0 u a = ui = a " a| a = tr: UJ : Ln = cr i 0= 1^ lo V J 7 b SEAL AND SALMON FISHERIES AND GENERAL RESOURCES OF ALASKA. I]^ FOUR ATOLXJMES. VOLUME I. WASHINGTON: GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 1898. CENTRAL PARK, ^ \ O. NEWYORK . J In the House of Representati\^8, March 2, 1896. BesolVed hy the House of Representatives {the Senate concurring), That the Secretary of the Treasury he, and is herehy, authorized to print the reports, correspondence, charts, maps, and other documents, now on fUe in the Treasury Department, or other hranches of the Government, relating to the fiir seal, salmon fisheries, and other mat- ters pertaining to the Territory of Alaska; 3,000 copies to be printed, of which 750 shall be for the use of the Senate, 1,500 for the House of Representatives, and the remaining 750 copies for the use of the Treasury Department and other Depart- ments whose reports are thus printed. Attest: A. McDowell, Clerk. In the Senate of the United States, March 11, 1896. Resolved, That the Senate agree to the foregoing resolution of the House of Repre- sentatives. Attest: Wm. R. Cox, Secretary. u /|;ii47 REPORTS ON CONDITION OF SEAL LIFE ON THE PRIBILOF ISLANDS BY SPECIAL TREASURY AGENTS IN CHARGE, AND OTHERS, FROM 1868 TO 1895, BOTH INCLUSIVE, WITH COMMENTS THEREON, IN THE LIGHT OF SUBSEQUENT SCIENTIFIC INVESTIGATION. BY DAVID STARR JORDAN. Ill TABLE OF OOI^TEITTS. Page. Prefatory note } Protection of rookeries from marauders, by Capt. AV. A. Howard 3 Habits of seals, by Hiram Ketchum, jr., collector of customs 4 Statistics of fur-seal trade for 1869, by John T. McLean, Special Ageut, Treas- ury Deiiartment 5 Affairs on seal islands in 1870, by Lieut. W. B. Barnes, R. C. S 13 Reports for years 1870-1877, by Charles Bryant, Special Agent, Treasury Depart- ment 15, 21, :i3. 35, 39, 46, 50, 61, 72, 86, 90, 98 Reports for years 1870 and 1871, by 8. N.Buynitzky, of the Treasury Department. 18,31 Reports lorVears 1871-1875, bv Samuel Falconer, Assistant Treasury .'\gent-- . 22, ■ 31, ;.7, 48, 49, 53, 71,88 Aifairs of natives, seal islands, by H. W. Elliott, Special Agent, Treasury Department "^1 Characteristics of fur seals, by Samuel Falconer, Assistant Treasury Agent. .. 53 Management of affairs on St. George Island, by William J. Mclntyre, Special Agent, Treasury Department 76, 80 Criticism of Special Agent Bryant's reports 83 Reports for years 1877 and 1878, by J. H. ]Moultou. Assistant Treasury Agent . 96, 98,110,113,131 Reports for years 1877 and 1878, by J. M. Morton, Special Agent, Treasury Department 102,106,113 Reports for years 1879-1882, by Harrison G. Otis, Special Agent, Treasury Department 114,116,125,127,128,132,141,152 Reports for years 1882-1884, by Henry A. Glidden, Special Ageut, Treasury Department 154, 157, 164, 167 Report by George Wardman, Assistant Treasury Agent 162 Reports ibr years 1885-1888, by George R. Tingle, Special Ageut, Treasury Department ." 171, 175, 186, 198, 205, 206 Re]iort for year 1885, by T. F. Ryan, Assistant Treasury Agent 183 Reports for years 1889 and 1890, by Charles J. Goff, Special Agent, Treasury Department 214,228,230 Report for year 1889, by A. P. Loud, Assistant Treasury Agent 225 Report for year 1889, by J. P. Manchester, Assistant 'J'reasury Agent 227 Re])orts forVears 1890-1893, bv Joseph Murray, Assistant Treasury Agent 236, 292,359,364,423 Reports for years 1890-1893, by A. W. Lavender, Assistant Treasury Agent 239, 297, 363, 428 Reports f.ir years 18 0-1892, by S. R. Nettleton, Assistant Treasury Agent.. 264, 311 Rei»orts for years 1891 and 1892, by W. H, Williams, SpecialAgent, Treasury Department ' 271,300,304 Report for 1892, by J. Stanley-Brown, Special Agent, Treasury Department.. . 316 Statistics of seals talien for all purposes, 1870-1889 364-407 Report for 18113, by J. B. Crowley, Special Ageut, Treasury Department 408 Report for 1893, by Lieut. D. J.' Aiusworth, Acting Special Agent, Treasury Department 416 REPORTS FROJr AGENTS, OFFICERS, AND OTHERS IN RELATION TO THE CONDITION OF SEAL LIFE OX THE PRIBILOF ISLANDS AND PELAGIC SEALING IN THE YEARS 1893-1895. Letter of the Acting Secretary of the Treasury transmitting reports to the Senate ' '. - 447 Report on condition of the fur seals of the Pribiiof Islands, by Charles S. Hamlin, Assistant Secretary of the Treasury 448 Reports for 1894 and 1895, by J. B.Crowley, Special Agent, Treasury Depart- ment '. 456,474 Appendix, by David Starr .Jordan and George Archibald Clark 491 V PEEFATORT I^OTE. Treasury Department, Office of the Secretary, Washington, B. C, November 15, 1897. The documents contained in this volume, and the others which follow, extending over a period of twenty-seven years, contain some statements of opinion which in the light of more extended investigations are found to need correction or qualification. In view of this fact, Dr. David Starr Jordan, Commissioner in charge of Fur Seal Investigations, and Mr. George Archibald Clark, Secretary for the Fur Seal Commission, were requested to^ prepare an Appendix to each volume which shall contain desirable corrections. These appen- dixes ai)i3ear at the end of the several volumes. L. J. Gage, Secretary. ANNUAL REPORTS TO THE TREASURY DEPARTMENT BY SPECIAL AGENTS IN CHARGE OF SEAL ISLANDS, AND OTHERS, ON THE CONDITION, ETC., OF THE SEAL ROOKERIES, PRIBILOF ISLANDS, FROM 1868 TO 1895, BOTH INCLUSIVE. 