The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1898-02-02

| WASHINGTON, Feb. 1.-Under instruc-
| tions from Gen. Merriam. Capt W. W.
| Robinson at Seattle yesterday opened the
| dispatches brought by Special Messenger
| Wells from Capt. Ray, the war depart
ment's special representative on the Yu-
kon. and telegraphed an abstract to the
department
Acting Secretary Mekeljohn was so
much impressed with the statements
wired that he submitted the dispatch at
once to Secretary Alger. and the paper
was finally sent TO the. White House,
where it formed the subject of considera-
tion at the cabinet meeting today.
1t is said the report fully justihes all
that has been done 20 relieve the situa-
tion In the Klondike. The report is par
ticularly acceptable. In view of the con-
fiicting statements as to conditions in the
gold fields, for it is not doubted that Capt.
Ray had a broader field OF observation
than others who have made reports.
This report is taken as establishing the
fact for all official purposes that the
state of affairs in the Klondike as thus
reported is worse than suspected at the
war department
SO large is the task that remains to he
executed In order to insure safety to life
and property that the cabinet concluded
to advise congress as to the facts and
place upon the legislative branch the
duty of devising ways and means to meet
the exigencies of the case.
Capt. Robinson's abstract of Capt. Rays
report is as follows:
Complying with kilograms OF today.
five letters and two packets from Capt.
Ray, addressed TO you in the hands of
Special Courier E. II. Wells, have been in
tercepted by me. The substance is as fol-
lows:
'The latest bear date November and
:. They refer 10 the attempted robbery OF
caches and recommend that the United
States government take steps to eftectual-
ly check immigration 10 the interior of
Alaska Of all persons not fully supplied
with provisions to last two years. They
give as n reason that there Is no way to
earn living, and say that no new discov-
months. either in Alaska or the North
west territory There Is no employment
for any large number of people in any ca
pacity. All values are speculative. There
is no fixed standard for labor.
There is not now. nor Is there liable to
be within twelve months, efficient means
of supplying the people now in Alaska or
the Northwest territory. Capt. Ray IS of
opinion that about I per cent. of all people
entering during the past year have earned
their living, and he says hundreds are
now scattered along the river, destitute OF
food, clothing and money. People coming
in have not the faintest conception what
TO do TO earn living, and after spending
the money they bring, they become dazed
and helpless.
Capt Ray states that the rush will be
great next year. and any step ;hat will
prevent people coming in through igno-
rance will be an act of charity.
In view OF recent developments. and
the knowledge that the lawless are band
Ing together along the river for the pur-
pose OF robbery. Capt Ray renews the
suggestion for government troops, and rec
ommends the placing on the river Of small
light draft steamers Of high power. armed
and for use in patroling the river and the
placing Of detaohments as the movement
OF the people demands.
The courier was sent with dispatches
by the p. N. train today 10 report 70
o.. .farrfar~