The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1897-12-01
CABINET CONSIDERS KLoNDIKE
With Reference to the Matter of Sendin
Food supplies

WASHINGTON Nov 90-The cabinet today
considered the subject of sending relief 20
the people in the Klondike. President Nc
Kinley received a telegram from the Port
land, Oregon, Chamber of Commerce, stat
ing that there was danger OF restitution
and suffering on the Elondike and offer
ing to supply the necessary food for re-
lief if the government would undertake
its transportation.
The informa ton was not definite as to
the actual conditions but were on the same
lines that has been teIegraphed from the
north. The cabinet considered every phase
of the situation and discussed ways and
means of affording relief.
1t was decided that nothing could be
done until congress met, when an sppropri-
alton will be asked for the purpose OF trans
porting food supplies. Although many
plans have been discussed, none has been
decided upon. It is probable, however
that whatever action is taken will be IN
der the direction OF the war department
and by the time congress acts Secretary
Alger will have formulated plans. No at
tempt will be made TO go up the Yukon,
as the Ice has closed progress in that di-
reetion. The relief supplies will have TO
be sent over the passes. Just how they
shall be transported Is a question requiring
earnest consideration and one that will re-
quIre the study of many plans in order
that an entirely feasible one may be evoiv-
ed. Secretary Alger viii gather all posi-
bic information and will communicate with
persons who know the route to the Klon-
dixie and are familiar with the transports-
ton methods In the Arctic and other frozen
regions. Reindeer and dogs possibly may
be used and there is also suggestion that
the steam snow shovel which has been
successfully used in the deep snow Of the
logging camps may be utilized. Secretary
Alger has confidence in # as a means OF
transportation.
The members OF the cabinet were all in
tensely interested in the matter Of secur-
iEg relief. Whether the men who are sup
posed to be suffering went there or not
against the repeated warnings o, ell Off
Gals is beyond the question. the simple
fact being that they are there and need
relief, making IL imperative upon the gov
eminent to extend aid II possible.
No estimate has been made a. to the
cost end none can be prepared TOW. Con-
sress VIII be asked 20 appropriate a SUI
ficient amount and the war department
VII expend It In the most economical man
nsr, a. IN the case Of the Mississippi food
sufferers. when $4,000 was appropriated
and only 5000 expended.
TIE task OF getting supplies 20 the
K'or1ike in midwinter IS not undsresc-
mated and doubts are entertained as 70
its being possibility Dyea can be reach
Ell by steamer. Thence the journey Is one
OF 100 miles over the mountains through
deep drifts OF soft. loose snow. The sun
shires for only about five hours N each
tw.uty-four and the Thermometer often
goes down 70 - and 60 degrees below zero.
but Z s believed an expedition cannot
reach the Kloniise before February az the
earliest. and Ths hope Is expressed that
there IS sufficient supply o. food % last
Until they 70. II = estimated thai there
are 500 people in the geld country.
A dispatch recently stated that 70 90 head
OF horses and cattle want 70 the KIoudke
from Dyea short tine ago, bat Commits
ssorsr Smith az Dyea has wired ne gov
eri.m.nt that such = 10. :he fact: He
says 100 sheep started over the Dyea trail
and II is believed they reached me mines