The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1899-02-20

Ffshh "hu autneuuc rsstement os Noh-
ditions Obtaining There-No Prons
Even Under Btg Wages That Are
Pstd--Fpture of Country as Agricul-
turaI Region.
Washington. February ia.-Secretary
tAiger has transmitted to Congress q
complete report on the relief work OF the
war department in the Klondike country,
undertaken under act OF congress as a
result Of reports that extreme distress
among the miners followed the ,influx to
the gold country during is97-sS 1t en-
braces the detailed reports of Capt. p.
II. Ray and Lieut.. W. p Richardson
who had charge of the relief work. These
latter reports give graphic picture OF
the conditions in the Klondike, Its posi-
bilities as well as its hardships with that
candor characteristic of military reports.
Some time has elapsed, however, since
the reports were written, owing In part
to the difflulties Of official communica.
tion between the Klondike and Washing
ton. Many OF the military reports have
not been given before, and as whole
they present a comprehensive review of
the Klondike situation.
In Capt. Rays last report, dated May
last he said in part:
81 deem 1t VI the greatest importance
for the development Of the country that
roads should be opened. so as 60 enable
the people to enter the country not only
from the Yukon TO the open sea In our
own country, but to enable miners and
prospectors TO get into the interior with
their supplies. Under existing condi-
lions persons can enter the country only
by the one great highway the Yukon
river-and they cannot hope to be landed
at any point in Alaska earlier than July
! ist
IL do not And anything either in Alas
ka or Northwest territory to justify the
great rush of people to that country, or
the enormous Investment now being made
in transportation. trading and mining
companies. In Northwest territory no
discoveries of extraordinary richness have
been made since that of the Klondike.
In the absence of any other industry. ex-
cept cutting wood for the river boats, !
do not see anything in the future for over
ninety per cent Of the people now fiockins
! to that country but disappointment and
suffering. Even those who obtain employ
ment at one dollar and half per hour
lind that after deducting the cost Of food,
etc. they do not net TO exceed 90 per day,
and they tell ms it Is barely enough to
tide them over the Idle season. l am now
fully satisfied that In the near future
Alaska will be the source of great wealth,
but thu development will necessarily be
slow, owing to the climatic conditions.
recommend the early introduction OF
horses. mules ana cattle and extra in
ducements should be held out fer the de-
velopment of agriculture in the valley Of
the lower YUKON especially.
But few Of the people n ow entering the
northern part OF the territory will ever
become factor in its permanent devel-
opment. They must pass away before
the time when the wealth Of the country
will become known and developed. TIC
promote this l recommend that several
we'll equipped parties be put in the field
and a thorough geographical and geologi
cal exploration Of the country be made,
so that men of ordinary means will be
able to engage In the work OF prospecting
and mining.