The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1898-07-01
Ex-Secretary Of State Returns
From Northern Trip.
TELLS OF THINGS THAT HE SAW
Grand Scenery Of SOatheastern Alas
la a source of Thorough and Con-
slant Entoyment-MOnste Ola,
ciers and Long DayS-PrOhibitiOn
That Permits Snloons-Need Of q
Territorial Form of Government.

Ex-Secre'ary Of State John Sherman and
Mrs. Sherman returned last night from
two weeks trip through southeastern
Alaska on the excursion steamer Cottage
City. Both on the steamer and al all the
towns visited In Alaska they We're treat
ed with the utmost consideration, and
their trip was one continual round of
pleasure They are now on their way back
10 Washington City. where they can keep
closer watch on administrative affairs,
with which Mr.. Sherman has for years
had 50 much to do.
The Ohio statesman was seen at the
Hotel Butler last evening. just as he was
starting out for a tramp around the city.
and told very interesting story Of his trip
TO a ost-Intelligencer reporter That he
had thoroughly taken in the situation in
Alaska was proved by the way he gave
facts and figures in the conversation.
TIE excursion trip through southeast
ern Alaska is the most delightful I have
ever had the pleasure of making" said
MIR Sherman by way Of preface with
200 miles of sea SO thoroughly protected.
the trip is an easy one. The constantly
changing scenery. the widening and mar
rowing OF the channel from a stones
throw 20 miles and miles between walls
the islands covered with green forests,
the strange settlements and the monster
glaciers were objects Of neVer-endng in
terest. The strangest thing Of AZ was the
constant daylight. As We got further
north We could read papers on deck at II
O'Clock. and at 80 the sun came UP in
all it's brilIancy. There was consider
oh 4 ri,
no rough FEATHER
we saw everything OF interest in the
near vicinity Of points visited did con-
siderable hill climbing but did not at
tempt 10 go up any mountains or cross
the Chilkoot trait, although | did go back
up the canyon from Dyea for a few miles.
Skagway, with its new buildings and
crowds OF strange people. interested NE
greatly. The building OF that railway
across the White pass shows that it win
be but short time until the big terri
tory fills up.
AT Douglas island we visited the Tread
we'll mines. where they handle ore that
Is worth but little more thar coal and
yet make money. We were permitted TO
go all over the great works, even into the
noisy stamp mills where hundreds OF
crushers were working on the low grade
ore At Sitka we heard Of considerable
mining activity. but were unable to visit
any OF the mines. the distance being too
great At Glacier bay we spent several
very pleasant hours climbing over the
wonderful mountain Of ice
Alaska would be better governed had
she regular territorial laws Is one con-
clusion that I have reached on this visit
and believe Il will he hut very short
tim" until congress gives her th. right
There are many things that such a change
would improve The country Is fast filling
NJ. chiefly | understand. with No~we-
saus and others used to colder climate
For the most part they are excellent ci.t-
Zens. Under such circumstances IL Is n
question OF a very short time before Alas
ka vii have full territorial rights. II may
he years before statehood can be granted
f1r 7 do not think that step advisable un-
Ill the population has greatly incre ased
and become firmly established. had
beard much about drunkenness ard crime
In the North. bnt I did not see a drunken
man from the time ! eft Seattle until I
returned. That prohibition law 70 which
Alaskans object so strongly does not seem
- pro1ibt entirely. noticed a great
many saloons in every settlement. II Is
not likely that The law viii continue to
remain on the statute hooks for q long
time. and J: is better OF II it cannot he
/ enforced"