The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1898-02-02
ALARMING REPORT ON ALASKA.
CAPT. RAY ADVISES THAT IMNI-
GRAFTON BE STOPPED.

Only Persons Having Supplies Sufii-
cient for Two Years should BE Al
lowed to Enter-NO Opportunity 10
BE Found For Earning "a Living.
No Placer Discoveries Made with
in Eight MOnths-AH values
Speculative and No Fixed stand
ard for Labor.
Washington, Feb. 1-Gen. Merriam, un-
der Instructions from Acting Secretary
Meikeljohn of The war department, yes
terday opened at Seattle the dispatches
brought by special representatives in the
Klondilxe and forwarded an abstract OF
them to the department by telegraph.
Acting Secretary Meikeljohn was go
much impressed with the statements wired
that he submitted the dispatch at once
to Secretary Alger, who is now GONZALES
cling at his home from a long illness, and
after consultation between those officials
the paper was sent over to the White
House where il formed the subject of
consideration by the cabinet meeting to-
day.
1t is said at the department that the re-
port of Capt. Ray fully justifes all that
has been done by Secretary Alger and AS
sstant Secretary Meikeljohn under the
authority conferred by Congress to re-
lieve the situation in the Klondike.
The report of Capt Ray is particularly
acceptable in view of the conflicting state
ments from the gold fields that have been
made by persons coming out this winter.
le hac do a
more proper observance than others, and
with the thoroughness and caution as 10
exact statements that form the guidance
of all army officers when called upon to
make a report in the line of duty this re-
port is taken as establishing the facts for
all official purposes.
The state of affairs in the Klondike. as
thus revealed is worse than was suspect
ed at the war department, and indeed so
large is the task that remains to be exc
cuted in order to secure the safety
of those on the American side alone that
the department officials have concluded TO
advise Congress as to the facts, and place
upon the legislative branch the duty of
devising ways and means to meet the ext
gencies of the case.
The abstract of Capt. Rays report, as
lows:
Seattle, Jan. 81, 1S9S.-The Adjutant
General of the Army, Washington: Com
plying with telegram of to-day, five let
tiers and two packages from Capt Ray nd-
dressed to you in the hands of Special
Courier Wells, intercepted by me. Sub
stance as follows: Latest bear date oil
Nov % and % refers to action and at
tempted robbery of coaches; recommends
that United States government takes steps
to effectually check immigration 10 lnte-
rior of Alaska of all persons not having
enough supplies to last two years. GIVE
as reason no way to earn living, and
that no placer" discoveries have been
made within the last eight months, either
In Alaska or the Northwest territory.
"There is no employment for any large
number of people in any capacity. All
values are speculative. There is no nXeo
standard for labor. There Is not now OIL
likely TO be within twelve months ade-
quate or efficient means of supplying PEG
pie in Alaska or Northwest territory; is
of opinion that about per cent. OF al
people who have entered during past veal
have earned their living, and hundreds arF
now scattered along the river destitute
of food, clothing and money. People com
ing having not had the faintest concep
ton what to do TO earn liv
ing and after spending money
they became daZed and helpless
States rush will be great the next yea
and step made to prevent people coming
In their ignorance will be an act of char
ity? In view of recent developments thu
lawless are banding along the river TO
the purpose of robbery. Renews sugges
ton for government placing on the rive
small light draught steamers with higi
powers, armed, and to patrol river, ant
The placing of detachments, as the move
ment of people demands.
Courier sent with dispatches by p
m. train to-day to report to Gen. Merriam
Also recommends preliminary survey b.
Cooks inlet TO the interior for all Ameri
can roads. Robinson, Quartermaster.