The Gold Rush That Wasn't: Copper River’s ‘Sickness’ and the Lie of the Trail

The steamer *Okanagan*, which arrived Saturday afternoon from Alaska, again subjected to the annoying delay which all vessels arriving at Port Townsend from foreign ports soon experience. If it does not arrive after 1 p.m., in the event of late's arrival from a foreign port, no matter if she enters the harbor only five minutes late, is obliged to wait until 7:30 o'clock the following morning before she can pass quarantine.

In the case of the *Okanagan*, she arrived at Port Townsend Friday evening at 6 o'clock. She had a clean bill of health, and was in every way competent to proceed to Seattle. Notwithstanding this, however, the captain was obliged to lie at anchor in the harbor until 7:30 o'clock Saturday morning with her forty-one passengers on board. At that hour the health officer finally donned his uniform and proceeded lavishly in his steam launch, which took him out to the big vessel.

The *Okanagan*'s papers were found to be correct, and she was allowed to proceed to Seattle. Had it not been for the time lost at Port Townsend, she would have been at Arlington Dock about midnight, and her impatient passengers would have enjoyed the comforts of Seattle hotels.

Presently the Chamber of Commerce will take up the question of Washington against the detention of vessels presenting a clean bill of health to the Port Townsend Quarantine officials. The Treasury department replied that steps would be taken whereby the unnecessary detention would be avoided, but up to this time no action has been ordered.

"It has been stated in the papers that hundreds are sick at survey in the Copper River country," said Mr. Y. H. Graham, this morning. "It is not so," until Mr. Graham, this morning. "It is a fact, though, that nine-tenths of those in the Copper River country leave the country before July 25th down sick."

"Our party," continued Mr. Graham, "stopped for some time at a hotel in Valdez run by Mr. J. P. Roberts. We were paying $3.00 per day, which is not much, we think, and ought to have some vegetables or fruit available. The list of grievances was long and bitter. Still, being there three days; and once while we were there they passed an attack on our camp. Except one man who cared for everything, but no sympathy is exhibited for sick people. I see no reason for repeating the misery trail. That trail was cut by prospectors, and all Captain Abercrombie did was to widen it, with his 'mission' following in the wake of prospectors. Part of the scheme being worked up there to create an excitement among the miners and some dollars in a new locality. There will be three or four in the party tomorrow, and they will appoint guides from among themselves, and go by way of Chilkoot or White Pass for Canada."

"No gold has been taken out of that country. I know of one claim on Mount Grinnell that was dug up last, and only $11 worth of gold was taken out. Water must be a long hose to make it impossible to work."

"If he had been all right by Mr. Liddell that there was any 'passage' back, I would be glad to back in Copper River, but I don't believe that there was a passenger on the *Explorer* that has any idea of going back."