i
THIRD YEAR.
CHITINA, ALASKA, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 1913.
NUMBER 49.
LACK OF ALASKA AIDS TO NAVIGATION
For years past, and particularly since the last calamity in
Southeastern waters, there has been a general outcry for more
aids to navigation in Alaskan waters. More lights are needed
and additional charting is a great necessity for the safety of
vessels. At the next session of Congress an effort will be made
to secure a large appropriation for the purpose of trying to
protect the Alaskan coast and waters with something like the
same degi’ee of efficiency and safety that prevails in Canadian
watei-s.
An examination of the list of vessels lost in Alaska waters
during a period of years extending from 187S to date, it is
found that the stupendous total of $7,340,000 has been paid out
by underwriters for total losses and a sum nearly as great has
been paid out for vessels that have met witli disaster, been
salved and restored to their owners. The following is practi
ally a complete list of vessels totally lost in Alaskan water',
with the value of hull and cargo:
Year
Rig. Xante of Vessel. Lost
Sch. St. George.1878
Sch. Kodiak.1878
Bk. Mt. Waliaston. . . 1879
Bk. Vigilant.1879
Sch. Henrietta.1881
Sch. Saplto .1882
Bk. Amethyst .1885
Bk. Montana .1885
Bk. Gazelle.1885
Bk. Rainier.1885
Bk. George & Susan . 1885
Bk. Mabel .1885
Bk. Xapoleon.1885
Sch. Clara Light. . . . 1886
Bk. John Carver.1886
Sp. Western Shore... 1886
Bk. Young Phoenix. . 1888
Bk. Julia Ford.1888
Bk. Ohio.1888
SS. Lucretia .1889
Sch. Jas. A. Hamilton. 1889
Value of Hull
Where Lost and Cargo
Kodiak Island . . S 35.000
Geese Island .... 25.000
Arctic . 100.000
Arctic . 100.000
St. Lawrence Is... 25.000
Arctic . 25,000
Arctic . 50.000
Bristol Bay. 50.000
Arctic . 50,000
Arctic . 50.000
Arctic . 50.000
Arctic . 50.000
Bering Sea. 50.000
Arctic . 10.000
Arctic .50.000
Bristol Bay. 100.000
Pt. Barrow. 50,000
Karluk . 100.000
Pt. Hope. 25.000
Herold Island. . . 50.000
Bering Sea ... 50,000
Year
Rig. Name of Vessel. Lost
SS. Ancon.1889
Sch. Silver Wave. . . . 1890
Bk. Thomas Pope. . . . 1890
Bkt. Korea .1890
Bkt. Lizzie Williams. 1890
SS. Orizaba .1890
Bkt. Oneida.1890
SS. Wm. Lewis.1891
Bk. Abraham Barker . 1892
Bk. Ohio .1803
Bk. Jacob Howland. . 1895
Sp. Raphael.1895
Bk. Jas. A. Boreland . 1896
Brg. Hidalgo.1896
SS. Mexico .1897
Bkt. Jessie Freeman. 1897
SS. Orca .1897
Sp. Star of Russia. . . 1905
Sch. Balclutha.1904
Sch. Rosario .1897>
SS. Xavarch.1897
Value of Hull
Where Lost and Cargo
Loring. 100,000
Pt. Barrow . 10.000
Pt. Hojie. 50,000
Kalgin Island . . . 75.000
Tugidak Island.. 100,000
St. Michael. 100.000
Alaska IJulf .... 75.000
Pt. Barrow. 150,000
Arctic . 50,000
Xunivak Island . . 25.000
Strong Island . . 50.000
Karluk . 40.000
Tugudak Island. . 100,000
Arctic . 50,000
Dixon’s Entrance. 100.000
Pt. Barrow . 50,000
I’t. Barrow. 100.000
Chichagof! Island. 150.000
fieese Island .... 45,000
, Pt. Barrow. 40,000
Arctic . 100,000
Year
Rig. Name of Vessel. Rost
