Iditarod Pioneer
One Dohlar Per Month. IDITAROD, ALASKA, SATURDAY EVENING, MARCH 9, 1912. Two Bits Per Copy
KUSKOKWIM 1IEISS
BELIEVED MANY
Wada, the noted Japanese prospector,
explorer and tnusher, arrived in Tdita
rod yesterday forenoon direct from the
Aniak. He has been taking a look
over the Kuskokwim country, partly to
size it up for himself as a mining prop
osition, but more especially to in
quit e into the case of the mysterious
disappearance of a countryman of his,
who had been trapping in that region
for several years.
His inquiries have lead him to the
conclusion that not only the Jap in
question, but a number of white -men
also, have been murdered in the Kus
kokwim within the past, two years.
Wada declined to speak of the Nelson
case for publication, saying Deputy
Marshal Kelday is now investigating
that, and he does not wish to intrude
his opinions regarding it at the present
time.
Wada is an intelligent man and his
experience and knowledge of the char
acter of the natives gives weight to his
story. The Japanese whose case he is
interested in was known as Allen. He
used to live on an island some fifty
miles abov-8 Georgetown, and had
trapped in the Kuskokwim four or five
years. He was a successful trapper,
and was known to have several hun
dred dollars in money before he passed
from the knowledge of natives or
others in the region. Just before he
was last seen he tried to get a Wells
Fargo check cashed by Hoffman the
trader.
in tne spring or liuu Alien naa
formed a partnership with a white man
named Crane. After the breakup they
went in a boat, taking the Jap's two
dogs, to Talaviksak river, not very far
from Stony river. They called at a na
tive village at the mouth of Talavik
sak, and a few days after they had
gone a native called Big Jimmy also
went up the Talaviksak for the purpose
of making a canoe. Big Jimmy met a
white man coming down river, and
asked if he had seen Allen and Crane.
The answer was no. While on a slough
afterward Jimmy heard shots, but did
not see anyone. Before returning to
the village Jimmy saw two white men
in a boat pass down, having with them
Allen and Crane’s dogs. They said the
dogs came to their camp, nobody with
l hem.
Five or six days after Allen and
Crane left the village to go up the
Talaviksak Crane reappeared at the
village alone, and from that day to this
the Jap has not been seen. Natives at
the village asked what had become of
Allen, and were told that he had gone
to Susitna over the divide. The na
tives of the village had their suspicions
aroused by Crane's manner. They
said he had a bad look.
Not long after, Crane appeared at
Bethel with the Jap’s boat, shortened
to half length. The boat had been 30
feet long and was well known. Theo
dore Florne, white, at Bethel examined
tho boat, and also saw the Jap’s rifle,
of a peculiar make- He said to Crane:
“Hello, you’ve got the Jap boy’s gun.”
"Yes, I bought it,” answered Crane.
Florne recognized numerous articles of
the Jap’s. On being questioned Crane
said he had bought these things too.
The questions made Crane nervous,
and he pushed his boat off, saying he
was going to the Yukon over the port
age. Afterward Matthew, son of Big
Jimmy, saw Crane in a slough leading
in an opposite direction to the portage.
He had a big bag of furs in the boat
and tried to keep out of sight.
In 1911 a Russian halfbreed named
Solgy went from Georgetown up the
Talaviksak. Noticing some stovepipe
on the bank, he went into the brush
and saw Allen and Crane’s old camp.
There were two brush beds, and the
Jap’s coat was there. Two dog chains
were tied to bushes.
Wad a believes Crane murdered the
Jap, and has secured much evidence
which is outlined in writing to that
effect.
