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Alaska Searchlight - Juneau, 17 Dec 1894

First Woman at Forty Mile - San Francisco Examiner - Mrs. John J. Healey, who is known as the first white woman of Forty-Mile, is at the Occidental. Whe has been many years in the icy regions of the far north, and will remain here during most of the winter. Her husband is the manager and one of the owners of the North American Transportation and Trading Company, which has a steamer plying on the Yukon and a store at the junction of the river and Forty-Mile Creek.

The Healeys are as well known in the romote Yukon country as are the Sissons in Northern California. She says she believes some of the people thought she must be about six feet tall to have gone through all the privations atributed to her, for she repeats that distance lands enchantment, or rather exaggeration to the view, and that the Yukon country is not the terrible country some folks suppose it to be after all. Still the tings the little woman tells in a general way, as though they amounted to nothing, are calculated to open wide the eyes of her sisters, who know nothing practically of life on the frontier. She can't see, hoever, why she should be ranked as a heroine, and laughts away the stories of privations as though they were of small weight.

The thermometer last winter was at one time for several days 78 degrees below zero, but she was well, and the miners were always good to her. She tells, too, about going pleasure-riding over the snow with her dog team, and about seeing droves of caribou and monster moose along the river banks and in the foothills; but such things are only ordinary instances there. Whe could fill a book with experiences just as strange in other ways. She does not claim to be the first white woman at Forty-Mile, for there was the wife of a missionary there before her. Still she was the first woman who was impelled to go there because of the mines, and for this reason she is known as the first woman there.

Mrs. Healey is a young woman of but medium height, dark brown hair, blue eyes and a knindly face. Any man looking at here would say she must have enormous pluck to go so far and endure so much. As for her she says it has been the happiest experience of her life. The Healeys lived seven years at Chilkat in Southeastern Alaska. The winter of 1892-3 they lived at Nulato, on the Yukon, 700 miles down from Forty-Mile, and last year Mrs. Healey joined her husband at the latter place, and has remained there ever since.

There were about 400 people who wintered at Forty-Mile and vicinity last year, said Mrs. Healey. This year over 700 more came in by actual count, and not over 100 have goine out, so that leaves fully 1000 there. Among this number are about twenty-five white women, who also went in this year. There were about twenty of the women there when I left, and I have heard of four or five others who went in since. Undoubtedly they will cause changes in the camp. They are mainly the wives of miners who went in ahead of them. Among them were four brides, who went in last spring. They all enjoy living there very much. One of the brides was from St. Paul. She thinks is is the finest place she ever saw. The miners got out a-great deal of gold at Forty-Mile and vicinity this year. Just how much I do not know, as all the miners from the surrounding places had not yet come in when I left; but the gold already in was pleantiful, and it was being circulated liberally. My opinion is that the country will prove richer. I gave all the boys a Christmas dinner last winter. There were several hundred of them and all came. It was very good of them. As fast as one crowd of the boys got throught the table was cleared and some more sat down. When they all got throught they came and asked me if they could have a dance. I didn't known what to say. There were no women in camp except native women, and I didn't known what to do, but I thought i over and finally said; "All right, boys; go ahead," and they did. They had a nice time. They had taught the women how to dance before, so they got along very well. Iw as very gald I let them, they enjoyed themselves so well. those boys in the mines there are the kindest imaginable. They would do anything for me. Whe did they do during the ling, winter months? Well, they read and played games of different kinds, mainly with cards. Some of those men, were at hour house nearly every evening, and we played euchre, whist and other games. It was all very pleasant. Most of them don't do any work the whole winter through, though in some cases some worked at drift mining, but some in the camp don't work at all, neither winter nor summer.

We have started a library there, and that is a good thing for a far away camp of that kind. In October the river freezes over and then no more news from the outside world can get in till almost the middle of the next summer. Therefore there is nothing to do but read and amuse one's self as best can be done. It is surprising, too, how soon one gets used to this kind of life. At first it would appear that an active person would get restless, but it isn't so. He settles down as quietly and calmly as can be imagined and really seems to be far better and healthier. You see there is so much time to rest and so little when one can work that it does them a great deal of good.

