Miners & Merchants Bank
IDITAROD, ALASKA
Capital, $50,000.00
General Banking Business Transacted Gold Dust Bought and Assayed
Drafts Issued on Any Part of the World
SEATTLE CORRESPONDENT: SCANDINAVIAN AMERICAN BANK
OFFICERS:
("has. Ross, President
T. ,T. Nestor, Vice President
John Holmes, Cashier and Assayer
\ MERCHANTS CAFE \
| Caters to Large and Small Parties j
l PRIVATE DINING ROOMS j
> Popular Prices Everything First Class <
CHAS. E. MILLER, PROP. I
$ ^ . . _ <
LAND OFFICE DOPE
ON NEW PLACER LAW
The U. S. land office at Fairbanks
has received a communication from the
Secretary of the Interior giving the
general land office interpretation of the
new placer law. The interpretation is
lengthy, but throws no new light upon
the act. it- does, however, make the
following positive statements:
The act does not apply to ground lo
cated prior to August 1, 1912, either as
regards assessment work, or in any
other particular.
An agent acting under power of at
torney may only locate for two indi
vidual principals or one associate prin
cipal during any calendar month—that
is to say no attorney can represent
more than two individuals, whether
acting independently or in association,
in any one calendar month.
All assessment work, amounting to
<*100 for each 20 acres or excess frac
tion thereof, must be done in the same
year as the ground is located.
With regard to the latter provision,
the Iditarod Pioneer is informed that
this does not abrogate the right of 90
days grace allowed under United States
law. For example, in the event of
ground being located December 31, it
would be manifestly impossible to do
the assessment work in the same year.
Notice of Forfeiture
TO C. HARTYBACK
You. your heirs and assigns, are hereby noti
fied that trie sum of one hundred dollars—Jioo
has been expended upon placer mining claim
known as the Lucky Dog association. Arab
creek, tributary of Willow creek, otter mining
and recording precinct, Territory ot Alaska,
being assessment wotk for the year 1912. You
are further notified that if at the expiration of
ninety—90—days after the last publication of
this notice you’fail or refuse to contribute your
proportion of such expenditure, your interest
in said claim will become the property of the un
dersigned and his co-owners, under Section 2324
of the Revised Statutes of the I'nited States.
DAN HARTNETT.
First publication January 18, 1913
Last publication April '9 1913.
Notice of Forfeiture
To F. Morency, J. Pierson and Dave Cascaden.
their heirs, assigns, successors or personal
representatives;
You are hereby notified that I have expended
in labor and improvements for year 1912 the
sum of one hundred dollars—$100—011 the Moun
tain Heme association placer mining claim, sit
uated in the Otter M iuing and Recording Dis
trict. Territory of Alaska, which has been duly
recorded at the commissioner's office at Idit
arod. The above amount lias been expended in
order to hold the said cla;m under the provi
sions of the law concerning annual labor upon
mining claims, being the amount required to
hold such claim. And you are further notified
that if, within ninety—00—days after the last
publication of this notice, you t lil to contribute
your proportion of said expenditure, your in
terest in said claim will become the property of
the undersigned, your co-owner
C. I*. JONES.
First publication January ifi. 1913.
Last publication April 19, 1913.
You’ll Save
Lots of Writing,
Time and
Worry
By ordering the name of
your wife, business partner
or friend who is now on the
Outside, placed on the sub
scription books of the
IDSTAROD PIONEER
It’s the most economical
way to keep them posted on
the affairs of Alaska's best
mining district.
$1.00 Per Month
Post Paid
PROTESTS WATER
APPROPRIATIONS
S. C. Adams has filed two pro
tests against the appropriation of
water rights mads in behalf of the
Yukon Gold Company last mouth.
The first protest declares that the
said S. C. Adams owns an undi
vided half interest in the North
Butte placer claim, adjoining the
Prospector association, at the mouth
of Flat, and that the appropriating
of 500 miners inches of water from
Cottonwood creek, as proposed,
would diveit the water from its
natural channel and preclude the
protestor from mining and working
his claim. Another reason stated
is that at low water the creek does
not carry 500 inches.
