THE FUTURE OF THE YUKON GOLDFIELDS 



By William H. Dall, 



Smithsonian Institution 



The conditions likely to prevail in the near future at the 

 Yukon goldfields have received but little attention in the public 

 prints. Some discussion of them may, therefore, be useful. 



It is well understood among those who have had experience 

 in that region that the most important question for the welfare 

 of gold-seekers and others visiting the Yukon is that of transpor- 

 tation. Men and, to some extent, domestic animals may reach 

 the Yukon by their own efforts ; but their food, tools, tents or 

 other portable shelter, and the heavy clothing necessary for pro- 

 tection against exceptional conditions of temperature and weather 

 must be carried. No man can carry his own provisions and 

 outfit without assistance. Even for dogs, the most economical 

 draught animals, the necessary food will take up an exorbitant 

 proportion of their load. It is hopeless to attempt to transport 

 the necessaries of life for thousands of people by the means 

 hitherto in use. 



A conservative estimate places the number of people at present 

 on the Yukon at 5,000. Few have estimated the number de- 

 sirous of going in during the present season as low as 50,000. 

 Should anything like that number succeed in reaching the Yukon 

 during the next six months, it means that the transportation over 

 that of the past season must be increased tenfold. A certain 

 proportion must be allowed for waste, losses in transportation 

 before reaching the destination, and the excess of need beyond 

 the ordinary ration in more temperate climes. 



The number of trips to Dawson, from the seacoast, made in 

 1897 by the steamers now on the river was seven in all. While, 

 with all conditions favorable, two trips per season can be made 

 by a capable vessel, it is unsafe to reckon on more than one. 

 For 50,000 people seventy trips would have to be made in order 

 to eliminate the possibility of starvation which has stared so 

 many in the face under present conditions. This provides not 

 for comforts, not for necessary furniture, tools, and machinery 

 adequate to improve conditions as they exist, but merely to pre- 



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