I have known old men to go there crippled and looking very weak. Your wouldn't think they had but a little while to live and in a little while their faces would become ruddy and they would get stout and strong and look twenty years younger. The air is so pure there that, combined with the rest, it does them a great deal of good.

Then it isn't so cold there as is supposed. Last winter, though the thermometer went down to 78 below zero for several days, the weather wasn't bad. You see, the aire is so dry that you don't notice the cold the way you do here, where it is so damp. Usually the thermometer ranges from 25 to 35 below. Well, that bothers nobody. Even during those coldest days I went out and about some and didn't think much about it.

I went out nearly every day during the winter with my dog team and sleigh for a drive. Sometimes I only drove two dogs, but when I was feeling particualarly well and wanted to go fast I drove four. These dogs are the great Siberian dogs, which are wonderfully usefull in that country and can go very fast. They can go five miels and hour and sometimes six. They are much more intelligent and docile than the ordinary dogs of this country. They are so valuable, too, that sometimes $100 is paid for one of them. I drove without any lines and rarely had to use a whip. All I had to do was to tell them to go and say gee or haw, according as I wanted them to turn. Somethimes on making a quick turn I would get tipped out in the snow, but I only enjoyed this. It was rare sport. What adds to this enjoyment is the beatifully clear sky and bright sun. Almost every day the whole winter ling it was this way. Sometimes on these drives I have ssen droves of caribou. I have seen them by hundereds. The caribou are exactly like the raindeer, except that they are wild. There is no difference. I have seen the domestic raindeer that have been brough over from Sibreria, and they are just the same.

There are a good many moose also in the vicinity. I have seen them from the steamer on the Yukon. Last winter we had so much moose and caribou meat in camp that you could get all you wanted for ten cents a pound, and finally it was so plentiful that you couldn't get anything for it. The market was overstocked.

I want to say that the dogs I spoke of will pull loads that are astonishing. I have seen them pull 1000 pounds. Then they are so loyal and tractable. I have seen them get down on their bellies and pull and pull, they were so anxious to do what they were told. People here, who have only seen horses used, cannot understand how valuable they are in such a country as Forty-Mile.

Whenever a steamer gets in in the spring there is always the whole camp gathered, and the first thing always asked is, "What prominent men have died?" That is always the first thing. I noticed that the minute I was 700 miles up the Yukon. Ever man who cames along from Forty-Mile would ask that. Then there is such a hurrying to get papers and letters. In the camp the most exciting part of the news filies around in a minute. Every man in the camp knows it, and you don't know harley how. It is so quick. Oh, Forthy-Mile is a great place. I would not have missed it for anything. My husband was a pioneer of Montana, and everybody knowns hime there, as well as in Alaska. I went from Montana to Seattle, where we lived for a time, and then went to Alaska. I like it better than any place I have lived".

Mrs. Healey was particularly anxious her story should not be touched up any. The papers go back she said, and the boys will laught if they see anthing that is overdrawn. The interviews we get up there about people being heroes and heroines, because of the experiences they are supposed to have endured, make us smile simetimes, because it is a good country, and everbody is safe. The trip is not hard to make, and life in camp is quite alluring after all.

The miners she says, oftentimes come in from neighboring diggings and take a whole stack of magazines and papers out with them. They may be pretty old, but they are always good reading, and the miners are about the most sensible, and best posted men after all, though at Forty-Mile they may not be up on the latest news.

The Takou Trail - The past few years have demonstrated beyound reasonable doubt the wealth and importance of the great valley of the Yukon. Forty-Mile has grown to be quite a town with a winter population of nearly a thousand. The reports brought out this fall regarding the placer mines are very encouraging. It is an assured fact that at least five hundred men will go in next spring. Forty-Mile will in all probability more than double its population in the next two years. In view of these facts what has the government of the United States done toward opening up a trail or establishing mail routs? Nothing! The Canadian government is the first to appreciate the value of the interior and the first to attempt the building of a trail.

William Ogilvie and a party of surveyors arrived on the Mexico; their mission is to demonstrate the feasibility of building a trail to the interior by the way of Takou inlet. The survey will not be a thorough one, but simply a track survey. The altitude of the passes will be taken and distances estimated. The work of the taking a survey of this kind is no easy task even under the most favorable circumstances, but the undertaking in the dea of winter assumes dangers and hardships which even eurveyors are rarely called upon to undergo. A more favorable season would have been selected but as the trusted surveyor of the Canadian goverment Mr. Ogilvie's services will be needed all next summer on the boundary survey and some action in reference to the trail is imperative before 1896.

