, JANUARY 29, 1911. Two Bits Per Copy
“SKOOKUM"
JOHNSON NOW
IN HERO LIST
Friday morning, “Skookum” John
son, he of fame in many places, but
most recently in Flat, had dreams of
empire. Having dreamed this pipe he
summons his trusty lieutenants, Tom
Frolin and John Lund, shoulders his
trusty ax and goes to the lot adjoining
his chop house on Front street, and
queitly yumps it.
With poles and tent he glaums a
likely portion of tho lot belonging toj
K. W. Gridin & Co. laying between the
store building and the building formerly j
occupied by the Pacific Cold Storage,
now doing duty as Skook's restaurant. !
This lot is about 20 feet wide and had |
long belonged to the Griffin company, j
In fact hot it the buildings between |
which Skookum squatted belong to that '
company and the lots. They had merely !
left the space for an alleyway and for !
tire protection.
Leaving word to his lieutenants to
use the ax on anyone who interfered,
.Skookum went buck to his biscuits, I
while the populace gathered around to
gaze in wonder at the first lot jumping i
outrage in Flat city. There was an in-:
Uignaiion meeting and everybody 1
munched the muslin meditatively, but :
there was nothing stirring. From all i
accounts Skookum is still there.
It appears that it had to come sooner J
or later. You can't keep the lot jum
per down, To avoid the trouble, the
annoyance and the expense suffered in
this city, the people of Flat should.take
hold of that matter and handle it with
out gloves.
* * * *
Following Skookum’s eminent ex-j
ample other lot jumpers were reported
busy there early this (Saturday) morn-J
ing, and it now seems that Flat folks j
are in for a warm time.
THEY SHY THEY
DON'T LIKE IT
After a sojourn on the Kuskokwim
side of the divide for a period of two
months, during which they investigated
the possibilities of Donlau creek, Jim
Lawton, Bob Kiltie, Pete McKeagb
and Frank Gillespie, came to Iditarod
Monday, and reported that as far they
were concerned the country did net
look good to them.
They admit that, pay has been found
in one or two places, but the number
of spots where holes have been sunk
without results was so numerous that
it was rather dispiriting to all of them.
On the trip Gillespie had an argu
ment with one of the members of his
dog team and was quite severely bitten
on the hands and face. The doctor
took the necessary precautions and no
serious consequences are feared.
Slipped One Over On Us
When Alabam Laboyteaux left Idit
arod with Jack Devereau on that pro
vision expedition to the steamer Min
neapolis, he was keeping something up
ids sleeve in regard to his intention to j
take a run up to the ICoyukuk. He said
he was going after the grub and hurry
back, and he lias either changed his
mind or was spoofing us.
He left some interests up in the vi-1
cinity of Coldfoot, or it is possible he !
was called by that new Red Mountain |
strike,—anyway from last reports he
was headed in that general direction.
In the meantime, it is believed that
bis caravan with the butter and the
smoked meats from the Minneapolis is
on the way hither, somewhere in the
vicinity of Diskaket. An outfit has
been sighted there, but it may be Men
ard or Ryan or some of those other
freighters who are relaying provisions
aud fresh meats from Lewis' landing.
Casey sells Bock cigars.
Hurries From Nixon's
Fork and Bock Again:
There is something doing on Nixon’s
Fork, and some of the prognostications
of some of the wise old timers seem
about to come true.
Arthur Eaton was over last week but;
spent little time here. He remained i
just long enough to report that they
had struck pay on Flat creek, a tribu
tary of Nixon's Fork and then he was
on his way again.
Things are indeed looking up over
there, as witness the buy made by Jack
Sheedy of some interests held by Jim
Roberts, and which are reported more
at length in another portion of this is
sue. P. O. Sunberg went back with
Eaton Wednesday and they have let no
moss grow under their heels.
Harry Karstens, the dog musherwho
came down from Fairbanks some time
ago, to look over the country, left last
Tuesday on a hurried trip to the Yu-:
kon. He is supposed to have gone to
Nulato, and his mission is not known.
He is expected back here in about two
•weeks. __
For sale cheap, Conn snvercornet, in
case, good condition. Robert Simpson.
’Cb^-Wuaer’s Rome sells Bock cigars
ARE THEY TRYING T€ BUY FLAT?
