The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1898-02-02

WASHINGTON, D, c., Feb. 1.-den-
.ra, Merriam, under instructions from
Acting Secretary Me!heljohn. OF the
war department, yesterday opened at
Seattle the dispatches brought by spe-
cIsl Messenger Wells, from Captain
Ray. the departments special represen.
,otlye In the Klondike, and forwarded
m abstract OF them to the department
ty telegraph. Acting Secretary Melkel-
tohn was so much impressed with the
statements wired that he submitted the
dispatch at once to Secretary Alger,who
is now eoayalesc!ng at his home from q
long Illness. and after consultation be-
tween these officials the paper was sent
over to the white house where It formed
the subject OF consideration by the cab.
met meeting to-day. II is said at the
department that the report Of Captain
Ray fully just!t1es all that has been
dpae by Secretary Alser and Assistnn.
Secretary Melke!john. under the au-
tnOTlty COUtGIEGu W SouSiGss, " &c.
ueye the situation IN the klondlke.
The report OF Captain Ray Is part!cu-
larry acceptable In view OF the conflict
Ing statements as to conditions in the
gold fields that have been made by per-
sens coming out this winter. for It Is
not douUted that he had a broader field
o. observation than the others who have
made reports. and with the thorough
ness and caution as 10 exact state.
nen,s that form thu guiding principles
Of all army officers when called on to
make rep,ft IN the line OF duty. this
repor, - taken as establishing the facts
for all Official purposes.
The stat, OF affairs in the Klondlke,
as thus revealed, Is worse than was
suspected at the war department and
iadeed so large Is the task that re-
mains 10 be executed In order to ensure
the safety OF life and property on the
American side OF the line alone. that the
ed TO advise Congress as to the facts
and place upoa the legislative branch
the duty OF devlslng ways and means
{, 10 NEE: the exlgencies OF the case.
The abstract OF Captain Rays reporss.
as ,elegra2hcd by Major Robinson. is
as follows:
SEATTLE, Wash. Jan. 81. 1883.
The Adjutant General OF the Army,
Washington, D. c.:
Complying with telegram OF to-day.
FIVE letters and two packages from
Captain P. H. Ray addressed to you In
hands OF special courier e. II. Wells. In
.ercepted by ne. Substance as follows:
Latest bear date o. November and 3,
refers 10 action and attempted robbery
o. coaches. recommends that United
States government: take steos to effec-
tually check immigration to interior OF
Alaska Of all persons not fully supplied
TO last two years. &
Give as reasons no way to earn l!y-
Ing and that no placer discoveries have
been made within last eight months,
either Ii Alaska or the northwest terri
tory.
There Is no employment for any large
number Of people in any capacity. All
values are speculative. There Is no fi1-
ed standard for labor. There is not now
o: likely to be within twelve months
adequate or sufficient means OF supply
ing people now In Alaska or northwest
territory. Is OF opinion that about seven
per cent OF all people who have entered
during the past year have earned their
ii'ins and hundreds are now scattered
alohG the river, destitute OF food, cloth
lrS and money. People coming In have
T"t mad the fa!ntest conception what to
10 10 earn n living, and after. spending
money they then become dazed and
hopeless 80 / ~,
states rush will be great the next year
a"d any step that will prevent people
from coming In their Ignorance, will be
an act OF charity. 81
IN view OF recent developments and
knowledge that the lawless are banding
llsetaer along the river for the purpose
oI ROBBERY, renew suggestion for gov
SEnment placing on the river small
lisAt draft steamers with high rower,
aTmed and used to patrol river. and the
Placing OF detachments as the move
inent OF people demands.
courier sent with dIspa tches by.4 p.
~, ~. .Tain to-day TO report TO General
Merriam. Also recommends preliminary
survey by Cooks Inlet to the interio.
Tor all American roads.
t'!Sned) ROBINSON.
ouartermaster.