The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1897-07-19
TO REACH THE KLoNDYKE.
Here's Information for Tenderfeet
contemplating the Journey.

WASHINGTON, July 1S-The fabulous
reports of placer mining in Alaska are fully
credited by scientists in Washington. Prots.
Tittman and Pratt, of the United States
coast survey, have Travelled extensively in
Alaska. They declare that the Klondyke
reports are borne out by their own investl-
cations in Alaska. They are not in the least
surprised to read accounts of the amount
of gold dust brought to San Francisco this
week from the placers along the boundary
between Alaska and British Columbia.
Colonel Preston the director of the mint,
also confirms the statement of the amount
of gold dust deposited at the San Francisco
mint The director says that he is advised
officially that still other shipments will soon
be forwarded from Seattle to New York;
and his books show that $1.200,000 has been
taken from the Alaska placers within a
very short time.
There is no available information from
which estimate could be made of future
gold products of this region. Where gold
is in pockets, or mixed with earth, it is
impossible to estimate the extent of the
deposits. In lode mining the output can be
calculated with some precision In the
placers there may remain untold millions,
or the fields may be soon exhausted.
But the general opinion of Washington
d
unexplored gold fields in Alaska. The gen
tlemen of the coast survey state that while
travelling in that territory they have ire
quently seen their Indian guides pick up
dirt on the Journey and in pan wash out
large. deposits of gold dust.
IT is but natural that volume OF IN IN
geological departments at Washington.
From all parts of the United States thou
sands of letters are received, asking for
information about the reported Alaska
gold finds. The writer's ask about the eli
mate, the cost of transportation, the best
route to the Yukon mines, supplies and
equipment necessary, and, in general such
information as the intending prospeCtor
needs to prepare for a trip into distant
and unknown region.
The correspondent has secured some re-
liable data upon these various points. Those
VINO contemplate trip to the various
Alaskan mining settlements, or are inter
ested in the published reports concerning
these mines, will find herein information
that is entirely reliable. In order to reach
that portion of Alaska known as the Yu-
kon region, the traveller has the choice of
two distinct routes He can ascend the
Yukon river or he can start at the head
waters ana descend the stream. The sec
Ond Is the common and the nearest way
to the mines. By that route the point of
departure for the mines is Juneau, which
is the most thrifty settlement in Alaska.
Juneau is a seaport and mining town. of
two thousand inhabitants. 1t has schools
and churches, three newspapers. water
works, electric light plant, two good
wharves, large mercantile houses, good
hotels, paved streets and fire and hose COM
panies. Steamers touch Juneau every week
from Seattle, 967 miles below. At Juneau
the traveller should provide himself with
the proper outfit for journey across the
mountains. AS everything must be carried
in shoulder packs, only what is absolutely
essential should be taken. Long experience
has taught the dealers at Juneau the exact
articles needed for the journey, and their
judgment can be followed safely. Leaving
Juneau, Talya, one hundred miles distant,
IS reached by small steamer. From
Talya to Lake Linderman, or Lake Ben
nett, is twenty-seven miles. This must be
made afoot. There is a delay al the lakes.
The traveller must there construct his boat,
in which the rest of the journey is made. A
large whipsaw is one Of the most important
items in the Yukon outfit. With it the
lumber is sawed out and the boat con-
structed at the lakes which form the head
waters of the Yukon.
If the trip is made in winter, boats are
not made. Those who Ego in on the ice
as they call it, leave Juneau about March.
On sleds they drag their outfit over the
pass Then they fix large sails on the sleds
and sail across all the lakes until they
reach the Lewis river. where they build
their boats for use on the Yukon.