F. F. Clark, one of the pioneers of the Porcupine district, arrived on the Alert yesterday afternoon and speaks a good word for that camp. Only preparatory work is being done this winter but next season's output is expected to be large. Capital is going in and several industries are starting around Porcupine city. He is interested in the Skagway Flume Mill and Mining Company which has a mill built two miles above Porcupine and which will commence work early next spring.
"The mill is all ready for operation with the exception of the pulleys and belting," said he last night, "and but for a box containing these articles being lost in the bay at Pyramid Harbor last summer we would now be working. The articles are now on
their way up from Seattle and should arrive here soon.
Over 50,000 feet of logs have been cut and a large dam built. When in working order the mill will be easily capable of turning out about 5,000 feet of lumber daily and it could be easily increased to 8,000.
"This year has been a very prosperous year in the Porcupine country. Much gold has been taken out. Although no work of developing will be done this winter extensive preparations are being made for next summer.
"The great trouble this year was that all the claim owners were heavily in debt, but most of them have relieved their encumbrances and will produce large profits
next year. On No. 2 above, machinery is being placed in position for next year. This is a claim that paid well this year notwithstanding it was heavily in debt.
"C. D. Wechter, a principal owner in the district is putting in three large plants on his Porcupine creek groperty. The owners of discovery claim have built a flume 700 feet long and are preparing for a big clean-up next year.
"At first the miners in that district did not think well of Skagway as an outfitting point, but since local merchants have shown some disposition to cater for their
trade all speak of this city as the base of supplies.
"Putting on the local boat between here and Haines was the wisest action ever taken for the welfare of this city and will repay you a hundred fold next year."
