The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-02-12

force, and at a signal from him twenty 1.-TWO
men, armed with rifles. came out of the
timber and covered the party. Noblett said
they had possession of the cache. AS Lieut.
Richardson was there and j had not heard
any firing | knew his statement was false
and said so. at the same time starting on
and cold them they might open the ngnI IL
they wished to. He then said that, as con-
ditions were changed by my seizure OF the
stores and they were loath TO disturb goy-
efnmental property, II | would wait rev
moments he would consult with the COM
mittee and asked if / was still Wiling 70
feed the destitute. ! stated my terms 10
feed the destitute. and, so long as the COM
panies would take wood, they We're TO go
to work at the rate of s. per cord, and II
they could not get work they would be fed,
if possible until the river opened; that bona
fide miners could obtain outfits provided
they went into the field at once. In few
moments Noblett returned and said they
accepted the terms and / went on to the
cache. where / found between thirty and
forty men, who said they had nothing and
j caused all to be fed. / have hoisted the
flag over the buildings and placed a guard.
PREMEDITATED ROBBERY.
This is not a case of worthy destitute
miners it is premeditated robbery and had
they been able to get possession of either
Lieutenant Richardson or myself the cache
would have been lost. number Of
very desperate and lawless characters have
been forced out of Dawson Northwest Ter
ritory. There are quite a number in the
camp near the cache and learned to-day
that they have been quietly securing arms
ever since their arrival here and mean mis-
chief am securing all arms and am
munition j can, shall move with caution
and get matters in shape as to hOld the
balance of power. | am compelled 10 take
the responsibility to protect life and proper
ty and to save as many lives as possible
in the emergency. | only hope the Presi-
dent and Congress will sustain my action
and treat me with charity should be found
in error. / believe my experience confirms
my opinion formed on my journey in here
that some radical steps are necessary TO
give protection to life and property next
summer with the opening of navigation L
am still of the opinion it should be mill
tary government with power to hunt 10
death the lawlesS element.
Captain Ray incloses a copy of a proclaim
alton he issued announcing that IN the
name of the United States he had taken
possession of all stores and property in the
Alaska Companys caches for the purpose
of securing from starvation destitute citi-
zens of the United States in north Alaska.
He also 1nclcses letters from the agents
of the two transportation companies ask
ing protection of the government and re-
port from Lieutenant Richardson detailing
matters covered in Captain Rays report
and adding: I'm my judgment, based upon
what / observed this morning and the
character of resolutions and remarks made
in my presence last evening. this movement
was no more nor less than deliberately
planned attempt to rob the stores for
Doodle"
Under date of Nov 9 Captain Ray recon-
mends that the government take steps to
effectuaIly check immigration to this region
of all people who do not come prepared
with sufficient provisions to last them for
two years." His reasons for this recon-
mendation have been made public by Gen.
Merriam The next day he submits a
recommendation for a patrol steamer to
! check the operation of the lawless.
Accompanying the report is a letter to
| the adiutant general from President Weare
| and Manager Healey, of the n. A. T. and
L. Company. strongly appealing for the pro-
tecting of the strong arm of the military
| and a letter to Capt. Healy from Capt. Ray
| advising the company that it must take
| steps to check the exodus down the river
| amounting to less than three hundred tons
| though the two companies had estimated
| there were over one thousand tons and urg-
| ing the company to use it's influence to
| secure legislation for the protection of the
| country by the military.