitants. The citizens now have such an organ in News and every individual in business here should patronize its advertising columns to the full extent of his or her ability. We mention this matter because there may be some people who have little conception of how a newspaper is sustained, and pull their purse strings tight when our advertising man calls upon them. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ J. C. Lilly came over the Skaguay trail from Lake Bennett, arriving here on Sunday. The young gentleman says that he carried fifty pounds on his back with ease, while his horse packed 210 pounds and came through with very little difficulty. He says the Skaguay trail is all right, and he can prove it. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ GREETING. In presenting this the first issue of the News to the people of Skaguay, I have but few apologies to offer or promises to make, I shall endeavor to publish to clean paper, avoiding, if possible, all personalities and above all the News will be published in the interests of this community. Fromt its very inception, Skaguay and its citizens have been maligned, abused, and villified as no other town or community ever was before, and one of my missions here will be to correct, as far as lies in my power, these false and malicious reports, and give to the world the truth regarding this truly wonderful little city of ours. While I am fighting the battles and working for the material interests of this community, the merchants and business men should not forget that there must be something more substantial than the healthful breezes that circulate so freely hereabout, to make this a successful business institution. Trusting that the first issue of Skaguay's newspaper will be kindly received, I am Yours Truly, M. L. Sherpy. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ THE SKAGUAY TRAIL. The White pass, or, Skaguay trail, has, probably, been the subject of more adverse citicism, in the newspapers of the United States; has been the fruitful source of more anathemas on the part of many of those who assayed to reach the lakes, during the past few weeks; has been so misrepresented by those who failed in crossing the divide, that an impartial statement concerning it seems to be both necessary and appropriate at this time. The News, therefore, presents to its readers such a statement. When the great rush to the Klondike gold fields was inaugurated last summer, naturally one of the first questions confronting the intending argonaut, was by what route was he to reach the goal of his desires. This, necessarily, was not a question of easy solution. For years the Chilcoot pass had formed a highway by which miners and others had reached the interior. The difficulties which beset the traveler over that route were well known, and it is not a subject for wonderment that so many people, anxious to speedily reach the new gold fields, with as little delay as possible, were eager to find a new and supposedly easier way to the lakes. The White Pass trail, it was believed, afforded what was desired, and thousands of men set out over it. It must be remembered that the trail was comparatively unknown; that but little work had been done upon it so as to put it in a condition for travel to pass over it. The route, moreover, had not been selected with any care. It may be truthfully said that a way had been merely "blazed" out and that the path between Skaguay and Lake Bennett was about as nature made it; man, at least, had improved it but little. In the unprecendented rush that followed, a veritable stampede it may be called, the ill-prepared path was in no condition to withstand or accommodate the immense travel so suddnely flung upon it. Thousands of men and horses lined the trail within a few days, and in a very short time, after the rush began, the congestion was complete. By reason of the great stampede the trail was well nigh impassable. The low, marshy places became quagmires and the mountain paths a slippery toboggan slide. Added to all this was the fact that the great majority of the gold-seekers were men inexperienced in mountain traveling, unused to hardships of any kind, and who know literally nothing of "packing" or pack animals. A "tenderfoot" fails always where an experienced mountaineer threads his way in safety and with dispatch. The tales of woe that have filled the columns of the newspapers; the vitriolic denunciations of the Skaguay trail by the men who failed to cross it with their outfits; the terrible experiences recounted by the disappointed are the logical outcome of what might be expected of men who were in no wise fitted, physically or otherwise, to endure the journey and who had not counted the cost of the undertaking. It is not the intention of the News to cast any reflection upon the men who so galiantly attempted to cross the mountain range, and failed. Many of those are deserving of all credit for the heroic efforts that they made. That they failed is not to their discredit, and had all succeeded in reaching their destination this plain statement of fact would not have been necessary. These men battled with a mountain trail, all unused, as they were, to such mode of traveling, and physically unfitted for work - they failed. The experienced, and those who knew how to rough it, succeeded. This writer has talked with many men who have traveled over the Skaguay trail, several times since the first of last August. Some have denounced it in unsparing terms; others have emphatically stated that it is no worse, and in many respects better than many of the mountain trails in Colorado and other mountainous states. Experienced packers from the mountain states have had little trouble in reaching Lake Bennett with their outfits, and are united in the statement that this trail compares favorably with any on which they have operated. Mountain trails are never strewn with roses; difficulties present themselves to the man unused to such thoroughfares, whcih are enough to daunt the stoutest heart, but, we repeat, to the man who knows how to surmount such obstacles as must necessarily present themselves, the way is open. The people of Skaguay are alive