Sp. Sterling.1898
SS. Clara Nevada ...1898
SS. Brixain .1898
SS. I.aurada.1899
Bk. Wildwood.1899
Sp. Mermon.1900
Bg. Colorado.1900
Bk. Hunter .1900
Bkt. Cath. Sudden ..1900
Bk. Alaska .1900
SS. Balaeua .1902
SS. Clias. I). Rane... 1902
SS. Discovery ...... 1902
SS. Islander .1902
SS. Cleveland .190:5
SS. Sadie .190:5
Sp. Servia .1905
Bk. Nicholas Thayer .1900
SS. Oregon .1900
SS. Mariechen.1900
SS. Themis .1900
Value of Hull
Where Lost and Cargo
Bristol Bay. 100.000
Lynn Canal. 50.000
Clarence Straits. . 100.000
Bering Sea . 150,000
Bristol Bay. 100.000
Karulk . 40,000
Wrangel Narrows. 50.000
Bering Sea. 50.000
Bering Sea. ..... 50,000
Bering Sea . 25.000
Bering Sea . 100.000
Xunivak Island . . 100,000
Yakutat . 50.000
Gastineauv Chan. .225,000
Bering Sea . 75,000
Bering Sea . 50.000
Kodiak Island . . 100.000
Kodiak Island . . 20,000
Cp. H inch inbrook. 200.000
Chatham Straits. 500.000
Hardigan Reef... 120.000
Year
Rig. iVanie of Vessel. Ix>st
Sp. John Currier .... 1907
Sch. St. Paul.1907
Rk. Win. Hayliss .... 1907
Sp. l.ucile .1908
Sp. Star of Bengal. . . 1908
SS. Saratoga .1908
Sp. Columbia.1909
SS. Ohio .1909
Rg. Quatsino .1909
Rg. Charger .1909
SS. Farallon .1910
SS. Portland .1910
SS. Olympia.1910
SS. Cottage City .... 1911
SS. Ramona .1911
Sp. Jabez Howes .... 1911
Rk. Hayden Brown. ..1912
SS. Yukon .1913
SS. State of Calif. ... 1913
SS. Curacao.1913
Total losses ....
Value of Hull
Where Lost mid Cargo
Bristol Bay. 100,000
Sukhlish Island.. 25,000
Arctic . 50,000
Ugashik . 250,000
Coronation Island 250,000
Bushby Island... 175,000
Unimak Pass. . . . 100,000
Heikisli Narrows. 500.000
Dixon’s entrance. 50,000
Kartar Bay. 25,000
Iliamna Bay .... SO.OOO
lvutalla . 55,000
Bligh Island .... 150,000
Seymour Narrows 100.000
Cape Decision . . . 150,000
Chignik Bay .... 100.000
Montague Island. 10,000
Sanak Island . . . 170,000
Gambier Bay . . 225,000
Warm Chuck . . . 225,000
.$7,540,000
Late Telegraph News
8V ,
WASHINGTON, Sept. 1.6—The friends of Alaska scored
another victory today. It practically insures the passage of
railroad legislation immediately after Congress convenes on
December 1. A motion was offered in the Senate making the
Alaska railroad bill, which was favorably reported by the
committee on territories, unfinished business after December 8.
This bill carries an appropriation of $40,000,000 for the con
struction of railroads in Alaska and gives unto President
Wilson the power to select routes and name the men to do the
work of construction. As it has been agreed by the House
committee on territories to favorably report this bill on the
last day of the session it will be in splendid shape for early
action by both branches after Congress reconvenes in regular
session. President Wilson and the administration is back of
this measure and it is now generally accepted that there will
be comparatively little opposition to its passage.
WASHINGTON, Sept. 20.—This morning Attorney
General McReynolds wired for the resignations of Judge C. D.
