The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1898-01-06
s.sses.s.s.:.. 100000

people yesterday that In all probability
the redoubtable Dalton would be called un
by Secretary Alger to lead the expedition
into the klondike. On Christmas day
Dalton, at the request OF Gen. Merriam
and Capt. W. w. Robinson, left this city
for Vancouver to consult with the former.
Daiton's services, il is understood are In
great demand by the government. and it
Is stated that if the contract to freight
the supplies into Dawson is not awarded
to him it will be because his services are
held at too high a figure. Dalton, IL my
arrangement between himself and the
government is carried out will. Il is un-
derstood, take the relief supplies to the
klondike at a stipulated rate per pound,
acting as freighter. What portion of the
complement of men and horses is to be
furnished him by the government has not
yet been given out.
When Dalton went to Vancouver Bar
racks at the invitation Of Ger Merriam,
10 consult with him regarding the relief
expedition. it was stated that Gen. Mer-
riam was anxious to learn from the vet
to the objects Of the expedition. and what
means of conveyance We're best suited 10
the purposes of the government. 1. was
not then stated, nor can it be positively
said now, that the war department asked
Mr.. Dalton TO take charge OF the expedi-
ton or to assume g. contract to land the
supplies In Dawson by certain date
What passed between Gen. Merriam and
NJ. Dalton Is known only to themselves
and TO the authorities at Washington.
Considering the fact that Mr.. Dalton has
been In the business of taking men and
supplies over his trail into the gold fields
for several years, and has In that time
won a reputation any man might envy for
sagacity and courage under adverse cir
cumstances it is natural to presume that
the officials of the war department wish to
have Dalton take the supplies to Dawson.
Dalton Does Not Talk.
Whether any proposal was ever made
either to Dalton or by him 10 the govern
ment has never been given out by those In
a position 10 know. II will surprise some
people. however, If Dalton is not chosen
for the responsible task OF taking into the
erubess camp the supplies OF provender
which the government has ordered pur-
chased for the miners.
Capt. ". ". Robinson. jr.. assistant
quartermaster OF the department Of the
Columbia. was asked yesterday whether
there was any truth in the rumor cir
culated about town that Mr.. Dalton
and the officials Of the war department had
reached an agreement by which he was 10
have the contract for landing the supplies
in Dawson. IL any such thing has tran
splred.'' he said. Il know nothing OF it,
In what shape are the negotiations be-
tween Mr.. Dalton and the department."
was asked
II am not in position 20 discuss that
matter" was his reply. Il can make no
statement at this time"
Dalton was asked yesterday IL he had
entered into 4 contract with the war de-
parLment 10 transport the 80 tons OF sup
plies to Dawson. His reply was IN the
negative. but further than that he would
not talk Mr. Dalton vas asked wha; Gen
Merriam wanted OF him when he visited
him az Vancouver. Il am not at liberty
20 talk about tha:." he said. and then ex-
cased himself from discussing the matter
a. all.
Where Is Cant. Raw