to the difficulties which the White pass trail presents to the average traveler; they have learned of the criticisms, the denunciations which have found their way into the public prints of the entire country; they know that much of the criticism is unjust, for the reasons that have already been pointed out in this article, and that the ireful denunciations which have been evoked are not warranted in fact. An easy, cheap and quick way of reaching the lakes is a prime necessity. No man, be he rich or poor, has time to idle or fritter away. When a man sets out upon a journey he naturally seeks the easiest, quickest and cheapest means of reaching his destination. These are the desiderata sought for by the intending seeker after the gold of the Yukon. "What route shall be taken in order that I may most speedily reach the end of my journey?" is the important question. With the experience gained the past few weeks and the knowledge obtained of the topographical features and the climatic conditions of the stretch of country which separates tide water at Skaguay from Lake Bennett, it can be truthfully stated that the Skaguay trail will present the easiest means of reaching the interior. The trail is now in a better condition than ever before, but, of course, at this season of the year, when mountain storms are liable to rage at any moment, travel is rendered exceedingly more hazardous and difficult than in the summer season. But, it is proposed to give he intending traveler into the great Yukon basin just what is needed to reach Lake Bennett. A company, in which many of the leading business men of Skaguay are interested, has been organized to build a wagon road to the summit. This will include the building of a number of bridges for passengers, over which a reasonable toll will be charged. The survey of the road has been made and a feasible route has been found. The grade will be light - not to exceed four per cent for the entire distance to the international boundary line, two miles beyond the summit of the mountain range. The preparatory work of constructing the road is already under way; and the promoters, among whom are men well known in business and financial circles of the United States, are confident that the road will be completed early next year. This question of securing easy communication with the great interior, through American territory, seems to us to be one which concerns every patriotic American. The Canadian and British Columbia governments, alive to the importance of the subject, are bending their energies to open up a trail via the Stickeen river and Lake Teslin. This will, if a feasible route be found, open up a new country, and add to the volume of trade of British Columbia cities, as outfitting points, and the Pacific coast cities of the United States will suffer in loss of trade and the prestige, as commercial points, that they now enjoy. We say, in language susceptible of no double meaning that the great bulk of the travel to the Yukon must, in the future, either go by way of the Sitckeen river, practically, as far as the commercial aspect of the case is concerned, through Canadian territory, or to Skaguay and thence to Lake Bennett. With the completion of the wagon road the Skaguay route must be the point of departure, inasmuch as it will afford that which is demanded - an easy, quick and cheap way to the Yukon gold fields. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The scow, Skagit, which has been plying the waters of Puget Sound as a snag boat for the past 8 years, arrived in Skaguay Oct. 6th. The boat will be pulled up on a well located lot on Broadway and be converted into a first class hotel. It will be thoroughly equipped, being steam heated and electric lighted. It will be able to accommodate 150 guests. The lower deck will be converted into store rooms, several privileges having already been let to the following gentlemen: Mr. Phelps for the restaurant; Mr. Bell, the Whatcom tobacconist, will be in evidence. Mr. E. A. Hegg, a well know photographer, will have a studio, as well as Mrs. Eva Copeland, the renowned Seattle artist. There will also be a club room managed by Mr. James Yarkin. The "Hotel Skagit: will be ready for business about the 15th of this month. Ben F. Nudd also has an electric light plant with which he intends lighting the hotel and as many business houses as possible. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ ADVERTISING. NOTICE! Moore's Wharf The approach to the above wharf will be completed on or about the 25th inst.. Freight can them be handled on the said wharf and, if required, teams will be supplied at reasonable rates to haul same to any desired point on this side of the First Raise, a distance of four miles. For further information apply to the undersigned, Wm. Moore New Home Restaurant and Lodging House, McKinney Street, near Broadway. Miss Bernhofer. H. R. Littlefield, Physician and Surgeon. Trail and Shoup Streets, Skaguay, Alaska. Jas. Leddey : : : F. E. Fuller. Leddy & Fuller, Attorneys-At-Law, Postoffice Building Juneau, Alaska. Log Cabin Bakery. Home-Made Bread. Boston Baked Beans a Speciality. Miller & Devany. Look Here! If you want to keep warm get your houses built by Squires and Jinkens, Residence, corner Main and Holly sts. at Z. Craven's. All jobbing promptly attended to. Stove fitting and stair building a speciality. Joseph Palmer, Pioneer Shoemaker. Repairing neatly done. Main and Trail Streets, Skaguay. