The Philipsburg mail., 1899-07-28
ABOUTCAPE NOME MINES
No Doubt There Are Some Rich
Placer Mines There.
REPORTS FROM THE DIGGINGS
views of David +. Lane, Who Is Largely
Interested In the New Alaskan
Mining District-Letter From
Another Californian.

The best and probably the most reli
able information about Cape Nome and
Golovin bay, Alaska, has been received
in San Francisco by David +. Lane,
who has been in the district nearly one
year. He is the chief official of the
mining district and of the town, and
is largely interested in mining on the
principal creeks. From what he saws
it is evident that there are at least some
rich claims there. Lane is native of
San Francisco, and is we'll known
there. For number of years he had
been cashier and business manager of
a prominent San Francisco commercial
concern. He returned to Alaska last
week on the City of Puebla for Vic
toria, to connect with the Garroune
for St. Michael. He refused to say
anything for publications, though he
told his relatives and intimate friends
of his good fortune in the far north.
From his brother, Thomas a. Lane,
the following was learned:
David Lane left San Francisco, with
a party of prOspectors, for Kotzebue
sound, Alaska, June 20, 1898. They
remained about the sound for two
months, prospecting, without finding
even a color. They heard reports Of
the new diggings Of Golovin bay, char
tered the schooner Mistling and sailed
for Norton sound, reaching Golovin
bay September 5th. In his party We're
experienced miners, including Victor
Mcdonald, who joined the original
party at San Francisco. They went
up Fish river to Council City. On the
evening of their arrival the people of
Council City held a meeting for the
purpose of organizing some sort of
government for the town and the dis.
trict. Lane and his companions went
to the meeting. The people had no
idea how to conduct the meeting or
how to form government. Lane
showed them what to do and the meet
ing elected him chairman. Subse-
quently he was elected chief councillor
of the city and also of the mining dis
trict. still holding the two positions,
which are highest in the district.
Immediately after his arrival Lane
purchased several claims. He grub
staked some prospectors, and owns in
terests i'll the claims they have located
He also prospected and staked out
several claims near Cape Nome He
and his associates own two and one
half miles Of Anvil creek, reputed to
be the richest in the district, compris.
ing sixty-twO claims, some with very
llch prospects. Sixteen of the pros
pectors own Interests in the claims
which they are working. Besides
these Lane employs sixty miners. He
left the diggings June 2, before wash
ing had commenced. followed down
The ice, had his boat crushed in Ber.
ing sea, walked thirty miles, and |
was picked up by a government craft
hat was out looking for him. Before
1e left he had sampled enough of the
gravel to satisfy him that his claims
IRE as rich as those of his neighbors,
md from which $4,000 was washed |
asst season, and $40. 900 of that in ten
lays.
Lane does not want to encourage
)eople to 90 to the new diggings, as
le does not know whether there is any
ground worth having that is not staked
If. His health is good, and he says
hat persons may easily initiate the |
natives in their mode of living and
preserve their health.
Letter From Anvil City.
The following is contained in let.
er written by George Liebes of the
Alaska Exploration company. dated at
ANVIL City, Cape Nome, June %.
.iebes left San Francisco on the steam
hip Albion the latter part of May
With party of experienced miners and
mining experts, going direct to the
lew diggings to make a thorough in
estigatiOn in the interest Of the
Alaska Exploration company.
Anvil City is on the side facing
ledge island, and at present seems to
e the center of gravitation. The
1hole country around Anvil City is
taxed out, and it will be a difficult
natter to find any ground. All claims
taxed by power of attorney are bring
nmped, and there is much excitement
q town. They all talk about the value