The Florence tribune., 1898-04-02
IS 4 BAKE.
Chas. p. Mason Does Not Think Much of
 the kiondike Country.
From the Phoenix Herald.l


 Steve Bailey has just received let ter from Chas. P. Mason, who served Pinal county iD the legislature last term. Mason is now in Seattle, where he is watching for favorably oppor- tunity to reach the Klondike. He does not speak very well of the country from reports he has received from dis gusted gold seekers who are returning daily much wiser in experience and poorer in health and wealth. The fol- lowing is synopsis of his letter:
 SEATTLE, March r, 1898. Friend Steve :-I am now stranded in the much-talked-of city of Seattle, the Mecca of the world, to which the insane and gold-crazed people of the world are focking in thousands. The city presents the appearance of vast fair, representatives of all nations and every degree of life, financial and so- cial, are to be found here-the mission ary and priest vending their way to the forbidding fields of the frozen north, that they may spread light and safvation among the nstiyes-the fes- tive bunco-steerer and sure-thing men are here by the score, and rich is the harvest they are reaping, and great is the experience that the unsophisticated tenderfoot from the farming states is laying up for future reference. It comes high, but to make a successful Klondizer they must have it. The wires gre kept hot to dotiBg fathers and trusted friends to forward more of the needful that they may continue their journey. The town was wide open for awhile-everything went, but | just before election everything was closed down but will be running again in few days. Iris contrary to law, but the gamblers ticket won and they are making preparations to open up bigger than ever.
 here met quite number of Arizon- ans, Major Schwartz, Shorty" hack driver, Will Cox, Charlie Ewing, H. c. Davis, the little man who used to play cornet in the Palace, and others. Kim ble, who used to work for Guild in Florence, is here; came in few days ago. These are all that I have seen from Arizona, but there are doubtless others. The people are crazy. Every boat that leaves here, and there are twenty-six steamships carrying from 150 to 1000 passengers each on the run, are loaded to the guards. These run to !, Skaguay and Dyea, besides there are nine steamships running to Copper river, besides feet of sailing vessels Many are returning disheartened There is mnch suffering at all these points-Skaguay particularly; they ar' dying like sheep, from to 15 daily.
 learned this from parties who have re turned. Lawlessness abides and man, have their money and outfits takei forcibly from them. Next year will b the time to go, if at all. By that tim something definate will be learned c the country and transportation ques ton and routes win be better under stood. l will go next year if every thing turns out as es is expected.
 Dalton and Atwood are both here They both inquire.i for you. Frank i , credited as being worth $100,000. Da ton is also doing we'll. guess, thoug not keeping pace with Frank. SC them but seldom as both are very bus ' as is every business man in Seattl, l This Klondike fever was God-sen 1. to the city, as the town was abou
 gone in before the rush commenced f Now they are coining money and rer t is way up in the figures. Sincerely, !, CHAs. P. MASON.