Out of the haze of rumor and conjecture that
has hung over this camp for the last several
months there now appears the ghostly form of a
gigantic deal on Flat creek which means no more
nor less than the purchase of the entire creek by
a big syndicate of Outside capital. The deal is
pending and in the making, but whether or not
it will ever materialize, no one can say.
Flat creek is the banner creek of the camp
and holds some very rich ground. It is also sup-;
posed to carry pay from the head to the foot—a
distance of four and a half miles. It is shallow
and it is wet, and doubtless long after the
scrapers have ceased to gouge the muddy gravels
huge dredges will tear at its wonderful pay chan
nel. On these things the promotors of the deal
are working, the men who were identified with
the first high finance on the creek.
Quietly and aB unobtrusively as possible they
have been making a secret survey of the creek, in
an attempt to line up all the pay ground. In
fact, it is reported that a line has been run the
entire length of the creek, and that an exhaustive
report on its possibilities and conditions is in the
making. The matter has been discussed quietly
by those who have gained an inkling of the real
intentions, and much speculation has been in
dulged in concerning tiie ultimate success of the
undertaking. Men familiar with the creek de
clare that so big a deal can never be pulled off
here. Flat creek could not be bought for five
million dollars cash, even if they promised to pay
j more afterward. Interests are scattered and op*
jtimism prevails—nobody being particularly anx
ious to sell. Flat creek may be purchased some!
jday, but it will hardly be knocked down this year, j
L __ A
LAND ON NAIL WITH BOTH BROGANS
The city of Iditarod will have a big public ball, and it
will he situated on the corner of Richmond street and
Second. It will be the finest hall in the Iditarod and one
of the largest structures devoted to mere pleasure in Alaska
The Arctic Brotherhood club cf Iditarod has said so, and so
it will be and soonly.
The big tiling came off Friday night The gnu was
loaded, primed and fired, and when the explosion came
there were a lot of people there to hear it. Some meetings
had been held before, and a lot of useless gas bad been ex
pended, bat at the same time, it pushed the thing along
and brought it to a point where something very definite and
entirely pleasing was accomplished Friday night.
The board of trustees of the Arctic Brotherhood club
occupied the centre of the stage, and monopolized the at
tention of the entire assemblage. Their report told of the
three sites that bad been under consideration, but having
investigated them thoroughly, they’ believe that the cornei
across from the old Red Cross location oti Second and
Richmond, was the cheapest, the most logical and the most
satisfactory location in the city.
They spoke of the site offered next to the Miner’s
Home saloon on Willow street and the bonus that would
j be given therewith. They also considered the site proposed
| next to Beattie’s lodging house on First street on the corner
I of Black, together with a $10110 ta h bonus and an offer of
$6 ,0 in labor. The committee did no’ favor the location
because of the big initial cost necessary to prepare the
foundations, which would destroy practically all the advan
tage gained by the cash bonus.
Coming to the consideration of the corner on Secon .
and Richmond, they informed the assembled members that
the lot had been donated at a cost of $1:50, and that al
though there was no cash to go with the site, they never
theless favored it from every standpoint and recommended
to the club that such site be adopted.
Well, that’s about all there was to it. Bill Ansley moved
that the report be accepted and the recommendation of the com
mittee be concurred in. This motion was afterwards amenued to
empower the committee to proceed with the building of the hall
just as soon as the Almighty and the high tariff would let. them.
There was some slight argument and the motion was adopted
with one dissent..
In the meantime, something had been learned about the finan
cial end of the proposition, and it was with a great deal of satis
faction that the members heard of the healthy condition of the
treasury.
The committee had considered three different plans for the
building, but had finally agreed upon one providing a hall 40x80
feet, with a 16 foot wall, balcony, stage and waiting rooms. This
structure was figured at $7000, and they recommended it as being
a creditable building and within the means of the organization.
They leported that the treasury held $2100 in cash, with
$1000 more subscribed. They had also sold $550 in bonds,
every member of the board of trustees having taken a goodly
chunk of these to show his good faitii in their recommendations.
These bonds are worth $25 and are interest bearing. They
are paid by lot when ever a surplus is held in the treasury above
current expenses.
The question of plans was discussed, and the fact, announced
that bids would be called for at once. Carpenters and other arti
sans are to be allowed to work out their contributions, or their
life memberships in the brotherhood in the discretion of the con
tractor who finally takes the job.