The party will leave here in a few days, probably chartering a small steamer to take them about thirty miles up the Takou. The rest of the journey will have to be made on snow shoes, each man dragging his sleight or toboggan loaded with his outfit. Not packers or carriers will be taken along; the party will be limited to six, which is tow more than was originally intended. Experience has proved that a small party can accomplish more than a large one under the conditions they will have to meet. The length of the trip will depend chiefly upon their supply of provisions as game in that region is scarce and they must depend upon such food as they are able to take with them. They will be absent from Juneau about two-or three months.

Although much has been said both in favor and against the Takou route but verly little is really known and Mr. Ogilvie's report of his trip through those frozen solitudes will be awaited with impatience the more so as it is understood that upon his report will rest the fate of the proposed trail.

The Canadian government will take immediate steps toward the occupancy of its possessions in the Yukon valley. A mining commissioner for Forty-Mile will be appointed who will go in next spring and a detachment of the mounted police, forty or fifty in number, will be sent with him. The presence of this large number of police there is not considered as specially necessary, but since the passing of recent license laws they are left practically with nothing to do in British Columbia.

What bearing this will have upon the development of the mingin interest of the interior it is hard to say, but our government should look to it tat the rights of all its citizens in the Yukon country are not left to chance; every move of Canada should be matched by the United States with one equally progressive.

Mrs. Hetherington was a passenger on the Mexico en route for Sitka to join her husband, Lieut. Hetherington. This lady was the subject of considerable notoriety some time ago, occasioned by her connection with the tragic death of a banker at Yokohama.

Kirk Munroe, who visited Juneau last year, has written an interesting tale of Alaska adventure entitled, "The Fur Seal's Tooth," which will prove a most welcome addition to any lad's collection of books. It is published by Harper Bros.; price $1.25.

The increased attendance of pupils at the government school and the interest mainifested by them in their studies speaks a great deal in favor of the teacher. Mr. Keller is doing good work and deserves the hearty support of our public.

Alaska Searchlight - E. O. Sylvester, Editor and Proprietor, John Timmins, Business Manager

To the people of Alaska and to all who feel an interest in the welfare of this great territory, we extend our sincere greetings.

To establish a printing office and to public a paper worthy of representing Alaska in American journalism is our object. The kinkly interest which has been so freeley manifested on every hand regarding the advent of the Searchlight has already assured a hearty welcome. Even before the first issue goes to press the public has given its indorsement; our subscription list and large number of advertisements are conclusive proof of the faith the people of Alaska feel in the enterprise. To merit their approval by giving them a bright, honest, newsy paper every week the year around will be our constant aim. Arrangements have been amde whereby the best writers of the District will become regular contributors to our columns, and many of their articles will be illustrated in the best style of photo-engraving. We have commenced the publication of the Searchlight with the earnest determination to make it the leading paper of Alaska, and with the liberal patronage of a generous public will make jit a credit to the District.

To our many advertisers we express our greateful appreciation of the very liberal patronage they have given us. There confidence in our success will ever inspire us to greater achievements. Even with its first issue the Searchlight has an assured circulation, and an amount of advertisements second to no paper in the District. It will find its way to into every town and camp within our borders and will, we believe meet a hearty welcome among the many who are looking to Alaska as their future home or for the chances of investment. Every business man knows the value of keeping his "ad" before the people; the best medium is the paper which the public read the most. People read what most interests them. Our columns will contain the best thoughts of the best writers in Alaska; it will be clean, bright and up to date. It will strive to merit not only a continuance but a large increase of your patronage.

