Some of the miners who have recently returned from the mines say that those who wait until the Spring before going to Alaska will make a mistake, as there is room on the Yukon and around Dawson City for 5,000 miners. During the Winter months they can occupy themselves taking out the frozen earth, and thus have it ready for washing in the Summer.
The most trustworthy estimates agree that over $5,000,000, in nuggets and gold dust has been the value of the output of the Alaska mines during the year.
It is estimated by many that in the mines already being worked on the Klondyke alone there is over $50,000,000 worth of gold in sight, and that this will all be mined in a year.
A new field, rich in gold, and that has not yet been worked, has been discovered near the mouth of the Tananar River, which is a tributary of the Yukon, and is the second largest river in Alaska.
There is hardly any darkness in Alaska in the Summer season. One can see to read at 10 o'clock at night and at 2 in the morning.
Both the Chilkoot and White Passes are practically on the boundarybetween the United States and Canadian territories. They are in the same latitude and are only twenty or thirty miles apart. After reaching the head of navigation, the Juneau parties bound for the Yukon turn west through the mountains by Chilkoot Pass. If they used the White Pass they would turn east and circumvent the mountain on the east side. The White Pass has not been utilized by mining parties, the Chilkoot being the usual route, and the Chilkat Pass, further north, being used to a much less extent.
There is no abatement of the Klondyke fever in Seattle, and it appears to be extending all over the Northwest. Hundreds are being liberally grubstaked and experienced miners are in active demand. From $500 to $600 is given them and they share half their finds.
The first mining company to file articles of incorporation is the Alaska and Yukon Exploration and Trading Company, Limited. The capital stock is $200,000, fully subscribed.
Every claim within miles of the Klondyke is taken up, and nearly 5,000 people are at the new diggings. Those who got in late have gone further to the northeast of the Klondyke, looking for new locations, and the matter of hunting gold in Alaska has resolved itself into a proposition of finding a mother lode and new pockets.
There is an enormous demand for miners' outfits in Seattle and in San Francisco, and the outfitters' employees are working night and day.
It is believed that it will take all the steamers and idle sailing vessels on the Pacific coast, from San Francisco to Seattle, to carry the gold-seekers now preparing to start for the new Eldorado of the Northwest, and thousands will be forced reluctantly to wait until next spring, owing to lack of transportation facilities.
The steamship people are amazed at the number of "tenderfeet" who have been struck by the craze. There has never been anything equal to it, they say, and the end is not yet. The cashier of the Alaska Company says that if they had sufficient boats on hand there would be, in his opinion, at least 20,000 people go up the Yukon this fall. There are not enough provisions now in Dawson to feed those already there, and only a limited supply can be transported there before the winter blockade begins.
An outfitting firm in Seattle received a cablegram from London, England, asking if 5,000 men could be outfitted there.
The Alaskan and British American gold field fever has struck Texas. Reports from many places indicate preparations for a rush to the Northwest. Inquiries are being made at every railroad office concerning routes and rates of transportation.
A pinch of gold dust pays for a drink in Dawson City. As the barkeeper takes the pinch out of the miner's bag barkeepers with broad thumbs receive the highest wages.
Perhaps the most interesting reading in the Milling Record is the letters written by men in the Klondyke to friends in Juneau. Here is one from "Casey" Moran:
Dawson, March 20, 1897."Friend George: Don't pay any attention to what any one says, but come in at your earliest opportunity. My God! It is appalling to hear the truth, but nevertheless the world has never produced its equal before. Well, come. That's all. Your friend."CASEY."
Dawson, March 20, 1897.
"Friend George: Don't pay any attention to what any one says, but come in at your earliest opportunity. My God! It is appalling to hear the truth, but nevertheless the world has never produced its equal before. Well, come. That's all. Your friend."CASEY."
If you don't start for the Pacific coast for the mines before the 1st of September, do not start until the 15th of next April.
May, June and July are the months in which work with pan and cradle can be done. During the rest of the year king frost reigns.
The Klondyke mean temperature is: Spring, 14 degrees above zero; Summer. 59 above zero: Autumn, 17 above zero; Winter, 30 below zero. There are, of course, extremes above and below these figures.
To hold a claim three months' work annually must be done on it. In default of this the land reverts to the Government.
The laws of Canada are severe on claim jumpers and on those who interfere with the rights of legitimate claimants.
The Mining News Publishing Company was formed for the purpose of furnishing reliable information regarding the Alaska gold fields to all who may be interested.
This book, "All About the Klondyke," is the first of a series to be issued as fast as news is received and mines are developed.
Reliable correspondents, now in the mines, will keep us informed regarding all matters of interest, and everything of importance that is published anywhere regarding mining or the Alaska gold field will be verified and published for the benefit of our patrons.
Bogus companies and fraudulent syndicates will be investigated and, when necessary, exposed and warning given to the public regarding them.
There are already in the field more than one "syndicate" or "company"' formed by impecunious and irresponsible persons whose object is to sell shares in mines, or stock in enterprises, that promise to carry men to the mines and to furnish them with outfits and claims on payment of certain specified sums.
The standing and character of all companies and syndicates should be carefully investigated before any one intrusts money to them.
The exodus to the mines must cease in August owing to the impossibility of reaching the gold fields during the Alaskan cold season, and after August no one will sail for Alaskan ports until about the 15th of April next.
There is, therefore, plenty of time for intending prospectors and miners to inform themselves thoroughly regarding everything necessary to know about the mines, routes of travel, outfit, etc., and for investors, who are not going to the mines, to satisfy themselves regarding the reliability of the mining companies that are and will be advertising their alluring and seductive money-making schemes.
There are some companies, now formed and forming, that agree to furnish outfit, transportation and food to those who will contract to mine on shares when they reach the mines. There are others that offer opportunity to individuals and to clubs of men—ten or more—who will subscribe from $600 to $1,000, to benefit in one-half of the profits, and who agree to have a substitute sent to represent the individual or club subscribers. These are legitimate and reliable and much profit may come to those who invest with them.
The Mining News Publishing Company has no financial or other interest or connection with any mining Company or Syndicate and is, therefore, in a position to give unbiased and reliable advice regarding any of them. Itspurpose—besides the publishing of news to protect, warn and advise the public.
We will furnish any one with the prospectus of companies that are safe and solvent, and that we know to be worthy and financially strong. Ten cents in stamps should be sent when inquiring for such a prospectus, either of a Mining Company selling shares, or of a grub-stake or outfitting syndicate.
Correspondents who desire confidential advice regarding any company or syndicate will receive the best information at our command. A fee of $1 will be charged for answering such letters.
Improvements in means of transportation, routes and trails to the mines will go on from time to time. Changes in cost of provisions and mining supplies, and in modes of mining will take place. Regarding all this we shall be promptly informed and will, at all times, be in possession of the latest information.
Questions regarding routes, cost of outfit, transportation, or regarding any other matter connected with mining or the mines, will be answered by letter, written by experienced miners in our employ here, for a fee of $1 enclosed with each query.
Address "The Mining News Publishing Company, 60 Liberty Street, New York."