The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1897-07-16

SAN FRANCISCO, July ia story
riyalIng In intensity of interest that told
OF the fabulous wealth of Monte cristo,
was related by the passengers of the lit
tie steamer Excelsior. which has just ar
rived from St. MIchaels. Alaska. Mil
Hons upon millions OF virgin gold. &C.
cording to the story awaits the fortunate
miner who has the hardihood and cour-
age to penetrate into the unknown depths
OF the Yukon district.
There was tangible evidence on the lit
tie steamer of the truth OF the story told
by tho travellers, for In the cabin were
scores OF sacks filed to the very mouth
with dust" taken from the placers OF
the far frozen north. The amount
brought In Is varlously estimated at
from 100000 to $4,000. y
There Is In the Excelsior some forty
people, among them some women from
what 10 now known as the Clondyke
mines, though only 10 OF these had been
actually engaged In mining. There were
among them men who had been for more
than ten years facing the dangers and
hardships OF the frozen north In the hope
OF making rich find, but who signally
failed. But now they come back with
fortunes stored in their grip sacks and
untold millions 10 be picked up In the
country OF which so little Is known
The new Eldorado lies Just across the
Alaska boundary IN British territory. It
Is OF recent discovery, but already there
are at least 5000 people on the ground
and more are flocking In that direction.
The discovery OF the Ciondyke regions
presents story that Is uniquely inter-
esting. Around Forty Mile on the Yu-
kon, Is tribe of Indians known as the
Slickers, and with them is a man who
years ago was known as George Cor
mack, but who Is now called "Sliol5
George" In September last at the head
OF party Of Indians, he left his hut near
Forty Mile camp and started In south
eriy direction, saying he Intended TO find
a new gold field before he returned. He
came back two weeks later and startled
the miners with the announcement that
forty miles away there was gold to he
found In plenty. The streams abuunded
with the yellow metal and all that was
needed was for somebody to pick II up.
Many persons looked for the place, and
in time the word reached Forty Mile
camp that untold riches could be found
along the bottom of Bonanza Creek and
its tributaries. Men who had failed at
the former camp Immediately packed up
their belongings and set out for the new
fields. 1t was a hard and trying journey,
but that was nothing with the promise
OF millions at the end OF the route.
The following IS an abstract of letter
received by the Excelsior. Just arrived
here from Alaska 1t was sent from the
Clondyke region by a prominent and
wealthy young business man OF San
Francisco, to his brother In this city.
THE excitement on the river Is fnde-
sctibable and the output OF the new Clnn-
dyke district almost beyond belief. Men
who had nothing Inst fall are now worth
q fortune, One man has worked forty
square feet OF his claim and Is going out
with about $4,000 in dust. One quarter
OF claims are now selling at from $4,000
to $4,000. The estimate Of the district
given Is thirteen miles, with an average
value OF 100000 to the claim, some are
valued as high as 100000 each At
Dawson sacks OF dust are thrown under
the counters In the store for safe keeping.
Some OF the storlks are so fabulous that
am afraid to repeat them for fear Of be-
ing suspected OF the Infection. Labor Ia
SIS day and board with 100 days work
guaranteed, SO you can imagine how
difficult 1t In to hold employees.
IF reports are true. II 10 the biggest
placer discovery ever made In the world
for though other dlgglngs have been
found quite as rich In spots, no such ex-
tent OF discovery has been known which
proapected and worked so high right
through,