The Washington times., 1901-11-15
ALASKAN TELEGRAPH LINES.
Difficulties of Construction Expert
enced by Signal Corps Men.

The difficulties encountered in the con-
struction of the United States military
telegraph lines in Alaska are described
in a report received at the War Depart
ment yesterday from Lieut.. William
Mitchell, who commanded a detachment
of the Signal Corps, U. S. A, sent out to
establish communication with distant
posts in the Territory. The natural disad-
vantages which have to be contended
with are reported as greater probably
than those encountered IN any country in
which a telegraph line has hitherto been
built. Not only are there adverse climatic
conditions. but the transportation of the
necessary materials is possible only at
great inconvenience and through an un-
usual expenditure Of time, money and ef-
fort.
Lieutenant Mitchell and party left Seat
tie August Is on the steamer Cottage City,
landing at Skagway five days later. The
work of the Signal Corps contingent is
illustrated by map and a number OF pho
tographs The latter are remarkably
clear and perfect in detail, their excel
lence being attributed to the rarefied at
out the Territory, Lieutenant Mitchell
were taken.
AS there has been considerable doubt re-
garding the practicability OF maintaining
overland teIegraphs, especially in he tun-
dra country stretching for miles through
out the territory, Lieutenant Mitchell
made special study of all the conditions
which would have any bearing on this
point In summarizing his Investigations.
he seys:
Il think that the telegraph lines in
Alaska can be built and maintained. The
progress OF the work Will be slower. as
long as the labor of troops is used, than
If men hired to work at prices prevalent
In the country We're employed" The rate
of wages is reported to be from 50 cents
10 81 per hour in most localities and more,
rather than less, elsewhere. The expense
attached to any work in Alaska is from
five to seven times as great as for Ike
services in the United States"
The construction OF land cables is re-
ported upon unfayorably. Lieutenant
Mitchell says: Land cables, in my opin-
egraph line in Alaska. The latter can be
built to any portion of Alaska necessary,
and after once being constructed Will De
much easier to maintain than a cable.
In traYersing the country a land cable
would have to cross innumerable streams
and rivers During the spring freshet,
when the thawing of snow in the noun
tains impels great cakes of ice down the
streams, no cable could stand the strain
A cable would therefore have to be ele-
waited to a considerable height above these
tremendous weight of a land cable,
compared with line wire, is also trou-
blesome matter. as far as transportation
is concerned. The operation of a line
partly of land cable and partly telegraph
line would also be difficult, owing TO the
inductive effects of ground currents on
the cable. which are especially strong in
Alaska.
The report speaks of the good general
supply of poles obtainable In Alaska,
though the growth of timber is stunted
by the cold. However, Lieutenant Mitch
ell says lit is safe TO assume that tele-
graph poles will last for a longer time
here than in any Eher country in the
world. few parasites. ants, or insects
attack the poles, in the tropics.
The Canadian Government line is touch
ed upon in addition to the lines construct
ed by this country. From St. Michael 10
Nome CITY, a distance of about 160 miles,
communication is had by cable for 120
miles ana the remaining distance by mill
tary telegrap ph.
In that climate dogs have no equal as
carriers, as has been shown by these eX-
periments. Where there are well Travelled
trails horses and sleds are of value, and
under other circumstances pack horses
and mules are considered best. The value
of the telegraph lines completed is re-
garded as most important in reducing
considerably the necessity for overland
travel