Ever since early summer there has been more than a suspicion that something was wrong with the accounts of ex-Marshal Porter. Several thousand dollars due to guards, merchants, jurors and witnesses here failed to materialize. Time and agian payment was promised but no money came; promises were worn threadbear as month after month passed; debts contracted on their strength began to roll up interest. Money was imperatively needed by some and government accounts were offered at a discount and refused even at twenty per cent off. Then it was whispered about that the books belonging to the marshal's office were missing. Mr. Porter has returned to his home in Oregon, Meyer, who had been his trusted deputy, claimed that the books had been sent him, which Porter denied. Some forged checks were discovered, the ex-marshal returned to Sitka and forced Meyer to produce the books, and lo! when they were opened it was found that they had not been posted for nearly two years. Vouchers which should have been approved long ago and sent on to Washington were found stowed away. Of the guilt or innocience of Meyer we have nothing to say; the grand jury indicted him and he is now in jail awaiting trial. But what is to be though of an officer, holding the fattest position in the District who does not take interest enough in the duties of his office to examine his books at least once a year? Such neglect of official duties is a crime morally and socially if not legally. Alaskan affairs would have been in much better shape today if Mr. Porter had attended to official business rather then spending his time in hurling torrents of invective and abuse at the people of Alaska in his ridiculous articles on the Edmunds law.

Every dollar of capital looking to the vast mineral resources of Alaska as a field for investment will breathe easier when it learns the verdict of the jury in the case of the Silver Queen Mining Company vs. Emma C. Noyes et als. This was the most important case on the civil calendar, both from the questions involved and the value of the contested ground. The old cry of fear raised by capital when invited to seek investment in our mining properties will be forever stilled when it is realized throughout the length and breadth of the mingin world that Alaska courts and Alaska juries will guard the rights of property. Fraud and robbery, two grim shadow; which have ever loomed up before the vision of capital looking toward Alaska, can no longer exist, when juries say, "Come, we need your golden key to unlock the rocky fastnesses wherein lies stored the wealth of an empire. Fear not your rights shall be protected, and an honest agreement here shall stand as firm as in any part of Columbia's fair realm".

For years, everyone who has gone from here seeking to interest capital to invest in mingin operations through fair and square in every way, has felt an undefined and ghostly presence dogging his every step until in the very moment of success he finds himself confronted by the wraith of the Bear's Nest. Every legitimate mining success, directly or indirectly, benefits every resident of the District. More money, that life blook of commerece, circulates through all the arteries of trade, both local and foregin, increased labor, better passenger, amil and freight service, more people, better laws, better schools, and better homes are some of the blessings which await a more perfect understanding between the people of Alaska and American capital. Valueless are our mountains of mineral wealth without the means of their development. Idle, in the safety vaults of banks, lies untold thousands for want of secure investment.

There is but one policy - honesty! Labor and capital united will accomplish for Alaska a destiny grander than Ambition's dream. Labor alone can not overcome the obstacles that confront it, and finally before half-finished shaft or uncompleted tunnel must sink exhausted beside the drill and pick and shovel its nerveless hand can no longer wield. The prospector needs the capitalist, the capitalist needs the prospector. Alaska needs them both. Nothing but good faith can cement their union. The jurors of Alaska have spoken; their verdict is the cumulative wisdom gleaned from the experiences of the past, and their justice will do more toward reviving faith in Alaska investments than all the articles ever penned.

Local Rays - Frank Bach went over to Juneau on Friday last.

Local Rays - P. H. Fox was a steady visitor during court and went to Juneay every judicial day.

Local Rays - What between Hoonah, Juneau and Douglas City Frank Kane has no excuse to be idle.

Local Rays - G. W. Garside, who is now below, will return to Juneau by the first steamer in January.

Local Rays - Frank James is undoubtedly one of the our happiest residents and his life seems one continuous honeymoon.

Local Rays - Hon. Benjamin P. Moore, collector of customs intends leaving Sitka for a trip to Washington on the next steamer.

Local Rays - Dr. Von Gunther has moved to Douglas City, being of the opinion that a more lucrative practice awaits him there.

Local Rays - Hon. W. R. Hoyt has accepted an invitation to lecture before the Chicago Academy of Sciences this month on Alaska.

Local Rays - An Indian prisoner escaped from jail last week, but was quickly pursured and recaptured on the beach near Sheep creek.

Local Rays - Mr. Oscar Ashby, who has been confined to his home on account of a severe and protracted illness, is now convalescing and will be out the first fine ward day.

Local Rays - Sepcial services will be held at the church of St. Nicholas at six o'clock this evening and ten o'clock tomorrow forenoon, the occasion being the festival of the saint for whom the church is named.