Probably Other Murders
From Soigy, the halfbreed, Wada
learned of what he believes to be an
other crime committed by Crane. In
the late whiter of 1910, according to
Solgv, Crane and two other white men,
after dubbing around among the na
tive villages, went off up a tributary of
the Kuskokwim. The three men were
seen by a native camped on the bank
of the creek. The day after that a na
tive hunter happened onto the camp,
and only Crane was there. He asked
Crane where his partners were, and
Crane said they had gone away. The
native was suspicious of Crane, and
after leaving he circled the camp at a
considerable distance, but could find
no tracks in the snow where anyone
had left. The day after that another
native hunter passed near the place
and saw a great fire back of Crane's
camp. After Crane had left the creek
natives went to where the fire had
been. Butts of logs were lying around,
showing that the fire had been a big
one. In the ashes were found what
appeared to be human teeth and remains
of human bones. These evidences of
Crime, the natives tell Wada, are still
plainly visible. The natives were con
vinced that Crane had killed and burnt
his two partners.
Crane was not seen around by any of
the natives, so far as is known, near
the time when the Nelson brothers are
supposed to have been murdered. He
was baldheaded, and anyone who had
once seen him would be sure to recog
nize him again.
The natives were inclined to observe
his movements when he returned from
the Talaviksak without the Jap be
cause they accredited him with de
stroying his two white partners.
MEXICAN WAR IS GETTING WORSE
EL Paso, March 8.—The rebels have captured the city of
Juarez, just across the river from this city, in the state of Chihua
hua, and have started on the march to Mexico City. [A delayed
dispatch to the Pioneer, dated March 1, said the rebels had evacu
ated Juarez on the approach of the government forces, without a
show of resistance.]
Washington. March 8.—President Taft in a proclamation
warns Americans to leave Mexico. Additional troops will be
rushed to the border.
City of Mexico, March 8.—The rebels are marching toward
the city. There is an exodus of Americans. Massacre is feared
Berlin, March 2.—German subjects are being officially urged
to leave Mexioc.
COMING AND GOING
The city council held no session last
Wednesday night, the time for the
regular weekly meeting, no quorum
appearing. There were two members
cut of town—Worden and McDonnell.
Misses--Rubie and Rosie Kelly de- j
parted with the mail team for their
home at Diskaket, leaving their sister,
Miss Bessie, here for awhile longer.
Mr. and Mrs. E. G. Lindberg enter
tained a small party of friends Tuesday
evening in honor of the first anni-'
versary of their wedding.
Bob Griffis, who escorted 1,800'
pounds of Iditarod gold over the Sew-;
ard trail this winter, arrived home
over the same route Tbursday.
Mr. and Mr*. Thurston are back. j
Free shamrocks at H. Boas
WIRELESS BREVITIES
The hulk of the Maine was buried
at sea with impressive ceremony.
The striking mill hands of Lawrence,
Mass., have been granted a 5 per cent,
increase after a bitter and bloody
struggle.
Bert Franklin pleaded guilty to the
charge of bribery at Los Amgeles.
Politics are quiet at Nome. Wise
ones are waiting.
Roosevelt is just now doing duty as
foreman of a grand jury in York state.
Schmitz acquitted of bribery at San
Francisco. Insufficient evidence.
FOR SALE — Northern Commercial
dogteam of seven dogs, Rummey in
the lead, with harness and basket
sled complete. Inquire N. C. Co.
NICK I ARA IN
INSANE ASYLUM
Seattle, March 8.—Nick Dernara,
the Fairbanks marathon runner,
reading here an article in a Fair
banks paper saying he was crazy,
goes insane and is sent to the asy
lum.
[So reads the dispatch. The
strange part of it is that Nick was
reported in Fairbanks, well and
hearty and ready to go to work, as
late as January 27. Maybe he went
Outside, though.]
0OTTERILL
DEFEATS GILL
Seattle, March 8. — After a hard
fought campaign, George F. Cotterill,
reform candidate, defeated Eli Gill, the
so-called graft candidate, for mayor of
Seattle by a majarity of 700. [Cotter
ill is an active temperance advocate,
and it may be he will try to make the
Spirit City run dry. If ke does he will
have work enough ahead to keep him
occupied to the end of his terra.]
