The Advocate and news., 1898-02-09
DON'T GO TO KLONDIKE.
Government Agent Reports Distressing Con-
ditiOns in the New Gold Fields.


terest to those who have been looking in
the direction OF Klondike:
General Merriam, under instructions
from Acting Secretary MeikeljOhn, of
the War department, yesterday opened
at Seattle the dispatches brought by Spe-
cial Messenger Wells from Captain Ray,
the departments special representative
in the Klondike, and forwarded an alb
stract of them by telegraph to the de-
partment. Acting Secretary MelkeljOhn
was 80 much impressed with the state
ments wired that he submitted the dis
patch at once TO Secretary Alger, who
is now cOnValescent at his home from
long illness, and after consultation be-
tween these officials, the paper was sent
over to the White house, where 1t formed
the subject Of consideration by the Cab
met meeting to-day, 1t is said at the
department that the report OF Captain
Ray fully justihes all that has been done
by Secretary Alger and Assistant Secre-
tary Meikeljohn under the authority
conferred by Congress to relieve the
situation in the Klondike.
The report of Captain Ray is par
ticularly acceptable in view Of the con-
ilcting statements as to the conditions
in the gold fields that have been made
by persons coming out this winter, for
1t is not doubted that he had broader
field Of observation than the Others who
have made reports and with thorough
ness and caution as to exact statements
that form the guiding principles OF all
army officers when called on to make
reports In the line Of duty, this report
is taken as establishing the facts for
all official purposes
The state Of affairs in Klondike as
thus revealed Is worse than was eX-
pected at the War department, and in
deed so large Is the task that remains
to be executed In order to insure the
safety Of life and property on the Amer
lean side of the line alone that the War
department officials have concluded to
advise Congress as to the facts and
place on the legislative branch the duty
OF deVlslng ways and means to meet the
exigencies OF the case. The abstract Of
Captain Rays report as telegraphed by
Major Robinson Is as follows.
To the Adjutant General of the Army,
Washington, D. c.:
Complying with your telegram Of to-
day, Ave letters and two packages from
Captain Ray, addressed to you, in hands
of Special Courier =. II. Wells, opened
by me. Substance as follows:
Latest bear date Of November and 3,
refer to action and attempted robbery of
caches, recommends that United States
government take steps to effectually
check immigration to interior OF Alaska
of all parties not fully supplied to last
two years
Give as reason no way to earn liv-
ing, and that no placer discoveries have
been made within last eight months
either in Alaska or the Northwest terri
tory. There Is no employment for any
large number Of people In any capacity;
all values are speculative. There is no
fixed standard for labor. There is not
now or likely to be within twelve
months adequate or efficient means OF
supplying people now in Alaska or
Northwest territory. Is Of opinion that
about Z per cent. of all people who have
entered during the past year have earned
their living and hundreds are now scat
tered along the river, destitute Of food,
clothing and money, People coming in
have not had faintest conception what
to do to earn a living and after spend
ing money they bring become dazed and
helpless
States the rush will be great next
year and any steps that will prevent
coming in through ignorance will be an
act Of charity.
In view of recent developments and
knowledge that the lawless are banding
together along the river for the purpose
OF robbery renews suggestion for gov
eminent placing on the river small light
draft used to patrol river, and the plac-
Ing OF attachments as the movement
of people demands.
Also recommends preliminary survey
by Cooks Inlet to the interior for all
American roads