A Pigeon Flew 100 Miles to Report From Mount Rainier

Puyallup, March 25.—Special.—The first carrier pigeon, Cyclone, from the Starlee-Meeker party of mountain climbers, arrived at Fred S. Meeker's loft at Puyallup this morning at 9 o'clock. Besides the following dispatches, the bird carried three private letters, all delivered in good order. The bird evidently had a rough passage and came very near losing the tail feathers to which the dispatch and letters were attached. He was, however, bright and lively, and ate his breakfast with great relish after his 100-mile flight. Another bird is expected tomorrow with more important developments, as the party is now fairly started up the steep ascent and the weather is clearing.

Camp Davis, east of Chehalis, southeast of the mountain, Saturday, March 23, 1895. 'Arrived here safely last evening. All well. Searles lost ten pounds. Doctor just alive. Finest valley all the way; much rich land; immense quantity of timber; finest bird's-eye maple in the state, seven feet in diameter; many fir trees twelve feet in diameter, 300 feet high; cedars galore, tallest, straightest and finest we have found on the continent. Game in abundance—goat, deer, cougar, bear, wildcat, beaver, elk, pheasants, grouse and fur-bearing animals—and fishing elegant. First day for lunch we caught trout for dinner and had them in the pan kicking. Harry caught nine today, averaging one and three-quarter pounds; the boys killed several pheasants with clubs this evening by knocking birds out of trees. Chilberg can't begin to make doughnuts equal to Ackerson's, the mainstay of the party. Only complaint: wanted a barrel of them. Scenery magnificent all the way; the dells of the Chehalis are impressive. We are encamped under snow-capped mountains, with Mount Robertson on one side and Mount Meeker on the other; Runnalls waterfall, 1,000 feet, is fifty yards away; the Ollard gorge just ahead is dangerous to pass through. Searles almost fell over Hartman precipice and only saved himself by his boots catching between jags and rocks. Very heavy snow, two feet fell last night. Part of the party will ascend Searles glacier tomorrow. [Views were taken and] pronounced by Meeker and Hunter the best in the state. A part of the party will reach Camp Reebe tomorrow night; this camp has supplies. Added snowshoes to our equipment. Do not think we can succeed in crossing the pass. Found quantities of magnetic gold-bearing sand in the Cowlitz and Cispus rivers. — L. R. Searles, H. D. Ollard, H. B. Runnalls, L. R. Robertson, Fred S. Meeker, I. A. Davis, Hunter, John P. Hartman, Jr., Sec.

Camp Reebe, March 24.—Owing to the storm did not get the bird off yesterday. Weather now better. Robertson and Hartman left this morning early for a twenty-five-mile tramp on the snow and on to the summit. They cannot get back for four days. Will ascend 5,000 feet on snow twelve feet or more deep, but the famous Indian guide of the Cascades has been engaged for the trip. All are well; Searles still losing flesh. Meeker brings in some fine game. Harry is a fine cook.'