Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1900-11-05
ALASKAN SITUATION.
Bloodshed and Serious Dis
order Prevented by Troops.
Insratitude 10 Esquimaux Who Az
Rapidly Being exterminated.
Brigadier General Geo. N. Randall Submits
His Annual Report.

Washington, Nov. l-Bria Gen.
George NJ Randall. commanding the
department Of Alaska, under date or
Sept. 20, at ST. Michael. has submitted
his annual report a great deal Of the
report is devoted TO conditions at Nome
which he found upon his arrival at
critical stage. II was difficult 10 OBJ
tain convictions by jury trial in the
United States commissioners court.
Labor organizations prevented mea
from working for less than 81 an hoO"
and We're the cause OF much destttu-
ton and want and destruction OF prop
erty.
Fully 1900 people arrived In Nome
in June. Claim jumping was the order
of the day. Nearly every one seemed
to think he had a Divine right to take
possession OF a claim or town lot whef-
ever found. Many property owners
We're disposed TO defend their rights
by taking the law in their own hands.
The arrival of troops prevented blood
shed and serious disorder.
On the request of the Chamber of
Commerce the military took charge,
thoroughly examined into all COM
plants. and where the rights of prop
erty could be determined placed IL the
possession Of the lawful owner. Cap
tain w. A. Bethel. who acted as Judge
advocate in these cases, Is highly
praised by Gen. Randall.
The sanitary conditions were placed
| under the charge OF Major Charles p.
Eber surgeon, who has heretofore re-
ported upon conditions. The energetic
efforts OF the military improved these
conditions during the summer.
There are about 500 men working on
the beach at Nome with machipery
II one time, and many declined to give
answer In regard 10 the prospects for
gold, while others admitted that they
were taking OUT only from 81 10 50 =
day.
Cen. Randall discussed the various
points where mining operations have
been in progress which have come To
thu knowledge Of the pnblic in reports
in Alaska He says it has been decided
10 establish a permanent military post
on the island Of ST Michael. He rec
| ommends the purchase of two stern
wheel river steamers for operations on
the Yukon. and that all coal. forage
ana building material intended for
Alaskan ports be started from Seattle
not later than June 10. Also that a ca
bic be laid from Seattle via Juneau
and Skaguay to Valdez. connecting
with the telegraph line now building
over the all-Anerican route from VAL
deg 70 Port Egbert and down the Yu-
kon river to Fort Michigan. When this
line is completed the military head
quarters should be in southern Alaska
or at Seattle. Gen. Randall saiys.
4.-o 70 M
in the vicinity of Nome. as the takes
OF death BY drowning on the sheres OF
Behring Sea are appalling. He also
recommends that lighthouses with fog
whistles be established in southeast
Alaska He recommends a military
reservation at Dutch Harbor. and .
coaling station. and thinks that the
need may arise AT some future time
for the erection Of Notifications at this
place.
Gen. Randall devotes considerable
space to the natives Of Alaska and
says that the ESquinaux has been I'M
noticed by those he has befriended ana
has been allowed TO die for the LACK Of
proper care ard food For years he has
has extended his hospitality 70 adS-en-
turous white men. and his hut has been
the shelter for sl:pwreched sailors ana
frost bitten miners. From all points
reports have been received OF sickness
starvation and mortality so great that
il promised 10 wipe out almost the CO.
tire race. Lieut. l.. II. Jarvis OF the
United States revenue cutter service.
reports these facts to Gen. Randall aud
the tug Meteor was placed at his dis
pcsai for relief work and about lrS
destitute natives cared for at Nome.
The revenue cutter Bear has been dis
tributlng supplies to the destitute ma
tives. while Others in the vicinity o.
Port ST. Michael have been cared for
by the commanding officer Of that post.
The work OF Lieut. Jarvis Is highly
commended by Gen. Randall.
In closing this particular feature, OF
his report. Gen. Randall says:
I'm many parts Of the United States
provision has been made for the lodi
an. Reservations have been SIT apart
for him and food and clothing supplied
In Alaska IL was not necessary hereto
CONTINUED on page 81