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Page 3. _ (first initial) M. Word, of the firm of H. A. Bauer & co., is having a building erected in Dyea, which the firm will occupy with a branch store about the first of November. Louis Dohlman, the gentleman recently from New York, declares that Skaguay is the coming city of the northwest. The slanderous reports regarding this town almost deterred the gentleman from coming here, but he is now glad he did so. M. Klinkenstein, F. H. Clayson and Dr. Hornsby, are the three gentlemen selected by the citizens and property owners of Skaguay to represent them in the coming fight against Bernard Moore, who has laid claim to the entire townsite of Skaguay. It will be a feather in the cap of these gentlemen if they succeed in winning the case. The last issue of the Seattle Times, received here, contained a sensational article to the effect that fifteen hundred destitute and disheartened men were at Skaguay, most of them desiring to leave for down Sound points. Having no money, they were becoming desperate and stowing themselves away on outgoing vessels. Such a stampede was there, says this writer, that the chief officers of the steamer City of Seattle had guards placed about the vessel in order to prevent stowaways from boarding her, but in spite of the vigilance of the officers, a number of men succeeded in getting on board. The article predicted a terrible state of affairs here this winter, owing to the destitution prevailing. Investigation of this report shows there was absolutely no foundation for it whatever. The individual who wrote that article knew that he was penning a deliberate and malicious lie, but he imagined he was pandering to a popular fad prevailing at Seattle, by describing the horrors of Skaguays. Two instances that have come under our observation recently show the pure cussedness that animated the individuals who have been sending or carrying back to their friends the tales of woe that have filled the newspapers of late. One young man, whose home is in Seattle, arrived at Skaguay the latter part of August with a four year grub stake and plenty of money. He took the outfit up the trail about four miles and sold it for a good round sum. Returning to Skaguay he commenced "bucking the tiger" and soon his money was gone. This young disciple of Ananias returned to Seattle and told his people that he had his entire outfit stolen by thieves at Skaguay, and that it was an impossibility to get over the trail. Of course, he got himself interviewed by some reporter and thus another tale of woe regarding this community was started on its rounds. Another young man from the Queen City arrived here about the same time with an eighteen months' grub stake. This brave chap did not even make a trip over the trail but sold the outfit here in town and after spending the money in questionable resorts, returned to his people in Seattle and declared that his entire outfit had been ruined by rain. He, of course, discoursed learnedly regarding the difficulties of the trail, and thus was added anothe chapter to the record of frightful conditions prevailing here at Skaguay. These are but two instances out of hundreds of similar ones that have come directly under our observation. While condemning the reprehensible acts of these would-be argonauts, still we can not help but declare that the individuals who would "stake" and send out on such a hazardous trip such inexperienced and callow youths as above mentioned, are asses of the most pronounced type, and no sympathy should be wasted upon them because of their loss. For sale. - An elegant, upright piano. Apply at this office. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ SKAGUAY HAS... One bank. Fifteen general merchandise stores. Nineteen restaurants. Four meat markets. Eleven hay, grain, and feed yards. Twenty-six contractors. Six real estate offices. Six drug stores. Three wharves. Four transfer companies. Three bath houses. Three dentists. Two dressmakers. One bowling alley. Eleven saloons. One saw mill. Six lumber yards. Nine steamboat companies. Three tin shops. Nine hotels. Five fruit dealers. Four civil engineers. Five hardware stores. Four new stands. One book exchange. Two shoemakers. Seven bakeries. Eight blacksmiths. Eight pack trains. Six cigar and tobacco stores. Three furniture and mattress stores. Seven doctors. Six lawyers. Three typewriters. One photographer. Four sign painters. Two barbershops. Five storage houses. Five wood yards. Three laundries. Seven lodging houses. Ten grocery stores. Three chop houses. Four clothing and woolen goods stores. Three employment offices. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ NUDSON'S HAPPENINGS. (the following article is as actually shown in the newspaper.) Mestor paper faller, aye yust cum oop har bout sax days go; aye ban von svedish man das bout all oye no, one faller he say Nudson aye skal laide to no putty vell if your modder hae bon von yankie faller or svenskie voman, vell aye ban von stranger in das country so aye tank aye cconnot tol him but mae sistar Yenneys modder, das faller hae ask mai gude money tings, but aye tole him oye don no any ting an aye tank hae dont fine out vot aye dont know. he say Nudson, you know da difference between da Klondyke or a empty stomache? do you know Nudson da government hae appointed a Klootehman to keep the waves off da new wharf? Do you know dat Ed. Welsh foller hae ban oppointed trail inspector for da summit, and dat Billy Leslie hae bon a hell hoopen populist since ha growed dot spinish on his face? vell fen dat faller hae found out Nudson hae dont know nothing he say you skal go out and squat on von lot and fen dae 50,000 fallers cum oop har to Skaguay in da sgring you skal be von hell rich norskie mon, so Nudson hae go out on trail to hold down lot but dae bane too big for von little faller to hold, but aye tank aye skal hold him any how, sae mestar paper faller aye skal lake putty vell if you skal bring me oop har one pair of mittens mae hands ha ban getten putty cold holden da lot down aye can tole you dat, vell aye took das Skagway place hae ben van hell gude town any how, fen aye vas down to Skattle aye met won faller hae name ban Saportas hae say Nudson aye tank if you shal go oop to Skagway you skal get 'bour fem dollars day. Vell aye tank das loan putty gude far von Swedish faller, so aye hide maeself under von 6x2 scantlin pile and a float oop har on da barge Ayax; sae mestar paper feller aye shal vish you shal not tole da captain man 'bout dat for aye got a yob har now pullen da meat from da dead hosses an soleing it to dose dog fallers an da captain ha might take Nudson avay from it. Vell aye ban all right any how, aye hav got sax dollars cashed on da summit, and aye got fein pounds flour, saxteen evaporated brunes, tra yards of tripe, so aye can eat maeself and board mae clothes. Vell aye tank aye skal run oop da trail an go fishen for Klondikers in Lake Bennett, aye shal tole you 'bout it next time mester. Ole Olaf. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Louis Dohlman, of New York city, is stopping at Burkhard's hotel. He is looking over the business situation here. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ ADVERTISING. Skagit Restaurant Chas. Phelps, Prop. Finest meals in the town for 25 cts. Short orders a speciality. Located on the Skagit. Sioux City commission Company. A full line of blankets, stoves, hardware and merchandise. Chas. Hansen, Manager. Trail, near Broadway, Skaguay. W. H. Bell, Finest line of cigars and tobacco in the city; also fresh roasted peanuts, candy and fruit. Located on board the Skagit. Bay View Hotel. Day & Turner, Mgrs. Neat comfortable rooms. Excellent table. Bond Street : : : Skaguay, Alaska Boston Store! Managed by Cheney & Co. Clothing, dry goods, boots and shoes, horse blankets. Choice line of tobacco and cigars. Broadway, opposit Sampson's Hotel. E. A. Hegg, Photographer Fine views and photographic work done at reasonable prices. Cor. Broadway and Bond sts. Joseph Burkhard & Co. General merchandise, hardware, tinware, oils, paints, clothing, boots and shoes; and a full and complete stock of everything in the merchandise line. Broadway and McKinney streets. "Gilt Edge Kitchen" T. M. Llowell, Proprietor. Regular meals and short orders. Broadway, near Bond. Louis Cohen's Cigar Store. We have the finest cigars, tobacco and pipes that money can buy. Give us a trial. Broadway, near McKinney, Skaguay. Donovan & Friedenthal, (formerly Richet, Miller and Co.) Groceries, clothing, shoes, stationery, drugs, and everything in the general merchandise line. On trail, near Main street, next door to Dr. Littlefield. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ NOTICE. FINAL PROOF AND ENTRY. U. S. Land Office at Sitka, Alaska, Sept. 16, 1897. Notice is hereby given that Bernard Moore, a citizen of the United States, over the age of 21 years, has made application to this office to make final proof and entry by said applicant under an act of Congress approved March 3, 1891, relating to the survey and entry of lands in Alaska, of the lands described as follows, to wit: That certain tract of public land known and platted as U. S. Survey No. 13 situate fronting on Shkagway (sic) Bay, Taiya Inlet, Lynn Canal, Alaska, and bounded as follows: Commencing at the SE cor of the site on the meander line of Shkagway Bay, 25 links distant from mean high water, at a Trap stone 16x12x12 ins set 17 ins in the ground, market S no. 13, being cor no 1 deeply cut side facing claim, whence US initial monument no 8 bears north 79 deg 30 min west 56.182 chs dist, and is in latitude 59 deg 27 min north and longitude 135 deg 19 min 50 W. 1 -- Thence north 20 deg 45 min east 6.39chs to Trap stone 18x10x12 ins; 14 ins in ground, 25 lks distant from mean high water, market S no 13 cor no 2. 2 -- Thence north to deg 00 min west along meancer line of Shkagway Bay 657 chs to Trapstone 8x14x16 ins, set 12 ins in the ground 20 lks distant from mean high water, market S no 13, cor no 3 barb wire fence tranding north 58 deg 45 min west 29 chs, and south 58 deg 45 min east 3 chs bears north 25 deg 00 min east 55 chs dist, barb wire fence trending north 54 deg 30 min W 8.5 chs, and south 54 deg 30 min east 3 chs bears north 25 deg 00 min east 11.42 chs dist northeast cor 1-1/2 story log house dims 15x16-1/2 it bears north 25 deg 00 min east 16.60 ch dist. barb wire fence trending north 35 deg 30 min east 6.50 chs, bears due north 13.80 chs southwest cor brush stable. 3 -- Thence north 65 deg 00 min west along the meander line of Shkagway Bay 3.38 chs dist to trap stone 24x8x10 ins set 18 ins in ground 50 links dist from high water market S no 13 cor no. 4. 4 -- Thence south 82 deg 00 min west along the meander line of Shkagway Bay, 6.34 chs to trapstone 18x10x12 ins set 14 ins in ground 40 lks dist from mean high water, market S no 13 cor no 5. 5 -- Thence north 61 deg 00 min west along the meander line of Shkagway Bay 10.69 chs to trap stone 24x8x12 ins set 18 ins in ground 50 lks distant from mean high water, market S no 13 cor no 6. 6 -- Thence north 15 deg 30 min west along the meander line of the left bank of Shkagway river 12.60 chains to trap stone 20x10x10 ins set 15 ins in ground 40 links distant from mean high water market S no 13 cor no 7. 7 -- Thence north 27 deg 15 min east along the meander line of the left bank of Shkagway River 10.95 chains to trap stone 24x8x10 ins set 18 ins in ground 30 links distant from mean high water mkd S no 13 cor no 8. 8 -- Thence north 2 deg 30 min west along the meander line of the left bank of Shkagway River 4:15 chains to trap stone 26x9x9 ins set 20 ins in ground 25 links dist from mean high water mkd S no 13 cor no 9. 9 -- Thence north 11 deg 00 min east along the meander line of the left bank of Shkagway River 2.94 chains to trap stone 24x8x10 ins set 18 ins in ground 30 lks dist from mean high water, marked S no 13 cor no 19. 10 -- Thence north 59 deg 15 deg 15 min cast along the meander line of the left bank of Shkagway River 8.99 chs to trap stone 20x10x10 ins set 15 ins in ground 25 links distant from mean high water marked S no 13 cor no 11. 11 -- Thence north 37 deg 30 min east along the meander line of the left bank of shkagway River 8.50 chains, enter cottonwood timber, 13.13 chs to trap stone 26x8x10 ins set 20 ins in ground 40 links distant from mean high water, marked S no 13 cor no 12. 4.70 chs small alder, cottonwood timber and underbrush. A cottonwood tree 2-1/2 feet in diameter marked S no 13 B T bears south 37 deg 30 min west 4 links distant. A cottonwood tree two feet in diameter marked S no 13 B T bears east 37 links distant. 12 -- Thence south 52 deb 30 min east leave the Shkagway river, 4 chains leave cottonwood timber, 4.65 chs old bed of creek, 5.30 chains enter thick spruce timber, 6.87 chains pack trail to beach, 20.25 chains small stream, 30 chains Mill creek. 