The second protest is against the
appropi iatinn of 4,000 miners
inches of water from Otter creek,
and the same reasons are given as
in the first case.
The protests were filed January
13; the water locations having
been made in November and re
corded last month.
As a result of the appeal for aid is
sued in behalf of Oscar Margraff, threat
ened with total blindness, a sum of $1,
074 was raised by public subscription,
and be was enabled to leave for the
Outside to consult a specialist. The
public appeal was not of Mr. Margraff's
seeking, but it. was learned after he
bad been stricken that he was a mem
ber of no fraternal organization in the
territory, and therefore there was no
other course open.
The subscription lists were placed in
the hands of Grant Murdock, who se
lected John Novak and Thomas Mc
Kwen as assistants. That they did ex
cellent work the amount collected
shows—John Novak’s efforts alone re
sulting in $410.
Following are the contribution lists
by districts:
Head of Flat (Grant Murdock) . .. $ 49
Flat city and creek (John Novak) 41(1
Discovery (Thomas McKwen) 239
Iditarod city (Grant Murdock). .. 285
Masonic Club “ “ 109
$1,074
Of the total amount $700 has been
turned into postoffice money orders on
Seattle; $100 draft on Fairbanks, and
the balance lias been paid in cash tc
Mr. Margraff (who receipted for same),
for expenses enroute. The money sent
to Fairbanks is in the nature of an
emergency fund.
Manager Wood, of the N. C. Co.,
gave Mr. Margraff a letter to the N. C
agent at Fairbanks, who will probably
give a special rate to Cordova.
The subscription lists may be seen at
the oflico of the Iditarod Pioneer at
any time. _
SECOND-LARGEST DIAMOND
FOUND IN THE TRANSVAAL
The second-largest diamond in the
world has just been discovered in the
Premier mine, near Pre'oria, Trans
vaal, South Africa. It weighs 1,64£
carats. The only diamond larger than
this one is the famous Cullinan
diamond, found in the same mine in
1905. Uncut the Cullinan weighed
3,025 carats. The Eacelsior diamond,
found at Jagersfontein, Orange Free
Slate, is now the third largest, being
of 835 carats.
VALDEZ CORRESPONDENT TELLS
STORY OF MAIL DIFFICULTIES
Valdez, January 13.—The Interior Alaska mail which left Cor
dova on the Copper River railroad December 21 was stalled for
nearly 21 days at Mile lOO'-s owing to a serious snowslide. It
reached Chitina last Saturday. The second rotary to leave was
stalled at Mile 92, having run out of oil fuel. These engines are
all oil burners, and cannot use wood; consequently handsleds had
to be requisitioned to bring oil fuel from Mile 101.
On a rotary stalled at Mile 99 there is another week’s consign
ment. Tonight 4,800 pounds of mail will be despatched from Cor
although the line is not clear; but the Cordova officials send the
mail so they can advise the Postoffice department that all mail is
enroute.” From Mile 55 to Mile 91, which is mostly canyon and
always in trouble, the line is completely blockaded, yet officials
promise, in order to ward off criticism, that all will be running on
schedule again within six days. The mail that did reach Chitina
had passed through the canyon before the storm commenced.
The McIntosh stages are running regularly from Valdez, al
though travel is light. Had the mail which reached Chitina Satur
day last been routed via Valdez it would have reached Fairbanks
before the new year.
The foregoing statements are guaranteed by the Valdez city
officials and the Valdez Chamber of Commerce.
VALDEZ PROSPECTOR.
PRIZE WINNERS AT MASQUERADE
Following wero the prize winners at the Kennel Club mas
querade, given at A. B Hall, Iditarod, last week:
Best dressed lady, Mrs. Claude Baker, black velvet, book
Best dressed gentleman, Charles Marsh, swell coon, Stetson
hat.
