The Nome nugget., 1921-07-30

all goods and furs to both vessels. The latter order was undoubtedly the re- suit of the earlier protests. In addi- ton to returning :he seized goods, the Sredni officials were also ordered to give to Capt. Gudmundson Il letter to all Sovie: officials along the route of his return to Nome. instructing them to assist him in every way possible with spare provisions and fuel oil. as well as with :he services of Russian ships if necessary, and in any way pos sible to extend the same kindness shown by him to the people of Koly- ma, The sudden and highly agreeable change of fortune was scarcely realized before second surprise occurred which may ultimately be of grea: benefit to Capt. Gutlrnundson. This came in the shape of a telegram signed by Commissioner of Internal Trading Lakasky of the O,nsk government: of fering to Capt. Gudmundson without political reservations of any cha racter a contrac: to supply tho entire Kolyma district with provisions and other sup commissioner also announced the will ingness of the Omsk government. to negotiate with Capt. Gudmundson for similar privileges cowr1ng the entire state of Yaku.sk. The message in- formed Capt. Gudmundson that in the event of the conclusion of & contrac: to supply the Yakutsk district, he would be given port privileges on the Sea of Okhotsk, as well as on the Are tic coast, the former permitting hiIn to operate both summer and winter. As Yakutsk is located only about 450 miles from .he Okhatsk coast. the open ing of direct communication with the heart oe the Yakutsk district could be easily #CA.t we'd. An immense com- cessible to American trade. During his say in Yakutsk. Capt. Gudmund- son frequently discusses the possibili- ties of trade between America and the Yakutsk section and was informed by the highes. officials that the estah- lishment of trade relations with the United States would be greatly vel comed ,y the Russians O that re- zion. They told him the district is rich in resources but must have mod ern machinery. particularly farm inn plements, such as America Is bes. able to supply, electrical machinery and supplies, clothing, leather goods and a vast array of other commodities. in addition to food supplies. In the opinion of Capt. Gudmundson. the trade offer was the direct result of made by himself regarding improve ments on the methods employed by the tion. Capt. Gudnundson immediate ly rad.oed the trade contract offer to the headquarters of the Alaska -Siber- ian Fur Company at San Francisco recommending the closing of a deal. Feeling that his troubles were now ended. Capt. Gudmundson settled down to await the advent of Spring but his antic:pations of d peaceful fu- ,ture were rudely disrupted by the ap- pearance at kolyma of NJ. Karioff, one of the men whom Gudmundson claims instigated the seizure of his furs and goods. karioff, he says. was accMn- panied by a couple of men and an- nounced his intention of making fm- ther trouble for the Americans. Capt Gudmundson states that his real inten- tion was to seize and destroy .he Polar Bear and her cargo. Finding that the populace Were distinctly favorably te the Americans, Karioff was forced to forego any attempt to seize the vessel by force and contented himself by trying to stir up hostility by rerres eat- ing Gudmundson as a thief who had stolen goods from the Karioff station at North Cape. The effort failed however. as Capt. Gudmundson again Iroduced h.s lette and papers from karioff's agent at East Cape showing not only that his company was pa' t owner of the goods claimed by Karioff but that they were in his possession by specific agreement. Kariof1 then brought the matter before the au.hori- les and meetings were held daily for seven days. Karioff, during the ses- sion threatened to carry the dispute to Moscow and Washington. Failing to sway the authorities by threats and misrepresen:ations. he next attempted