Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1898-06-20

the cry of sea gull or the report of
rife of one of our passengers which
starts thousand echoes reverberat
ing in the solitary looking places of
the surrounding mountains. AS we
emerge from the Gulf of Georgia into
Seymour's Narrows we encountered a
somewhat exciting experience. Here,
in distance of one half mile, at low
tide, is a difference in level of four
teen feet of the two bodies Of water.
Through this course the sea rushes at
the rate Of eighteen miles an hour.
Against this current the over conf
dent little steamer with her tow as
large as herself attempts to force her
way. Through the foam of the driv-
ing current she doubles and twists in
vain, responding nobly to the wheel
in the hands of our experienced pilot.
Complicated and entangled with the
heavy tow-rope leading to the Gov.
Pingree, we lose Roadway and float
down stream to a safe anchorage be-
low. There we wait till high, tide en-
on the next afternoon another episode
occurs to break the monotony. We
are all assembled in the saloons when
suddenly from the deck someone
shouts a man of war is in sight. Then
follows a cry of "Spaniards," and a
rush above. There in the distance is
a noble looking cruiser with long guns
protruding from the port holes. Then
follows moment of anxiety until
someone with glass makes out "Old
Glory" floating proudly from the
stern. Never are we SO proud of the
glorious emblem of liberty as with un-
covered heads we give :three rousing
cheers, which, as she speeds by, are
responded to with gusto by the gal
liant marines on board her. We have
since heard that she was patrol
cruiser looking after the interests of
Uncle Sam. Upon leaving Dixon's
Entrance our ocean experience was
instituted by a storm which dashed
the waves over the deck house. The
next morning but twenty-se re-
ported for breakfast. Rough seas are
to be expected in the northern Pa
cific at this season. But we have been
fortunate in this respect, though a
certain amount Of discomfort caused
by marine nausea, makes the average
passenger glad to encounter the quiet
waters of Dutch Harbor. The Alaskan
peninsular possesses some peculiarly
grand scenery due to the volcanic
character of the abrupt cliffs and
mountains which present themselves
in great abundance. Equally aston
ishing are the myriads of waterfowl
which cover the surface of the sea,
rising in clouds before the oncoming
steamer. In fact these northern
waters seem to TEEN WITH life. Seals,
the black whale, porpoise and keelers
"a species Of sword fish are seen in
abundance At Dutch Harbor large
box of fish may be purchased for
twenty five cents.
We are, to man, looking forward
with great expectancy over the white
clad mountains. [ am fully deter
mined to do my part to achieve sue
cess and to take all possible precau
lions in way Of Arctic clothing, ETC.,
to preserve health and see all old
friends again. Very fattering en-
couragement comes to us by way of
reports from those we see who have
come from the Klondlke region and
are going back. The City of Brixam
has already received orders to take
back to Seattle as soon as the first
boat comes down the Yukon, eight
tons of gold dust, and has three spec
tally constructed steel chests on board
for the purpose. There is gold in
Alaska and our company hope for a
share Of it. We have in our company
representatives of all trades from
shoemakers to marine engineers. Six
who are with us are prepared with a
steam dredge to dip seventy feet be-
low the rivers surface into the bot
tom sand and gravel. Personally I
hope to see all old Vermont friends
again, richer in experience and knowl-
edge, if not in material gain.
DIR. w. F. GILMAN.