Best sustained character, lady, Miss Wolfe, Columbia, fruit
dish.
Best sustained character, gentleman, Mrs. Byers, scissors
grinder, $10. ,
Best comic character, lady, Mrs. Frank Larson, fjlis Hopkins,
leg of mutton.
Best comic character, gentleman, Ben Bromberg, gipsy
woman, safety razor.
Best waltzer, lady, Mrs. Swanson, cut glass.
Best waltzer, gentleman, Dan Campbell, box cigars.
Best two-stepper, lady, Mrs. J. C. Currin, cut glass.
Best two-stepper, gentleman, Dave Mutchler, two bottles wine.
Best clown, lady, J. E. Riley, candy.
Best clown, gentleman, Joe Enos, vest.
Best cake-walker, lady, Mrs. Claude Baker, cake.
Best cake-walker, gentleman, Dominick Soraci, cigarettes.
Most original character, U. S. marshal in uniform (new admin
istration), Capt. Albert Wile, bottle wine; Turk, Dominick Soraci,
bottle wine.
The following firms and individuals kindly donated prizes:
Hurst Bros., cigarettes; Wm. Ansley, books: A. B. Rome,
clothing; Bnyles Bros., clothing; Smith’s gun store, razor: Idit
arod Meat Co., leg of mutton; Jack Baird, cut glass; Ramps Peter
son, cut glass; N. C. Co., cigars; J. E. Sale, fruit dish; Crowley &
Porter, box candy; Manuel Gularte, two bottles champagne; Mer
chants Cafe, cake; M. & M. Bank. $10; Sam Wiliner, bottles wine.
The board of management of the Kennel Club wish to express
their high appreciation of the willingness with which the business
people came forward with offers of prizes.
AUSIiH ARE
SUBJECT OF DISSWI88
According to a Seattle paper the candidates for governor of
Alaska under the Democratic administration are Major ,1. F. A.
Strong, Falcon Joslin and John W. Troy, editor of the Alaska
Yukon Magazine Mr. Joslin is said to have many warm support
ers at Washington, while Mr. Troy has considerable influence
around Puget sound.
The same paper says Robert W. Jennings is assured the ap
pointment as judge of the First division. Charles Cosgrove and
Bob Cheney, of Ketchikan and Juneau respectively, are aspirants
for the post of U S. district attorney. Harry Bishop and Hans
Hanson, both of Juneau, are after the marshalship.
In the Second division O. D. Cochran and George Grigsby are
claimed to be aspirants for the bench. For the Third division the
candidates for judge are A. C. Frist and Fred Brown. Charles
Davidson, of Fairbanks is being boomed for surveyor-general; and
Phil Abrahams and Charles SuLzer are mentioned as possibilities
for collector of customs at Juneau. For the marshalship at Fair
banks Dan Callahan and L T. Erwin are claimed to be candidates,
while other names are mentioned, but with no apparent authority.
Good Federai Positions
The best jobs in the federal administration will be that of gov
ernor-, $7,500 a year; collector of customs, $4,000 a year; surveyor
general, $4,000 a year; register of Juneau land office, $3,000 a year.
Then there are innumerable minor positions, some of them with
good salaries attached Even better are the positions which in
clude four division judges, salaries $7,500; four U. S attorneys,
$5,000 a year; four U. S. marshals, with salaries of $4,000 a year.
All of these appointees will have a large number of minor jobs to
give out, such as deputy clerks of court and assistant U. S. attor
neys. Then there will be court commissioners who can collect fees
up to $3,000 a year; lighthouse keepers, game wardens, fish com
missioners, and other positions which ought to gladden the hearts
of faithful Democracy. _
SUIT AGAINST THE
CASCADE LAUNDRY
John R. Bingham is bringing
suit in the district court for the re
covery ol the sum of $250 claimed
to be due ou a promissory note
executed June 21, 1911, by B. J.
