Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 19, Number 58, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 25 March 1898 — RUSH TO THE FROZEN NORTH. [ARTICLE]

RUSH TO THE FROZEN NORTH.

Many Klondike Prospectors Reach the Pacific Coast. Over 5,000 prospectors have passed up the Straits of Georgia since the season opened, bound for Alaskan ports, according to a letter from Consul Smith, -received at Washington. Mr. Smith writes: The advance division of ttye army of prospectors bound for the Klondike gold fields has arrived on the Pacific coast, and In even larger force than was anticipated so early In the year. At least four-fifths are Americans, though many come from England and also from various British colonies. That more have not gone Is due to the lack of room on the boats, although there are nt least fifty steamers and schooners constantly and solely employed In carrying men, stock, horses, dogs and provisions ui> to the still frozen region of the north. Most of these are from the Sound, and, contrary to tho general rule In the waters of the I’iu-Ule, tho majority are American ships, manned and owned by Americans mid displaying the stars and stripes. A list Just published shows that forty-two steamers and twenty-four sailing craft nre now engaged in this trade between Puget Sound and Dyen, Skaguay, Wrangell, and other Alaskan ports. About one-third of the American steamers touch at Victoria on their way north. In addition to this fleet, twelve British steamers and several schooners sail from this port as often as they can make the trip, which is every two weeks. Sometimes several Alaska:; steamers leave this port In one day. Many old hulks that have been Idle for years have been overhauled, repaired, equipped and pressed Into this service, and all go loaded to their utmost capacity. As a -natural result, the price of passage has already been advanced 2f» per cent., and strikes frequently occur among the men employed on the steamers. This congestion will Inevitably be much relieved when the ocean steamships now on their way here arrive, which will be next month, unless, Indeed, tho throng increases as the days lengthen. The dangers of the route, the suffering already prevalent and the knowledge that not one In ten Is nt all likely to secure even an independent livelihood do not hinder the heglru to the frozen North. In consequence of the Immense Increase in the coasting trade, pilots have to be occasionally employed who are not familiar with the many reefs and rocks of tho archipelago of Islands through which the channel to Alaska Iles, and already two steamers have been wrecked, and each proved almost a total loss. But as long ns there are letters received like the following addressed to n resident of Vancouver, “We have struck It rich on nn unknown creek across the border In Alaska never before seen by man. In the crevices of the rocks In one tiny we picked up $30,000 In coarse gold. Sell your business, or give It away, and come quick with ten men"—so long will the crowds go north, regardless of snow, lee, storms or wrecks. Tho outfitting trade Is the scene of fierce competition among the different cities of the coast. It has given new life to all and caused materia! prosperity, juch us they have not known for years.