Optimism, satisfaction and confidence were the keynotes of
the meeting. Everybody there wanted to see that hall built and
they were entirely satisfied with the way the thing was going.
True it is, that a few were disappointed in the selection of the
site, but a plea for harmony was made on this subject. Major
Strong, in the chair called for free discussion from the members
present and it was had, the talk finally ranging from the details
of business to lighter pieces and stories.
It, was suggested that entertainment be provided for the next
meeting which will be held Monday night, anti following this sug
gestion a committee consisting of Albert Wile, J. E. Lindberg
and Bill Ansley was appointed by the chair to see that there is
something stirring when next they get together.
IS NOW TAKING LARGE MOUTHFULS
Having masticated the matter of the town hall until
the cud is comfortably placed, Flat City is reaching oat
for a new bite, and hopes to rake in the recorder’s office
now located in this city. Having successfully Fletcher
ized this knobby proposition, she hopes to tickle her
palate with the district court, already laying the plans
for snaring Judge Overfield when he comes down to
hold court next spring.
Although little is being said right now, there seems
to be a strong opinion, among gastronomic experts,
that F'at City is biting off more than she can comfort
ably chew. It is also opined that the city may be ef
fected with indigestion—a malady to be administered to
later by reconstruction pills.
Be this as it may, it’s a lead-pipe cinch that Flat is
going after the recorder’s office, and they expect to get
it. They will also use every effort to induce Judge
Overfield to hold court there. The probabilities are
that if one of these contingencies comes to pass, so will
I the other. They are circulating round and around and
expect to have a long petition to present to the court
when he arrives here. After that they will bring all
the pressnre possible to bear on Judge Overfield to
come out there and hear his cases.
Although there is considerable confidence here in
the fact that no change will be made in the location of
the recorder’s office, the movement on the part of Flat
must not be treated lightly by this city, for they have
the spirit that pull together and counts, and they may
slip one over on us.
The stock argument now put forward by the Flat
dwellers is to the effect that there is no reason for the
prospector to come to Iditarod to do his recording when
he could do it there. They lose sight of the fact that
practically all of the recording of claims in this immedi
ate vicinity was done before any office was ever estab
lished here, and that this office has been kept up by the
recording of claims from the Upper Iditarod and other
sections entirely remote from Flat creek and its envi
rons.
They overlook the further fact that of the new dis
tricts coming to the front, Iditarod is more centrally
located than is Flat creek. With these facts to ponder
upon, and with the further fact that the large commercial
interests are gathered around this office and will stay
here, it is doubtful if Judge Overfield will be moved to
answer the cry of the few Flat City boosters who are
| naturally trying to gobble everything in sight.
Flat creek is booming at the present time, but the op
ening of navigation will put an entirely new aspect on the
situation, and will change the betting materially.
There is no occasion for alarm, hut simply one of con
cern. The people of Iditarod should simply give it re
spectful attention. Judge Overfield certainly will take no
action until he arrives here, anil by that time he will be
amply abie to judge for himself after giving the proposition
j a thorough sizi g up.
LOOKED AT SEVERAL AND COMES BACK TO IDITAROD
After a sort of ring-around-the rosey trip, during which
he took a good look at the Squirrel river camp on the Ko
buk, north of Nome, and watched tvro Legiras, to and from
the Red Mountain camp, J. J. Brown, formerly of Fair
banks, and recently of all Alaska, arrived in Iditarod Fri
day, and announced that he had come to stay.
Brown lias been on the move for a good part of a year.
He came down from Fairbanks last winter beaded for this
section, but struck Diskaket just in lime to meet that first
disappointed outburst of soreheads who were leaving the
Iditarod forever. Naturally he got frigid pedals as far as
this section was concerned, and started back, thinking pos
sibly that he might go straight tip.
On the way, he met one, J D Menich, he cf Ellamai
mine fame, and well-known old-timer who has seen more
ups and downs than a scenic railway Menicli was also
headed for the same place, where ever that might be, and
they threw in together.