ENGLISH MINERS
ALL ON STRIKE
London, March 8.—A million British
coal miners are now on strike and
mines and factories are closed. Seven
hundred thousand men went out a
i week ago, and others have since fol
lowed.
NUMBERS OF MEN
IN BEAR CREEK
Bear creek, in the Tulaksak, is now
the only place in the Kuskokwim that
seems to be attracting much attention.
It is said that quite a number of those
who stampeded across the divide from
the Aniak will stay and give Bear a
try-out. Among these are mentioned
Theodore Florne, Jacob Melle, Percy
Goodair, Martin Moran, Frank Mills,
Tom Forrest and partner Dominick,
Flannigan, Carl Kellman and Carl
VYolfort. All these men may not be
actually on the ground now, but they
are figuring on doing work there.
Kellman and VVolfort are old-timers
in the country and have been taking
out grubstakes on Bear. Forrest has
a drill there and VVada expects to take
another over next week.
Tulaksak gold is coarse and high
grade, going about $19.45 an ounce.
OPPOSING LEADERS
HAVE SAME VIEWS
Philadelphia, Feb. 20. — Recently
Senator Robert La Follette of Wiscon.
sin and Governor Woodrow Wilson of
New Jersey were the guests of the
Periodical Publishers banquet, and
both men made speeches of a political
nature, and one blended so closely into
the other that either of the speakers
could have exchanged beliels and ideas
advanced without injury to their
cause.
Both La Follette and Wilson were
introduced as the coming candidates of
the two great parties ; one would re
ceive the nomination at the hands of
the Republicans while the other would
be selected to lead the Democrats.
Both the principal speakers made
strong appeals for the respective mer
its of their cause, and were given
hearty applause, for the people attend
ing the banquet were made up from
supporters of both parties.
CABLE WORKIHG SINCE THURSDAY
After an interruption of a week,
the Alaska cable was reported to
be working again Thursday eve
ning.
The cause of the break has not
been learned.
SERVICES AT CATHOLIC CHURCH
At the Catholic church there will be
services tomorrow (Sunday) at 10
o'clock a.m. and 4 p.m., and again the
following Sunday at the same hours.
Father Crispini Roeei expects to
start on his return to Nulato next
week. _
Pete Bernard was an arrival from
the Tanana country Thursday. He
will mush on to Nome in the morning,
and will take one passenger from
Lewis’s Landing.
Come once and you will come again.
Arcade Cafe, Flat City.
SOUTH POLE
REACHES
DEU4
London, March 8.—Advices have
been received here to the effect that
the South Pole was reached Decem
ber 14 by Captain Scott, the British
explorer, and Captain Amundsen
the Norwegian. It is claimed they
remained three da/s at the pole
Europe credits the report.
POLITICAL
SIFTINGS
Oyster Bay, March 8.—In a pub
lie statement Col. Roosevelt says he
entered the Presidential fight be
cause the people demanded it. He
may make a trip through the West
in a few weeks.
Salem, March 8 — Roosevelt’s
name goes on the ballot for the
Oregon primary election.
Washington, March 8. — The
Roosevelt campaign committee
charges coercion o: holders of fed
eral jobs by President Taft. There
is promise of much bitterness de
veloping between the factious. Ex
Senator Beveridge, ol Indiana, ha'
allied himself with the Rooseveh
forces
Senator Gilbert N. Hitchcock, ol
Nebraska, Democrat, has iutro
duced a resolution charging Roose
velt with fraud in the acquisition
I of the Panama canal, and asking
that the whole proceeding he in
vestigated.
New York, March 8 — Mayor
William J. Gayuor denies that he
is a candidate for the Democra'ic
nomination for the Presidency.
Chicago, March 8 —Secretary of
War Stimson in a speech here
lauded Taft, and said Roosevelt is
pursuing anything but a wise
course
Washington, March 8. — Oscar
W. Underwood, of Alabama, Dem
ocratic leader of the House, is gain
ing strength as a Presidential por
sibiii'v.
