New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-12-18
TWO EXPEDITIONS FAVORED.
GENERAL MILES THINKS BOTH ROUTES
TO THE KLONDIKE REGION
SHOITID BE Used

Washington Dec. II tSpeciaD-General Miles be-
lieves expeditions should be sent both routes
to the Klondke region at once In order TO nave
double chances OF getting through quickly IN
case the other Is delayed. For years he has made
special study of Alaskan affairs. having been re-
sponsbe for the military protection OF the TERRI
tory when he commanded the Department OF the
Columbia from 1888 to 1855. During that time ne
sent three expeditions through Alaska The nrst
under Lieutenant Frederick Schwatka. In 1885,
the second under Lieutenant Abercrombie, IN
1855, and the third under Lieutenant II. l.
Allen, later In the year. Lieutenant Aber-
crombic conducted expedition up the copper
River Valley and Lieutenant Allen went up tho
Copper River thence across the divide and down
the Tanana to the Yukon. thence to Behring pea,
General Miles says: Il believe that two expedi-
tons should be sentone over the Dalton iran Hoi
Dyea to Dawson City. Belle Isle or Circle City; inc
ether from the mouth Of Copper River TO Bele
Isle The Dalton trail extends only short as
lance through our territory being principally along
the upper Yukon River In British Columbia Hence
send expedition by that route VIII require tho
approval of the Canadian Government, ana propa-
bly, the two Governments will cooperate In this
humane enterprise. We could at least clear the
trail and make the route practicable as far AS IL
extends within our territory and, II permission IS
given by the Canadian Government, can send reiet
by that route through British Columbia Tho route
from the mouth OF Copper River extends entireIy
through our own territory, and In my OPINION 10
practicable for sending supplies to the places al
ready mentioned. to point near the boundary
line. where "A depot Of supplies. an asylum and
hospital could be established. ! have theretore,
recommended that Congress give authority for the
sending of TWO expeditions. with food and hospithi
supplies, with ~ little delay as possible.
'Of course. the sending OF military escort oy
water from Puget Sound 10 the NOUN OF copper
River and 10 Chlcoot Pass will involve CONSIDER.
able expense The cost OF getting food into tnat
remote country particularly at TINS season oi ~.
year will necessarily be very great, but ~ neeH nov
be wholly gratuious expenditure. Many or me
men that in "a suffering condition nave suicien'
gold to pay for supplies receiving them, ana
Sratuiolis issue OF supplies should be made only 70
men who are IN destitute condition. An I'M
portant feature OF sending expeditions through tns
interior. especially by the Copper River route. VII
bo To concillate the natives who are liable 10 be.
come hostile and n possible TO ally them 10 the
Government and employ them In the Government
service They will be exceedingly useful as guides
ard interpreters and also be employed III
clearing and blazing tho trail placing lhndmark,S
TRANSPORTING stores. and IN many other ways iacu
natni; the purpose OF this enterprise IL they are
no: concUIated and Disturbances should occur
which would render them hostile. an lndan war
might ensue In that territory which would be the
most expensive OF any Indian war ~nlch the "o'
eminent has ever had to encounter