The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1868-07-20
ALASKA.


Rapid Progress Of sitks-New Buildings and
Improvements-AIineral Resources Of the
Tcrrisory-General News.
SITKA, May o. 1868
Since the occupation of this territory and the i'm
pressve scenes attending it last october nothing Of
special interest has occurred. Improvements in the
town and its immediate vicinity rapidly progress
ing. A most wonderful change IN its appearance
has been effected throughout the entire place. d.
lapidatea and worthless old buildings have been re-
moved and their places Ded with better structures
left vacant for road facilities; substantial side
walks of plank boards have been laid through the
principal streets, and these improvements are being
extended and constantly progressing to the credit
of our municipal ard military authorities.
Upon our arrival here last October there WIS
nothing winch indicated business In this town. IN
TACT, the Only stere was that owned by the Russian
Fur Company. At present l observe not less than
twelve or fifteen diferent establishments designated
% stores, comprising restaurants or saloons
bakery, bowling SAIGON, billiard rooms groceries and
merchandise; aisc an auction room; and as each
steamer arrives from California more adventures
come ana settle down in business. There is also
large brewery here, which produces very good ale:
curing the winter we had every opportunity TOT
skating, whieh amusement was participated in
by all classes and the weather was not so cold as we
expected.
The hof the troops at this post has been very
good considering everything.
AS regards the mineral resources OF this portion Of
our territory there rs much speculation as TO its
future pToductiveness. Reports have been received
OF discoveries Of some gold further north but it Ia
very doubtful. From Information which derived
from gentleman who has been prospecting in dif.
ferent portions Of the island, there Is but little
hopes or gold being discovered, but some
hopes OF copper and lead. However, there is in con-
temptation scheme TO be put in operation this
spring Ay party OF gentlemen for the purpose Of
testing the mineral resources of this and other
ISLANDS and along the Stikne river from It's source
and II Is To be hoped they will be able sove the
important question.
Our neighbcrs the Indians sre quiet and seem dis
posed 10 act friendly and peaceful towards US, AMI
relations WITH them, to anticipate otherwise. Never
theses, our military authorities are always in read-
ness in case OF any emergency.
Ihe whaling bark Peru from New LONDON Conn.,
arrived asf March, destined for the Arctic ocean in
quest OF whale and seal oil. The steamer Constan-
nne, from san Francisco, Cal arrived last month,
efh0f, ana Russian Commissioners, who were a
visit there since January.
reports have been recently received by rassen.
gers VINO arrived on schooner OF the establishment
OF another military posi- at the mouth OF tue Stkne
rver, and 10 all probability other posts will be
Established this spring al hodnk and Cooks Inlet.
me nitSd states survey steamer, Lieutenant Com
mander &c. Mitchell, left san Francisco April /
an drr.' Cd IN port Nay Z. Sbe is already prepared
ana VII! leave shortly, so rumor says, for the pur-
pose or surveying the northern coast OF this terri
tory; expected 10 be absent about seven months
Inc weather at present is very iEcement--a con-
I'm la ram Tor TIE last three or four weeks. Their
1nometct stands forty-s y degrees; average daily
mean about thlrty eight degrees.
The tnicd states revenue cutter Wyanda arrived
TO day from California. with papers anu mail.
Iiie iu2Jl is irregular t Is ditficult N
cay when letters get on though 1t is rumored
lhcle WIZ SHORTLY be a line of steamers monthly
from here 10 san francisco
y man leaves tO-nOrrow, so have llurriedy and
brieny written TINS, but will advise you again by the
heAt opportunity