The Yakima herald. [volume] (North Yakima, W.T. [Wash.]) 1889-1914, 1897-08-12
TELLS THE TRUE STORY
Lester Conn Writes Of tne Condition
At SkaSuay and The White Pass.
KLoHDYKs MINERS ARE TURNING BACK
Rsuaa Trip Rate 81 six Doiiars from
the Ssssa fer Hop Pickers-Local
Markets fer Hops, Grain, flour,
Fruit and Vegetables.

The following letter from Lester Coffin,
who has been at Skaguay, was received
by Mr.. Stanley Coffin early this week.
1t tells truly the condition of affairs at
that point. Mr.. Coffin intended to leave
Skaguay on the Inflated steamer Mexico
but was delayed and was q passenger on
the Topeka, which picked up the Mexico's
crew and passengers. Mr.. Coffin is now
in Seattle and 10 looked for in Yakima in
few days.
SKAGwAY BAY, ALAsKA,l
Aug. 3, 1897.
DEAR BOYS: Knowing you will be
somewhat interested in news from this
place will give it to you as correct as it
can be from one who is now on the
ground. This Skagway trail via White
pass 10 q now route and just completed
through to Lake Bennett, the first pack
train having returned from through trip
yesterday. While it is reported by those
who have been over it ss very rough it is
not more 90 than any mountainous trail
and would be considered by those used
to mountain trails q good trail. 1t is 40
miles from here to the middle arm OF
Lake Bennett, with fair grass for horses
most OF the distance. Those that are
now here and have horses are all right
and those without are selling their outfits
and returning for it would be impossible
for them to pack in 1900 pounds of sup
plies on their backs before snow flies and
l think they are sensible to return and
wait for spring, - by the first of March
this trail will be in good shape for sleds
which can be then used to good advan.
tage and q party will then have plenty Of
time to get their supplies over and build
their boat at Lake Bennett before the ice
goes out in May and 30 be ready to go
down the lakes aud river as soon as nav
igation opens. To come later than the
first Of March one might find the SNOW
soft and hard to get through.
The pack train is now engaged for 30
days ahead and pack through to the lake
for 20 cents per pound, packing from $50
to 200 pounds to the horse. The Indians
at Dyea over the Chilkoot pass charge II
cents but miners who have been anxious
to get through have paid as high as 20
cents. am told that there is now more
freight at Dyea than can be packed over by
the Indians in the next three months.
The Chilkoot trail though much shorter
is 1000 feet higher elevation and is i'm
practicable for horses. This steamer
tIslander) brought up 1922 passengers and
1903 horses, and 300 tons of freight.
There is no wharf at present, though one
is now underway. The steamer lies an
chored out one-quarter mile in the bay,
the horses being led out on gang plank
and dumped overheard. The freight is
loaded on to lighters and landed on the
beach where it is received by miners, who
pack it on their hacks to their tents.
The miners organized last night and
elected the ex-chief Of the Seattle police
as their captain. All his orders are to be
promptly enforced and his word is law.
This boat brought up a fine body of men
with few exceptions; rugged, stout looking
fellows, no tin.horns or gamblers and
men we'll adapted for the hardships that
are to be encountered. Regular first class
passage, which includes meals and berth,
from Seattle to Skagaway or Dyea is
$40; rate on horses 500; freight 81 per
ton.
Canadian officers are collecting 30 per
cent duty on all supplies and clothing.
Horses would not be taken into Canadian
territory 30 there would be no duty on
them. Our custom officers have been
very Ienient and have not collected any
duty from Canadians who brought in
horses from Victoria. This 80 per cent
duty has worked hardship ON quite a
few of the miners who, after paving it,
would have but little money left, 80 were
obliged to sell their outfits and return it
being understood when the steamer left
Seattle there would be no duty to pay.
will stay at juneau and other places
q few days before returning and don't
hardly think will chit the trail" With
the kindest regards to you all,
l.. COFFIN.