Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-02-06
APPEAL FROM sIIAGUAY.
Request for Troops to Preserve
Order-A Double Murder.

SKAGUAY, ALASKA, January 81, VIA
SEATTLE, WASH, February "a peti-
ton has been circulated here and at Dyea
asking the War Department TO SEND SVV
troops here, that law and order may De
preserved. The petition is being signed
by nearly all of the best element. ii
reads as follows:
ITO the Honorable Secretary Tor war;
Washington, ID. c.:
eve the undersigned, citizens and
businessmen or Alaska, respectfully pc
tition and set forth:
"That there is an extraordinary condi-
ton of affairs existing at and near Dyea
and Skaguay, Alaska, which calls Tor
prompt attention from The proper au-
thorities.
"As a result of recent discoveries Oh
gold in and near Dawson City. n. w. T.,
Canada, during the past two years, there
is an enormous rush OF people 10 that
country from all parts OF the world, ana
IL is estimated that there Will be zOVO
people start for the gold-iields Of Alaska
and the Northwest Territory, Canada,
during the present year. and not less than
"a per cent. will attempt TO get In by way
of the Chilkoot and White passes.
even at this early day the full capa-
CITY Of every steam and sailing ship on
the Pacific coast is taxed to It's utmost
capacity TO carry the passengers ana
freight that are being offered, and pros
pectors are being dumped or at these
two points at the number OF 300 day,
which number will soon be largely IN
creased.
"In view OF the fact that there is no
local civil government in the Territory
Of Alaska, and no one with sufficient au-
60 ba Ia
and much less TO prevent crime and dis
order; and in view OF the large number
OF persons Of an undesirable and crimi-
nal cla.s who are now fiocking TO our
community to prey upon the unwary and
innocent pilgrim; and in order 10 nave
some one with sufficient authority, ana
with sufficient force. TO prevent disorder
and blockades on the trails leading 10
Lakes Llndermann and Bennett, and TO
protect the property OF citizens OF the
United States.
And believing this to be an extraor-
binary emergency. we believe that mar
tial law should be declared in all this
part OF Alaska. comprising the commu-
mites OF Dyea and Skaguay and the
trails leading therefrom to the interna-
tional boundary, and that a sufficient
number of troops. not less than 300, be
Immediately dispatched TO these points
to enforce the laws and preserve order"
A double murder occurred here at
o'clock this morning Deputy United
States Marshal j. NJ. Bowen, formerly
City Marshal OF Mount Vernon, Wash,
and Andrew McGrath, a native OF Con-
cord. Ont. were shot and killed in Jake
Rice's variety theatre by Ed. Fay, a
bartender. Fay IS being guarded by a
committee Of citizens. Tomorrow he
will be tried by a committee OF twelve
persons. judicial forms will be followed
as closely as possible. 1t is the general
opinion that II found guilty Fay will be
hanged. The theatre has been closed by
the citizens.
The murder had sad sequel In the
death of Rowen's wife, and his child
which was born a short time previous 10
the murder OF its father. Rowen was
on his way TO obtain medical assistance
for his wife when the shooting occurred
The shooting grew out OF a brawl TO
which McGrath was party. He left the