The Alaska prospector., 1904-02-18
Conditions on The ranana.

Conditions on The Tlnana.
 The following letter from Miss Barrett, of Fairbanks, formerly on the PRosPEcToR staff giving a good idea of conditions at the Panama camp.
 When I arrived at Fairbanks early in August everything was in its most primitive and uncertain state. One who is not familiar with conditions in q mining camp in it's earliest stages cannot realize the state which existed in this far northland at that time, when it was almost impossible to obtain the necessities of life, and luxuries were unknown. A condition which would tend to develop all the worst traits in the human; away from the restraints of civilization people allowed their natural instincts and inclinations full sway. The rough CT element was in evidence and considered everything exclusively their own. Most of the people who had just arrived were so disappoint- ed and disgusted when they dis covered that they could not pick up gold in the streets that they inn mediatelv procured their tickets to return; others who had no means built rafts. Every kind of craft imaginable was utilized for speedy departure. Others were more phil osophic-from necessity as their means were limited-turned their attention to some practical way of gaining livelihood. Some of them had never done manual labor in their lives, who were fortunate in obtaining the most menial employ ment. It is a very ordinary sight to see a lawyer or doctor perform ing the duties of d bartender or saving wood.
 The most pathetic scene is the departure of the last boat, as the people realize that communication with the outside would be suspend cd for nine long months, but the departure of the boat is somewhat of d relief, as those who remain know that their lot is irrevocably cast, and they begin to prepare en- ergetically for winter. Cabins were built rapidly and buildings erected for business, and those who have no place to go sleep in the saloons. He is fortunate man indeed who can get a Hay" on a bench in saloon.
 Now the most difficult problem of all was presented-how to ad- just the social conditions to suit this motley crowd, consisting of every degree of humanity, all of whom had to be amused during the long winter. This was a question especially as the rougher element was in the majority. They event. ually arranged themselves into cliques, which did not conflict greatly except in spirited rivalry winch brought out all the best tai. snt and developed much that was latent. Dances and entertainments are the principal forms of amuse' ments, with occasionally shoot ing afiray, a prize fight or wedding by way of diversion. For littl. fur-clad Cupid was also busy al this time shooting his darts around promiscuously, many of whicl pierced the too susceptible hearts of the would be miners who haC "cold feet" and wanted som, one t, share their sorrows-and, incident ly cook their porridge and beans
 The young men have organized a social club and give weekly dances, the success of which is no assured as yet, since few of thu ladies refused to lend their pres ence so frequently, thereupon tn young men, whose morals are il danger, made most eloquent ant touching appeal to the fair ones imploring them to attend, thereb. rescuing them from temptation
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