The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1897-09-20
FOOD FOR THE MINERS
SEC RETARY HALGEH CONSULTED
TRANSPORTATION MEN.
Feasibility of a Locomotive Sled for
Use On the Frozen Yukon
River Discussed.

Washington. September 1.-two repre-
sentatives OF the North American Trading
and Transportation company, Messrs. p.
H. Weare and Michael Cudahy of Chica-
60 arrived here today. They came at The
special request OF Secretary of War G0ge,
who desired to consult with them in re-
gard 10 the question OF sending relief sup-
plies to the gold seekers In the Klondike
country, should the investigation now being
made by Captain Ray Of the army show
such measures TO be necessary. shortly
after TIER arrival In the city the two
gentlemen went to the residence Of Score
tary Alger, whore they remained in con-
sultation with him the greater part OF
the evening.
The possibility OF the need OF govern
ment aid for the miners during the COM
ing winter was broached by Mr.. Alscr in
cabinet meeting during the past week,
the secretary feeling that the interests OF
humanity demanded that come plan where
by aid could be extended should be do
termned upon, In the event IL was found
necessary. Tonight the conference was
mainly a preliminary one. in which the
whole discussion was gone ever IN thor-
ough manner. Mr.. Weare, who has spent
some time in Alaska was able 10 give the
secretary much information bearing OH the
topography, climate, distance from place
TO place and other conditions which would
have to be confronted II aid were under
taken. Secretary Alger said tonight that
nothing final had been determined upon
and nothing would DO until a report had
4 fF., .tu4. t.. Lot
ter is supposed TO be now at Dawson CITY
and his report is expected here about the
middle OF October. An important matter
upon which Secretary Alger desired the
opinion OF Messrs. Weare and Cudahy was
the feasibility OF a locomotive sled designed
TO draw logs and other material over the
ice. This has been in successful opera
ton In the logging camps In Wisconsin,
and It's adaptability 20 this work influenced
the secretary 10 believe that it might be
put into practical operation in Alaska
should relief measures be necessary Tho
representatives Of the trading company ex-
amined a drawing Of the sled and had It's
workings briefly explained to them and
they expressed the opinion that n might
be feasible for the purpose contel<llated.
Secretary Ayers opinion is that the slcds
might be taken TO st. Michaels by ship,
but even II this were not possible he be-
lieyed they could be taken pieoemeal over
the chilcoot pass and thence TO the Yukon.
Messrs. Weare and Cudahy nay there are
ample provisions for 5000 men for one
year at St. Michaels. and they believe that
| n found necessary the sleda could be used
TO transport these supplies to Dawson City
Curing the coming winter.
Secretary Algor las received letter
from the superintendent OF construction for
the patentee OF the sleds, In which the
writer says he understands that the Yu-
kon river freezes solid enough to build
road also that between White pass and
Fort Selltirk, distance OF $50 nliles. the
land is practically level and good wagon
read ON easily be made. This. he saws. Il
within 200 miles OF Dawson City and the
river would furnish the roadway.
Secretary AlRer tonight announced that
the company NJ soldiers for the military
| post t. be established at ST. hichaels would
| leave Seattle during the coming week