Local Rays - The Indian prisoner Skun-doo, who has been sentenced to three years in San Quentin, and who is now in jail here, had an epileptic fit Saturday evening but with medical aid he got back to his normal condition.

Local Rays - H. E. Hoggatt, of Indiana, arrived here on the Mexico. He intends becoming a permanent resident, and as such we are pleased to welcome him to Juneau. He is at present a guest of Commissioner and Mrs. H. W. Mellen.

Local Rays - Mr. and Mrs. Charles Coon are now engaged in the saloon business in Seattle having purchased a finely fitted up establishment from Mr. Frank Clancey. The location of Mr. Coon's saloon is on Washington street, between Third and Fourth street.

Local Rays - John Gray and M. J. Cohen have both been advised that should they continue carrying on the business of brewing beer that the government will institute criminal proceedings against them. This notice was given verbally by Assist. District Attorney F. D. Kelsey.

Local Rays - Prof. W. Ogilvie, F. R. Beattie, W. S. McDonald, M. B. Scarth, E. A. Herbert and Mr. St'Cyr, who arrived by this jsteamer, comprise a British survey party sent out to survey and report the practicability of the Takou route as a pass over which to construct a trail to the head waters of the Yukon.

Local Rays - B. M. Behrends has received by this steamer a shipment of goods ordered specially for holiday trade, such as toys, fancy goods, fresh cranberries, apples and oranges; extra fine Chinaware and altogether you cannot find a more choice or select stock to choose from than that to be found at his store, cor. Seward and Third street.

Local Rays - Mr. A. C. Van Dorn, book-keeper at B. M. Behrends, through motion of F. D. Kelsey, made application for admission to the Bar of the District of Alaska, and upon such motion a committee of three were appointed to examine and report as to his qualification. The committee consist of F. D. Kelsey, J. F. Malony, and J. G. Held.

Local Rays - William Watts has resigned his position as a guard at the jail and his place is now filled by C. D. Coleman.

Local Rays - The ladies of Douglas Island are making extensive preparations for a Chrismas tree which will be at Frank Kane's hall.

Local Rays - Frank James, William Stubbins, Edward Webster, G. E. Walker and C. E. Johnson are the gentlemen who have charge of the social dance to be given at Kane's hall on Chirstmas night. Are are invited to attend.

Local Rays - Hale and hearty was the condition of prisoner Hubbard as long as the beer held out. Though his quickness of perception Hubbard discovered a barrel of beer that was stored at the court house by Collector Hammond, and he took advantage of the situation and purloined all of the bottles from the barrel but three and thoroughly enjoyed the driniking of the same.

Local Rays - The ladies of Juneau and Douglas City when shopping during the holiday season as a matter of course are always anxious to discover the store where the choicest selection can be made. So that time and trouble may be saved to such prospective purchasers a good piece of advice may be given, to first inspect the elegant stock of suitable goods on display at B. M. Behrends.

Progressive Juneau - It is an unquestionable fact that Juneau leads in the van guard of permanent progress, and the average amount of push possessed by the business men and property holders will favorably compare with that of many of the towns on the Pacific coast. There are many things we have done toward shaping the future of Juneau, and many are yet to be done. All of the property owners who have made or who are making improvements are --gaizant of the benefical results of erecting staunch and permanent structures, and the building of "shacks" in the business part of the town is a thing of the past; so ere long, at the present rate of advancement our town will have a solid appearance.

We have never had any -tluetuation in real estate prices and our slow but steady growth in this direction adds to the strength of our --- in the future. However, the question of bona tide title to town property is one that ever stares us in the face, and to settle this question some immediate steps should be taken. It will not do to sleep too long before awakening to the sensible fact tat we are entitled to our rights in this matter of title and the sooner we obtain our rights in this particular the better.

Mutual improvementw would be the result of the opening up of a sewer and building of a sidewalk on Gold Street. The offensive odor from the hospital cesspool that oozes out from the old drain underneath the sidewalk on Gold and Fifth streets is sickening in the extreme, and a continual plaint is going up from the general public who have been disfavored with a waft of the stench during the last year. The sidewalk along Gold street has a number of broken planks, leaving big holes through which foot passengers are liable to slip, more particularly on dark nights, and some of these holes lead to a very unpleasant bottom, as the cesspool offal meanders down underneath this sidewalk. the cooperation of the property holders along this street should voluntarily assess themselves and have improvements in this direction perfected.

