The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1904-02-14
ANOTHER INDIANA MAN
IN FIELD OF L|TERAT URE
Washington B. Vanderlip's Book
Is ''In Search of a Siberian
Klondike."
HIS MANY EXPERIENCES

With the recent publication of the book
I'm Search of a Siberian Klondike," an
other Indianian is brought into prominence
Though Mr.. Washington b. Vanderlip is
not essentially the author of the interesting
history of his travels in Siberia, he is the
sole narrator. and presents the various
events and adventures he encountered in
that far country with a vividness and ac-
curacy that makes his story instructive as
well as entertaining.
Mr.. Vanderlip, who is not yet out Of his
thirties, is a native of Indiana. He was
born in Elkhart and spent his boyhood days
there. His was a wide-awake, restless dis
position and he was always vepturesome
and fond of excitement.
On his return from college, where he had
made the acquaintance of two young fell
lows, sons of a wealthy ranchman, and be-
come fascinated with their stories of West
ern life, he went to Texas and settled on a
ranch, managing it very successfully. but
gave it up at length to go to California.
While there he and his wife, whom he
had just married, joined a theatrical COM
pany and started with them on a trip
through the Orient. They travelled extern
sively for two years. visiting nearly every
part of the world. Meanwhile Mr.. Wander
lip had become interested in mining and as
saying and was making a thorough and
pra ctical study of metallurgy.
When the discovery of the rich gold finds
along the Yukon was made few years
ago and the attention OF the world turned
toward that region. Russia was especially
alive to the situation, believing that the
gold extended in quantities throughout the
northeastern section of her possessions
Mr.. Vanderlip, at that time employed as a
mining expert by an American firm in
northern Korea, heard of the prospects in
Siberia, and, having faith in the reports
offered his services, which were quickly
accepted by the Russian government. In
1898 he started on his journey. He took
with him a few natives, some dog sledges
provisions, supplies and mining tools anc
spent the following twelve months search
ing through a desOlaIe country for gold Al
the expiration of the time, when he had re-
turned TO civilization, he related his adven-
lures to Mr.. Homer Hubert, who wrote
them out, and says in the preface THE mex
best thing to seeing these things for ones
self is to hear of them from the lips of such
delightful racounteur as Mr. Vanderbilt
In reviewing the book George Kennar
says: Mr.. Vanderlip has Travelled over
snowy, fOfbidding mountains. crossed rag
ing torrents and braved Arctic billiards. II
search of the Siberian Klondike and will
I II all seems ever to have carried a brave
cheerful spirit, and tells of his adventure.
simply and modestly. without an attempt a
producing an effect or tendency toward
/ sensationalism.
Mr.. KEENAN, also says of I'm Search of {
/ Siberian Klondike" that il is a faithful ane
trustworthy description of the country ant
| its people, and one must know the countr,
| TO appreciate the courage and endurance O
| its narrator during his wanderings there
Mr.. Nanderhp Is at present on his way [,
| South Africa, having started a few week,
| since, and writing to his parents on the, ev,
| OF his departure that the outfit was com
plete and they were setting out for NJ
| Mans Land. facetiously adding that bu
few went there, and fewer returned