Banks, Ben Howland and Joe M>
kuta in plaintiff’s favor. Plaintiff
also asks interest at the rate of 12
per cent, per annum, the costs of
the suit and $100 attorney’s fees.
Power of Attorney blanks-Pioneer.
Ball Band Rubber Boots and Pacs §§f§ N. C. Co. Sole Agents for Alaska
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KOLMAKOFFSKY
KolmakofTsky Station now Open forUusiness with a good,
complete line of
GROCERIES, PROVISIONS, HARDWARE
For the information of the public, the shortest and best trail
to the Aniak or Bear Creek connects on the Kuskokwim
Kivei at KolmakofTsky
Georgetown Station
A Full Line of Groceries, Provisions and Hardware
IDITAROD
Let Us Figure on Your Outfit Highest Prices Paid for Raw Furs
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P
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Ball Band Rubber Boots and Paes N. C. Co. Sole Agents for Alaska
INNOKO DISTRICT
SURE QUARTZ CAMP
Manager Joaquin, of the K. C.
post at Takotna, reports business
iu that section as better than last
year. This is due iu a measure to
the Cripple strike, but the Takotna
itself is also looking healthy, and
the same can be said for the old In
noko diggings.
Regarding the proposal to put
dredges on Ophir and Ganes creek,
in which enterprise the K. C. Co
is heavily interested. Mr. Joaquin
says that will depend entirely upon
the result of the prospecting now
j being done on the ground with a
I drill. Tiie woik has been retarded
by the exceptionally cold weather,
but is doubtless going forward now.
The quartz outlook in the In
noko district is very encouraging,
and there seems to tie no doubt
| about a quaitz camp resulting in a
i year or two. At present several
outfits are prospecting for quartz,
and although they are hampered by
lack of capital, work is progressing
steadily. The Independence, on the
| summit between Ganes and Yankee
i creeks, is showing up exceptionally
well at a depth of 150 feet A toy
I crusher taken into the district did
not prove satisfactory and is out of
commission, but Mr. Joaquin as
| sures us the machinery necessary to
work the Independence and other
properties will be brought in.
Charley Peterson says the talk
over there is that a very good sum
mer is iu sight for the whole dis
trict.
j ON THE EEK RIVER
Reports have reached Iditarod of
the discovery of high-grade coal in
a canyon of the Eek river, which
flows into Kuskokwim bay below
Bethel- It is claimed that a ledge
30 feet wide with a 200-foot face
has been located, but how far up
the Eek river the find was made is
not known. The discoverers were
Dugald Macpherson, McDonald
and Bush, and the find was made
last summer. A sample of the coal
can be seen at the Iditarod Pioneer
office. It is apparently'of excellent
quality, and tests made in a Yukon
stove show it to leave very little
ash.
Outcroppings of coal are said tc
be quite common along the Eek
river, and also on the Quichluk,
but as little or nothing has been
done to test the deposits, their
value cannot be estimated. But
the proximity of the deposits to
water, and the accessibility of Kus
kokwim bay, are factors which
should make for rapid development,
and the discovery is on that ac
count likely to have a far-reaching
effect upon the future prosperity of
the region. With proper aids to
navigation on Kuskokwim bay,
these fields should be as accessible
as the Bering river and Matanuska
fields, in Southwestern Alaska.
Writing to Eddie McArdle from
Ruby, Doc Madden says he spent the
summer months prospecting for quartz
on Long creek, but met with very lit
tle encouragement. He describes the
placer of that section as rather spotted.
NO DREDGING FOR
KUSKOKWH MOUTH
_
Malcolm McDonald says one of
the greatest diawbacks to the pro- I
1 sedition of mining operations in j
I the Aniak and Tuluksak is the
difficulty and expense of getting ad
equate machinery on to the ground.
One reason for this, he asserts, is
that shipowners are afraid to ven
ture their vessels into Kuskokwira
hay because it is uncharted and
abounds in shoals. Consequently
freight rates are high.