1868. Capt. W. A. Hoicard: Protection of Rookeries from Marauders. Washington, D. C, April 16, 1868. Sir : Depredations are being committed on the outer Aleutian, St. Paul, St. George, and St. Matthews islands, of Alaska, in the killing indiscriminately and out of season the sea otter and fur seals of those islands. A vessel has recently arrived at San Francisco with 10,000 skins on board. Indiscriminate slaughter (and the common use of firearms) out of season will annihilate in a very short period this timid and very val- uable race of animals. It will be borne in mind these animals have been driven from the coast of California to this " ultima thule," and if driven fiirther north (which they must go) they will perish, as nature intended them for a milder climate than they at present inhabit. Since they have been domiciled in that region (Alaska) they have been protected by the natives and the Russian- American Fur Company, and have largely increased, None but the males of a certain age and in a certain condition have been slaughtered for their peltry or other purposes. One hundred and eighty thousand of the fur seal annually is sufiflcient for the market, and has never been exceeded. Sea otters are taken in limited numbers and only when in proper condition and in seasons when the young are capable of feediug and protecting themselves. Expeditions (well known) are being fitted out at San Francisco and Victoria, Vancouver Island, British Columbia. I would most respectfully call the attention of the Department to the fact, considering the peculiar condition in which the country is at present held, and without laws for its guidance, are we not bound by a sense of honor and justice to protect (for the time beiug) from destruc- tion the greatest interest of the country — the fur-bearing animals — until, at least, laws can be passed for their protection. Therefore, I respectfully request instructions may be sent to our revenue cruisers and officers to prohibit the taking or killing of any fur-bearing animals on the islands until the treaty stipulatious have been complied with or laws and regulations enacted for the fur trade. I am, very respectfully, W. A. Howard, Captain on Special Service. Hon. Hugh McCulloch, Secretary of Treasury^ Washington, D. G. 4 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. Collector Ketchum : Habits of Seals, etc. San Francisco, Cal., October 26, 1868. Sir: Since my arrival here I have had interviews with gentlemen representing the various rival interests connected with the fur-seal fishery in Alaska, and from their united testimony have obtained the following facts in relation to the sealing interest upon that coast: First. About the latter end of March or the early part of April in each year, the seals begin to move toward the uninhabited islands of St. Paul and St. George, in Bering Sea, the object being to accom- plish the period of gestation, which is during the summer months. For this purj)ose they move like an army. At first a very few old male seals reconnoiter the coast, and if there are no alarming features they return and communicate with an advance guard of males, who upon their report make a more thorough reconnoissance of the coast, and their report being favorable, the main army, consisting of from 300,000 to 400,000 seal, advance and take possession of the tenantless coasts. Here they remain, bringing forth and nurturing their young until the first frost sets in (October or November), when they take their departure. Second. It appears to be universally conceded by those experienced in the business that loud noises, the appearance of blood, or the active signs of habitation deter the seal from settling upon the coast. For that reason the native hunters, both from motives of policy and in accordance with the regulations of the Eussian Fur Company, have been in the habit of selecting the seal whom they designed to kill, driving him inland to the distance of a mile or over, and there dispatch- ing him by a blov/ upon the head with a club. Great caution has to be exercised in driving him, because on account of his excessive fat and his fear combined he is apt to die in the transit, in which case the perspiration which he evolves loosens the fur and destroys the value of the skin. One well-directed blow, aimed at a point somewhere between the brain and the ridge of the snout, causes instantaneous death or insensibility, similar to the butcher's stroke between the horns of an ox. Third. Eeckless hunting of the seal by inexperienced hands will have the inevitable effect of driving him to other shores. It is even intimated that the Eussian commissioner reserved Bering and Copper islands in the treaty of cession with the expectation that the improvidence of American adventurers would in a short time force the seal upon those coasts. Major-General Halleck informs me that a number of years ago the seal actually deserted the American islands and took refuge upon those reserved by Eussia, and it was many years before they returned. From present information, it seems to me of vital importance that any legislation by Congress at its ensuing session should guard against the promiscuous killing of the seal, and it would be decidedly better if it were left altogether in the hands of native hunters. With great respect, I am, your obedient servant, Hiram Ketchum, Jr., Collector of Customs, District of Alaska. Approved : Charles Bryant, Special Agent, Treasury Department. Hon. Hugh McCulloch, Secretary of the Treasury. ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 5 Extract from a letter written by Hiram Ketchum, jr., to John Hogg, esq. * * * # * * * There is a firm liere named (I believe) Hutchinson & Co., represented by a couple of wealthy Jews, one a Mr. Schloss and the other a Mr. Wassermann, who have purchased the territorial claims, etc., of the Kussian Fur Company, and have a nominal capital invested of, say, $300,000. Mr. Schloss will probably leave here for Washington next week, where he will remain all winter endeavoring to procure legisla- tion in favor of his interests. His right bower is Hon. William M. Stewart, Senator for Nevada. Interested in the company, which will eventually be an incorporation, are the Russian Prince Maksutoff, Gen- eral Rousseau, Special Agent Dodge, etc. Their desire is to procure from the G-overnment the exclusive privi- lege of killing the fur seal, subject to proper rules and regulations, and giving to the Government a tariff of, say, 50 cents per skin. Limiting the number of seals to be killed to 50,000 per annum, this would yield the Government a net revenue of $25,000. I have told them that such contracts are contrary to the spirit of our institutions, but they claim a precedent in the case of Mr. Martin Bates, who has the monopoly of the fur trade upon the Missouri River. They argue with great plausibility the Government must either farm the trade out to a monopoly or engage in it themselves. The fur seal commences to arrive at St. Paul and St. George, the main depots, about the month of March. At this time a few old males come to the islands upon a scouting expedition. They investigate and report to a reconnoitering body, who in turn report to the main body. At this time the natives remain closely concealed, kindling no fires and avoiding the slightest occasion for alarm. They do not kill over 50,000 in a year and these are taken from the males between 1 and 3 years old. The natives are Aleuts, semicivilized Indians, members of the Greek Church, living by the capture of the seal and otter, and requiring to be supported during the intervals when they are out of season. This firm allege that they are yielding that support to the natives now, and that it will become a duty incumbent upon the Gov- ernment if they abandon it. 1869. Special Agent McLean : Statistics, etc., of Fur Seal Trade. San Francisco, Cal., October 26, 1869. Sir: In response to your letter of the 8th instant requesting me to procure and forward to the Department such reliable information as was to be obtained here in regard to the fur trade of Alaska, and more especially in relation to (1) the prices paid for fur seal and sea otter skins in Alaska since its cession to the United States, (2) the commer- cial classification of said skins and the prices paid for them by traders and manufacturers in this city, and (3) the invoice value of seal skins shipped from this port to London and other foreign ports, and the market value of sea otter skins and furs at the principal markets to which they are shipped, I have the honor to state that I have availed myself of the best sources of information within my reach on these various 6 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. points, sending copies of your letter to such importers, traders, manu- facturers, and others as from their association with this trade and the Territory of Alaslva were Hliely to have liuowledge of any of the facts desired, and asldng for such information as they possessed to be for- warded to the Treasury Department. The accompanying and inclosed replies to my request have been received. Document A: Statement from I. Mora Moss, esq., president, and Charles Baum, esq., secretary of the American Russian Commercial Com- pany, having its office in this city and doing business in Alaska, with Document A, No. 1, accompanying the same, being a copy of a bill intro- duced in the House of Representatives March 29, 1869, by Hon. A. A. Sargent to regulate the fur trade of Alaska. Document B : Statement from Messrs. Hutchinson, Kohl & Co., of San Francisco, a firm largely engaged in the Alaska fur trade, with statistics of furs collected at Sitka by the Russian- American Fur Com- pany during the year 1866-67, and by Hutchinson, Kohl & Co. from December, 1867, to October, 1869. Document C: Statement from Mr. Taylor, of the firm of Taylor & Bendel, merchants, of San Francisco. This firm has traded for several years past in Alaska, Mr. Taylor having just returned from that country. Document D: Statement from Mr. Adolph Miiller, trader in and manufacturer of fars in San Francisco, with Document D, No. 1, sta- tistics of fur trade, and Document D, No. 2, propositions concerning Alaska seal fishery. Document E : Statement by