The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1897-12-08
Food for KIondike.
GOVERNMENT TO HELP,

ing relief to people in the Klondike
President Mckinley received a tele-
gram from the Portland Oregon cham
ber Of commerce stating that there was
danger of desti.ution aud sufferiog oo
the Klondike and Offering. to supply the
necessary food for relief if the govern
ment would undertake it's transporta-
.ion. The Information was not
definite as to the actual condi-
tions, but was on the same line
as has beep telegraphed from the north
west.
The cabinet considered every phase
Of the situation and discussed ways and
means of affording relief. It vas de-
cided that nothing could be done until
congress met, when an appropriation
will be asked for the purpose
Of transporting food eupplies. Al
though many plans have been discuss
ed. none has been decided upon. It
is probable, however, that whatever
action is taken will be under the direc-
ton of the war department, and by the
time congress acts Secretary A!ger will
have formulated plans.
No a,temp: will be made to 60 up
the Yukon as the ice has closed pro-
gress in that direction. The relief sup.
plies will have TO be sent over the pass
es. Just how they shall be transport
ed is question requiring earnest con
sideration and one that will require the
study of many plans in order that an
entirely feasible one may be evolved.
The members Of the cabinet we're all
intensely interested in the matter of Sc
curing 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 in
hand the simple fact being that they
are there and need relief making it i'm
perative upon the government to extend
aid if possible.
No estimate has been made as to the
cost and none can be prepared now
Congress will be ssked to appropriate a
sufficient enouot and the war depart.
ment will expend it 10 the most econo-
mical manner, as in the case of the
Mississippi food sufferers, wheu $780,
900 was appropriated aud only $4,000
expended.
It is probable that the President viii
send special message to congress ask
ing an appropriation for the relief oi
the people 10 the Klondike and it is be.
lieved that prompt action will be taken
and the money made Immediately avail.
able
Commissioners Smiths telegraphis re.
port shows chat no horses had gone be
yond she American jurisdiction at the
lakes. The thousand head of sheer
that started on the Dyes trail 10 July,
be wired. undoubtedly got through
There we're 800 sheep shipped from the
lakes down the Yukon on RATS 10 Sep
tember. Two hundred beef cattle. all
9old, s.arted to the lakes over the Dyea
and skaguay trails. Of these Com.
missioner Smith reports 10 per cent
lost or consumed, the last 70 Of which
are now butchered and frozen at the
lakes awaiting transportion to Dawson.
The telegram causione the department
against placing too much faith in the
reports from Dyea.
Other advices received to-day and
placed before the Presidents oficia
family, reported that herd of reiudee,
with supplies bad been started from 8
point on the lower Yukon. about 60(
miles from above St. Michaels, the
herd reaching the place by cutting
across the lands from point opposite
on the coast. These reindeer are carry
ing supplies up, aod number of people
anxious to get down from the Klopd!kt
will be brought back by this means.