THE
ROOF
GARD
At A, B. Hall
TONIGHT
Will be the Winter's Premier
Night of Enjoyment
NOT A DULL MOMENT!
NUMEROUS SURPRISES,
COUNTLESS THRILLS,
FUNNY STUNTS GALORE
Game Caller! at 8:00 O'clock
SOUTH AMERICANS
LEARY OF' U.S.
Panama, March 1.—Secretary
Knox upon his arrival here as
sured leading representatives of
the Latin - American republics
that the United States wants
peace and will endeavor to pro
mote mutual welfare.
Managua, March 8.—Scores of
Nicaraguans have been jailed for
anti-American utterances. Peel
runs high on account of the visit
of Secretary Knox.
democratT
AGGRESSIVE
Washington, March 8.—The House
has passed the measure providing for
a probe of the shipping trust.
At a caucus of Democrats of the
House it was decided to formulate bill
providing for an income tax and putting
sugar on the free list.
JOHNSON-FLYNN
FIGHT IN OTAH
S dt Lake, March 8—The John
son-Flvnn fight takes place July 24
at Wendover, Utah
New York, March 8 —Packey
McFarland gets an easy victory in
to rounds over One-Round Hogan.
FIRE AND SWORD
DEVASTATE CITY
Peking, March 8—Fires follow
itig riots and massacres have caused
great property loss Martial 'aw
■vas declared, but it was imposstblt
for a time to cope with the situa
tion. Foreign troops now patrol
the streets and order is restored
Manila, P I., March 8.—Sevet
hundred United States soldiers ha\ e
been dispatched to China.
JERRY THE MOLE
ONTO HIS JOB
i
Yesterday when the band was
over at Flat serenading the deni
zens of that thriving city Jerry the
Mule took his place behind the
bandwagon and went the rounds
with the balance of the boys.
Jerry is a sure-enough mule and
is widely known in the North. He
was once a prominent citizen ol
Fairbanks. Wherever he may hap
pen to live he always establishes a
beer route, and works it like any
other toper. When he goes to a
saloon and taps on the door, if the
foaming beverage is not passed out
to him there is likely to be some
thing doing
Yesterday was a red-letter day in
Jerry’s histoiy,
TWO GAMES PLAYED
AT FLAT LAST NIGHT
At A. B. Hall, Flat City, last night,
in a game of basketball the single
ladies were victorious over the married
ladies by a score of 15 to 5. Young Ed.
Anderson, of "The Branch," presented
each member of the winning team with
a box of candy.
The ladies’ event was followed by a
baseball game between Discovery and
Flat City teams. Result, 12 to 10 in
favor of Flat. Umpire, Starr Ballard.
In practicing, Ashby Bain, of the
Discovery’s, broke his little finger,
which put him out of business and
weakened the team.
New Westminster, formerly the cap
ital of British Columbia, was named
by Queen Victoria. The colonists
themselves changed the capital to the
present site, which they called Victo
ria, in honor of the Queen.
Best non-astigmatic snow glasses at
' Simpson’s.
ROOF GARDEN CENTER
OF ATTRACTION
At 2 p.m. today begins the great street pageant, led by Major
John F. Baird, marshal of the day, who, upon reaching First and
Willow, will be met by Mayor John D. Barnes and presented with
the keys of the city.
ORDER OF PARADE
1. Major John F. Baird, marshal, leading and directing the march.
2. The brass band, seated in the gorgeous golden chariot, drawn
by Mutchler’s eight dapple-gray horses: Charles Drapeau,
leader, first cornet; Ernest Fitzwater, second cornet; Charles
Kemp, alto; Jack Sawyer, baritone; F. E. Snyder, tuba;
James McCain, trombone; Tommy McSmart, snare drum; Mr.
Surprise, bass drum.
0. The Arctic Queen, in her state carriage, covered with furs,
drawn by four superb horses.