They took that little frequented trail that runs from
Gibboti to the Koyukuk and up the Aiatna. It then goes
over to the Kobuk, and down to the Kotzebue Sound, in
tercepting the Squirrel river strike on the way. They tar
ieel he:e for the good part of the summer, and Menicfi al
though, not now possessed of the bank roll which once
tilled his day dreams, coppered several good bets that may
yet land him in the money, after that he went Outside,
The pay that has been found there is on a canyon
creek, and the snow gets so deep that all leasers take their
contracts from the top of the beautiful. If they reach ground
before spring, and like the looks of the bunch grass, the
owners usually give them a new lease and let them go to it.
The season is two months long, or just about long
enough to allow them to get their sluice-boxes set up and
carrying water. They loosen a little gravel after that, if
the winter don’t catch them at it. However, Brown re
ports that the section had produced $30,000 up to October
when he lelt, and in one place the ground went $275 to the
box length.
He says that, all things considered, the place did not
look particularly good to him, and as winter closed in, he
departed on the same trail by which he went.
Coming back along the Koyukuk in the vicinity of
Indian river, he met the first of this fall’s stampeders into
the Red Mountain country, of which so much has been
heard of late. "Hot Air” Boh Herrold vvas in the lead,
and he was closely followed by "Happy Jack” Felix, Gard
tier, Dunbar and Lloyd, the last four being then on their
way from Fairbanks, and going in to represent Fairbanks
people, among others, E. W. Giiffiu, Bill McPhee, Frank
Manley and Tom Lloyd.
Brown had met the last two men who came out ot the
country the winter before, and was not particularly enam
ored of it, wherefore he proceeded upon his way to Gibbon
with the ultimate intention of heading for the Iditarod.
He lroze his fingers on the way and was compelled to
go under the care of the post doctor at Gibbon, remaining
there 20 days.
While still there, Gardner came back from Indian
river, and although the rest of the party remained, he said
that conditions were such that nothing could be told about
the country at that time ol year. His report was not en
couraging, either, in fact he took the safe middle ground of
saying nothing in particular.
Having finished his convalescence at Gibbon, Brown
came on into the Iditarod, joining forces with Simms at
Diskaket, and assisting in the transportation of six casts
of hen fruit wdiich Simms was bringing Iron] Unalaklik
MAY HAVE TO WAIT
THEBE WHOLE MONTH
According to a statement contained in
the Cordova Alaskan the Alaska Steam
ship company was seriously contem
plating, a month ago, cutting out the
town of Seward from its steamship
run, and instead of giving her a weekly
service, cut the visits of the ships down
to once a month.
Since that nothing has been beard to
indicate whether this change has gone
into effect, but from the tone of the
article in the Alaskan, it would appear
that it has.
The change will not make any serious
difference to travelers going Outside
from here by way of Seward, for it ap
pears that the trip can be made to Cor
dova in smaller vessels with little
danger. At the latter point there is
a six-day service to Seattle,
Combining business with pleasure,
Miss Anna Hagelin, moving spirit of
the Home restaurant which had such
a vogue at Fiat last summer and fall,
visited Iditarod last week. She not
only attended to some of the details of
buying, incident to the change of the
Home restaurant to a lodging house,
but she also attended the dance at An
sley’s hall last Saturday night. She
loves Iditarod, but Oh you Flat.
FOR SALE-Cheap, 1.100 feet T-rail
and spikes. Apply White & Lefergy.
Dikeraan.
Save the pieces 1 broken lenses re
placed at Simpson’s.
Ramps sells Bock cigars
FIRST OF JUNE
FOR 000 DAYS
That famous (log caso between Am
brose Van and Wilfred Renaud will not
be tried until the first of March, ac
cording to the ruling made by Judge
Maltby last Thursday when he con
tinued the ease on account of the lack
of a material witness for the defense.
Roy E. Bigham, appearing for the
defendant Renaud, maintained that his
most material witness was over on
Moore creek, and he could not possibly
go to trial without him. Van was there
with two witnesses from Discovery,
and J. E. Moody, for the plaintiff, in
sisted that the case go to trial at that
time. Bigbatn cinched bis case by stat
log that Fred Carter, his other wit
ness, had missed the stage from Flat
crock. Cheny is the witness wanted
from Moore creek, and he will be noti
fied to be on hand at the proper time.
The trouble is all about the owner
ship of a dog, but it appears that the
canine is entirely ignorant of all the
rumpus he has kicked up.
