Border Control
The borders in South-east Alaska were disputed between the US, Canada, and Britain since the American purchase of Alaska from Russia in 1867, with most of the conflicts over the ports of Dyea and Skagway, which was claimed by both The US and Canada. This, combined with the numbers of American prospectors, the amount of gold being unearthed, and the difficulties of exercising governmental authority in such region, made the control of borders a sensitive issue. Eventually, the US agreed to make Dyea, a south east town of Alaska, a sub-port of entry for Canadians, allowing British ships to land Canadian passengers and goods freely there, while Canada agreed to permit American miners to operate in the Klondike.
Both decisions were unpopular among the general population, American businessmen complained that their monopoly on regional trade was being undermined, while the Canadian public demanded action against the American miners. Soon, The North-West Mounted Police set up control posts on the borders of Yukon and at easily controlled points such as the Chilkoot and White Passes. These units were armed with Maxim guns and their tasks included enforcing the laws, checking for illegal weapons, and preventing the entry of criminals and enforcing customs duties. The last task was especially detested by American prospectors, who faced paying an average of 25 percent of the value of their goods and supplies. The Mounties had a reputation for running these posts honestly, although accusations were sometimes made of bribes. Prospectors, on the other hand, tried to smuggle prize items like silk and whiskey across the pass in tins and bales of hay.
Both decisions were unpopular among the general population, American businessmen complained that their monopoly on regional trade was being undermined, while the Canadian public demanded action against the American miners. Soon, The North-West Mounted Police set up control posts on the borders of Yukon and at easily controlled points such as the Chilkoot and White Passes. These units were armed with Maxim guns and their tasks included enforcing the laws, checking for illegal weapons, and preventing the entry of criminals and enforcing customs duties. The last task was especially detested by American prospectors, who faced paying an average of 25 percent of the value of their goods and supplies. The Mounties had a reputation for running these posts honestly, although accusations were sometimes made of bribes. Prospectors, on the other hand, tried to smuggle prize items like silk and whiskey across the pass in tins and bales of hay.