Iditarod Pioneer
One Dollar Per Month. IDITAROD, ALASKA, SATURDAY EVENING, MARCH 18, 1911. Two Bits Pee Copy
ELLINGER TAKES
LAY ON GUMBOOT
Caspar Ellingor, partner in the firm
of Ellinger, Martin, Chronister and
Thomas, owners of the Gumboot as
sociation on Otter creek, lias taken a
lay with option of purchase of the
whole claim. There are already eight
holes down, most of which are on the
pay. Mr. Ellinger figures tiiat he lias
over "5,000 feet of bedrock that will
average up to $1.12 to the foot, and he
is of the opinion that, he will be able to
work the ground to advantage this sum
mer on a large scale.
The Gumboot association is a 00-acre
fraction lying across Otter at the
mouth of Granite, and adjoins the Otter
association.
Business Interests
-Should Name Ticket
It is essential that should the vote on
April 11 next prove favorable for mu
nicipal incorporation, as is generally
expected, the business men of the city
should be in absolute control of the
council to insure efficient government
and an economical administration of
local affairs. The business men of the
town should meet and agree upon a
ticket which would be thoroughly rep
resentative and at the same time stand
a splendid chance of being elected en
bloc. Several prominent citizens have
expressed their willingness to run on
such a ticket, although they do not
wish their names to be mentioned in
this connection until something more
definite is decided upon.
At the ptesent moment two candi
dates are in the field for councilmen.
viz., Albert Wilo and William Eisen
menger. Seven councillors in all are
needed, who would select one of their
number to act in the capacity of mayor.
The posts of city clerk and magis
trate and chief of police are not elec
tive, being filled by the councillors at
their discretion, although several
names are already mentioned for these
positions. _
A. B. Installation
at Flat City Gamp
Last Saturday night at the A. B.
hall, Flat City, the newly-elected offi
cers of Camp Flat, No. 26, A. B., were
duly installed. Zachary .1. Loussac,
Deputy Grand Arctic Chief for the
Iditarod, acted as installing officer, and
the function was most, successful and
enjoyable. About one hundred mem
bers attended the installation.
Eight cheechacos made their initial I
trip over the trail during the evening.
They got somewhat frostbitten during
the hard mush, but restoratives quickly
and expertly applied by the sourdoughs
saved them from unnecessary suffering
and incidentally wised them up as to
many little wrinkles known only to the
old timers. The goat looked consider
ably worried at the conclusion ot the
ceremony. The names of the new
brethren are as follows: Lee Roby,
Frank Dawson, Dick Hussey, Vic Mar
tin. James Esterbrook, .Toe Jertnan,
Starr Ballard and one other.
To Improve Mouth of Yukon
A bill has been introduced into the
house of representatives by Delegate
Wickersham which has for its object
the improvement of the Apoon mouth
of the Yukon river. It is proposed to
dredge the sands from a point opposite
the Kotlik crossing, below the mouth
of the Kotlik river, to the mouth of the
Apoon outlet of the Yukon river, so as
to straighten the channel and give a
depth of six feet of water at low tide
into Pastol bay. The work is estimated
to cost $100,000.
Divine Services Tomorrow at Ansiey’s Hall
The Rev. Archdeacon Stuck will
conduct religious services at Ansiey’s
hall tomorrow, at 11 a. m. and 8:30 p.
m. The rite of Holy Communion will
be celebrated at the morning service
and all Christian people are invited to
attend.
The Archdeacon will preach at both
services and the music will be provided
by several ladies of Iditarod city.
Everybody is welcome.
Famous Hunter Arrives
Bringing six hindquarters of Moose
for the Merchants cafe, E. C. Green,
tne famous hunter and trapper of Daw
son, arrived in Iditarod on Tuesday
last. He came from the far side of the
Kuskokwim, a distance of approxi
mately 175 miles.
Green is well known as a mighty
hunter and has been supplying Charlie
Miller with meat ever since the latter
Jbas beep in the North.
LEGIONS OF AMERICAN TROOPS READY TO ENTER MEXICO;
In spite of the many assurances which have reached
the United States from Mexico that the Diaz govern
i ment had the revolution well in hand, and that it was
I only a question of time before the last of the “rebels”
would be rounded up, it is evident that the rising is not
I only far from being crushed, but is gaining in strength
| as time goes on.