30.10 chains ascend steep mountain scattering small spruce and black pine, 32.89 chains ascend steep bluff smooth bedrock, 37.68 chains impracticable to set corner on steep bluff and sliding stone, a cross at exact point of witness cor on bedrock on line just run north 52 deg 30 min west 4.79 chains from true corner, a trap stone 26x10x10 ins over cross mark marked S no 13 W C, a black pine 18 ins in diameter marked S no 13 B T for W C bears north 28 links distant, a black pine 12, ins in diameter marked S no 13 B T for W C. 13 -- Thence south 37 deg 30 min west 48.37 chs to northwest corner stake, Bernard Moore wharfsite 49.37 chains to stone marked S no 13, being cor no 1, the place of beginning. Said tract hereby applied for was surveyed by Charles W. Garside, U. S. Deputy Surveyor for Alaska, under the act of Congress approved on March 3, 1891, and known as Survey No. 13, Officio Surveyor General of Alaska and the Commissioner of the General Land Office, and contains 160 acres of land. Magnetic v ariations 30 degrees east. The 4th day of November, A. D. 1897, at 2 p.m., is appointed for such proceedings before this office. Any and all persons claiming adversely any portion of said land are required to file a protest of adverse claim thereto in this office on or before said last mentioned date, otherwise the final proof and entry of said land will be made by applicant. Said applicant names the following witnesses: George W. Garside of Juneau, Alaska. George Harkrader of Juneau, Alaska. J. T. Martin of Juneau, Alaska. Karl Koehler of Juneau, Alaska. Ed James of Juneau, Alaska. Malcolm Campbell of Juneau, Alaska. C. W. Young of Juneau, Alaska. John W. Dudley, Register U. S. Land Office. U. S. Land Office at Sitka, Alaska, September 16, 1897. Notice of the above application will be published in the Alaska Mining Record, printed at Juneau, Alaska, which I hereby designate as the newspaper published nearest the land described in said application. John W. Dudley, Register U. S. Land Office. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Page 4. NOTICE. The publisher of the News did not come to Skaguay with the idea or intention of asking a bonus from the citizens for establishing a newspaper in the community. This is simply a business proposition, the same as a merchant or tradesman. We looked the field over and, concluding that it was a good one, purchased the plant and commenced business. The proprietor of this paper is not, as yet, a subject for charitable contributions and trusts he never will be. "Every tub should stand on its own bottom," is an old, old saying, but very trite one, nevertheless. The green-eyed monster seems to have taken possession of the little town of Juneau, and many lying prophets find a temporary abiding place in that hamlet. Of the 2,000 or more citizens of Skaguay there is not one who will subscribe to the Seattle Pot-Intelligencer's statement that Skaguay is "the camp of the disconsolates." Has the Seattle Post-Intelligencer been subsidized by Victoria, B. C., merchants or the promoters of the Stickeen river route, to boom the route to the Yukon through Canadian territory, and Victoria as the natural supply point? To those good people who have been mourning over the "wickedness and crime" in Skaguay, the newest and liveliest town in the United States, the News wishes to say that nowhere in the wide world is there a more orderly town and crime is practically unknown. It is safe to say that Seattle is the chief supply point for the Alaska trade, including Alaska's largest and most enterprising town - Skaguay. And yet the Seattle Post-Intelligencer has never missed an opportunity to give Skaguay and its citizens a "black eye." There is only one explanation of the Post-Intelligencer's course. It must be either _____ or stupid. Probably the former. F. W. Vaille, superintendent of the railway mail service of the Pacific coast, was in Skaguay last week, coming from the Sound on the City of Seattle. On Monday next the actual work of construction of the tramway over the summit will be commenced. The location has already been selected for terminal grounds, car shops, etc., and the enterprise will be pushed with all possible speed. Mrs. L. A. Nadeau and little daughter accompanied Mr. Nadeau to Skaguay on the City of Seattle on her last trip from the Sound. Mrs. Nadeau and Mrs. Strong are old time friends, and it is hardly necessary to say the meeting between the ladies was an affectionate one. As showing the contemptible spirit manifested by many persons who leave Skaguay and return to the Sound, we mention the name of W. J. Rogers, who returned to Tacoma recently, and in an interview with the Post-Intelligencer, said this town was dead. It seems that his conscience pricked him and he subsequently declared that he did not intend to convey the impression that the town was really dead; it was quiet now; but would boom in the spring. One reason why he thought it would be lively here was because Skagway (sic) had a wharf. Now, if this Mr. Rogers visited our town - and evidently such was the case - why did he not state what is an actual fact, that Skaguay already has three of the largest wharves in the territory of Alaska, practically completed. Such smallness gives one a tired feeling. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ ADVERTISING. E. C. DOWNIE & CO., Can outift you cheaper than you can buy at Seattle, and pay freight; and you can get the articles you need and not have to waste money on useless articles. Stop at Hotel Seattle! J. D. Gass, Manager. Best rooms, beds, meals. Most comfortable place in the city. Steam heated throughout. Skaguay, Alaska. Alaska and Northwestern Territory Trading Co. Sawmill! Lumber: Rough, matched and dressed. All lengths and sizes. Short lengths a speciality. R. Hill, superintendent. The Gem Saloon and Hotel. The finest accommodations in the land. Scotty Connelly, Prop. Cor. Trail and Holly Streets. Goldberg Brothers, Dealers in general merchandise. Holly Street : : : Skaguay, Alaska ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Page 5. LOCAL NEWS. George Kittenge and Ed. Terry, of Seattle, are still in the city. H. C. Morse, our landlord, has laid a fine sidewalk in front of the News office. Elihu Baker expects his wife to arrive from Seattle on the Farrallon. The steamer Al-Ki arrived here on