Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1898-02-07


has been circulated here and in Dyea
asking the war department to send 800
troops here that law and order may
be preserved. The petition also asks
that martial law be declared. The
petition is being signed by nearly all
the best element. 1t reads as follows;
ITO the Honorable Secretary OF War,
Washington, D. c.;
eve, the undersigned citizens and
business men of Alaska respectfully
petition and set forth
That there is an extraordinary con-
dition of affairs existing at and near
Dyea and Skaguay, Alaska, which calls
for prompt attention from the proper
authorities.
"As a result of the recent discov-
cries of gold in and near Dawson City,
". W. r., Canada. during the past two
years. there is an enormous rush or
people to that country from all parts
Of the world, and it is estimated that
there will be $4,000 people start for the
gold fields Of Alaska and the North
west territory, Canada, during the
present year and not less than rs per
cent will attempt to get in by way OF
the Chilkoot and White River passes.
Even at this early day the full capac-
ity of every steam and sailing ship on
the Pacific coast is taxed to its utmost
to carry the passengers and freight
that is being offered, and they are
being dumped off at these two points
at the rate of 300 day, which will
soon be largely increased.
'In view of the fact that there is
20 local civil government in the terri
tory of Alaska. and no one with sufli
cient authority to force the laws Of
the land and much less to prevent
crime and disorder, and in view OF the
large number of undesirable and GRIM
inal class who are now focking to our
community to prey upon the unwary
and innocent pilgrim, and in order to
have some one with sufficient authori-
ty and in sufficient numbers to prevent
dis order and blockades or the trails
leading to the Lakes Linderman and
Bennett. and to protect the property
Of citizens of the United States,
"We, the undersigned, petition that
Immediate action be taken by the
proper authorities.
And believing this to be an extra
ordinary emergency, we belive that
martial law should be declared in all
this part of Alaska, comprising the
communities of Dyea and Skaguay and
the trails leading there from the in
ternational boundary, and sufficient
troops, not less than 800, be imme-
diately dispatched to these points to
enforce the laws and to preserve or
der"
It is stated that Governor Brady
will order one of the government
cruisers now stationed at Sitka to
this place to preserve order. Tie cut
ter will arrive in few days.
A double murder occurred at two
o'clock this morning Deputy United
States Marshal ]. M. Rowen, formerly
city marshal of Mt. Vernon, Wash,
and Andrew McGrath, a native of Con-
Germ, Ont, were shot and killed in Jake
Rice's variety theater by Ed Fay,
bartender. Fay is being guarded by
committee Of citizens. Tomorrow
he will be tried by committee of II
persons. Judicial forms will be fol-
lowed as closely as possible. 1t is the
general opinion that if found guilty
Fay will be hanged The theater has
been closed by the citizens. The MUIR
der has a sad sequel in the death OF
Rowens' wife and child, which was
born a short time previous to the muir.
der Of its father. Rowen was on his
way to obtain medical assistance for
| his wife when the shooting occurred.
| The shooting grew out of brawl,
! in which McGrath was a party. He
\ left the place and appealed to Rowen,
who, in the capacity Of an officer, went
| to the theater to investigate the mat
ter.