4. Boliver, the huge elephant; Bobbie Atcheson, prince, attended
by African servant of the royal household.
5. Josh Smith, big-heart float, drawn by two horses.
6. Menagerie cage (wild man, wild Siberian dogs), drawn by four
mules.
7- Dog-team float, containing large bottle, advertising Northern
saloon.
8. German band, 10 strong, on foot.
9. Grape Juice brigade, in double-enders drawn by dogteam, carry
ing a white barrel with grape emblem upon it, marked "For
bidden Fruit.”
10. Men afoot, carrying banners inscribed with numerous mottoes,
comic, wise and otherwise.
LINE OF MARCH
Starting at A. B. hall; up Second to Otter; down Otter to First;
through First to Willow; through Willow to Black; up Black to
First; up First to Willow; up Willow to Second; through Second
to Richmond; down Richmond to First; through First to Otter; up
Otter to Second; through Second to Richmond; down Richmond to
First; through First to Willow; up Willow to Second; finishing at
A. B. hall.
AT THE HALL
The Roof Garden will be open from 8 o’clock to 2. Thera
everything will be more or less informal. There will be speeches,
recitations, singing, quartets, duets, solos and instrumental music,
with the band, of course, playing on occasion. Chairman Sam
Bayles will call off the numbers of these events as they are to take
place.
Thirty tables, with from four to eight covers each, have been
provided, at which residents will entertain visitor's and friends.
Aside from this there will be no lack of good things to eat, the re
freshments running all the way down through cold meats, sand
wiches, candies, peanuts and red lemonade.
The hall will be decorated as it has never been before. The
| illumination will be improved, and bright lights will burn outside
at the entrance.
Before the opening hour numerous prominent city corners
will present superb displays of Greek fire. On every hand the
holiday spirit is overflowing, and the numerous visitors, a good
many of whom have lately arrived from distant parts, are learning
that there is plenty of life in the old town yet.
IMPERTINENT REMARKS
Fergy will be there.
There is no taint on the Northern’s barrel.
Ira Wood’s wood wagon is moving in royal circles today.
Henry O. Roden is the architect of Josh Smith’s chariot.
The German band is not new: it has just been horned again.
Bob Prichard is editor of the War Sigh, the official newspaper.
The noise it makes is the most attractive feature of the brass
band.
McSmart suffered the loss of an “i” when he was doing the
painting.
The giraffe was stampeded by Ramps Peterson’s vicious dog,
Little Ramps.
The Pioneer imported the elephant, but Tommy McSmart
named him Bolivar.
Roosevelt appointed Major Jack Baird marshal at the solicita
tion of Harry Jones.
Sam Bayles is poet laureatte to the Arctic Queen. Capt. Albert
Wile made her clothes.
Gossips say a couple of the Quaker Maid’s wrappers have been
discovered in Bolivar's trunk.
The fellows who walk in the procession deserve as much honor
as anybody: the tiger would cut a sorry figure without its tail.
PRIZES
The following prizes will be given
on the night of the big mask ball at
Flat City, March 16:
Best dressed lady, sugar and cream
china set.
Best dressed gentleman, gold match
box.
Best sustained character, lady, cut
glass cream and sugar set.
Best sustained character, gentleman,
gold fountain pen.
Most comical Irish character, lady,
cut glass olive dish.
Most comical Irish character, gentle
man, gold stick pin.
Most original character representing
business house of the district, lady,
sugar shell; gentleman, silver match
box. _
Cut Glass, jewelry. W. Taylor, Flat.
Best non-astigmatic snow glasses at
Simpson’s.
Quitclaim deed blanks—Pioneer.
i i
ST, PATRICK'S EVE
Mask Ball
Flat City
March 16
Auspices of
CAMP FLAT NO. 26, A. 6.
Valuable Prizes
Good Music Fine Floor
Admission to Dance and Supper
Gentlenuin $5, Ladies Free
Must Raise Masks at the Door