The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1898-02-05

0overR ment Agent Reports Harrow
ing Conditions In Alaska.

Washington. Feb. 2.-Gen. Merriam,
under instructions from Acting Secre-
tary Meikeljohn. of the war depart.
ment. Monday opened at Seattle the dis
patches brought by Special Messenger
Wells from Capt. Ray. the departments
special representative In the Klondike
and forwarded an abstract Of them
to the department by telegraph. Act
ing Secretary Meikeljohn was 90 much
impressed by the statements wired
that he submitted the dispatch at once
10 Secretary Alger. who Is now conva-
lescent AT his home from long illness
and after consultation between these
two officials the paper was sent over 10
the white house. where IL formed the
subject Of consideration by the cabinet
meeting. II is said at the department
that the report of Capt. Ray fully
justifies all that has been done by Sec.
rotary Alger and Assistant Secretary
Meikeljohn under the authority con
ferred by congress. TO relieve the situa-
tion in the Rlondike.
The state OF affairs in the klondike
as thus revealed is worse than was sus.
pected at the war department. and. in
deed, so large is the task that remains
TO be executed In order TO insure the
safety OF life and property on the Amer
lean side Of the line alone that the war
department officials have concluded 10
advise congress as 10 the facts and place
upon the Legislative branch the duty oil
devising ways and means to meet the
exigencies OF the case. The abstract OF
Capt. Rays report, as telegraphed by
Maj. Robinson. is MS follows:
Seattle. Wash. Jan. si.-The adiuian.
general OF the army. Washington, ID. c.
Complying with telegram OF Tuesday. five
letters and two packages from Capt. r. III.
Ray, addressed TO you In hands OF Special
Courier l.. II. Wells, intercepted by me.
Substance as follows:
Latest bears date OF November and g
refers to action and attempted robbery OF
Catches. recommends that United States
government take steps 10 effectualiy
check immigration 10 interior OF Alaska
OF all persons not fully supplied TO last two
years.
and that no placer discoveries have been
made within last eight months either IN
Alaska or the Northwest territory
There Is no employment for any large
mum Der OF people In any capacity. All values
are spec ulative. There Is no fixed standa rd
for labor. There Is not now or likely TO be
within ~ months adequate or efficient
means OF supplying people now IN Alaska
or Northwest territory. Is OF opinion that
about seven per cent. OF all people who
have entered during past year have earned
their living and hundreds are now scat
tered along the river destitute OF food,
clothing and money. People coming in
have not had faintest conception what 10
do 10 earn a living and after spending
their money they become Gazed and helps
less.
States rush will be great next year and
any step that will prevent people from
coming In their Ignorance will be an act OF
charity.
In view OF recent developments and
knowledge that the lawless are banding to-
gcthcr along the river for the purpose OF
robbery rensws suggestion for government
placing on the river small light draft
steamers with high power. armed and used
to patrol river. and the placing OF detach-
ments as the movement OF people dcma nds
Courier sent with dispatches by four p.
m train Tuesday TO report TO Gen. Mer-
riam. Also recommends preliminary sur
Vey by Cooks Inlet TO the interior for all
American roads.
(Signed) ROBINSON,
Ounrternn