The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1904-01-12

miles of thoroughly built roadways
over which the heaviest freighting is
done. The results are indicated by the
fact that in 1902 when the Canadian
Yukon miner could have -four delivered
to him at IS per 100 pounds the Ameri-
can miner at Chicken Creek had to pay
$32. In the summer of 1903 when the
Canadian paid $3.50 for his flour
his American friend was paying $1S
The difference in the price of ham and
bacon in the two places was nearly
rs cents per pound. The price of con-
denSed cream was doubled to the
American; the same was true of onions,
while the price of potatoes was three
times as great to the American. What
is true of this district is equally true
of the Copper river valley, the Tanana,
the Koyukuk and other gold fields be-
fore mentioned
The committee is of the opinion that
great obligation rests on the United
State to adopt a system of wagon
roads for the relief of miners in the
American territory. 1t says a we'll
constructed wagon road should connect
the waters of the Pacific with those of
the Yukon river at Eagle. The distance
/ is about 400 miles. With this road
| built, Eagle by reason of her location,
should be the distributing point for
American goods for a great portion of
! the Yukon basin.
The report says so many and varying
are the abuses practtced under the
mining laws that the committee and
! general investigation of complaints and
| recommends amendments to the laws
Among the most important of the
| changes asked is that there be reQuir-
ed a certain amount of assessment
work on each mining claim staked out
as a prerequisite to the right to have
the claim recorded; that the assess
ment work to be done on each claim
during each subsequent calendar year
shall be largely increased in amount,
and that no person shall be allowed to
stake out or locate. or hold except by
/ purchase more than one mining claim
on the same creek.
The fur seal industry is treated ex-
tensively by the committee, but the an
nouncement is made that this industry
will be given separate consideration.
1t is recommended that the govern
ment improve the harbor at st. Michael
in order to permit unobstructed pas
sage to the mouth of the Yukon;
also that improvements be made at the
mouth of the Snake river in order to
permit the safe landing of passengers
at Nome.
Alaska is divided into three judicial
districts. The committee says that on
account of the great size of these dis
trictS and poor transportation facilities,
it is practically impossible in some sec
tions to get justice. A fourth judicial
district is recommended.
The committee says the general op1n-
ion among all classes is that Alaska
In a number of sections of Alaska,
the committee encountered agitation
for the establishments of territorial gov
eminent and the election of an assem-
bly, This is not recommended by the
committee, however, as from the best
data it obtained the committee believes
permanent white population OF Alaska
today will not exceed 10000
The necessity of rendering some sup
| port to the native population is felt by
| the committee, which says OF these
Esquimo and Indians:
Hunters by nature and habit and
able and willing before the influx of the
whites to care for themselves. they ars
through the game laws wholly deprived
of their chief means of maintenance.
Why they should be deprived of their
immemorial right to hunt at Will passes
the comprehension of the committee.
The FIRST measure for the relief of the
natives, particularly the Esquimos ana
Aleuts, should be the absolute repeal
of the game laws insofar as their pro-
visions prohibit hunting and TRAPPING
by aboriginess and natives and the sale
of skins so taken. The deplorable con-
dition of these classes is such as to de-
mand other and further relief at the
hands of congress
THE business of Alaska is carried on
by citizens of the United States 1t is
claimed by them to now be a white
mans country To all intents and
| purposes such is the fact In every con-
test for gain the white has been the
gamer. Poverty extreme and Ditiful
prevails among the natives and devel-
ops their tendency to disease. Death
is ever present at their doors. Justice
and humanity alike demand legislation
for their relief
What do you think, Mr.. Dinsmore ?''
said Miss Frocks. Il lost my new UNI
brella today and it had my name on
the handle, too
Then you'll have to get another, of
course" replied Mr.. Dinsmore.
Another umbrella?''
mo- another name.
stOh. Mr., Dinsmore, this is so sudden.
Still, you may ask papa. Modern So