Iditarod pioneer., 1910-10-09
INTERESTING LETTER
 FROM THE 0PTIMIST

The following interesting letter was received last week from Tim Wylie, the "Optimist, written, as he says, under the spreading boughs of bamboo tree on the banks of the Kuskokwim. He tells of the townsite question that has already cropped out over there. and also speaks of the wise rule they have adopted to prevent lot jump ing: Returning travellers say that they have had no trouble. Wm. Gerrie reports that A. B. Ferguson and Fred Meius are boosting for the upper town, and nave their stakes all set to catch the cncoming settler. The letter of Wylie is as follows:
 Georgetown (Kuskokwim), Oct. IT must qualify this address somewhat by saying that this is one of the George towns, Old Town it might properly be called, for although this is only my second day here, I have already run across three towns of that name, and by tomorrow there will likely be an- other.
 As l haven't got a tent (not even an umbrella) with which to hold down any choice locations, I am at the present encamped beneath the spreading boughs of generous spruce tree on an Indian reservation, in manner emi- nently suited to my present mode of life, which is exceedingly simple, even primitive.
 From this location I expect soon to issue "The Optimist," printed on sheets of birch bark in lieu of paper, which, like everything else here ex- cept fresh air and good nature, is re- duced to minimum.
 To return to the matter of townsites, if this thing keeps up there will be a good opening for an oculist, for people are getting cross-eyed trying to watch LDelF IOlS III ulu6f6n( IOWnS.
 The commissioner and Frederick's post is on the right-hand bank of the Kuskokwim just below the Ukinilnuk. The post begins at high bluff just below the confluence of the two rivers, and is situated on a narrow ledge wid- ening out to gOod-sized fiat half & mile lower. On this fiat and just below 1 the native town, l)catOrS have Staked out townsite l. miles in length but of unnoticea ble width. At a town meeting held some time ago, am told that it was decided to hold the lots by stalking, and allow staker5 50 days to make provision for building or forfeit the ground. Across the river, about mile above, on low point between the two rivers, another town is staked out, said to be in the interest of the N. c. and some of the other com panies.
 Another townsite is being located at the mouth of Crooked river about IS or 20 miles below here, which will be a supply point for the Smeaton & Lar son strike.
 The stalker has set new standard of industry in this vicinity which rele- gates tho busy bee into the background of ancient history, and there are bush els of stubs of pencils lying around Ynkwonilnuk creek and towns, and not one worn-out pick, shovel or pan to be seen. Scarcely any talk of prospects, all of claims and lots.
 The food situation will soon be seri- ous here, although the steamer Quick step is expected hourly. The Lavelle Young went mp about three weeks ago, and went into winter quarters on the Takotna. Fully 50 people have gone down to Bethel, and there are about l50 here. Fredericks must have a small stock, for he is setting good table and only charging $l for meals Tommy Bullene brought a stock oi groceries some time ago to start a roa 1 house but started store instead, anl is nearly sold out.
 There are lots of birds, however, an3 the man who couldn't eat one grou>s each day for 30 days would have n business here.
 There are great many cabins being built here; ths weather is fine, and o4 the whole it is fne-looking countr. and with development work should tu.l out well. Such, at least, is the opini t of THE OPTIMIST
 MANLEY,S HOT SPRINGS POTE-