* * * * * The most trustworthy estimates agree that over $5,000,000, in nuggets and gold dust has been the value of the output of the Alaska mines during the year. * * * * * It is estimated by many that in the mines already being worked on the Klondyke alone there is over $50,000,000 worth of gold in sight, and that this will all be mined in a year. * * * * * A new field, rich in gold, and that has not yet been worked, has been discovered near the mouth of the Tananar River, which is a tributary of the Yukon, and is the second largest river in Alaska. * * * * * There is hardly any darkness in Alaska in the Summer season. One can see to read at 10 o'clock at night and at 2 in the morning. * * * * * Both the Chilkoot and White Passes are practically on the boundary between the United States and Canadian territories. They are in the same latitude and are only twenty or thirty miles apart. After reaching the head of navigation, the Juneau parties bound for the Yukon turn west through the mountains by Chilkoot Pass. If they used the White Pass they would turn east and circumvent the mountain on the east side. The White Pass has not been utilized by mining parties, the Chilkoot being the usual route, and the Chilkat Pass, further north, being used to a much less extent. * * * * * There is no abatement of the Klondyke fever in Seattle, and it appears to be extending all over the Northwest. Hundreds are being liberally grubstaked and experienced miners are in active demand. From $500 to $600 is given them and they share half their finds. * * * * * The first mining company to file articles of incorporation is the Alaska and Yukon Exploration and Trading Company, Limited. The capital stock is $200,000, fully subscribed. * * * * * Every claim within miles of the Klondyke is taken up, and nearly 5,000 people are at the new diggings. Those who got in late have gone further to the northeast of the Klondyke, looking for new locations, and the matter of hunting gold in Alaska has resolved itself into a proposition of finding a mother lode and new pockets. * * * * * There is an enormous demand for miners' outfits in Seattle and in San Francisco, and the outfitters' employees are working night and day. * * * * * It is believed that it will take all the steamers and idle sailing vessels on the Pacific coast, from San Francisco to Seattle, to carry the gold-seekers now preparing to start for the new Eldorado of the Northwest, and thousands will be forced reluctantly to wait until next spring, owing to lack of transportation facilities. * * * * *