The herald., 1898-01-23
Taken in Charge by the
SOldiery
MARTIAL LAW PROCLAIMED
AND THE YUKON INHABITANTS
PUT ON RATIONS
Returning Miners Vary in Estimates
of Probable Output, But the
Placers Are Rich
Associated Press Special Wire

SEATTLE, WASH, Jan. 22.-The latest
news from Alaska is that Captain Ray,
u. S. A., has taken charge Of the stores
of the Alaska Commercial company and
the North American Trading and
Transportation company, proclaimed
martial law at Fort Yukon, and placed
it's 500 inhabitants on rations, compelling
those who have money to pay for them
and those who have not to work for
them. This step was rendered neces-
sary by the small stock Of supplies on
hand, which it was feared would be ex-
hausted before the Yukon river opened
next spring. After taking this action.
Captain Ray sent special messenger
to Dawson with letter to the CONNER
cial companies, notifying them that he
had taken possession of their stores. 1t
is stated that the letter also asked the
commercial companies to use their in
fiuence in securing legislation by con-
gress giving to the soldiers in Alaska
the same civil functions enjoyed by the
Canadian mounted police.
The news of Captain Rays action
reached here this morning on the
steamer City of Seattle, which brought
45 passengers from Dawson City and
gold dust and drafts estimated at half a
million dollars.
Todays arrivals bring advices UP to
December q. They contain no late
news of Importance 1t is almost the
universal expression of those arriving
today that while there is no immediate
need of a relief expedition, it will be
very acceptable late in the spring.
All say that an expedition cannot be
taken in at this season, but that 1t would
be a wise move on the part of the gov
ernment to have 1t at the lakes ready to
start when the ice runs out. 1t will
then reach Dawson in time to relieve the
distress that now seems probable to oc-
cur before boats can ascend the river.
1t is stated that Major Rucker, who Is
at Dyea and Skaguay making prelimi-
nary arrangements for the government
relief expedition, has recommended that
troops be stationed at the two places and
along the trails to preserve order.
A peculiar fatality occurred on the
City of Seattle on her upward trip. A
light fell from masthead and struck
passenger named George, of Victoria,
crushing his skull and killing him in
stantly.
The commission appointed by the
miners at a recent meeting in Dawson
to go to Ottawa and ask for a modifica-
tion of the mining laws, was among the
City of Seattle's passengers.
CAUTION IS NEEDED
JUNEAU, Alaska, Jan. Is (Via Seattle,
VS2sh., Jan. 22.).-Edward ]. Livernash,
who is one of the commission of three
appointed by the miners at Dawson to
go to Ottawa and endeavor to secure a
modification of the mining laws, passed
through this city today. Mr.. Liver
nash does not paint the richness of the
Klondike in such roseate hues as some of
the recent arrivals. When asked for
his estimates of this winters gold out
put, he said that it would not exceed
$6,OOO,OOO. In answer to the question
whether any new strikes had been made,
he said
"None. Next to nothing is known of
the Klondike beyond what was known
last spring. The expectations as to
Hunker creek are partially realized, and
the indications are favorable for Sui
phur and Dominion. The public should
be wary of rosy reports of marvellous
finds. The Klondike has wild cat
schemes as well as valuable mines, and
some of the schemes have hurried to the
front"
Fred Stevens formerly of Juneau, has
just arrived from Dawson, accompa-
MED by his partner, James H. Dough-
erty, or, as he is familiarly called, Mig
ger JIM" They have a number of val
liable claims on Bonanza creek. They
will go to New York, where, it is said.
they have been offered $40O, 900 for their
property. Stevens estimates next
years output of gold at 500, ,O00, ,O00 He
said since the two safes of the Alaska
company have been filed with dust the
company is packing the dust in wooden
boxes, which hold about $50 pounds each.
RICH PLACER MINES
NEW YORK, Jan. ga personal
representative Of James r. Keene has
been lin the Klondike since early last
fall. Mr.. Keene has received two letters
from him detailing the scarcity of pro-
visions and the general discomforts. The
houses are poor and the cold is intense
but the health of the community is good.
Mining continues as effectually as is
possible under the weather conditions.
Averaging up the district winter re-
turns, the yield seems to be about S35
a cubic yard, which is probably the
richest placer mining ever heard of. Mr..
Keenes representative saw one bucket
of earth weighing over 100 pounds which
yielded $575 in gold. Claims are in great
demand and on Ell Dorado and sur
rounding groups some have been sold
at an average price of about 100000
cash. Further away from Klondike
claims have been selling at $4,000 and
upward.
The community will require an enor-
nous amount of supplies and there il
need Of all kinds of machinery used in
mining. 1t is expected that these will