The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1897-08-17
ADVICE TO TIE GOLD SEEKER.
Ho Muat Not Only Have Pluck and Endur-
nnce. but $500 In Cash BESIDES His Outnt.

He Must Not Only Have Pluck and Endur-
nnce. but $500 In Cash BESIDES His Outfit.
WASHINGTON, Aug. 16.-Postmaster-General
Gary to-day received a copy of the Alaska Min
ing Record OF Juneau of Aug. 4, in which is an
interesting sketch OF the gold mining regions
and advice to the incoming miners. The article
says that the go!d.bcarins regions have never
been fully prospccted, but enough Is known to
demonstrate that it is the richest collaborating
belt on the globe. The valley OF the Yukon and
its tributaries constitutes. it says. ono vast gold
field. where scarcely a shovelful OF earth can be
found that will not show the color Of the pro-
cious metal. But it also calls attention to the
difficulties which lie in the path of those who
come to seek for gold.
I'm the first place. 1t says, whoever comes
to Alaska must be prepared to support himself
for at least two years. The development Of tho
country is such that its present population is
fully up to every industrial requirement. In
the field OF industrial labor every posi-
ton is filled. The professions IRE fully
represented; the labor market is glut; ed.
Artisan and mechanic find no opening here.
Mining and prospecting alone remain open to the
newcomer, and he must fni his own field, and
must be prepared for seli-support until he has
found II. He cannot depend on his own labor
occupied. Little can be accomplished in less
than a three years stay in the Yukon country,
unless. lnuee0, marvellous ROOu luck attends
ones footsteps. A good part OF the first sea son
will be consumed In reaching the mines. Then.
even II a claim be mt once discovered and 10.
Gated, only preliminary work can be done. The
second year the claim can be well opened up
and probably some money made: The third
year generally renders the promised returns"
The paper then describes in hfief the best way
to reach the gold fields, together with the cost,
and concludes:
ITO sum up. no man should attempt the jour-
ney to the interior unless he enjoys perfect
health and is prepared to meet hardship and
priyafiOn and endure climatic seventies. He
must have vigor. pluck. and endurance. and eX.
pect re oversees and disappointments. He should
have $500 in cash after his outfit is purchased,
to meet contingencies liable to arise at any mo-
ment. These conditions may seem hard. but
they are inexorable.'
report on the Klondike region. the Canadian
Minister of the Interior says his object in so
doing is not to induce any one 10 go to that re-
mote country at the present time.
Until better means OF communication are
established" he continues. "a man undertakes
cient resources to tide over the long winter.
After September .cgress from the country is
| practically impossible until the ollow June,
and q person who has not been successful in
locating Il paying claim has 10 depend for his
subsistence upon finding, employ unent.. Wages
market is very narrow and easily over
stocked. 1t is estimated that up TO the
middle OF May 1900 to 1000 persons
had crossed the Dyea Pass this year. Several
hundred more will go by steamers up the Yukon.
Whether employment will be available for all
tho district. is somewhat doubtful. 1t will there
fore be wise for those who contemplate going to
the Youkon district, to give serious considera-
ton TO the matter before coming to n decision.