Mr. E. S. Tibbey, of San Francisco, who has sent several trading expeditions to Alaska. Document F: Statement of A. Honchareuko, editor and publisher of the Alaska Herald at San Francisco. Document G: Letter of John F. Miller, esq., collector of the port of San Francisco, Cal., transmitting Document G, No. 1, being an abstract of imports and exports of furs at San Francisco since the cession of Alaska to the United States, being a reply to a request from me for " a statistical statement from the records of the custom-house of the num- ber and invoice value of the fur seal, sea otter, and other skins the product of Alaska shipped from the port of San Francisco to London and other foreign ports since the cession of Alaska." Document H: Statement of R. Korwin Piotrowski, United States storekeeper at San Francisco, lately an inspector of customs, and sent to Alaska by the Government to protect the fur-seal fisheries, in regard to Alaska fur trade, with Document H, No. 1, being a copy report of R. Korwin Piotrowski to Collector Miller on Alaska. Document I: Copy of the report on Alaska of Joseph Wilson, in- spector of customs, to Collector Miller, Mr. Wilson being sent to Alaska by the Government to protect the fur-seal fisheries. Document K: Report on Alaska by E. C. Jordan, inspector of cus- toms at San Francisco, sent to Alaska by the Government to protect the fur-seal fisheries.^ While collecting the aforementioned statements from the different parties making them I have had frequent opportunity to converse with these and other persons here, who are more or less intelligent on the subject of our Alaskan possessions and their fur-seal fisheries. The almost univiersal sentiment in regard to these fisheries is that 'The inclosures ennmerated, with the exception of Documents C, H No. 1, I, and K, are missing from tlie liles. ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 7 they sliould be opeu to the enterprise and capital of all American citi- zens; that all our traders should be allowed to go to the islands resorted to by the far seal and sea otter, and there barter with the native Alents for the 150,000 skins of those animals which the fisheries will yield annually; that the Aleuts alone should be allowed to kill the fur seals, and that the Government should be paid a royalty of from $1 to $2 each for their skins as sold; that this trade in these fur seal skins should be regulated by law, and that the Government should exert its authority at the seal islands to have the law enforced. Thus it is insisted the fisheries can be preserved, their product util- ized, the natives have occupation and support, the Government derive a large revenue from them, and all American citizens have like privi- leges in connection with them. Under the law and the regulations of the Treasury Department, as at present established, the Government is at very great expense to pro- tect these fisheries, but derives no revenues from them; and while, from motives of humanity, it allows the Aleuts to kill the seals for sub- sistence, the skins of the animals slain are all appropriated by the agents of Messrs. Hutchinson, Kohl & Co., of San Francisco, and Williams, Havens «Sc Co., of New London, no other parties than the agents of these firms being allowed to land on the islands or barter with the natives for the skins. It would seem that the present policy of the Government in connec- tion with these fisheries is susceptible of improvement which would result in a yield of revenue from them, while their products would be enjoyed alike by all our citizens, and this without the destruction or deterioration of the fisheries. All of which is respectfully submitted. Jno. T. McLean, Special Agent. Hon. George S. Boutwell, Secretary of the Treasury, Washington, D. G. Document C. — Inclosure wiih McLean's Beport of October 26, 1869. San Francisco, Gal., October 20, 1869. Sir: Tour communication of the 19th instant addressed to Messrs. Taylor & Bendel, of which house I am a partner, has been referred to me to answer in relation to the fur trade of Alaska for the information of the Secretary of the Treasury. The fur trade in general, with the exception of fur seals and sea otters, in Alaska will not compensate the trouble and expense of fitting out ves- sels for such purposes as long as the Hudson Bay Company hold trading posts in British territory, such as Fort Simpson, on the Stickeen River, and Fort Yukon, on the Yukon River, besides some smaller factories, as they can aflbrd to give higher prices for furs and skins on account of cheaper cost of goods imported by them from foreign ports. Aside from this, the Indians can obtain all the rum which they need, a privilege which is strictly prohibited to American traders, which, however, is a wise measure taken by our Government, life and property not being safe among these Indians when under the influence of liquor. I have known cases where nearly whole tribes of Indians have trav- eled over 500 miles to buy their supplies from the Hudson Bay Com- pany's stores in preference to trading with Americans. In regard to fur seals. 