The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1890-05-08

The Gsverzm<n1 Preparing to Explore
the OaymDse Eaage-
Fssr1 Tag = ~ a. K axSex

the OaymDse Eaaee-
Psrs rexasent Leader.
Jadgs gssz<s G. sxza fsx days ago re-
eesysa irons John ssisbon. br.ga<sier-genera
EFastea States army stationed Al Vancouver,
seftss On tise subject of exploring the
O.yrnpse range and the western part Of the
state
General Chiffon 10 DESTROYS u getting
some definite information regarding the
trails iesf5ng into tie olympics. ard the
BEST place for making the base Of supplies
THIS j. Q matter Of more i'm porlsnee than
night he supposed By those who have
been accustomed TO hearing Of exploring
expeditions undertaken from time TO
time BY private individuals. 20 traverse the
great unknown region 20 the west of us.
IL VIII be remembered that Lieutenant
o seili began = tour OF this region about
two years ago. He started from Port An
geIes, making . tedious journey over the
mountains 10 the south Of that place. and
went almost as far as Lake Cushman,
which Is in the valley OF = vast, UNEMPLOYED
rexion in Western Washington. The expe-
ditlon OF Lieutenant O'Neiil is one Of the
most important that has been made in the
state In recent years II was under the
supervision OF the army officials and TO
certain extent backed BY the United states
government. rs all such expeditions are.
After his return from this trip the iieufen-
ant made n full report OF the trip. sub
hitting charts and maps Of the country
.rsversed by him. rs well as descriptions Of
the same. and these documents are now in
the hands OF General Gibbon.
There Is just one point in connection
with this report of Lieutenant o'SeilI
which is deserving Of consideration BY
those who are interested in the explora-
ton. aud that IL the fact that be took the
route that has always been thought to be
the only feasible one IN this section The
seton Of General 6ibbon In writing his
recent letter is almost virtual aeknoxl-
edrement that this route il not the proper
one Atisast IL signifies that be is willing
10 try another one II IL seems practicable
IL seems strange that persons who know
anything shout the unsurveyed portions Of
Western Washington would advise any one
10 begin the trip NJ Port Angeles The
only point In favor Of making that place
the base OF supplies Is the fact that il is
20 far west that by going directly south
one would find his way directly 10 the
region sought 10 be explored
The fact is. however. that there
IL m almost impossible mountain
range just south of Port Angeles, which is
a great barrier to the successful prosecr-
ton Of an exploration of this kind b. that
route. General 6ibbon seems 10 be of the
opinion thass better route might be found
At least be does not sppear TO be wholly
satisfied with the report of Lieufen-
ant o'Seiii, for If be was he would
prosecute the same lines begun by
that officer. The Seattle Eesaias Press
sent cut an exploring party last winter to
traverse this region. announcing that the
trip would be accomplished in about three
months. After starting out from Port
Angeles. however, the members OF the
party found that il would be impossible to
cross the mountains spoken of at this sea-
son OF the year. and they have contented
themselves with camping all winter about
ten miles from Port Angeles. and writing
occasional letters 10 the Fisss describing
the terrible trials and hardshlps they have
passed through.
Captain K ". de Lion, of QuiIcsne. /.
arranging an expedition that will prob
ably accomplish more than any other that
has heretofore been made He has secured
about ssao in subscriptions toward
siesrsying the expenses OF the trip. He
proposes 10 avoid the difficult mountain
range entirely by going around IT, This
he all do by starting ~ Qulleene Instead
OF at Pors Angeles. going east instead Of
soash. dropping in below the foothills.
The base Of supplies viii De made at the
last settlement % the Quiiosne rsIley, and
the party will be msde up OF settlers who
val clear ont good trail as they ge along
thus leaving something 20 he used BY those
who wish 30 make future explorations.
THIS i practical way 10 so about the
h'ssiness. and Captain de Lion viii doubt
les be 81 much assistance 10 future ex-
EloEers-