The above is a correct picture of the snow and ice train referred to in the following dispatch which appeared in the daily press of Dec. 19 [1897]:-
WASHINGTON, Dec. 18 -- The expeditions which will be sent to the relief of the starving miners in the Klondike will be remarkable in many respects.
Snow locomotives are to be used for beating a trail, and 600 reindeer will be purchased for hauling most of the supplies. Ten snow locomotives, with sled trains, are at the
service of the War Department. Secretary Alger, who will have the relief appropriation at his disposal, believes that these locomotives can be used part of the way to the
Klondike, but he will engage them with the express stipulation in the contract with the owners that no compensation will be given unless the amount of labour guaranteed is
performed. The owners are willing to assume the risk. They claim that their machines will beat down the snow and ice on the trails, make a good track for reindeer and
dog-teams, and haul big sleds at a good rate of speed.
The above sounds like a Jules Verne story. The idea that a train of 26 cars on runners can be sent 800 miles overland, from Fort Wrangel to Dawson City,
without a prepared track, seems incredible. And yet Secretary Alger has been using just such trains for several years in his Northern Michigan lumber camps.
The locomotive is the invention of a Vermont man - George T. Glover by name. He is now a resident of Chicago. While they are on runners, they also have
spiked driving wheels, which gives them a hold on the ice. The entire distance over which they will run - with the exception of about 60 miles, will be over rivers and lakes.
A locomotive with a hot cylinder - somewhat after the order of the street-roller - will go ahead and break a path.
The first train is advertised to leave Fort Wrangel about Jan. 20. A limited number of passengers will be taken, each of whom will be charged $200 for
passage on this first trip - all passengers being fed and furnished with sleeping-berths for the entire trip. The cars will be heated. 300 pounds of baggage will be allowed for
each person. In consideration of the low price charged for passage, all passengers will be required to help in such emergencies as may arise in breaking he trail. After the first
trip, $300 will be charged.
The company running the train is called "The Klondike Snow and Ice Transit Co." Joseph Ladue is president and their head office is at 1209
Chamber of Commerce, Chicago. Their Boston office is at 60 State Street.
