The Nome nugget., 1904-06-25
IN SOUTH
 AFRICA Frank BiggS Writes An Interesting Letter. TRADE CONDITIONS Are DemOralized and There Are Many Labor Troubles in Op'
 erating Mines.
TRADE CONDITIONS

THE NUGGET is in receipt of the fol- lowing interesting letter written by Frank Biggs. at Johannesburg, South Africa, Nlr. Biggs speaks of having met Tex Rickard, Nell Yates and Jim Beasley in Joe burg, as well as several other former Alaskans and klondikers. Speaking of that far away country, MT. Biggs says:
 "Things here just now are at very low ebb and it looks pretty black for some time to come, owing to the labor troubles in the mines. The capitalists are dcsirous of obtaining Chinese la bor, but the public generally are very much opposed to it: consequently many mines have been closed down, until settlement has been arrived at, which is HOW being thrashed out by the home government in England There are, of course, many pros and cons to be dealt with which will naturally take some time: however, I am inclined to think the capitalists will win out, as the gov ernment, believe, are very much ln- terested themselves on the Rand, and they are surely going to look to theid own interests first, which is human nature.
 The merchants are feeling sadly oyer the state of affairs and many Of them have. in consequence, discharged employes until things right themselves. And again, all the South African colo nies are feeling the reaction from the late war. The inevitable result fol- lowed. The markets were glutted with all kinds of goods, similar to times that have been seen in Nome.
 Ut is heartrending to see the many auction sales, disposing of daily do- mestic supplies, and every kind Of commercial commodity. Though things are radically bad now, the majority are sanguine over the country's future and there is no doubt but that it presents finer opportunities to the capitalist than many others.
 "Johannesburg has grown tremend- ously since 1 was here seven years ago. The many beautiful suburbs containing fine residences show plainly what is thought of this country. Here they drive all kinds of fashionable equip ages and there is evidence of great wealth all around you.
 We have quite number of Hebrews here of all classes; also the Arab trader is here doing large portion Of the South African business. toolies are also here in great numbers. They are employed in various positions, such as childrens' nurses, walters, gardeners, etc. The various South African black tribes are also called into requisition where unskilled labor is required, but they are now beginning to realize their worth to the white man,-hence the labor troubles of the mines. l believe it is the intention of the mine owners to dispense with Kaffir labor entirely if they are permitted to import Chinese. It certainly seems unfair to the black man, and in his own country, too.
 "There are vast grazing. farming and fruit-growing lands here awaiting the settler to develop them, but of course there are many drawbacks and obstacles, but maintain that all new countries have had their setbacks and that 1t needs only indomitable will and perseverance, and these troubles in a few years will be things of the past. l think America must have met with the like, and look what it is today.
 "I am undecided whether to return to America for time at least, though