I.ast year it was hoped an ap
propriation would he forthcoming
for the charting, such having been
promised, but the following dis
patch proves that hope to have
been groundless;
Washington, January 17. —Sec
retary of War Henry L. Stimson
has sent to congress an adverse re
1
port on the question of improving
the entrance to the Kuskokwira
river, and the projected survey,
which has been under contempla
tion for a number of yeats, has
been dropped.
WALKING DELEGATE’S EAR
CHEWID OFF BY CONTRACTOR
Portland, December 6.—Dining
a street fight between Charles Pot
tage, a Portland contractor, and
Tom Conroy, walking delegate, the
contractor bit off the walking dele
gate’s right err. Conroy picked
up his ear and took it home. This
morning the ear was introduced
in court as “exhibit A.’’
!
I Mrs. L. C. THORNTON J
LADIES’FURNISHINGS j
i Confectionery, Drugs >
j Successor to Miss Kitsch FLAT CITY, Gold St. j
ARCTIC BROTHERHOOD
Camp iditarod No. 27, Arctic Broth
erhood, meets at A. B. Hall every
Monday evening at 8 o'clock. Visiting
brethren cordially invited to attend.
CYRIL P. WOOD,
Arctic Chief.
RONALD FROST,
Arctic Recorder
HOME AGAIN!1
ON THE WINTER TRAIL
ehzmmud
ROADHOUSE
Meals All Hours.
Liquors and Cigars
Tel: “Summit Roadhouss.”
Best of Everything
all the time at the
FLAT CITY
Open Day and Night
I Outfit Here for Innoko and Mud )
River Camp-* )
-- ,
Dikeman \
Roadhouse and Store j
ROB 7 . COCK BURN. PROP. <
Everything First Clas9 >
The New Placer Law
The following is a copy of the law recently enacted by Congress amend
ing the mining laws of Alaska:
A bill to modify and amend the mining laws in their application to the Ter
ritory of Alaska, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted, etc., That no association placer mining claim shall here
after be located in Alaska in excess of 40 acres, and on every placer mining
claim hereafter located in Alaska, and until a patent has been issued therefor,
not less than $too worth of labor shall be performed or improvements made
during each vear, including the year of location, for each and every 20 acres
or excess fraction thereof.
Sec. 2. That no person shall hereafter locate any placer mining claim in
Alaska as attorney for another unless he is duly authorized thereto by a
power of attorney in writing, duly acknowledged and recorded in any record
er’s office in the judicial division where the location is made. Any person so
authorized may locate placer mining claims for not more than two individuals
or one association under such power of attorney, but no such agent or attor
ney shall be authorized or permitted to locate more than two placer milling
claims for any one principal or association during any calendar month, and
no placer mining claim shall hereafter be located in Alaska except under the
limitations of this act;
Sec. 3. That no person shall hereafter locate, cause or procure to be lo
cated, for himself more than two placer mining claims in any calendar month:
Provided, That one or both such locations may be included in an association
claim.
Sec. 4. That no placer mining claim hereafter located in Alaska shall be
patented which shall contain a greater area than is fixed by law, nor which
is longer than three times its greatesf width.
Sec. 5. That any placer mining claim attempted to be located ir, viola
tion of this act shall be null and void, and the whole area thereof may be lo
cated by any qualified locator as if no such prior attempt had been made.
NICELY FURNISHED ROOMS BY DAY OR WEEK
Warm, Clean Well Ventilated
OPEN DAY AND HOURS
Tup onnODV Massase and
I _ UnUuD I Bath Parlors
MEDICATED, MINERAL VAPOR, STEAM, n ** & && ^
TUB, SALT AND FRESH WATER 0311831
Caribou St., Bet. Black and Willow Sts., on Waterfront
Electric and Faradlc Massage Treatments by Expert Attendants
Lighted by Gas Heated b-v Sream