Democratic Sentinel, Volume 20, Number 21, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 29 May 1896 — The Yukon Miners. [ARTICLE]

The Yukon Miners.

The United States does not recognise, protect, or control these mining communities in any way. No geological explorations or surveys have been undertaken, and there are no official reports upon the location, formation, development, or yield of this rich placer region. There are no miltary roads and not a territorial or Federal officer in Yukon, Alaska, save one customs officer and postmaster. There is no law, save ns the miners maintain their own unwritten cotie. Church missionary societies have provided for the few peaceful Indian tribes, but even spiritual comfort is withheld from the miners. “Heaven Is high, and the Czar Is far off,” despalring Hussian colonists used to say long ago. Since the military occupation of Alnska ceased in 1877, frequent appeals have been made for the establishment of a garrison at Chilkat, and the construction of a military road over the pass traversed by Yukon miners for the last sixteen years. General Miles once considered the matter to the extent of detailing an officer to make a reconnaissance.