Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-02-01
DESTITUTION ON THE YUKON
Substance of Captain Rays Report Received
in Washington.
Government Should Regulate tn,
Rush Of People to the Interior
of Alaska.

According to report just received by
Acting Secretary Meiklejohn of the War
Department. there is great suffering and
destitutiOn along the line of the Yukon riv-
er among the people who have gone to
Alaska to seek for gold, and If his advice
is followed the government will take steps
to check immigration to the interior of
Alaska of all persons not fully equipped
with food for at least two years.
The information was contained In the fol-
towing telegram received by Adjutant Gen
eral Breck this morning from Major Robin
son. quartermaster at Seattle, Wash:
Complying with telegram of today. five
letters and two packages from Capt. P. H.
Ray, addressed to you in hands Of Special
Courier E. H. Wells, intercepted by me.
Substance as follows: Latest bear date Of
November and 3, refers to action and at
tempted robbery of caches, recommends
to effectually check immigration to interior
Of Alaska of all persons not fully supplied
to Last two years. Give as reason no way
to earn living, and that no placer dis
coverfes have been made within last eight
months. either in Alaska or the Northwest
Territory.
There Is no employment for any large
number of people in any capacity. All
standard for labor. There Is not now or
likely to be within twelve months ado
quate or efficient means of supplying peo-
pie now In Alaska or Northwest Territory.
Is OF opinion that about 7 per cent Of all
people who have entered during past year
have earned their living, and hundreds are
now scattered along the river destitute of
food, clothing and money. People coming
In have not had faintest conception what
to do to earn living, and after spending
money they bring, become dazed ant. help
less.
States rush will be great the next year
ri cso hot vxy{l
coming in their ignorance will be an act of
charity.
In view of recent developments and
knowledge that the lawiess are banding to-
gether along the river foT purpose of rob-
berry, renews suggestions tor government
placing on the river sEla.i l!ght draft
steamers with high power, armed and used
to patrol river, and the placing of detach-
ments as the movement OF people demands.
Courier sent with dispatches by 1 pm.
train today to report 10 Gen. Merriam.
Also recommends preliminary survey by
Cooks inlet TO The interior for al American
roads.
Considered by the Cabinet.
Acting Secretary Meikeljohn was so much
impressed with the statements of Capt.
Ray that he submitted the dispatch at once
to Secretary Alge-, who is now conva-
lescing at his home from a long illness,
and after consultation between these Off
Gals, the paper was sent over to the w hite
House. where 1t formed the subject of con-
siGeration at the cabinet meeting. It is
said at the department that the repor; of
Capt. Ray fully justihes all that has been
done by Secretary Alger and Assistant Sec
retary Meiklejohn. under the authority
conferred by Congress. to relieve the sit
cation In the Klontike. The report of Capt.
Ray is particularly acceptable in view of
the conflicting statements as to 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
ma de reports. and with the thorougilness
and caution as to exact statements that
form the guiding principles of all army
officers when called to make reports IN the
line of duty, this report is taken as Is-
tsblishing the facts for all official pur-
Ioses. The state of affairs in the Klondike
as thus revealed is worse than was sus-
pected at the War Department, and indeed
SO large Is the task that remains to be ex-
ecuted in order TO insure the safety of life
and property on the American side of the
line alone that the War Department off,
cials have concluded to advise Congress
to the facts and place upon ,he legisla-
tive branch the duty of dsvising ways and
means to meet the exfgencies of the case