EXPLORING ALASKA.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume 6, Issue 1787, 13 September 1884, Page 4

EXPLORING ALASKA.

Steps are being taken to cany out exploration in Alaska. A telegram dntcd Vancouver, Juno 20th, says : "In 1881, when General Miles took command of this military district, he at once saw the necessity of knowing more about Alaska, a part of his command 1 He asked Congress for an appropriation to be expended in exploration, It was not given, but the General sent his aide-do-camp, Liout. Schwatka, in 1883, with Dp Wilson, United States Army, and Mr Homan, as topographical assistant, the party going up to the northern section of the Alexandrian archipelago to Chilicat, thence crossing over to the head of the Yukon and down that stream through a section of British America to its entrance into Behring sea, 2000 miles by raft. They gained much valuable information, A second expedition is again out by General Miles' arder, consisting of Lieutenants Abercrombie, Brumback, and Dr Minson, accompanied by Mr Homan as above, They are all hardy, resolute young men, and expect to accomplish their object, Until winter they will travel in canoes, when they will use dogs aud sleds. They expect to explore the Copper River and to go through a country that is entirely unknown, It is occupied l»y a tribe of Indians that heretoforehave never allowed white men to enter the country. Theso young men go, leaving all hope behind, Yet they believe that by cultivating friendly relations and assuring the Indians of the- good intentions of tho Government the goodwill, consent, and assistance may be secured. The mineral and other devolements of Alaska will attract adventurous spirits, and with them the introduction of whisky and firearms, and sooner or later hostilities will follow between the two elements, General Miles deems it important that the militiiy obtain in advanco all the information possible of the character of the country, its means of subMisting troops, the best means of communication, and the number and disposition of the inhabitants and their implements of war, This lias been and is being done in other Territories. by the military authorities, and it is to this end that General Miles has sent these young men into the wilds of Alaska. It may be for a year, it may be for ever, before they return to civilization."