A. B. HALL
Is not ready for dances, but Ansley’s
Hail is. Beginning at 8 p. m. Saturday,
January 28th, lessons in dancing will
be given until 9:30 p. m., when the big
dance will begin. The new beginners
can remain for the regular dance with
out any extra expense. Gentlemen,
$2.50; ladies free. Bring your friends
and teach them to dance. Mr. Fxl
Snith will be instructor.
——
Baird sells Bock cigars
ARE GOING TO
HIT THE WIRES
A secret expedition is just start
ing for the Yukon where the mem
hers thereof wdll sit down in easy
backed chairs and spend their
money for telegraph tolls.
A1 Thorns, one of the original
owners of Flat creek, is heading
the party, and he is accompanied
by Ray Brumbaugh and Ed Kel
logg There is something very
mysterious about Thorn’s mission,
but it is believed that it has some
thing to do with big deals that are
now pending on Flat creek.
Brumbaugh and Kellogg are put
ting in orders for machinery, an.l
are also getting some axes to g ind.
WILL RECEIVE
SEVENTY CENTS
ON THE DOLLAR
From the latest information received
from Fairbanks, it is learned that th®
affairs of the Washington-Alaska bank
which closed its doors on Dec. 4th, and
went into the hands of Receiver Hawk
ins, are being rapidly adjusted.
According to a telegram received by
Cecil Clegg, assistant district attorney,
the books now show that the depositors
v<j&\ get 70c on the dollar. The stock
holders will lose their entire holdings.
The news is much better than was
generally expected, and giyes promise
of better news later.
ANOTHER BIO PLANT
FOR OTTER GREEK
Among the important transactions of
the last week, is that one reported on
Otter creek, where L. N. Ellis bought
into two lays on 1 and 2-a bench.
According to the report of the deal,
Ellis has bought into the McMullen A'
Brnah lay on the upper end of 2-»,
and also in tho Bittles & Pie user lay
on the lower end of 1-a bench. From
the nature of the proposition, they
must be worked by two plants, and
these hs is preparing to supply.
Ellis is au experienced mining man,
having w orked for Aitken last summer,
and he is making preparations to go
into these new lays on a big scale. In
addition to the GO h. p. boiler which he
has secured from Aitken, he has pur
chased a triple-drum hoist from Brum
baugh, Hamilton & Kellogg, and he
also ordered a big bottomless scraper
which will be brought in over Lak»
Leberge so as to reach here on th«
first water. If this can be transported
successfully up Otter creek, he will
have the machinery on the ground and
ready to work by the latter part of
June.
This means tho addition of another
large force of men to the activity of
Otter next summer, and will -timulate
the boom that is already starting there.
RICH LEDGE OF GOLD
STRUCK AT MgKINLEY LAKE
The most encouraging reports
are being heard fiom the McKinley
lake quartz properties. The Lucky
Strike Mining Company, which is
driving a tunnel on the Walker
claims has run into a 14 foot ledge
of ore that assays as high as $125
to the ton. This property has pas
sed the development stage and is
now an assured mine. The ore
contains free milling gold and the
samples brought to town are so
rich that even the most skeptical are
compelled to “sit up and take no
tice.—Cordova Alaskan.
Masons Make Merry
Midst Much Melody
Those who were fortunate enough
to be Masons last Thursday night
did not regret it. Masons gathered
and Masons had some fun, for it
was one of the nicest little dancing
parties that have beet) held in this
city
The word had gone forth that
the party was for Masons and their
ladies, and as a consequence, Ma
sons and their ladies were there.
The business preamble was more
or less of a joke. They didn’t
come for business and when they
discovered that it would interfere
with their pleasure, they cut it
out.
The lower floor of AnMey's hall
was ttiilized lor reception rooms
and the upstairs hall was devoted
entirely to dancing. They needed
it all.
Some thirty couples tripped light
ly on the corners, while Jack Con
nolly, of Flat, one of the best dance
instigators that ever stepped over
the fifty-thud parallel, meddled
melodiously with the music.
They had light refreshments too,
it beiiig everyone’s cue to eat as
much as he wanted. In many cases
this was found to interfere with
smooth motion, wherefore some did
i ot go back more than once or
t .vice.
Best watch repairing at. Simpson's.
Hussey sells Bock cigars.
Eyes examined free—Simpson’s.
All cigars dealers sell Bock cigars.
Full line optical goods at Simpson’jf