The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1897-11-30
1T is SERIOUS.
Destitution in the KlOndike is
the Subject
OF Discussion in the Cabinet
Meeting Today.
PROVISIONS OFFERED.
Portland, Oregon, Will Furnish
Needed Supplies
If the Government Will Pro-
vide Transportation.
WAIT FOR CONGRESS.
1t is Decided That Nothing Can
Be Done
Until There Has Been Congress
SiOnal Action.
If the Government Will Pro-
vide Transportation.
WAIT FOR CONGRESS.
1t is Decided That Nothing Can
Be Done
Until There Has Been Congress
SiOnal Action.

Washington, Nov. SO.-The cabinet
today considered the subject of send
ing relief to the people in the KIondike.
President Mckinley received tele-
gram from the Portland, Ore, cham
Der of commerce, stating that there
was danger of destitution and suffering
on the Klondil1e and offering to sup
ply the necessary food for relief if the
government would undertake its trans
portation.
The information was not definite as
to the actual conditions, but was on
the same line that has been telegraph
ed from the northwest. The cabinet
considered every phase of the situation
and discussed ways and means of af-
fording relief.
1t was decided that nothing could be
done until congress. met, when an ap-
preparation would be asked for the
purpose of transporting food supplies.
Although many plans have been dis
cussed, none has been decided upon. 1t
is probable, however, that Whatever
action is taken, will be under the direc-
tion of the war department, and by the
time congress acts, Secretary Alger
will have formulated plans.
No attempt viii be made to go up
the Yukon. as the ice has closed pro-
gress in that direction. The relief sup
plies will have to be sent over the
| passes. Just how they shall be trans
ported, is question requiring earnest
consideration and one that will re-
Quire the study of many plans in order
that an entirely feasible one may be
| evolved. Secretary Alger will gather
all possible information and will COM
mupicate with persons who know the
route to the Klondike and are Familiar
with the transportation methods in
the Arctic and other frozen regions.
Reindeer and dogs possibly may be
used and there is also a suggestion
that the steam snow shovel 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 transportation.
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 inn
perative upon the government to ex-
tend aid if possible.
No estimate has been made as to the
t cost and none can be prepared now.
Congress will be asked to appropriate
a sufficient amount and the war de-
partment will eXpend it in the most
!! economical manner, as in the case of
the Mississippi flood sufferers, when
$500 600 was appropriated and only $75,-
600 expended.
The task of getting supplies to the
Klondike in mid-Winter. is not under
estimated and doubts are entertained
as to it's being a possibility. Dyea can
be reached by steamer. Thence the
journey is one of 700 miles over the
mountains, through deep drifts of soft,
loose snow. The sun shines for only
about five hours in each "a and the
thermometer is often down to so and go
degrees below zero but it is believed an
expedition cannot reach the klOndike
before February at the earliest and the
hope is expressed that there is a. Suf-
ficient supply Ct food to last until they
go. It is estimated there are 5000 peO-
pie in the gold country. A dispatch re-
Gently stated that 1 900 head of horses
and cattle went to the KlOndike from
! Dyea a short time ago, but Commits
sioner Smith, at Dyea, has wired the
government that such is not the fact.
He says 1000 sheep started over the
Dyea trail and that it is believed they
reached the mines. Some time ago 500
sheep were sent down the Yyl1on, of
which 200 may have reached the F<lon-
dixie
Secretary Alger believes that Capt.
Ray has gone to Dawson and that he
will make his way back and report up
on conditions there. Nothing has been
heard from him since he left for the
Yukon. but the secretary expects ad-
vices from him almost any day.
1t is possible 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 prompt action will be taken
and the money made Immediately avail
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