the 10th inst. with 76 passengers and 78 dogs. W. M. Lesley recently returned from Lake Bennett and reported the trail in good condition. Dr. Hornsby, a veteran newspaper man, and a gentleman in all that the term implies, was a caller this week. Mrs. A. Clayson, of Portland, mother of the Clayson Bros., arrived in Skaguay on the Elder last Wednesday. The lady will make her home with her sons. A. J. Magurn, representing the Toronto Globe, is here. He came with the Canadian government expedition and will return with Hon. Mr. Sefton. Mr. C. Starnes, inspector of the northwest mounted police, with headquarters at Skaguay, made the News office a very pleasant call this week. He is a gentleman whom it is a pleasure to meet. W. G. Hall, of Portland, Oregon, manager of the Alaska Pacific Express co., and secretary of the Northern Pacific Express Co., was in the city a few days last week. The gentleman was greatly surprised at the rapid strides our town has been making, and predicts a bright future for it. The Alaska Pacific Express Co. intends to carry the mail from Skaguay to Lake Bennett, beginning Nov. 1st. It is proposed to have the citizens of lake Bennett elect one man to receive and distribute the mail. The elected man will receive the mail from the Express Co., and receipt for the same. Not long since an individual from Colorado arrived in Skaguay with a number of small mules, with which to do packing on this trail. It was freely predicted that they wold not prove successful here, but the owner has already made four trips to the lakes and back, and declares the trail to be a very good one, indeed. H. H. Fraiser, who has been doing considerable packing over the Skaguay trail, returned to the city Monday. He reports the trail in splendid condition, and that men need not experience much difficulty in getting over White pass at the present time. He says there are fully 500 people camped along different portions of the trail, most of whom will winter in Skaguay. Our city is being honored this week by the presence of a number of notable celebrities from the Dominion of Canada. The gentlemen came here for the purpose of ascertaining the condition of both the Skaguay and Chilcoot passes as about forty tons of supplies for the Canadian mounted police are to be taken into the interior at once. The Skaguay trail was found in such excellent condition that a portion of the supplies will be taken over this route and a portion by the Chilcoot. Following are the names of the gentlemen composing the party: Hon. Clifford Sefton, Minister of the Interior; Major Walsh, Administrator; Hon. Justice McGuire, Judge of the Supreme Court, N. W. T.; Mr. Wade, Registrar; W. G. McGrefor and Capt. Norwood, Inspectors of Mines; Mr. Bliss, Accountant; Mr. Dufferin Pattullo, secretary to Major Walsh. United States Commissioner Smith is at Juneau on official business. H. D. Kirmse, watchmaker and jeweler. All work guaranteed. Skaguay, Alaska. The Farrallon, Corona and rosalie are all over due, and expected to arrive at Skaguay any day. The town has been filled with strangers during the past week, and nearly every one of them was surprised and delighted at the wonderful growth of Skaguay. Copies of the News will be on sale at Mrs. Sherpy's place two doors below the mail office; also at the News office. There have been so many public meetings in town this week that the News reporters have been unable to keep track of them; hence, our columns contain meager reports. Kelly, the druggist, will have something to say to the public in the next issue. Stowell & billings, formerly of Montana, have been buying considerable real estate in Skaguay. These gentlemen believe there is a very bright future before this rustling young city. Judgine from indications, the first issue of the News will meet with a hearty reception, and we trust cordial relations will always be maintained between the publisher and his patrons. Mr. T. H. Lowell, of the Gilt Edge Kitchen, bought out his old partner, Mr. Holden, the tenth of this month. Mr. Lowell will conduct the business alone. Mr. Ed. Guthrie is about to have built the finest building in the city. It will be 50x100 feet, and two stories high; French plate windows, and elegantly furnished throughout. It will be used as a lodging house and club room. Mr. Charles Sengfelder will shortly leave for Portland, Oregon, where he will buy a complete stokc of wall paper, paints, oils, varnishes, glass, etc., and will return with the same ready for business by November 15th. A very rich quartz head has been discovered within a few miles of Skaguay, but we are not at liberty to give the name of the discoverer or the location of the find. Suffice it to say that every indication points to the fact that this rising young city will have a quartz mine tributary to it that will prove a bonanza, both to the discoverer and the town. Citizens of Skaguay, be careful about fire. As yet the town has not been visited by the fire fiend, but it is likely to come at any time because of the necessarily crude, and in many cases, careless manner in which stove pipes have been passed through roofs of shacks and tents. As we said before, be on your guard and take no chances in this matter, for if any extensive fire should occur, it would not only be a swvere loss to occupants of the buildings burned, but the people of Juneau and Seattle would declare that it was the hand of God smiting the residents here for their immorality, (?) and wickedness (?). Up to within a week or two there has been an unwritten law in this community against petty thieving, and this law has been violated in but few instances. However, we have been reliably informed that cases of petty thieving are becoming more numerous as time goes by. The peculiar conditions prevailing here, the fact that it is necessary for people to allow voluable articles to remain out of doors for want of room within their dwellings or places of business, makes it necessary that some means be employed to check this growing tendency to purloin articles belonging to others. A word to the wise ought to be sufficient. At the close of a public meeting in the interests of the town, held one evening this