The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1897-09-12

Aroused by the imminent danger OF fam
inc in the Klondike. Seattle's representa-
tive citizens are the first TO consider plan
for its prevention. The Chamber Of Com
merce will meet "Wednesday night. or pos
sibly respond 10 a special call for tomor-
row night, and will prepare petition 10
be wired Secretary of War Alger. urging
upon him the immediate importance of
getting food into the gold mines for the re-
lief of Americans. This action has already
the Endorsement Of number of prominent
men here. and VII be carried through
without delay. II Is believed that other
cities viii give unanimous support TO the
petition as soon as the initiative step Is
made known. With the pressure that will
be brought to bear throughout the coun-
try. no doubt is felt that prompt action on
the part of the secretary OF war will re-
suit.
Samuel L. Crawford who is taking an
active part in the preparatory measures,
said yesterday:
1--WE have not yet decided whether 70
wait for our regular meeting Wednesday
night or TO call special meeting Monday
night for this purpose. In any event, II Is
decided that we will petition the govern
ment. through the war department 10 as
sumo control in this matter and without
loss of time TO take such steps as Is
deemed most advisable 10 get sufficient
food supply into the Klondike 10 prevent
a famine There is scarcely city IN
America that has not one or more of its
people interested directly or indirectly in
the Klondike gold fields. The son or other
relative of some well known family in
nearly every city in the country is now In
the Klondke or on his way there. and we
feel quite certain that IL this agitation is
begun In the manner we propose. the pro-
iect will have the Endorsement of the en-
tire country.
1T is no more than right that our gov
eminent should take hold at once. We all
know that the Canadian government
shows no hesitancy under like circum-
stances, and stops az nothing TO assist its
people when they are in distress. We
here feel that the only effective manner
Of handling this serious affair must be
through the government II the war de-
partment takes the initiative and begins
a movement to relieve the distress in the
mines II will receive the Endorsement Of
the people all over the country. We DO
not expect to act alone. and are simply
making the first move in the right drec-
ton. Not only Pacific coast cities. but
cities in the Middle and Eastern cities are
alike interested in this cause. which is
nothing other than one OF humanity. It
is our intention TO act as quickly as pos
sible, to communicate with the war de-
partment by wire If necessary. and we are
now only waiting 20 decide upon the man
ner of addressing our petition and TO get
our leading members together SO the
movement may be one Of unanimity. so
far as we are concerned"
Further inquiry into the proposed move
ment develops that representative men In
all lines Of business are preparing to push
this matter. Included in the list are Rob
ert Moran, David f. Durie John Leary
Judge Eben smith Erastus Brainerd Har-
old Preston. Griffith Davies. ]. W Pratt
Thomas w. Proseh Samuel l.. Crawford
III. c. Henry, Il. o. Graves. Jacob Furth
Lester Turner, James Goldsmith J. b
Mcdonald. Frank Black A A. Baillar-
geon, a. NJ Brookes. Gen. J. b. Metcaife
and others.