It was supposed that the Bethlehem Iron Works and perhaps the Carnegie works might make some offer to the Government by which the works could be under the control of the Government, or the armor could be made at the price the Government offers ($300 per ton). No offer has as yet been made. A suggestion has, however, come from a man who thoroughly understands the manufacture of armor-plate. He says that by the use of a new process of making steel the plate can be turned out at a much less cost, and with half the waste that there is in the present method of making it. The plant to make this new-process steel can be built for half the money required for the old-style plant, and moreover the armor-plate can be turned out in a much shorter time. By the use of this process he asserts that the finest armor-plate can be made at a cost of $150 per ton, and at that price there would be a margin of $50 profit. The armor factory board has written to him, telling him that they will be ready to consider any proposals from him in a few days, and will inquire into his process. The manufacturer says that if the Government does not take kindly to his plan, he will start his own factory, and make armor-plate at $150 per ton. There is little fear that the article which this Mr. Carpenter offers is of an inferior character, for all armor-plate is carefully tested before it is accepted. * * * * * The people who have gone to the Klondike gold hunting have found out for themselves the truth of the saying that "all is not gold that glitters." Day after day news reaches us of the trials and struggles, the hunger and hardships, of those who have hurried off in this mad rush after wealth. Only a day or two ago a carrier-pigeon reached its home in Portland, Oregon, bearing a message from a party of young men who had set out from that city to seek their fortunes. Wishing to be able to tell their friends of their safe arrival, the young men took several carrier-pigeons with them. This bird is the first that has arrived. The message it brought was by no means a cheerful one. When the slip of paper tied to its leg was unwound it was found to contain these words: "We are all well and in good spirits, but tell every one you know not to come up here this winter." It was written on the summit of Chilkoot Pass, and dated August 25th. The pigeon had flown a distance of 1,071 miles to bear this message, and was completely worn out when it reached its home, refusing food, and declining to enter the dovecote for some hours. The scarcity of food is already being felt. Some of the old miners are frightened, and are coming out of the district before it is shut in with snow. Hundreds of men are, however, pouring in from all directions, and shameful stories are reaching us of the wild and lawless deeds that are being done.