The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-12-14
FOR STARVING MINERS.
UNCLE sAM GETTING READY F0Rd
RELIEF ENPEDfrT0x.
Mr.. Perkins. Of the Coast and ""ohe"o
Survey, In Richmond TO & onfer with
Mr.. McDonsId About Routes

Mr.. Frank VALLEY Perkins, on INC
United states coast and Gcodcnc SUI
vey was at the jefferson sunday
stated that the War Department h"u 80.
ed upon the Gs0dctic Survey 10 asrNt
In preparing eetln ates ~ the cost "i an
expedition to Alaska for the pnTpose o,
relieving the starving miners Nh'n "sN ~,
whether the government had any reh-
able Information as TO the CONDITION OK
the miners imprisoned in Alaska ne re-
piled that nothing further was known
than that evidence produced before inc
Portland. oregon. Chamber OF commerce
which had already been pubhsheu.
M. Perkins stated that the object OF
his visit 10 Richmond was TO consult
with Mr. Alexander Macdonald, VINO
came down the Yukon river late IN sep
TENDER last both as TO the condition OF
affairs when he left 81. Michaels ana az
TO the best route TO follow II an expedition
was sent out. When asked what the
probabilities were OF the government
sending a relief expedition. Mr.. Per-
kins said the fact that the secretary OF
War is rushing the estimates Is ia Nseit
proof that something will be done.
BALLOONS AND FLYING MACHINES.
If the government is satisfied that men
are starving IN Alaska they viii certainly
dispatch "a relief expedition early in the
new year
He said several routes had been sug-
gested and the government had received
offers from companies and individuals
10 transport provisions 20 the Yukon by
balloons, flying machines. ice locomotives
reindeer sleighs and other entirely I'M
suitable means Of transportation. Mr..
Macdonald had suggested a plan and a
route by which all points below Fort
Yukon can DO reached by the middle of
March II the miners are starving relief
must reach them early in the new year
However" said Mr Perkins. "once
the Secretary Of War issues an order 10
the United states troops to reach the
Yukon, they Will find a way or make
IT, Dir. Perkins returned 10 Washing
ton Sunday night 10 give evidence before
the commissioners who have the matter
in hand.
Secretary Ayers Views.
A telegram from Washington yesterday
says:
Replying to-day to the Senate resolu-
ton asking for information relative
20 the suffering of American citizens
IN the mining districts OF the
Yukon river because Of the lack
OF food, Secretary Agcr says the latest
information received bears date OF Octo-
Der nth. When It was reported there was
not on sale in the stores OF Dawson, or
anose accessible TO the mining region.
a single pound OF bacon, beans or -four
and the miners round il impossible TO
purchase any supplies whatever, except
in rare instances from friends, who had
q surplus.
Fifty pounds or sack -four were selling
al Sl25 Although there are many tons
OF supplies at Fort ST. Michaes. about
aH0 miles from Dawson. IL would be
| impossible TO got any food from that
point before next summer.
BY REINDEER.
The Secretary says u use % reindeer
Will be means by whicl supplies can be
| gotten through. II al all, and he recon-
mends that 500 reindeer be purchased in
LApland and premium granted 20 bring
reindeer drivers from that country as Il
requires much skin 20 manage these
| animals