The Nome nugget., 1902-06-07
A New Phase of the Alaska
 Boundary Question.
WORK OF CANADIANS
LUnited States Government Has Alp. pointed "a Committed to Visit the Scene of the Disputed Boundary and Investigate Alleged Lawless Act.

Washington, April 2.-Sensational developments have appeared in the Alaska boundary controversy. which may have an important bearing on, the heretofore peaceful relations between tthe United States and' Gteat Bcitain. Having received information that a monument erected by the Russians years ago to mark the boundary between Alaska and the British possessions has been destroyed by Canadian survey ing expedition, the state department today appointed q committee, by direc- stion of the president. to visit the scene of the disputed boundary for the pur- pose of Investigating the alleged law lless act. The committee consists of .Gaptain Wilde P. Richardson, of the Eighth infantry. now at Vancouver barracks, and Lieutenant Thornton Enmons. United States navy, retired, at present on duty at the museum of natural history. New York city.
 The report regarding the destruction of the othcrt boundary marks was no smore sensational in itself than a score of other reports that have been brought ito the,attention of the government dur ting the last few years, and which at .tracted no serious official attention. This latest report, however, came from ,a source which awhile not dvulged by the state department, is regarded as most authentic in character. The de- partment has not been disposed to pay the slightest attention to the recent ,utterances of J. w. Ivey, collector of the Alaska district. and it is specifically stated that the proposed investigation lis caused by information of a far differ- ent character.
 Report to Secretary Hay.
 The report made to Secretary Hay, ito which that official is inclined to att 'tach so much significance and credence, states that Richard Frasier, q civil .engineer employed by the Canadian government, destroyed at least one of the ancient monuments established by tthe Russians during their proprietor ship in Alaska, as indicating the inter- national boundary. The report is ac- 'companied by particulars which have s.nevep been published, and which Sec srstary Hay declined this afternoon to .divulge.
 The state department, on account of information brought from ,varlous sources, fully believes that the Canadians have acted in lawless and high-handed manner in the region of our.boundary. The officials are alarmed sby the report of the destruction of the Russian monuments, for the important reason that the weight of the whole case of the United States in the bound- sary dispute rests on the evidence to be had from the old Russian relics and records.
 Committee Is Capable.
 Both members of the newly appointed committee have had experience in Alaska, and. Lieutenant EmmOns, es- specially, has made profound study of the boundary matter. He has spent much time in Southeastern Alaska, and is thoroughly familiar with the territory disputed by the Canadians. Two or three weeks.ago he applied to sthe state department, through the navy department, for authority to visit the region of the boundary, taking with him men of his own selection, in- .cluding Indians, with whose customs : and traditions he is we'll acquainted, to assist him in locating the old Russian monuments. He said he was certain that some valuable data could be ob- tianed. He once made canoe trip of several thousand miles in Alaska, his only companions being Lndsps. The natives are extremely fond, ,ofs him, and he counts on hhem- for assistance.
 Lieutenant Emmons's application was mot acted upon. however, until the sen' ,.sational report of the destruction of a Russian monument was received Then the state department promptly decided to.appoint him, with Captain Richardson, to make the proposed in ~vsstigation. The two officers will start flor SAgway as soon as Lieutenant Elm ,mons can reach Seattle.
 Excursion on SaWtooth.
 Avery pleasant excursion party O sabout D friends of c. J. Wesson, man
 anar of fhe Pacific Steam WhaNns