Local Rays - The Opera house dance on Thursday night lacked some of the features that go to make an event of this kind a success.

Local Rays - Hon. A. K. Delaney leaves for below on the down-going steamer. He has enjoyed and is most pleased with his visit.

Local Rays - Mr. and Mrs. F. D. Nowell entertained a few of their friends at an enjoyable party on Thursday evneing at their residence.

Local Rays - According to report the joyous sound of wedding bells is more than liable to vibrate on the Juneau atmosphere in the very near future.

Local Rays - Dan McLennan contemplates making a trip to California by the down-going steamer. It will be a business trip and he will return as soon as possible.

Local Rays - We were visited by a rather stiff gale of wind last Friday night and as a result the pile-driver used on the Decker Brothers' foundation was blown over.

Local Rays - The performance given by the Wilson Comedy Company on Wednesday evening at the Opera house was well attended by the male portion of our population.

Local Rays - The many parties and receiptions given the government officials by a number of the leading families of Juneau bespeak the kindliness and goodwill borne them by our people.

Local Rays - The coming race. Messrs MCCauley and Gaddis, the sprinters matched to run on or about Christmas Day, are according to the best reports each confident of his individual powess for fleetness.

Local Rays - John Neil and Tom McNamee returned from the Hoonah hot springs three days ago. They left Antione Visalia, Nick Sylvers, Nate Hefferin and three Russian Finns at the springs; all of whom are enjoying themselves there.

Local Rays - The "Greek" boys who are now doing development work on their mining properties at Berners bay are making good headway and showing up their property to a good advantage. They will come to Juneau to celebrate Christmas.

Local Rays - The lease on the Bennett mine will revert back to Messrs. Runkle, Lutes and Bonnifield on January 1st. They will then put on a force of men to take out ore from the mine, and as soon as the mill starts running work will be pushed to its full limit.

Local Rays - Some two weeks ago a gigantic slide occurred at the Treadwell mine. This was caused by the hanging wall of the mammoth ledge becoming detached and suddenly breaking away from the country rock. Fortunately there was no one hurt by the falling debris, which amounted to thousands of tons.

Local Rays - More improvements have been amde during the winter season this year than any other winter since the laying out of the town site of Juneau, and the outlook for still further improvements is more than good. So we may say that we have arrived at an era when the future permanency of our town is an assured fact and no probable obstacle can arise that can mar our progressive success.

Local Rays - The Juneau Fire Association has accomplished good work of late. It has purchased 600 feet of Standard fire-hose, two hose-reels, and put in fire hydrants on the high pressure main in the following places: Cornor Gold and Fifth streets, Gold and Second, Seward and Fifth, Seward and Third, Seward and Second, Mian and Second, Seward and First, and on First below Jorgenson's shop. They hydrants are thus placed so as to have them at the most needed and available positions possible. And if the good work goes on two hose companies should be organized amongst our young men, who are fleet of foot; and as soon as possible there should be two small buildings put up for housing the hose and reels. One of these should be built on Front street and the other on Third, so as to enable the members of either hose comapny to take quick action in case of fire. Too much encouragement cannot be given the Association by the business men and property holders of Juneau. As our only safeguard and insurance against loss by fire is in perfecting the fire department with the best possible means of fighting and extinguishing it. So let the good work go on.

Local Rays - The court having adjourned we once more settle down to a steady, everyday life.

Local Rays - Archie Burns is building an addition to the premises occupied by Samuel Cohen on Front Street.

Local Rays - The Wilson Comedy Company gave another performance at the Opera House Saturday evening.

Local Rays - Mr. Al Noves has completed the erection of a neat new cottage corner of Franklin and Fourth Streets.

Local Rays - W. M. Fleming, who has been representing the New York Life Insurance Company here , will leave for Portland by this steamer.

Local Rays - Lon Bradbury has completed the erection of a very comfortable residence and henceforth Mr. Bradbury's bachelor quarters will be a cozy place.

Local Rays - Now that the hose-reals are here and the fire-hose on hand the next thing in order is the organization of two hose companies. This should be done without delay.

