Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-11-30
AT THE White HOUSE
Kondike Miners Discussed by the
Cabinet.
RELIEF MEASURES TO Be TAKEN
Two New Federal Commissioners
to Be Selected.
? MEASURES TO Be TAKEN
W EST VIRGINIA MEN

The feature of todays cabinet meeting
was a discussion of the destitution in the
klondike country, based On what Is con-
s'dered trustworthy Information.
The President tcday received a long tel
egram from the chamber of commerce of
Portland, Oreg., setting forth that informa-
tioE obtainable in that city corroborated
the newspaper reports which have been
sent out as to the scarcity of food in the
Klondike region, and the probable intense
suffering and starvation of the men now
there. The telegram offered to supply pro-
visions and whatever else Is necessary If
tie government will make an effort to
carry succor to the miners The telegram
Was convincing to the cabinet, and 1t was
unanimously agreed that something must
be done to alleviate the situation.
AS soon as Congress assemblies the Presi-
dent will lay before that body the facts
then in his possession, and recommend that
an appropriation be made to cover the ex-
per ses of an expedition to the suffering
miners. 1t is expected that Congress will
speedily pass bill making the appropria-
ticn and that Secretary Alger will have
plans matured by which an effort will be
Immediately made to carry succor to Daw-
son. and wherever else there is danger Of
starvation.
9eCItldIy Anger tOudy GXpHSSSeU lue nope
that Congress would make liberal ap-
preparation, trusting to those who will have
the disbursement to be economical in the
expenditure. The chief object however,
was that the amount appropriated should
be adequate. 1t was like the case of the
Mississippi river Hood sufferers, he said.
There was no time then to secure ALI exact
or approximate estimate of the meney nee
priated $4,000. Only $4,000 of that
amount has been used, leaving large bal
ance.
Secretary Alger is every day looking for
a report from Capt Ray of the army in re-
gard to the state of affairs. He hopes that
this report will be here in time to lay be-
fore Congress with the special message the
President will send on the subject. Capt
Ray may suggest a plan for getting pro-
visions to the Kiondike. This can be con-
sdered along with number of plans which
Secretary Alger now has in view and " h1ch
he will consider from every point before the
time for the starting of an expedition.
These plans include reindeer and the latest
and most novel scheme of a snow pow. All
Of these plans contemplate going over the
dangerous passes. as 1t Is not considered
feasible to attempt the river route. The
passes are thought to be more likely to
open up an opportunity. The terrible dan
gers to be encountered in this direction,
however, are not underestimate by the
Secretary. The passes were filled With
snow over a month ago.
Secretary Alger now thinks that It might
rot be possible to get an expedition on It's
way over the passes before some time In
January or February, although 1T will he
attempted earlier. if there is hope of Sue
ceeding. The snow in December and in
January Is too soft, 1t is feared, for an ex-
petition to make any progress. In all like
lihood every member of an carly expedition
would be swept into some canyon by
snowside and every life lost. A little later
the snow will be hard. Reindeer might be
able to go over the mountains and through
fba on Of the and Ice
William A. Kjeliman, superintendent OF
the Teller reindeer station in Alaska, Is
here. and informs Secretary Alser that he
has gathered together abo 1t two hundred
trained m reindeer and placed them at the
disposal of Lieut. Col. G. M. Randall. sth
Infantry. commanding the force of twenty
five men stationed at ST. Michael.
The cabinet is deeply Interested in he
situation at Dawson ana vicinity Serre-
taries Bliss and Alger will nave charge of
what is to be done. although the matter of
a relief expedition win be entirely In the
hands of the army.
Two New COmmisslOners.
Senator Elkins was at the White House
short time today with F. A. Scott, re-
publican national committeeman from that
state. Mr.. Scott is to succeed Commits
soner Forman Of the internal revenue bu-
reau, and the nomination will be made soon
after Congress assemblies. Mr.. Scott will
qualify and enter upon the discharge of his
duties about the 1st Of January. Mr.. Scott
is like Senator Elkins, one Of the closest
of the Presidents friends.
Another nomination which West Virgin
ians say positively will be made about the
middle of the coming month is that of ex-
Representative George M. Bowers OF Mar
tiLsburg as fish commissioner to succeed
Commissioner Brice. The position was of.
fered Mr.. Bowers a good while ago, it is
alleged, but for reasons of his own the
President was not ready to disp.ace Mr..
Brice at once. Both of these positions will
be fat ones for West Virginia.
An Interesting point about National Com
mitteeman Scott Is that he is to be can
didate for United States senator to succeed
Senator Faulkner. and it is said that he
has strong backing now. 1t is certain, 1T
is said, that Mr.. Scott will be a formidable
candidate. His appointment as commits
sioner of internal revenue will give him ad
difional strength as there are MANY noSi-