The Dalles daily chronicle. [volume] (The Dalles, Or.) 1890-1948, 1897-08-16
Portland Steamer Starts for
Alaska Yesterday
WITH A FULL PASSENGER LIST
Her Freight Capacity Taxed--An the
Horses She Can Carry--No Con-
fusion in Loading.

PORTLAND, Aug. 16.-The preparations
for the departure of the George W. Ell
der this afternoon for Skaguay and Dyea
have not been attended by the same con-
fusion and feverish excitement that were
so noticeable prior to the previous trip.
There is still Klondike fever raging,
but the reports from the mountain pass
es leading to the Yukon have instilled
degree of moderation into the veins of
the gold-seekers. The capacity Of the
Elder was taxed, but the passengers
were sober and deliberate in their ar
rangements. Their outfits we're more
complete than those who went before,
and the information derived from the
experience of the first crowd has enabled
all to prepare for the trip with better
understanding.
The character of the freight taken on
the Elder this trip is also different from
the previous cargo. Mr.. Poston, the
agent of the Pacific Coast Steamship
Company, states that there will be
about 250 tons of supplies, ETC., on board,
and the remaining freight will be pro-
vender for the horses taken this trip and
already at Dyea and Skaguay. AS the
number of animals collected at the
mountain passes for packing purposes
increases, this trade alone will be con-
siderable item. Feed is bound to be
scarce there, which necessitates ship
ment from the Sound, here, or San Fran
cisco. Hay and grain we're yesterday
packaIip great heaps on the wharf, and
were being slowed away in the hold
of the Elder as rapidly as her steam
windlasses could operate.
The number of horses taken on this
trip will tax the capacity of the boat for
stock and many more would be taken if
there was more room. Every owner of
a piece of horsefiesh capable of support
ing few pounds of freight eeems to be
fred with the belief that Oregon's cheap
horses have at last found a happy
market. The report has been circulated
recently that horses were being sold for
$500 and 5000 at Dyea and Skaguay.
Well-founded information, however, dis
credits the fabulous price reported, apd
is to the effect that horses can be had at
Dyea for $3.50. Even at this figure the
freight being added to the purchase
price of some of the plugs started from
here, and then deducted from the above,
would leave handsome profit to the
speculator. The carrying power of the
steamers is all that saves the rocky
shores at the head of Lynn canal from
being covered with half-starved horses.
The number to be taken on this trip is
approximately $50, being about the same
as before.
The arrangements of the steamship
company are much more satisfactory
now than they were before. The load
ing and slowing of freight is now con-
Quoted without confusion or rush. The
method of marking freight and prepar-
ing it for shipment has improved, thus
relieving the steamship officials of much
annoyance and trouble.
Dogs do not seem to be in such de-
mand now as they were when the Elder
made her previous trip. Ofall the bene-
fetal features in connection with the
Klondike discovery, people of the city
were hopeful that it would create de-
mand for the canine. Late sleepers
would have reaped a harvest, not exact
ly golden, but equally satisfactory.
Mr.. Becker, from Albany, has his ten