Local Rays - O. H. Adsit's building now under construction, corner of Main and Third Streets, will be a handsome two-story one and will be a most desirable addition to Juneau.

Local Rays - Quite a few families contemplate having Christmas trees this year, which will be a treat for the children. So Santa Claus will be expected to make Juneau a visit very soon.

Local Rays - On the Water front at the foot of Seward Street the pile-driver is kept busy driving piles for a foundation on which an extensive store and warehouse is to be erected for Decker Bros.

Local Rays - The Sisters of St. Ann will have a beautiful Christmas tree for the pupils of their school this year. The distribution of gifts from off the tree will be made by Santa Claus on Christmas eve.

Local Rays - U.S. Deputy Marshal William Hale gave a supper at his rooms at the Court house yesterday evening. His guests were: Judge Warren Truitt, Hon. L. L. Williams, Hon. C. D. Rogers, W. H. McNair and Karl Koehler. The supper was a dainty one and William Millow proved his title as first-class caterrer on this occasion.

Local Rays - John Dix has returned from his mining claim on Jacobi Island. It took him fifteen days to get to Juneau with a number jof Indians in a canoe. Mr. Dix is well pleased with his property. It is what may be truly termed a "poor man's mine." The average width of the vein does not exceed fifteen inches and the ore is extra high grade. In evidence of this Mr. Dix displayed for our inspection specimens taken from his ledge, which are undoubtedly the richest for specimens seen in Alaska during the past ten months. Mr. Dix has run a cut of fifteen feet and also run a tunnel in on the vein of over thirty feet. He intends to return to his claim very shortly.

Commercial Comments - Winter & Pond have been kept busy during the past week making alterations in their gallery necessary for the comfort of their patrons during the winter months. Their portraits are the finest and their ever increasing collection of Alaska views gives a complete illustration of life and scenery in the "Land of the midnight sun." See their latest view of Juneau.

Commercial Comments - J. Thoney and Martin Walastd are always pleased to meet their many friends at the "Club".

Commercial Comments - The Casino Sample Rooms, presided over by Gus Germershausen, is in every respect a first-class resort.

Commercial Comments - Archie Burns conducts a drying and teaming business and pays prompt attention to all orders given hime.

Commercial Comments - The Louvre is the latest, newest, neatest and most cozy restaurant in town. Try the Louvre and be convinced.

Commercial Comments - The Opera House Sample and Club Rooms, presided over by the Winn Borthers, commend themselved to their many patrons.

Commercial Comments - The Pacific Market, supplied with beef, mutton, pork, poultry, etc., is worthy of mention and the prices of their supplies talk for themselves.

Commercial Comments - The Northern Trading Company deals in groceries and general provisions. Strict attention to the interest of their customers is their motto.

Commercial Comments - The card of George Sanders, painter and decorater, is printed in our solumns, so you may know whom to hire to do good work in this particular line.

Commercial Comments - Lumber for building purposes, mining uses, or of any kind can be obtained from the Douglas City Sawmill at bottom prices. Address Robert Purvis.

Commercial Comments - In our columns you will find the Time Schedule of the steamer Julia. Cut it out and past it in your hat, then you will have no excuse to miss the ferry.

Commerical Comments - The Arctic Billard Hall, with reading and sample rooms annexed. A respectable resort for enjoyable pastime. The Starr of the Arctic Wells up, Howe often!

Commercial Comments - The Occidental. This popular hostlery, recently built, has all of the modern improvements that make hotel life a pleasure. Mine host, Morris Orton, does the rest.

Commerical Comments - The Juneau Drying Company, A. M. Ross, is permanently patronized by our merchants and the public generally. The reliability of this company is unquestionable.

Commercial Comments - Patronize home industry. This good advice may be followed by availing yourself of the opportunity and purchasing cigars that are the product of W. P. Ellingen's cigar factory.

Commercial Comments - Ellingen & Rudolph are the leading contractors and builders of Juneau. The many structures erected by them in Juneau stand as monumnets of their mechanical proficency.

Commercial Comments - The MacDougall Southwick Co., dealers in dry goods and all of the lines pertaining to the dry goods trade, appear in our columns, and it affords us pleasure to recommend this firm to our readers.

