Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1897-12-01
RELIEF FOR MINERS.
The Cabinet Giving that Sub
ject Close Consideration.
Probable that Congress Will Be Asked
to Aid K|ondike Miners.
Capt. Coverings case-Mr. Cannon Thinks
Session Will Be Short 0ne.s

Washington, Nov. 30.-The cabinet.
today. considering the subject of send
ing relief to the people in the Klondike.
President Mckinley received a tele-
gram from the Portland, Ore, Chamber
of Commerce stating that there was
danger of restitution and suffering on
the Klondike and offering to supply the
necessary food for relief if the govern
ment would undertake it's transporta-
ton.
The information was not definite as
to the actual conditions but they were
on the same line that has been tele-
graphed from the Northwest. The
cabinet considered every phase of the
situation and discussed ways and
means of affording relief. the DISPOSE
ton being to do everything possible to
prevent starvation and misery among
the Americans in the klondike.
1t was decided that nothing could be
done until Congress met when an ap-
preparation would be asked for the pur-
pose of transporting food supplies. AL
though many plans have been discussed
none has been decided upon. 1t is prob
able, however, that whatever action is
taken will be under the direction of the
war department. and by the time Con-
gress acts. Secretary Alger will have
formulated plans. No attempt will be
made to go up the Youkon as the ice
has closed progress in that direction.
Relief supplies will have to be sent
over the passes.
Just how they shall be transported is
question requiring earnest considera-
ton, and will require the study Of
many plans in order that an entirely
feasible one may be evolved. Secretary
Alger will gather all possible informa-
ton and will communicate with per-
sons who know the route to the Klon-
dixie and are familiar with the trans
portation methods in the Arctic and
other frozen regions. Reindeer and
dogs may be used and there is also a
suggestion that the steam snow engine
which has been successfully used in
the deep snow of the logging camps.
may be utilized. Secretary Alger has
confidence in it as a means of trans
portation.
The members of the cabinet were all
intensely interested in the matter Of
securing relief. Whether the men who
are supposed to be suffering went there
or not against the repeated warnings of
all officials is beyond the question, the
simple fact being that they are there
and need relief making it imperative
upon the government to extend aid IL
possible.
No estimate has been made as to the
cost and none can be prepared now.
Congress will be asked to appropriate
sufficient amount and the war depart
ment will expend it in the most econo-
mical manner, as in the case of the
Mississippi flood sufferers when $780,
GOO was appropriated and only $4,000
expended. The task of getting supplies
to the Klondike in midwinter it not
under estimated and doubts are enter
tanned as to it's being a possibility.
1t is probable that the President will
send a special message to Congress
asking for an appropriation for the
relief of the people in the Klondike and
it is believed that prompt action will
be taken and the money made i'm
available.