Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-08-04
A NOTE OF WARNING.
Washfngtonfan fin Alaska ON the
Rush to klondike.

Correspondence OF The Evening Star
NEAR CHILCAT, N. Lat. 59o SO, Alaska,
July ~. 1885,.
1t has been so long since l have read a
newspaper that do not know whether the
Klondike fever has penetrated the eastern
states or not. II is raging fearfully along
the Pacific coast. and all the mountain
passes are gorged with men hurrying to
get into the Yukon country / would like
to raise a voice of warning 10 those OF
your readers who are contemplating this
wild venture.
In the first place, the returns already
received do not in any way warrant this
camor for gold. The transportation conn
panies and merchants see a great harvest
ahead Tor themselves, and all Join hands i'm
booming anything that will contribute TO
their prosperity, no matter at what cost
OF life or danger TO others. Then, again. the
owners OF the successful mines or finds
as these placer mines are called have sent
their agents out to stimulate immigration
with the hope that il will reduce the Dres-
ent high wages they are required 10 pay to
get their mines worked. The level-headed
meE In southeast Alaska are not moved
at all by these wild reports. / have care
fully observed the character of the men
who are going and the influences employed
to stir up the enthusiasm. and am thor
oughly convinced that great tiisappoint-
ment awaits those who are so thoughtlessly
rushing into this cold arctic country one
thousand miles from any evidence of civili-
zation, and under the influence of rumors
that they do not stop to Investigate as %
their reasonableness or reliability.
There are already over five thousand
miners on the Yukon, and OF these less
than twenty are known to have been sue
ceSsful.
Between this place. which is less than
1000 miles north Of San Francisco. and
easily reached by steamer, and the Yukon
there is a high range of mountains, with
but two small and very difficult passes
into the open plains beyond, and then there
are 100 miles of wild country TO traverse
before kloadike is reached Claims along
this stream, which is an Insignificant tribu-
tary to the Yukon river, have been staked
out for 200 m-ees above Dawson City. The
only hope, therefore. for these Venturers is
the Reindeer. Stewart and Mcmillan rivers
that have already been partially prospect
ed, and hence are not inviting, or to en-
gage i'm day labor for those who have al
ready paying finds. This large influx of
miners will greatly reduce the present ex-
orbitant wages. and leave nothing but dis
appointment and distress for many who
have made great sacrifices, and Travelled
these thousands of miles. stimulated by
high hopes that will ultimately surely BAN
ish.
1t is estimated that 100 tons of baggage is
now lying at Dyea awaiting transportation
over the two passes. Some of IL will not
get over this fall.
My earnest advice. therefore to any read
ers of The Star who are contemplating
coming out here Is to wait, and let the
long, dark winter pass and take time to
properly prepare for the trip. There are
hundreds that are on the Chilcoot and
White passes that are stranded without
money, and not enough provisions TO last
the winter out, nor to sell for enough TO
buy a ticket back to civilization. No one
should venture into this country without
one years provisions, which will weigh
about 1,JO0 pounds. and warm clothing
enough to last until his return. Ready
cash after the northern slopes of the CAS-
IA txe.l
worthless as 1t will not buy clothing. food
or success. J. ID. CRolSSANT.