Recent telegraphic advices state that the insurgents
have been almost universally successful in the many
small engagements which have taken place within a
few miles of the United States border—the Mexican
federal troops being completely surrounded on one oc
casion and compelled to surrender. A fierce fight took
place a short time ago three miles from Jaurez, which
is across the Rio Grande from El Paso, Tex., in which
the rebels got the best of the engagement.
Since that time very serious developments have
taken place. When Mr. E. Moss was at Melozi a few
days ago a telegram was being sent over the wires
which gave some startling news. The message stated
that every fort in the neighborhood of the border had
received orders to hold itself in readiness, and that an
army of 15,000 American troops was assembled at Fort
McPherson in full marching order, ready to move at a
moment’s notice -presumably to guard the border, or,
maybe, to enter Mexican territory should the protection
of American interests demand it. Whatever may be
the reason for the massing of such a large body of
troops on the boi'der at this time, it is evident that the
War Department view the present situation in Mexico
with considerable uneasiness, especially in view of the
fact that a few months ago the United States and Mex
ico were on the brink of war, over a question about
which the mass of the people were uninformed. It is
worthy of note also that Brigadier General Hoyt, who
was to relinquish his southern command and go to the
Dakotas, has been ordered to remain at his post on the
border.
It is believed by those who are acquainted with
border affairs that many Americans are fighting with
the rebels, and that the latter are led by American sol
diers of fortune.
Should any trouble arise on the border it will have
a peculiar interest for Alaskans, as the Twenty-second
infantry, which was distributed among Alaska’s military
posts for two years is now at Fort Sam Houston (near!
San Antonio), Tex., and would probably be one of the I
first regiments to be called into active service. j
GROUND ON HAPPY CREEK CHANGES HANDS FOR $50,000
That Happy creek will be a very busy place this
coming summer is evidenced by the magnitude of the
deal consummated during the week, whereby Prank B.
Ingels takes over the interests of Dan McCaskili, A.
Kennedy, Joseph Poz, H. T. Ray and G. Coleman on
that stream.
The amount which will change hands over this
transaction totals §50,000, of which sum $5,000 is pay
able in cash and 25 per cent, of the output for the
months of May and June is to apply against payments
due in those months.
The property included in the deal consists of a one
half interest in the Washington association, near the
head of Happy, and a lay on the lower half of the same
claim; a one quarter interest in the Cayuse association;
the lower or down stream half of the Ray fraction; all
of Happy association; all of the Bell association, and
all of Long bench and Pomeroy bench claims.
The Texas a sociation, of which Ingels is already ;
part owner, separates the Washington association from
the Ray fraction, while the other claims lie below the
Ray fraction. They are all in a straight line and are
supposed to carry the Texas pay, and are on what is
known as the right-limit paystreak.
Thus it will be seen that Ingels gains control of 1
miles of Happy, which covers practically all the good
ground so far discovered on this creek.
Fairbanks Camp Far From Being in the “Has-BeeV’ Class'
A business man but recently arrived from Fa r
banks thinks that that camp will shortly begin to show
steady improvement. Although things are at present
pretty dull in the little town, the quartz properties in
the neighborhood are looking better than ever. Sev
eral of them have passed the doubtful stage and are
now sure winners. Louis Rhoads’ property on Dome,
at the head of Cleary is now a proved mine, and it is
believed that the lucky owner has a large fortune in
sight. He is now on the Outside purchasing a mill,
which will be installed on the property during the com
ing summer.
The failure of the Washington-Alaska bank was a
severe blow to the community, and of course reacted
upon the storekeepers, but an improvement is already
noticeable. Capt. Barnette is back trying to straighten
out the affairs of his defunct bank. He published a
lengthy explanation in the local papers of the causes
which led to the failure, and although many are satisfied,
others refuse to accept his statements as satisfactory.
All things considered, the outlook in the upper
camp is a bright one, and it is not expected that any
considerable number of people will leave there for the
Iditarod this season.
There7/ Be Big Doings on Glen Association This Year
The welcome news has spread abroad that the Glen
association, the discovery claim of Flat, and the claim that
really started the stampede to the Iditarod will be worked
this coming season. The lower 500 feet of the Bonanza and
the upper 500 feet of the Glen, known as S;ederman &
McWaters ground, will be the scene of the operations, and
the instigators of the plot are A1 Thorns aud Charles Carroll.
Thorns returned a week ago from the Yukon where he
had gone in connection with the affairs of the Oro Mining
Co., and it is understood that that company has taken on a
decided lease of life and will be a very active element in
this camp next summer.