1 beg to state that we had last year a station 8 ALASKA INDUSTEIES. at St. George Island. From actual knowledge, I know that a contract was made with the Aleuts on that island for 35 cents for fur-seal skins for the first year (1868), to be taken out in trade, and I believe for 40 cents apiece for the next two years. This seems to be a very low price, but the expense of fitting out vessels, the high price of wages and pro- visions, and salary for agents nearly fourfold the cost price on the island, besides there are always more or less spoiled in salting tbem, which heretofore has been done by men who did not understand their business. All told, there were killed on St. George Island last year over 70,000 fur seals, of which 60,000 were killed by the Aleuts and about 10,000 by vessels' crews. The Aleuts are very careful about picking out those that are fit for killing, leaving the cows and pups under 3 years unmolested. The killing of these animals by anybody other than the natives should be strictly prohibited, as they might do more harm in killing 10,000 than the natives in killing 60,000. I can not say with certainty the number of seals taken from St. Paul and Otter islands, but I have no doubt they will amount to over 100,000, St. Paul being more than double the size of St. George Island, containing also more rookeries. Our house sold seal skins last year in this city for $4 (gold) a piece; but other parties who sent them to London at the same time received account sales, the prices obtained averaging from 26 to 30 shillings, which is equal to about $6.50 to $7.50 there, less freight, insurance, commissions, etc. In this market they are generally sold at an average price, but in London they are classified as follows : First, small, bringing the highest price; second, middlings, bringing the second price; third, large pups, bringing the third price; fourth, small wigs, bringing the fourth price; fifth, middling pups, bringing the fifth price; sixth, large wigs, bring- ing the sixth price; seventh, small pups, bringing the seventh price; black pups, cut and damaged. This year, however, the prices have declined, and I consider $3.25 (gold) in San Francisco a fair average price. Latest dis])atches from London quote sales at 15 shillings. So far, all the fur-seal skins have been shipped to London, which has been the only place where they could be well dressed and cured. It is impossible to ascertain the exact number of sea otters killed in Alaska Territory, but from information received from the tyoons (chiefs) of several islands where the sea otter abounds, I have learned that from 2,000 to 2,500 are killed annually, to their knowledge, but outside of this, some whale ships and cod fishermen touch these several islands, where they obtain more or less skins from the natives, unknown to the tyoon. The price paid for sea otter skins at the islands last year was not over $20 (gold) apiece. Those which I obtained we could have sold in this market from $40 to $00, which we considered too little. We shipped them to Leipsic and realized only $30 average. This year, however, the prices here as well as in Europe have declined considerably, $25 here being considered a high price. Latest advices from London (which is the best market for these skins) quote sales at 175 shillings on an average, although on account of competition, espe- cially on the island of Unalaska, traders have to pay this year as high as $40 for medium skins. These furs, as well as the fur seal, have their different grades and ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 9 prices according to size and color of the skin and length of the hair, but the natives are very careful in selecting the animals, never killing pups when they can avoid it. The sea otter is very shy, and should never be killed with firearms. I have known instances that the noise of a pad- dle wheel or screw of a steamer has driven them from their grounds to seek some other more secure places. In regard to sea otter, I omitted to remark that a good many of these animals are caught on the northwest coast of California and Oregon, as well as in Lower California, whose skins are equally as good as those caught in Alaska, which are sold here at present at $20, gold coin; no restriction as to killing or bringing them to this market. The foregoing I know from personal experience, having spent recently about six months on the northwest coast of Alaska and Bering sea. I am, most respectfully, your obedient servant, Thomas Taylor. John S. McLean, Esq., Special Agent Treasury Department, San Francisco, Gal. Document H, No. 1. — Tnclosure with McLean's Report of October 26, 1869. CusTOM-HousB, San Francisco, Oal., Gollector''s Ofice, September 2, 1869. Sir : I have the honor to transmit herewith the report of R. Korwin Piotrowski, esq., one of the four inspectors sent from this office on the 5th of March last, by order of the Department, to guard the islands of St. George and St. Paul, Alaska. I also inclose a printed copy of a letter from Mr. Piotrowski,^ written at my request after his return to this city, giving such information as he had gained while in Alaska in respect to the condition of the Ter- ritory and his impressions regarding the fur-seal interest, and the character of the natives. This letter is deemed to be- of some value, coming as it does from so reliable and intelligent a source, and I take pleasure in submitting it for the perusal of the Secretary of the Treasury. