New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-08-01
SUNDAY,
AUGUST |, 1897.

vey mas been unable to attend 10, much else but
the reception Of Wis tors clamorous FOR knowledge
OF the Yukon and the country II drains since the
reports OF the finding OF gold In Alaska In such
iatuious quantities first made. II II not
miners. however. who seek him in such numbers
out newspaper men and hack writer's. great
part OF the pages OF matter now being published
concerning the Alaska gold fields is made up IN
Washington from data obtained from the different
departments Professor Walcott has issued special
report on this subject and IL will be ready next
week
Al the Coast and Geodetic Survey the demand
FOR literature concerning Alaska and for charts has
been unprecedented Indeed. the supply OF charts
was soon exhausted. and more being printed
The survey has prepared list OF reference books
which II recommends TO all inquirers. This list
includes "Bancrofts History OF Alaska" the books
on Alaska by Dali and Seton Karr. "A Guide 70 the
Yukon Gold Fields" by V. Wilson: Lieutenant
5chwatkas report OF the military reconnaissance.
Petrofs reports Of the population industries and
resources OF Alaska. the reports Of the Governors
of Alaska for 1854 IS and Sc Facts About Alas
ka" by Sheldon. and Aliens Military Reconnols
sance."
But these departments are not only overwhelmed
by VISITORS their mail has increased 10 such pro-
portions that clerks have been detailed at
tend TO *. Each letter received is accorded
courteous response. and the complete reply
possible is made.
fields was made up OF six Italian fruit vendors.
who left their fruit stands In the hands OF CON-
patriots turned their backs upon their wives and
children and have gone 70 seek their fortunes. The
craze has not extended those in Govern ment en-
ploy. and there seems to be no disposition among
Government clerks 10 give Up an assured income 10
hazard their fortunes in Alaska.
There are number OF officials at the capital who
have visited Alaska during the last few years. j. A.
French, OF the District Engineering Corps and
member OF the GeOdetic Survey OF the
party which made a thorough INVESTIGATION Of the
Alaska gold fields In the years 1859 - and 81 when
locating the Hist meridian Nr. Spur. Of the Geo
logical Survey. headed the party from the survey
which explored the Yukon Valley last year. and
that far-away country in official capacities All OF
these who have experienced the dangers and dis
comforts OF a trip in this northern Eldorado are
less enthusiastic about the gold fields than the IN
initiated. and discourage any one from making an
attempt 10 reach the Clondyke region this sum-
mer. insisting that those who start for the gold
fields will be compelled 10 winter at 81.
Michaels.
Professor Wacott will soon he beyond the reach
Of an inquisitive public, he starts mex, week
for tour OF inspection Of come OF the Geological
Survey posts in the West. He will be gone about
six weeks and most OF his time will be spent In
the forest reservation territory To visit all OF the
geological parties which are az work in various
parts of the United States would occupy six
months and more as the operations OF the survey
extend from the Atlantic 70 the Pacinc from NE
Canadian boundary 70 the Gulf Of Mexico. out FRO
fessor Walcott deems il especially important per
sonally 70 inspect this country about WHICH mere
have been so many and such heated discussions