The daily Alaskan., 1905-02-13
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 When I first went into the ministry chose for my field of labor the min ing camps of California. It occurred to me to "chime in" with the miners, secure their confidence, and thus be the better able to influence themd 1 always found them ready to listen to me, and l effected great deal of good.
 I was told that a mining camp bear ing the name of Scalp Gulch was the worst in the region. There was no senblance of law or order, every man being law unto himself. All dis putes were decided in accordance with rapldity of draw" and accuracy of aim. l determined to go there and see if could accomplish any reform. was told that would never come out of the place alive, but my idea of a soldier of the cross is that he must at times be real soldier, so l went to Scalp Gulch.
 I found there a people who differed from other people only in this: They had drifted completely away from all restraint. I attributed this condition to the fact that there were no women in the camp, for l have observed that any body of men living without the refining influence of women will grad. ually sink to the level of the brute. l resolved to make my beginning with these desperate fellows by promising them that if they would reform I would return to civilization and ship them a car load of wives.
 I gathered them together in a clear ing, mounted a stump and made them an address. Instead of holding up their wicknedness to them simply as wickedness, I pictured their condition as entirely united for the introduction of any refining influences. Their moth CTS would scarcely dare to come among them in their present condition. After drawing a picture of home life at which 1 could see a number of them were visibly affected, l expatiated on the superior delicacy of woman, her tenderness and devotion. 'Now," ] said at last, there are many young women who would be glad to come here and turn your cabins into homes for you. If you will pull yourselves to- gether. l will go and bring a number of them myself. making sure that those 1 select are good and true WO- men,"
 My last words produced an instanta- neous efnect. When you goin'!' was shouted from a dozen throats.
 Just as soon as you convince me that you are fitted to receive your fu- ture wives" l replied.
 "Parson," said one of them. 'you go long and bring the gals. We promise you to be reformed before you get back"
 There was such unanimity in this re- quest that l aSSented and the next day took my departure. From several insti- tutionS where girls were taken in and kept till they were able to go out and make their own living selected some twenty volunteers, who, relying upon my representation. preferred the role of wife and mother to factory work or the duties of servants. l chose none except of good character and such as were recommended for their piety. l put them all on a train and took them to the station nearest to Scalp Gulch From there l sent word to bring over the teams for further transportation.
 The population met us in an open space at the foot of the gulch. l could see at once that every man had got himself into the best presentable shape. and all were on their good behavior. I made them a little address, present. ing the girls and admonlshing them to deferential conduct. l had arranged before my departure that number of cabins should be erected at one end of the settlement for the reception of the newcomers till they should be paired, and us soon as the reception ceremo- nies were over the teams were driven on, the men walking beside them, and before the girls reached their cabins every one of them was bespoken. l feared trouble among those men who failed to secure partners, but gave out that l would bring enough for all.
 One of the first things that were re. ported to me after my arrival was tEat Jurinoy ,,,y. obSanca tbav hg1 built p