The steamship people are amazed at the number of "tenderfeet" who have been struck by the craze. There has never been anything equal to it, they say, and the end is not yet. The cashier of the Alaska Company says that if they had sufficient boats on hand there would be, in his opinion, at least 20,000 people go up the Yukon this fall. There are not enough provisions now in Dawson to feed those already there, and only a limited supply can be transported there before the winter blockade begins.
An outfitting firm in Seattle received a cablegram from London, England, asking if 5,000 men could be outfitted there.
The Alaskan and British American gold field fever has struck Texas. Reports from many places indicate preparations for a rush to the Northwest. Inquiries are being made at every railroad office concerning routes and rates of transportation.
A pinch of gold dust pays for a drink in Dawson City. As the barkeeper takes the pinch out of the miner's bag barkeepers with broad thumbs receive the highest wages.
Perhaps the most interesting reading in the Milling Record is the letters written by men in the Klondyke to friends in Juneau. Here is one from "Casey" Moran:
Dawson, March 20, 1897.
"Friend George: Don't pay any attention to what any one says, but come in at your earliest opportunity. My God! It is appalling to hear the truth, but nevertheless the world has never produced its equal before. Well, come. That's all. Your friend."CASEY."