week, the chairman, Major Strong, read in open meeting the article in the Seattle Times telling about the fifteen hundred destitute and desperate men desiring to leave this place. We wish the Times prevaricated could have been present and heard the shouts of derision that greeted the reading of that article. Such reports as these, encouraged and abetted by the business people of Seattle is what is driving the immense trade of this section to Portland and other points. Business men here know tht Seattle desires to kill this place, as it is certain to become a formidable rival for the Yukon outfitting trade. The first of August there were but two wooden buildings on the townsite of Skaguay. Today there are three hundred, many of them two and three stories in hieght. How's that for rapid growth? One cause of the orderly condition of Skaguay is our peace officer, U. S. Marshal McInnis. While he is firm in the discharge of his official duties, still he is gentlemanly and courteous to all with whom he comes in contact. Mr. Ben F. Nudd, formerly connected with the Pacific Lumber Trade Journal, of Seattle, has been calling upon the merchants and business men in the interests of the News. Any favors shown the gentleman will be appreciated by the proprietor. "Alaska Southern Wharf Co." will have its wharf completed in about ten days. Excellent facilities for accommodating all classes of steamers. Will have storage room for about 2500 tons of freight. Mr. Brooks started yesterday for the lakes with twelve horses, carrying 2-- pounds each. Two pack trains for the Canadian mounted police, consisting of fourteen horses in each, started for the lake yesterday. Mr. Harry C. Ash will depart for the east on the next steamer leaving here, where he goes to contract for machinery, supplies, etc., for the tramway. It is proposed to have this enterprise under construction in the shortest possible time. One hundred thousand dollars is a conservative estimate of the amount of money that is being expended in Skaguay this fall for the wharves alone. These improvements have been made by conservative business men, who do not, as a rule, spend their money unless they feel pretty certain of receiving returns from their investments. People who arrive from the south on the steamers are lost in wonder, because they have been assured that Skaguay has no wharfage facilities. The publisher of this paper has been a resident of Skaguay for ten days, and during that time has not witnessed a disturbance of any kind nor seen a drunken man on the streets. We now known from personal experience that the tales of woe sent out by disgruntled persons, and given ready publication in the coast papers, are fabrications, pure and simple. Skaguay is as orderly a town as there is in the United States, regardless of the fact that it has sprung into existence almost in a day, so to speak. The publisher of this paper would greatly enjoy mentioning in his columns the name of every citizen of Skaguay whom we have had the pleasure of meeting during the past week, but in order to do so it would require a paper the size of the Post-Intelligencer. Therefore, if the friends of the News fail to see their names in print, they should not become disgruntled but stop and think of the difficulties under which we have labored in getting out the first issue. It is a big task and it would be strange indeed if we did err in many ways. Mr. Charle sSengfelder, one of the pioneer business men of the city, leaves in a few days for Portland, where he will purchase a large and complete stock of wall paper, paints, oils, varnish, glass, etc. He will return with the same and be open for business about the 15th of Novembe. TYhe Canadian government steamer Quadra has been lying in the harbor here since it brought Hon. Clifford Sefton, minister of the interior, and party to town, the first of the week. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ WAGON ROAD TO THE LAKE. A wagon road to the summit is an assured fact, as the actual work of construction was commenced on Wednesday, the road will be pushed to completion as rapidly as possible. The company that was formed some time ago is a very strong one and is composed of Portland and Seattle capitalists, who recognize the profits that must surely accrue from the thousands of people who will go to the Yukon in the spring. The construction of this road will not be the difficult task many suppose, and everything will be completed in time for the spring rush. Four steel bridges will be necessary on the route, and one or two of them have already been contracted. While the cost of construction will necessarily be very great, still there will be no delaying the work, as the company have ample funds at their command. Of one thing our citizens can be assured, and that is that a wagon road, properly constructed and capable of accommodating all the traffic that may desire to go over it, will be constructed by the time travel commences in the spring. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Bear steaks were on sale the first of the week -something that has never been in the markets here before. Bruin was killed a few miles from town. The mounted police that are being sent to the Klondike by the Canadian government, are camping out on the trail about four miles. It is impossible for the publisher of this paper to thank, indicivually, each one who has been of assistance to him since coming to Skaguay, but he desires to do so collectively. Many persons have gone out of their way to do us favors, and we feel truly grateful for the same. If errors have crept into the News, we trust our readers, and especially the advertisers, will bear with us patiently, as this is the first issue, and such things are liable to occur in spite of the care exercised. After things get down to a normal condition there will not then be so much likelihood of errors creeping into our columns. C. L. Waite, who has been packing on the Skaguay trail since the fifteenth of last August, returned from Lake Bennett Wednesday of this week, and says the trail is in splendid condition. Mr. Waite says that he has a number of horses that have been packing constantly since the