Bismarck weekly tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, Dakota [N.D.]) 1884-1943, 1900-01-26
ARE HOGGISH.
North Dakota Man Says Canadians
Are Arbitrary and Greedy in
Klondike.

E. Hilton is in Jamestown on his
way to South Dakota for a short visit
with relatives before returning to the
Klondike country which he states he
left Dec. 3, having been there since
June, 1898. Hilton says the Canadian
government is practically stopping
development work by refusing to al
low records to be made of claims on
Dominion creek and other new discov-
cries; also refusing records OF %re-loca-
tons. The scheme is to get control
Of the claims that under the law 20 to
the queen, and it is being done in the
interest Of a few capitalists who have
Il pull at Ottawa. Recently about
twenty claims were sold at Ottawa to
private parties, by the government
officials, for $4,000. Miners say that
any one Of the claims is worth that.
A few favored Canadian officials are
getting hold Of all the large tracts, and
concessions OH Eldorado and Bonanza
creeks. The old law of three months
development work has been changed
to 5000 in work and 5000 cash. 1t is
no longer a poor mans camp.
On the American side the conditions
are more favorable for poor men and
the country is being developed by min
ers working under the American laws
which are more liberal.
Forty mile creek country is 300 miles
from the head waters of the two
branches Of the creek. There are no
transportation facilities throughout
this region which contains numerous
small stream beds not vet explored.
Great things I expected from this
region, which is mostly on the Ameri-
can side. Dawson City has, says Mr..
Hilton, at least $4,000 residents. many
of them were walking the streets with
out work this winter.
On Bonanza and Eldorado creeks
some surprising discoveries have been
made. Gold in paying quantities has
been found on the top of the hills, in
what was an ancient river bed, where
are found the wash gravel deposits.
| Speculation as to the origin of these
beds Of ancient streams is a constant
sourc of discussion with the miners.
Two theories, n Of a subsequent ele-
walton, the other of a washing away
of the mountains, are advanced. Ger
tain it is that gold is being found in
the gravel of ancient river or creek
beds running along the top of hills. the
course of which can be traced for
miles.
The railroad, which is completed 20
miles from Skaguay, will be finished
to White Horse Pass ny June. about
lis miles. The grade is mostly built
and work is going on this winter. It
will be the means Of developing this
great mineral region. Copper ore is
said to have been found near the rail-
road, which has paid for itself in
traffic owe the line built.
The climate in Alaska is not harder
to stand than here. says MI. Hilton, as
in the gulches and valleys it is very
still, and while the cold is intense the
wind is not felt. Snow falls in abund-
ance and lays where it falls. bending
the branches of shrubs and trees. It
is a deep but light snow. Miners are
busy throwing out ground and getting
dirt ready for panning in the spring,
A great many Of the claims will be de-
veloped this aso by the new drills,
through which steam is run from a
boiler. New and improved machinery
adapted to the work required is being
rapidly sent into the KlOndike. Many
of the claims are now found not paying
to work under the old system and al
wages that have been in force.