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, Jno. F. Miller, Collector. Hon. George S. Boutwell, Secretary of the Treasury, Washington, D. C. Document l.—Inclosure with McLean's liepm-t of October 26, 1869. San Francisco, Cal., September 27, 1869. Sir: Directed by you in March last to proceed to Alaska for the purpose of assisting Inspector La Grange in preventing the landing of persons or merchandise upon any portion of the island of St. Paul, and such other duties as might be necessary in the performance of that trust, I embarked on the steamer Alexander on the 5th of March, 1869, and after a passage of fourteen days arrived at Unalaska, at which ' The enclosure referred to in this letter is missing. 10 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. place we remained five days — the time having been consumed in dis- charging cargo and coaling — having while on shore constant interviews with the natives, whom we found to be quiet, inoffensive, and industrious. After coaling we proceeded on our journey, and in forty-eight hours arrived at St. Paul Island where we finally debarked. Everything had been provided for our comfort, though the weather was exceedingly cold. On our arrival we found the bark Monticello laden with trading goods from the j)ort of Honolulu in the Sandwich Islands. We at once notified the captain, in accordance with our orders, that he could not land his cargo, and he immediately departed. After taking i)ossession of the island for the Government nothing of importance transpired till the 27th of April, when the schooner Leicis Ferry from San Francisco hove in sight. Manning our boats we at once attempted to board her and notify her captain not to laud or allow any of his men on shore, but owing to the heavy sea prevailing at the time we found it impossible to do so. The schooner was blown out to sea, she having made two unsuccessful attempts to land on Otter Island, distant about 8 miles from St. Paul. Two days after she hove in sight again and we boarded her at once and notified the captain of our instructions, informing him that he must not land on Otter Island, Walrus Island, or the Island of St. Paul, or approach within the mari- time distance indicated by law. Leaving revenue ofiScer Lieutenant Barnes in charge, assisted by Lieutenant Mast of the Second Artillery and a detachment of ten men from Kadiak, furnished by General Davis, after being relieved by the steamer Lincoln on the 27th day of May, we departed from St. Paul and arrived safely at the island of Dnalaska on the 30th of the same month, and there remained awaiting transportation till the 2d of Aug- ust, at which time, procuring passage on the schooner Fanny, after a passage of nineteen days arrived in San Francisco. No portion of the islands named can ever be valuable for agriculture, though throughout the latter part of the summer the grazing is excel- lent and abundant, but owing to the humid nature of the climate it is impossible to cure the grasses or make them into hay. The cod fisheries are mainly confined to the islands of Unga, Una- laska, and Kadiak, the islands of St. Paul, St. George, and Otter being mainly valuable f6r the seal fisheries, which in the aggregate furnish annually about 75,000 seal skins. In addition to the above there were captured last year about 3,000 seaotter skins. Tlie seal skins, though only valued by Hutchinson, Kohl & Co. at the sum of $2 each, I am informed that the entire cargo brought in London $6.50 per skin, mak- ing in the aggregate a total valuation of $487,500; and 3,000 sea-otter skins valued at $20, which is far below their market value, would yield $60,000 more, making a total valuation of skins exported $547,500, or in round numbers over half a million dollars. This vast revenue, now controlled by a single company, would in twelve or thirteen years re- fund the entire sum paid for this territory to the Eussian Government, and, if properly guarded, be to the Treasury of the United States a source of endless revenue. The matter of procuring this revenue will at once address itself to the wisdom of our Representatives at Washington. It would seem, as a matter of justice to the Government, that the advantages of this valuable trade should be made known as widely as possible, and there is no doubt but if the lease or franchise were to take place under proper Government restrictions to prevent the exhaus- tion of the animals, and put up in the city of New York, that at least one ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 11 quarter of a million of dollars annually could be realized by the Gov- ernment from this trade alone. Cereals and vegetables it is impossible to raise, owing to the short- ness of the season, and for all time these supplies will have to be had from the South. The necessaries of life are all cheap and abundant, but everything in the way of luxuries is enormously high. The natives are paid by the company 40 cents per seal skin and for otter skins from $1 up to $40 apiece. The natives, though earning a considerable amount