With the Bonanza in shape to be cut wide open, the
upper end of the Glen scraped to the bone, and the lower
end in a lair way to get an energetic tickling, it needs no
optimism to see that the middle portion of Flat will be ex
tremely busy this year,
Cominsky owns the 1200 feet adjoining the Siederman
and McWater’s ground, and he is now making negotiations
looking to the working of that portion of the Glen. Below
him, McKay & Hotts have a lay on 1900 feet, and they are
now putting wood on the ground. This portion will prob
ably be worked this summer but their plans have not been
definitely announced.
Tom Maher dropped over the hill from Fiat City
this morning for a short visit
ST. PATRICK’S DANCE AT FLAT CITY WAS A HUMDINGER
That the St. Patrick's masquerade ball held at tbe A.
B. hall, Flat City, last night was the most successful event
which has been pulled off in the Iditarod to date, is the
opinion of all who were fortunate enough to be present.
The attendance approached the 200 mark and from start to
finish there was not a hitch in the program outlined by the
committee. Five stages and numerous dog teams conveyed
Iditarod visitors to Flat, and every effort was made on the
part of the Flatites to make the visit an enjoyable one.
A large number of people were in costume, and the
decisions of the judges in awarding tire prizes were gener
ally endor ed by those present Dancing commenced at
9'30 p. m. and continued until daylight. The music which
was supplied by Berggren, Connolly and Drake, and was all
that could be desired. The hall was beautifully decorated,
green predominating in the color scheme. The floor was
in first-class condition and the floor manager an expert at
his job.
Supper was served during tbe interval.
Tbe committee on arrangements consisted of Harry
Shaw, Dr. C. D. Carter, Dr. Spaulding, Bob Hart and
Jonas Brewis, and to them and those who assisted is due
the credit for providing a magnificent night’s amusement
The following is the list of prize winners :
Best dressed lady—Miss Chandstrom, Swedish national
costume, three bottles of pickles.
Best dressed gentleman—Geo Kilbourne, swell coon,
pair of shoes.
Best original Irish character, lady—Mrs. Stark, washer
woman, one bottle of wine and stage ticket.
Best original Irish character, gentleman—M. Mc
Donald, half gallon Quaker Maid whiskey.
Best representation of a business firm, lady—Mrs. C.
D. Carter, American Bank of Alaska, ham.
Best representation cf a business firm, gentleman—T.
Lewis, The Connolly, sack ot flour ; second prize—Tom
Bullene, Casey’s, cigars
Best sustained character, lady—Mrs. Sherburne, Italian
woman, dressing case.
Best sustained character, gentleman—C. R. Peck,
Chinaman, cigars. Second—Geo Mutcliler, Dutchman,
cigars.
Prize waltz—First. Lady, Mrs. Swanson, three bottles
champagne ; gentleman, Tom Bullene, cigars. Second.
Lady, Miss Nieholm, pair of gloves; gentleman, Herman
Anderson, bottle of Gibson rye.
Prize two step—Lady, Mrs. Aubert, two bottles of
champagne; gentleman, Tom Deane, box of silk handker
chiefs.
Cake walk--George Kilbourne, "Happy”, and Tom
Lewis, representing a woman.
Cupid—Della McDowell, box of candy.
Japanese Girl—Luella Ives, box of candy.
Other character impersonations which attracted atten
tion were Mrs. C. Stoner, Japanese lady; Mrs. C. W. Car
ter, Fairview Trading post; Mrs. O. S. Gardner, Red Cross
trained nurse; Mrs. Deeming, nurse; Mrs. Patching, Red
[Cross nurse; Mrs. Herbert Riley, clown ; Miss Risser, Red
Cross nurse; Mrs. E Aubert, Spanish girl; Mrs. B F.
Banks, “Sis Hopkins”; Mrs. Roscoe, Miss Roscoe and
Mrs. Stevens, coons; Mrs. Wm. J. Cody, nurse ; Mrs. W
S, Amaloug, C. T. Suler, general merchandise ; Mrs. Jack
Connolly, grocery store, Mrs. H. E. Riley, Japanese cos
tume; Mrs. Larson, Japanese; Mrs. E M. Rusk, Irish
fishervvoman; Miss Fernstrom, Swedish national costume;
Mrs. A. W. Larson, shepherdess; Mrs. A. M. Nee, Japan
ese; Mrs. J. J. Price, doll; Miss Coolidge, Chinaman ; Mrs.