Murane and District Attorney Bernard S. Rodey, both from
the second judicial division of Alaska. While it is not consid
ered that any particular charges have been proven against
these two officials, it is stated by the attorney general that he
has taken the initiative in the matter “for the good of the
service.” It is known that even before the last administration
went out of office that charges had been preferred against
Judge Murane and that ever since a movement has been on to
oust him from office. The attorney general is evidently not
anxious to go into an investigtaion, but believes that there is
sufficient ground for him to ask both officials to step down and
out. He has reason to believe that there are democratic
attorneys in Alaska who could better serve the cause of
justice.
DAWSON, Yukon Territory, Sept .17.—The movement
toward the Chisana gold diggings continues with surprising
regularity. While many are leaving from here most of the
prospectors come from the lower Yukon country, and some
come with large winter outfits, drawn with dog teams. Other
wise outfitting is done at Dawson and each man seeks to take
with him 1,000 pounds of supplies.
An average of 15 per day leave here, going up the river to
White and from there ascending the river in poling boats,
launches and steamers. The weather in this section continues
mild and probably will so continue for three weeks yet before
the winter freeze sets in.
Many of the men in the Klondike camp who are working
for the big companies are likely to go to the Chisana after the
works shut down, following the clean up.. They figure that
with thawing machinery, good lays can be secured or claims
purchased this winter, while there is a chance for relocations
after January 1st.
A Canadian mail route has been established between
Dawson and the boundary line at Beaver creek. Mounted
police who have established posts at the Snag, Beaver and
Donjek creeks, are carrying the mail.
Road houses have been opened every twenty miles along
the route from Dawson. This assures a large winter travel and
will mean that old sourdoughs will do a lot of prospecting in
undisputedly rich sections as well as the location next season
OFFICERS:
President—R. R. Stewart.
Vice President—George Dooley.
2nd Vice President—M. Finkelstein.
Secretary—A. J. Adams.
Treasurer—Will A. Steel.
Executive Committee to consist of above named officers.
At a well attended meeting of the citizens of Cordova, held
last night at city hall, the Alaska Good Roads Club was
organized. The project met with general endorsement and
today there is a membership enrolled of about 125. Everybody
seems enthusiastic over the idea of securing a summer automo
bile road from Chitina to Fairbanks, over which government
mail and passengers might be transported during the summer
us well as the winter season.
The meeting was presided over by M. Finkelstein and the
officers named above were elected by unanimous voice. One
of the originators of the move, Mr. Stewart, stated the object of
the new organization and gave various reasons why successful
attainment might be looked for. Caleb Corser, superintendent
of the C. R. & X. W. Ry., was present and expressed the opinion
that the carrying of mails and passengers during both summer
and winter between Chitina and Fairbanks was feasible and
practicable, with some additional work necessary on the
government road.
Air. Dooley urged the necessity for gathering as soon as
I possible such data as might be necessary to induce the post
master general to ask for bids for carrying the mails from
Seattle via Cordova and Chitina to Fairbanks, during the
summer. Advertisement is now being made for proposals to
carry the mail on the various routes in Alaska for a term of
four years, from July 1, 1914. The proposals to be received
until November 11,1913, but it being understood that contracts
are not awarded for several months later. Mr. Dooley believed
that one of the first steps should be for the club to make an
official run over the road in an automobile and demonstrate
the present conditions of the road and the time required to
cover the 320 miles. This was considered a proper move and
a decision was reached to communicate with the Fairbanks
Commercial Club, an dColonel Richardson, president of the
Alaska Road Commission, and arrange for covering the ground
either from Chitina or from Fairbanks.
The question of exerting an effort to organize an automo
bile company was considered in a general way. But it was
concluded that it would be better to first see what has been
accomplished by Fairbanks in this line, and in just what way
j the Cordova organization can best contribute to the desired end. j
K- W. Exum, of Chitina, was present and was asked to
undertake to interest the people of Chitina either in the
Cordova organization or to establish a club from that section.
He gave assurance that the matter was something that vitally
concerned all the people in the Copper river country and that
he would immediately call it to their attention.
