Stikeen River journal., 1899-03-11
A Letter From Atlin.

handed to the Journal for publication:
 The position of affairs in Atlin City at the present time, is to say the least far from satisfactory. All people who have been fortunate enough to visit .Atlin City and district are without cX- ception fully enthused with the beaut- ifnl country, which has been aptly called the "Switzerland of America. 1t was small wonder then that those enthusiastic pioneers, convinced with the future of the country, should at last have bravcd opposition and overcome difficulties without number, in order to start the development of one of the most beautiful countries it is ones lot to find Atlin was depicted us having Il rigorous winter season, and the new corners had to prepare accordingly. They were told at the outset that it would be winter wasted with nothing to show in return. Better stop in civ lization and enjoy moderate comforts at least, than go to wilderness in the worst season in the year, with food and the ordinary necessities of life at prices far exceeding those at Dawson.
 In spite of all this and the lack of facilities for transportation practically nil, the pioneers went in prepared to take the chances which were against them, and the chances which were against them, and the probability of being absolutely cut off from the out side world. during the indictment sea- son. They found about half dozen log shanties and tents, surrounded by d wilderness. There was dense brush and network of fallen timber, besides the standing spruce trees. so plentiful necessary to refer to the position of af- fairs at that time: for as every pioneer is only too woll aware, both with regard to the town site and also the staKlng Of claims. the position could not have been worse: and the citizens of embryo Atlin had to practially shift for them selves. With characteristic energy and perseverance they set to work to build up d town which should be credit to British Columbia.
 The next to be overcome was a sur vey of the streets and avenues. for an order had been issued to the effect that no one would be allowed to go into winter quarters except on surveyed lot. The engineer who had been sent in bv the then Gold Commissioner was at d loss to proceed, as no funds had been placed at his disposal, and so things were practically at dead lock. Mir. l.. D. Kinney, of St. John, New Bruns- wick, an enterprising promoter, grasp ing the situation, backed the engineer and having provided the necessary funds, d survey was completed, and during the ensueing three months the town developed into the Atlin City of to day. which is surprise to all new corners. The citizens all worked with a will. and with axe and saw cut out streets and thOroughfares, and built for themselves winter quarters. Comer- cial enterprises have been started and banks located. notably the Merchants Bank of Halifax and the Canadian Bank of Commerce; business houses have been established and everyone has been looking forward to d bright and prosperous future for Atlin City.
 The gold is in Atlin, and there is plenty of it.
 The country is in Atlin, and it is splendid one indeed.
 The resources of the future are in Atln and they are great.
 The climate is in Atlin and it is a lovely one.
 But the government officials live one hundred miles away, in place called Bennett.
 There is probably some good and valid reasons for this, and the British Columbia government may have their reasons for so ordering. but it leaves the citizens of Atlin helpless. At the present time an order has been issued forbidding building operations. or the erection of log cabins. It is also given out that whatever survey has been made will not be accepted. and that the government ogents when they come will act as if there were no Atlin City,