j Sam Clark, old Irish woman; Mrs. J. E Beattie, Red Rid
ing Hood. Among the gentlemen in costumes were noticed
F. Pederson, mushtr ; D S. McDowell, rube; Jos II.
Smith, devil; H E. Riley, R. L. Moot, H Anderson, clowns;
E Beattie, coon; A. B F'erguson, incog; Malcolm Me
Donald, Irish hod carrier; Bert Moores, man from George
town; J. F. Shropshire, prospector; J. E. Bishop, Arctic
rnusher, J. G. Dewar, John D. Rockefeller; John Ronati,
Pioneer clothing store, Flat; Douglas Carroll, Irish girl ;
Tom Lewis, the Quaker Maid.
Miss Annie Hagelin represented the Iditarod Pioneer.
In addition to the above a large number of people
appeared in ordinary dress, but. the space at our disposal
does not permit a complete list of those present.
The majority of the Iditarod visitors returned to town
today, some leaving Flat immediately upon the conclusion
of the dance, and arrived in town shortly after six.
New Finds on Granite Greek
News of an encouraging nature con
tinues to come in from Granite creek.
John Cameron and Doc Holmes are
the latest arrivals on the pay. They
are working on 1-a, and have sunk
several holes on the ground from which
they have been driven out by water.
They have now succeeded in reaching
bedrock, where the dirt is found to run
$1.85 to the foot. The partners are
highly elated over the find, and figure
upon opening up their ground on a
large scale this summer.
Crotch, who has been prospecting
on the upper end of Granite for some
weeks past, has found very fair pay at
the extreme head of the creek, above
timberline, He claims to have nine
feet of dirt running from half a cent
to five cents to the pan.
Heinie Gomes Marching Home
It is reported in town that Judge
Henrv Roden left Fairbanks on the
first of the present month bound for
the Hub of Alaska—Iditarod city. Al
though no definite information is ob
tainable as yet, it will be remembered
that before leaving for the upper camp
Mr. Roden expressed his intention of
returning in the spring. So we may
look to a valuable addition to the local
bar being in our midst at an early
date. __
Would Flunk Students Who Skip Papers
“If it were in my power I would
flunk every student in my department
who showed by his work that he did
not read tbe newspapers,” said Prof.
Edward MacMahon, of the University
of Washington, to one of his classes
last month.
“Nothing shows sp much whether or
not a man is alive or dead as his news
paper reading,” continued Mr. MacMa
hon. “Intellectually he is a corpse if
he doesn’t keep up with the papers.”
Mr. MacMahon was commenting upon
the ignorance displayed by members of
a class in history as to the last elec
tions in Great Britain.
The Pioneer for Job Printing.
Will Have Sundial
in Iditarod City
So that he will not have to be con
tinually settling disputes as to the
time of day in the Iditarod region,
Robert Simpson, the enterprising jew
eler, has decided upon the erection of a
sundial in front of his store on Front
street. The abstruse calculations nec
essary for the correct placing of these
automatic timekeepers will be per
formed by L. S. Robe, the surveyor,
who is an authority on sundials, an
cient and modern; and ere long we
shall begetting our standard time from
Old Sol himself, whose authority on
such matters has not hitherto been
disputed. Truly we are a progressive
and enlightened community—the post
office department to the contrary not
withstanding.
Charles Seneco Enquired For
C. W. Seneco, of 940 Eastwood Are.,
Chicago, is inquiring in the P.-I. after
his son, Charles Seneco. Mr. Seneco,
sr., says that his son wrote last October
saying that he would be home in Illin
ois in time for the Christmas festivities.
Christmas day passed and many other
days and Mr. Seneco is afraid that
something must have happened to his
son. Charles Seneco was formerly on
Otter creek, but is now said to be at
Georgetown, in the Kuskokwim. He
should write home.
FOUR-GENT DIRT
ON MOORE GREEK
Jos. H. Smith has received a letter
from his partner Perry, which is be
lieved to contain rather encouraging
news. Anyhow Joe is going over to
see for himself. Several holes have
been sunk to bedrock on Discovery
Moore, and it is said that five feet of
4c dirt has been encountered in the
last hole, with 10c on bedrock.
