The times., 1897-07-21

ernor OF ALASKA, in his report to the Sec
Ietary OF the interior said:
The gold placers OF the Yukon region
still continue to attract the attention OF
gold miners and fortune seekers. The
summit OF the Chilkat pass lies 1000 feet
above sea level and is covered with per
petual snow. The route over this pass is
the one usually taken in going into the
Yukon country. 1t is only twenty-five
miles over this pass fTom tidewater on
this side to Lake LindeTman, one OF the
sources OF the YUKON liver, on the other
side. When Lake Linderman is reached
the prospcctor constructs RATS and boats
anG continues his Journey with them 500
miles down the IiveT to the gold fields.
One thousand men and forty women, trav-
cling on snow shoes, went over this route
To the mines during this season"
Gov. Sheakley continues: "A large num-
her Of those who have gone to the Yukon
region Will not realize their expectations
and viii illimmed!a:ely return 10 their homes
Mining in shat frigid region is attended
with 80 much difficulty and labor that
only those of great experience and en-
durance can expect to succeed. No rich
developments or discoveries have been
reported from there at this writing. IT
is estimated though that this years out
put will he equal to that OF last year The
Government OF the United States has
given this part OF Alaska but little con
aderation No judicial or other officers
n hf.an cnt
ing has fGE control and jurisdiction OF
every function OF government The min
ers make the local law which governs
the people They decide W hat the law
is and execute the DEGREES and decisions
OF the Miners Meeting, both as TO per-
sons and property So long as these meet
ings are kept under the control Of the
actual miners and workingmen the rights
of persons and OF property VIII he COM
paratively safe. Property rights are de-
cided without delay and crime is promptly
punished. But the time will come when
other ti.an honest miners will assume to
rule the country; then the restrictions Of
law will be needed
Governor Sheakley believes that it would
he a good scheme for the Government to
establish small military post or police
force In that part Of the Territory. The
Canadian government maintains a police
force of twenty men, the captain of whichts
clothed with tie powers of trial magis-
trate. This company is located in the
mining district. on the line betwea n Alaska
and British Columbia. 1t is reported that
it is very efficient in furnishing criminals
and in preventing disorderly conduct.
Gov Sheakley declares that this is no
poor mans country" No one should reach
Ala ska with less than $500 The road is
long, supplies are costly. sea sons are short.
and fortune Is tickle. Failure to find gold
the first season entails suffering upon those
whose funds are not sufficient to carry
them through the long winter when ab-
solutely nothing can be done. Not one
pros spector in a hundred makes q strike
the first season. inexperienced persons, I'M
less prepared for long extended delays
should stay away. Gold finding is a sc.ence
which can best be acquired in gentle
climate, for in Alaska there is no time for
| pondering action must be quick and sharp,
or the season will be lost.
1.-The following table shows the dis
tances from Juneau to the various points
along the only practicable route to and
down the great Yukon Basin 1t is the
shortest, quickest and cheapest route TO
the Yukon:
Juneau to Haines Mission (Chilka1, so
miles; to head of canoe navigation, 106;
to summit OF Chilkat Pass, Is: to Lake
LindeTman, 124; to head of Lake Bennett,
129; to foot of Lake Bennett, 155; to
foot OF Caribou Crossing, 15S; to foot
of Takou Lake, IT'S; to Takish House. 179,
TO head Of Mud Lake, $50; to foot Of
Lake Marsh, 200; TO head of canyon, 225;
to head OF White Horse Rapids, 22S, to
Takahcena River, 24O; to head of Lake
lie Barge, 256: TO foot of Lake LIE Barge,
$50: to Hootalinqua, 800; to Cassiar Bar,
! 341; to Little Salmon River, 800; to Five
! Fingers, 451; to Petty River. 510;- to
| Stewart River. $50; to Forty Mile, 500.
while no actual surveyor this route
) has been made, the distances given have