FAIRBANKS, Alaska, Sept. 20.—Clarence Erickson, the
engineer of a small steamer on the way from Iditarod to Chisana
about 20 miles above here, had his leg caught and torn off bv
the machinery. He was brought to town in an auto and placed
in the hospital and is still unconscious.
VALDEZ, Sept. 18.—Judge F. M. Brown has appointed
Anthony J. Diamond as United States commissioner and
recorder for the White River precinct, which includes the
Cliisana gold country. Mr. Diamond has accepted the position
and states that he will leave this fall for his new scene of labor.
He is a resident of \ aldez, although he spent some time mining
in the Xizina country. In returning from that section one day
he accidentally shot himself and for nearly a year was confined
to the hospital at Cordova. After lie returned to Valdez he
entered the law office of Donohoe & Ostrander and early last
spring was admitted to the bar. While floating court was in
session this summer to the westward, Mr. Diamond represented
the defendants, having been appointed by Judge Jennings to
the place.
U. S. Marshal F. R. Brenneman fully realizes the import
ance of sending a deputy into the new gold diggings. He has
applied to the attorney general for permission to make an
appointment for the Cliisana camp. Up to this afternoon, how
ever, he had received no instructions on the matter. It is
reported that if given authorization that the marshal will name
A1 Hoffman as deputy marshal. At present he is supposed to
be engaged in mining at one of the camps tributary to the
Xizina. He was formerly chief of police of Valdez and is
generally reputed to be a capable man.
Judge Brown has announced the appointment of Attorney
Ceorge Love to be U. S. Commissioner at Valdez. He will
succeed Thomas R. Shepard, who was appointed by Judge
Cushman about a year and a half ago.
A miners meeting was held at the
new gold diggings on September 9,
which was presided over by O. A.
Tucker, with J. R. Fisher as secre
tary. A copy of the proceedings
were sent us for publication, as fol
lows:
The chairman stated the purpose
of the meeting to be the considera
tion of the situation in regard to
the books and records of the office
of Commissioner H. E. Morgan, who
had left J. J. Finnigan as deputy
recorder in charge of the books. .1.
Costello, Bert Bollinger and several
others spoke to the effect that they
were anxious to leave for the outside
but were unable to get their papers
recorded, having been told by Mr.
Finnigan that nothing had been re
corded since the 23rd day of August,
1913, and it would be impossible for
him to do any recording until record
books came from Valdez. Talks
were made by various others to the
same effect.
It was moved and carried that the
meeting proceed to the election of a
recorder. The name of George E.
Hill was placed before the meeting
and he was unanimously elected.
It was also moved and carried that
a committee of three be selected by
the chair to notify Mr. Finnigan of
the action of the meeting. The fol
lowing were appointed: Messrs.
Malone, Spencer and Bell.
A motion carried that a committee
of three be appointed by the chair
to draw up resolutions regarding the
situation in the Chathenda Mining
District and to send a copy of the
same to Hon. Fred M. Brown, judge
of the Third Judicial District, at
Valdez.
Motion carried that the name of
this district be Chathenda Mining
District.
Motion carried that the office of
the recorder be in the town of
Chathenda of Chathenda Creek «
It. W. Wiley, one of the big oper
ators in the White river and Chisana
districts came to town yesterday
and sailed for the south this after
noon on the Sampson. He will spend
a few months at his home in Port
land. Mr. Wiley has some valuable
claims in the new gold diggings and
is one of the most hopeful men who
have come from that district. He
declares that there has been good
pay taken from four creeks and that
in the short space of time they have
been worked, a greater amount of
gold has been taken than from any
previous district in Alaska. He says
that James took from his claim alone
over $33,000. McLellan took over
$4,000 from a fraction while Carl
Whitam and others got out pay be
fore the freeze came. Mr. Wiley be
lieves that after the camp is pros
pected next summer that it will be
a large one capable of producing big
returns. ,
A few of the returning stampeders
are coming out by way of the Chitti
stone, but most of them come via
Skolai creek and Nizina glacier, and
report good traveling. There is no
doubt about a good winter trail thla