The Monte Vista journal., 1898-02-05
Nsws FROM tn. vvxd5n.
cas<aaa Ray's Report sAsws the Need 81
| nsssag Measures sf Relief.

CaStaaa Ray's 1epess shsws the Nod 81
Stssas Measures 81 Relief.
WashingtOn, Feb. 2-Genera1 Mer-
riam, under instructions from Acting
Secretary MeIkeljohn Of the War De
partment. yesterday opened at Seat-
tie the dispatches brought by Special
Messenger Wells from Captain Ray.
the departments special representa-
tive In the klondike. and forwarded
an abstract OF them to the department
by telegraph. Acting Secretary Mel
keljOhn was NO much impressed with
the statements wired that he submit
ted the dispatches ut once to Secretary
Alger, who IL now convalescent ut his
home from long Illness. ana after
consultation between these officials
the paper was sent over TO the White
House. where II formed the subject Of
consideration by the Cabinet meeting
to-day. 1t is said at the department
that the report OF Captain Ray fully
justifies all that has been done by Sec.
rctary Alger and Assistant Secretary
Meikeljohn under the authority con.
ferred by Congress TO relieve the stu.
alton In the Klondike.
The report of Captain Ray IL partic-
ularly acceptable In view of the con.
fiictlng statements ms to the conditions
In the gold fields that have come out
this winter. for II IL not doubted that
he had broader field OF observation
than the others who have made re-
ports. and with the thoroughness and
caution AZ 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 IL taken
as establishing the facts for all ofii
cial purposes. The state of affairs In
the Klondike. as thus revealed. il
worse than was suspected At the Wal
Department. and. indeed. so large II
the task that remains to l.e executed
In order 10 insure the safety Of If,
and property ON the American side OF
the line. alone, that the War Depart
ment officials have concluded to advise
Congress as To the facts and place up
on the Legislative branch the duty of
devising ways and means to meet the
"NigencieS OF the case. The abstract
graphed by Major Robinson, is as fol,
lows:
Seattle, Wash. Ian. 3l.-To the Ad.
iuiant General Of the Army. Washing
ton. u. C.-Complying with Telegram
of today. five letters and two pack
ages from Captain Ray. addressed to
YOU. In hands of Special Courier +. IL
Wells. interpreted by me. Substanc,
ms follows:
Latest bear date Of November 2ni
ana 3r,i. refers 10 action and ATTEMPT
cd robbery of caches: recommends tina,
United States government take step,
!" ehectually check immigration to In
terror Of Alaska of all persons not full
~ supplied To last two years.
Tive as reason no way to earn q
living ana that no placer discoveric,
have been made within last eigh
months. either In Alaska or the North
west territory.
There is no employment for an,
large number of people in any capaci
| ". all values are speculative. Thcr,
Is no fixed standard for labor. Ther,
is not now. or likely to he within
twelve months. adequate and cfiicicn
means Of supplying people now II
Alaska or Northwest territory.
rs Of the opinion that about = pei
cent. Of all people who have enter,s
during the past year have earned thci
living. and hundreds are now seat
tered along the rivers destitute o
food. clothing and money. Peopl,
coming III have not the faintcst con
ccption what To do To earn living
and after spending money they bring
become dazed and helpless.
! States rush will bc great next yea
and any step that will prevent ys-opl,
coming In through ignorance will b,
an act of charity.
In view OF recent developments an,
knowledge that the lnwicss are band
! Ing together along the river for III,
| purpose OF robbery. rcnews sugges
ii"n for government placing ON III,
river small. ilght.draft steamers will
high power. armed and used to pntro
river. and the placing OF achmont
ns the movement Of people demands
Courier sent with dispatches by
y. IN. train to-day To report to Genera
Merriam. Also recommends prciiml
nary survey 10y Cooks inlet to the IN
terror for all American roads.
ROBINSON. uuar'crmastcr."