Commercial Comments - The General Electric Company, of which Mr. B. M. Smith is the Alaskan representative, stands high in its class, and electric appliances and machinery of every description can be had at the most reasonable rates from the company.

Commercial Comments - The traveling public and shippers of merchandise will pay attention to the Pacific Coast Steamship Comapny's "ad". The permanent continuance of the operations of this compnay in the waters of Sourtheastern Alaska is a sufficient recommendation.

Commercial Comments - P. H. Fox, of Douglas City, is a dealer in groceries and general merchandise. In addtion to his store an excellent bakery is conducted. Mr. Fox is the pioneer merchant of Douglas City. His jgoods and prices compare favorably with the times. So we say patronize Mr. Fox.

Commercial Comments - All who can will take the cake, when Matt, the baker, makes it.

Commercial Comments - An Alaskan patronizes home industry and gets his suit make by Charles Oswald, the merchant tailor.

Commerical Comments - For honest dealing and fresh, choice goods go to William McLernon. Groceries and general merchandise.

Commercial Comments - The People's Meat Market, Here you can always finds dressed meats, poultry, eggs, etc., fresh, pure and cheap.

Commercial Comments - Peter Hahn, the pioneer jeweler. Watches, clocks and optical goods. Timepieces regulated, adjusted and cleaned.

Commercial Comments - Koehler & James make a good display of their extensive stock, the variety and quality of which is equal to the best.

Commercial Comments - E. Valentine's Jewelry store is replete with the most suitable articles for Xmas presents. An inspection of his stock will prove this.

Commercial Comments - B. M. Behrends is still steadily progressive. In his sotre the public can find a large and varied stock of general merchandise to choose from.

Commercial Comments - You all Know Joe! Joe's Restaurant is the proper place to obtain and enjoy a nice meal at any hour. Once eat at Joe's and you go there always.

Commercial Comments - J. M. Rawn has an established reputation as a candy manufacturer. His stock of toys, "juvenile" goods and Xmas tree decorations are now in order.

Commercial Comments - The Mayflower Billard and reading Rooms, F. M. Berry, proprietor. The best and most complete file of newspapers and magazines. Quite cozy and comfortable.

Commercial Comments - The New York Store makes a specialty of dry goods and clothing, and in this line the patronage they receive is the highest econium of their business qualifications.

Commercial Comments - D. W. Walker's pioneer store and tin warehouse of Juneau is continually increasing its stock and you can do no better in Juneau in this line that at Walker's.

Commercial Comments - The Juneau City Hotel, George Miller, Proprietor, is deservedly entitled to a fair share of public patronage. The comfort of his guests is the proprietor's first consideration.

Commercial Comments - Straven & Laughlin have supplied a long felt want by opening up a machine and steam fitting ship at which all work in this line can be promptly done with mechanical skill.

Commercial Comments - The Juneau Trading Company's store is a beneficial addition to the trading public. Their prices suit the times and you are sure to receive courteous attention and first-class goods.

Commercial Comments - Levy Bros., general merchandise, furs and curios. Special attention given to family trade in groceries and dry goods. It will pay to inspect their stock before purchasing elsewhere.

Commercial Comments - The Central House, George Kyrage, proprietor. As a caterer Mr. Kyrage is par excellence, and his guests are never known to complain. Cleanliness, good cooking and a well supplied table are the specialties of this house.

Commerical Comments - J. C. Koosher has the complete confidence of the public as a druggist and chemist. None gainsay the fact that the Doctor merits the patronage of the people. Everything belonging to a well regulated drug store is to be found at J. C. Koosher's.

Commerical Comments - The "Hub," Harry Ash, proprietor. This popular resort has been newly fitted up at considerable expense, and a man who is not satisfied with the neatness of the place, the excellence of the refreshments and the geniality of the host is indeed hard to please.

Commercial Comments - The Postoffice store carries a splendid stock of stationery, French candies and cigars. Nothing more appropriate for a holiday gift then a neatly bound volume, a box of fine stationery or a box of French candies. Smoke a "Casino" cigar and enjoy a luxury.

Commerical Comments - Y. Kawa Kami has inaugurated an innovation, and as a result we have a Japanese Bazaar. At this bazaar you find a class of goods not obtainable before in Alaska. No doubt the ladies of Juneau will embellish their homes with some of the nice things to be had at this place.