Fair pay has also been reported from
a point about a mile below Discovery,
although definite information is lack
ing
Iditarod Club to Smoko Again
The tremendous success of the last
j “smoker” given by the Iditarod club,
I has encouraged the members of that
useful institution to believe that a
similar affair about this time would
fill a long-felt want. Consequently a
committee consisting of Capt. Peter
son, Jos. H, Smith, Tom Morgan, Cy
Atwell and Bert Day has been formed,
and a real old-fashioned Sourdough
smoker next Saturday evening will re
sult from their labors. Members and
their friends will be expected to turn
up in force, and lend a hand in making
the concert a howling success.
Jack Henry, the Willow creek mining
man, was in the city during the week.
He is well satisfied with the prospects
there. Mr. Henry was one of the unfor
tunates who were compelled to travel all
the way to Fairbanks last March to ap
pear as a witness in the district court.
He has mined iu nearly every district of
Alaska and Yukon.
F. M. Terry, the popular manager
for McMahon on Flat, paid a flying
visit to Iditarod City todav He only
stayed a few hours.
FIRST NATIONAL WILL
NOT LOGATE HERE
According to advices which have
reached here from Fairbanks, it ap
pears that the First National bank of
that city has no intention at present of
opening a branch establishment in the
Mitarod.
Last summer R. 0. Wood, the presi
ient of the First National, shipped a
safe and other bank furniture to this
camp, with the evident intention of
opening up in the locality. He has
now sent word that the safe and fur
niture are to be disposed of, which step
would seem to indicate that the Fair
banks institution already has as mueh
business on its hands as it. can con
veniently carry.
Big Doings on
Willow Greek
Returning from a trip to Don Ian
creek, where he has been engaged in
the thankless task of serving sub
poenas, Deputy Marshal Donovan took
the opportunity presented and had a
look around the Willow creek section.
As a result tlie marshal is full of en
thusiasm, and has a lirm bekef in the
futute prosperity of the ere :'.-..
There are half-a-doaen different out
fits there and several nice dumps hare
been taken out during the winter.
Pans as high as 40 cents have been ob
tained on the benches, several hun
dred feet from the creek bed. On an
other part of the creek the ground
runs 50 cents to the miner’s bucket.
Had it not been for the association
claim evil much more development
work would have been done on the
creek, but what has so far been uncov
ered is more than sufficient to make
Willow a hive of industry during the
coming summer. Chicken and Prince
creeks are also showing up very well.
Capt. Donovan saw sufficient during
his short trip to convince him that this
camp is good for at least six years, and
i hen some.
Gamp idltarod No. 27
To bo Duly Organized
Following upon his appointment a;
Deputy Grand Arctic Chief at Cargo,
Major Strong will, on Monday evening,
March 27, institute Camp Iditarod No.
27. He will be assisted by other mem
bers of the Arctic Brotherhood. It is
expected there will be about 70 charter
members, and all whose names are on
the charter list are requested to de
posit the amount of their fees with
Z. T. Loussac, the secretary-treasurer
of the A. B. club.
At the meeting of the A. B. club
held last Monday night. Trustee J. H.
Smith stated that it was hoped to begin
the erection of the hall about the mid
dle of April.
Manager Munro Was Jailed
While every liquor dealer in the
country is more or less interested in
District Attorney Crossley’s recent in
terpretation of the liquor law, it has
fallen to Manager C. A. Munro's lot
to act the part of the martyr. Caught
in the act of selling liquor in the time
honored custom of the company, but
contrary to the Crossleyau construc
tion, Mr. Munro, who runs the N. C.
store at Tanana, was promptly arrested
and thrown into the local calaboose.
There he languished, says rumor, while
Tom McGowan was speeding to his as
sistance over the ice. It is currently
reported that Munro is going to write
a book on prison reform, based upon
his experiences while under tl, • watch
ful eye of Deputy Marshal Robinson
Prospectiag on Lewis Trail
Coming over the Lewis trail on his
way to this camp, K. Moss was mueb
impressed with the possibilities of the
district adjoining the trail as a future
placer country. To Mr. Moss there were
many indications of the presence of
placers in that region, and he thinks
there will be something found there
which will be worth while. He says
that there are about ten men quietly
prospecting in that vicinity. They have
just paid a visit to Diskaket for sup
plies and, although they were reticent,
they admitted that it was not difficult
to find colors in the neighborhood.
Fred Bruhn, one of the proprietors
of Bruhn’s roadhouse, 15 miles from
town, was a visitor to Iditarod during
the week. Mr. Bruhn was the first
postmaster of this camp, but somehow
or other didn’t seem to hit it with the
postmaster-general. Anyway he re*
signed,