great rush, and they are in good condition. The gentleman will continue to pack all winter. Two me, direct from Dawson City, by the name of Franklin Scott and David Thomson, arrived in Skaguay Thursday on their way to Juneau. Each has about $50,000 in dust to show for the season's work. These men bring the report of a deliberate murder that was committed near Lake Tagish some time ago. It seems three men from Seattle were encamped near the lake on their way to Dawson City. Two of the parties became involved in a quarrel, and one of them, by the name of Henderson, deliberately stabbed the other, named Peterson, with a bowie knife, but not content with that, beat his head into jelly with a revolver. The third man rushed to an adjoining camp, and securing help, bound Henderson to a tree and kept him there for ten days until the provincial polkice could take him to Dawson City. The murder was a deliberate one, and without a particle of justification. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Hugh Weisman & Co., Supply brokers. Drafts on New York and Seattle. Loans Negotiated. Bond street, near Main. Skaguay. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Page 6. ADVERTISING. Buy your outfits at Skaguay because you can buy all you want! No more than you want, and just what you want from F. H. Clayson & Co., The Yukon Outfitters, Corner Cunnals & Bond Sts., Skaguay, Alaska. Skaguay Lumber Co. All kinds of lumber at the lowest prices. Shingles, lath, and building paper. Thos. Riggs, Manager. Corner Broadway and Kaiser avenue. Hoefler & McRoberts, Real Estate Agents. Goods sold on commission. Bond Street, Skaguay, Alaska. Henry Sohmer & Co. Contractors and dealers in real estate. Clearing, grubbing and grading of lots a speciality. Choice business and residence lots to be had yet at reasonable prices. Give us a call before you invest. Office: Moore and Main Streets. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Willis Thorp, of Seattle, was in Skaguay several days last week. The gentleman only recently returned from his trip over the Dalton trail, and says that it was a sad failure for him from a financial standpoint. Mr. Thorp started from Haines' Mission about the fifteenth of September with ninety head of horses. When about 150 miles out on the trail a fierce and blinding snowstorm struck the outfit and in one night twenty of the horses succumbed to the wintry blasts, and the following night five or six more of the poor beasts were found frozen to death, and Mr. Rhorp, seeing tha the entire party were liable to perish, ordered his men to take the back trail. He arrived at the Mission last Thursday and the cattle, with the exception of five or six that strayed, arrived thee a day or so later. Mr. Thorp will dispose of the cattle to the best advantage possible, but his loss will doubtless be very heavy. Mr. Thorp, notwithstanding his terrible experience, still believes in the Dalton trail, but now questions his judgment in starting on such a perilous trip so late in the season. Lillian Thetesa, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A. P. Carlson, died Wednesday morning, Oct. 6th, 1897. She was ill but 24 hours, death being due to convulsions. The funeral services were held at the family residence. Mrs. S. E. Shorthill, assisted by Mrs. Flinn, officiating. Lillian Carlson was born at Everett, Wash., Aug. 19th, 1894, and was the first child to die in Skaguay. She was a bright, beautiful and promising child. The family have the sympathy of the entire community in their great sorry. Mrs. Scloville, wife of the New York World correspondent, who has been living at Lake Bennett since her husband departmed for Seattle, returned to Skaguay last Thursdayl, accompanied by Mr. Saportas. Mr. S. and the lady departmed for Seattle on the Al-Ki, Mrs. Scoville going to join her husband in Cuba. David McKinney has been remodeling his building, on McKinney street, and made a very great improvement in the same. "Dave" is an "old citizen: of Skaguay, and a man of influence in the community. On each Sabbath, until further notice, preaching services will be held in Burkhard's hall, commencing at 3 p.m. Sabbath school at 2 p.m. Everybody cordially invited to attend these services. R. M. Dickey, Pastor. Mr. R. H. David, or Boone, Iowa, arrived in Skaguay last Saturday. This gentleman has been stopping at Juneau for some time, and from what he had been told by the people of that town, regarding Skaguay and its inhabitants, he almost feared to come here. It did not take Mr. David over fifteen minutes to make up his mind that Skaguay is the natural gateway to the Klondyke. I. A. Nadeau, general agent of the Northern Pacific, at Seattle, was in Skaguay last week. Mr. Nadeau came up for the purpose of looking over the business situation, for himself. To a News representative he expressed himself as utterly surprised at the growth of the town and the evidences of enterprise that he saw on all sides. He expressed the opinion that a good wagon road to Lake Bennett would make Skaguay an excellent business point, and, in view of the short distance separating Skaguay from the interior, a railroad is not a necessity. Mr. Nadeau had been reading the mendacious accounts of Skaguay, its alleged miry mud, and terrible people, in the colums of the coast newspapers, and came prepared to wade through a sea of muddy liquid. He probably also carried a small gatling gun beneath his overcoat, but finding neither mud not lawlessness, he was all the more surprised at the extent of misrepresentation that had been indulged in by the press and public. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ ADVERTISING. Dan Lopez, Tonsorial artist and real estate agent. In center of Broadway, Skaguay. Klondyke Saloon Caslet & Ward, Proprietors. Club rooms in connection, concern every night. Furnished rooms to let upstairs. Red Front Stove Factory Stoves; tinware, plumbing, and pumps. All kinds of sheet iron work done to order; full line of graniteware, sleds, nails. S. S. Allen, Proprietor. Broadway, between Bon and McKinney sts.

©Copyright 2013 Alaska Trails to the Past All Rights Reserved For more information contact the Webmistress