of money, area thriftless, imi^rovident people, and spend it as fast as they receive it. With regard to the mineral resources of the Territory I am entirely uninformed, having had no opportunity for observation, but on the island of Unga coal has been found, though on trial it is said to be of an inferior quality. With regard to the general resources of the Territory, I respectfully refer you to the very able report of Captain Piotrowski, who, speaking the Eussiau language fluently, is better qualified to furnish the general details than I feel myself able to do. All of which is respectfully submitted. I have the honor to remain, yours, respectfully, Joseph Wilson, Iiispector of Customs. Gen. John F. Miller, Collector of Customs. Document K. — Inclosure with McLean's Report of Oetoler 26, 1869. San Francisco, Cal., October 36, 1869. Sir : In accordance with your request, I have the honor to submit a few items in regard to the seal fisheries, etc., of Alaska. On the 5th of March, 1869, 1 received orders from Gen. John F. Miller, collector of the port of San Francisco, to proceed to the Island of St. George, Alaska, for the purpose of assisting E. Korwin Piotrowski, inspector of customs, in j)reventing the landing of any persons or mer- chandise upon any portion of said island. We arrived at the island on the 26th of March, where I remained until the 26th of May, 1869. I was then relieved by the United States revenue cutter Lincoln and taken to the Island of Unalaska, remaining at the latter for transportation until the 2d of August, when I procured passage on the schooner Fanny for San Francisco. During my sojourn upon the above-named islands I ascertained that the price paid by traders, etc., for fur-seal skins was from 25 to 35 cents per skin last year, and that the price this year was to be 40 cents, the maiket value of seal skins at San Francisco being from $4 to $4.50 per skin. About 140,000 fiir seals were captured on the islands of St. George and St. Paul last year (1868). The seals come to these islands in May and remain until the latter part of October or the middle of November. During the time from October to November they are killed by the natives only; and none other than natives should be employed in the killing business for the following reasons : The inhabitants of those islands (St. George and St. Paul) where seals breed, have no other resources to live ou than the seal hunting. The peculiar habits of the animal are perfectly known 12 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. only to the natives, who in the hunting season segregate the males from the females with astonishing adroitness and agility, and should there- fore alone be permitted to kill them ; besides it is the vital interest of the natives to protect and husband this their only source of and only means of existence. It is therefore thought by persons acquainted with those islands that the Government should limit the number of seals to be killed each year so as to protect the natives and also prevent the extermination of the fur seal. As for the sea otter, I can give but little information about them, any more than that from 1,500 to 2,000 are captured yearly about the Aleu- tian Islands, and by the natives only, who receive from the traders from $20 to $40 per skin — the skins selling in San Francisco for from $50 to $100. It is my opinion that the most important resources of the Territory of Alaska are the fur-bearing animals, and that in no case should the indis- criminate slaughtering of these animals be permitted. Proper protec- tion by the Government and a royalty imposed upon each skin would be the means of protecting the native population and a source of great revenue to the Government of the United States. Being unacquainted with the liussian language, my knowledge is but limited; but should the few items above, which hav^e come under my observation, help to form an idea of the fur trade of Alaska, I will feel happy at the thought of contributing to so worthy an end. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. C. Jordan, Inspector of Customs. Jno. T. McLean, Special Agent, San Francisco, Cal. 1870. Extract from report of Capt. G. W. Eaymo7id, United States Engineer Corps and acthig inspector of customs for Alaska. San Francisco, Cal., January 1, 1870. Sir: ******* My opportunities for observation at the various points in Alaska at which we touched in our journey to and from Norton Sound were so limited in comparison with those of many others who have visited and written concerning them that I refrain from attempting to give any account of them ; but I should be remiss iu my duty were I to close this report without making any reference to the most important and valuable portion of our newly acquired territory, the seal islands of St. Paul and St. George. However candid and intelligent observers may differ as regards the value and resources of other portions of the Territory, with reference to the immense value of the seal islands there can be but one opinion; but owing to peculiar circumstances the value of the seal fishery depends almost entirely upon the manner in which it is conducted, and I desire to record my opinion, with whatever weight may attach thereto, in favor of its being placed in the hands of one company of character, means, and ability, which should be held strictly responsible to the Government for the manner in which it is carried on. ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 13 I will only allude to the danger whicli exists of the complete destruc- tion of the seal trade by the interference of irresponsible and unscru- pulous j)ersons, for this danger has been pointed out and described at length by those whose opinions will carry more weight than my own 5 but I will briefly call attention to another aspect of the question. The Aleuts or native inhabitants of these islands and those of the Aleutian Archipelago are a childlike and simple-minded people, who, although eminently capable of civilization, have not yet, in consequence of peculiarities of climate and the want of the civilizing eflect of varied industries, attained to the power and ability of self-protection. These people are easily influenced by circumstances for good or evil. The policy of the Eussian company, judged by its results, seems to have been a good one, and we should hesitate before we change this policy, which it will be for the interests of a great company to continue, for one which will expose the natives to the evil influences of unscrupulous adventurers. It is true that "monopolies are repugnant to the institutions of a free people ; " but so are Indians and uncivilized natives. In placing these people upon the seal islands, Russia assumed the duty of supporting, protecting, and civilizing them; and with the privileges and immuni- ties which we have purchased, this duty has become ours until the time shall arrive when they may be competent to assume and exercise these rights and privileges of American citizens, by means of which they may protect themselves. With proper management I believe the seal fisheries may be made to pay the Government a revenue of more than $100,000 per annum. We may, perhaps, in the future develop other sources of wealth in Alaska, but for the present this constitutes by far the most important; audit is to be hoped that it will not be sacrificed by allowing the business to fall into the hands of those who will certainly destroy it. I am under obligations for much valuable information and assistance to all the traders of northern Alaska. Eespectfully submitted. Chas. K. Eaymond, Inspector of Customs, Yukon River, Alaska. Collector of Customs, Sa7i Francisco, Col. Lieut. W. B. Barnes, B. G. S.: Affairs on Islands. St. Paul Island, Bering Sea, June 14, 1870. Sir : I would respectfully beg leave to make the following report : On the 27th of July, 1869, I communicated to the Department all transactions connected with the revenue to that date, since which time occurrences have transpired that are incumbent on me to report. On my arrival at this island the military sent here for my assistance issued orders taking command of the place. Alone, I was powerless to contend against it, although I did then protest. Lieut. James L. Mast, Second United States Artillery, in command of the troops, advised the headquarters at Sitka, General Davis com- manding, that it would be useless to send provisions here to supply the natives. 14 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. I therefore at the time made an estimate aud allowed the natives to kill seal to cover the amount. After taking these, the natives, with a petition, requested me to extend the number. The petition and a trans- lation of the same please find inclosed. It is signed by the three chiefs and nine of the principal men of the island. After giving a careful examination to each point of this petition, I concluded, in consideration of other circumstances having occurred bearing upon tlie permission given to the steamer Alexander by Gen. G. H. Thomas, indorsed with authority from the Secretary of the Treasury (since proved to be one of God's providences), the natives being dependent on taking skins for their sustenance, and facts repre- sented in their petition, I extended the permission to take more skins, the petitioners assuring me that they would in no manner take seals that would eventually accrue to the disadvantage of the Government, to theirs, or to the seal rookeries, thus aflbrding the commander of these islands resources whereby their sustenance could be secured. Tlie whole number of skins taken is 62,757, which are now on the island, thus allowing to each soul 28 cents a day during one year. I also beg leave to state a sad casualty connected with the cutter Lincoln when at this island on October 9, 1809. The captain's gig, while the crew were pulling her ashore from the vessel, was capsized by a heavy breaker, and three of the men were, unfortunately, drowned. Every endeavor was used to save them. The bodies were soon after recovered, and on the next day they were suitably and decently interred. I would also state that on Sunday, November 6, 1869, a gale of wind commenced from the south aud east, increasing rapidly until the 7th (Monday morning). The sea, as far as the eye could reach to the east, was a continual bed of foam, with heavy breakers vieing with each in size and anger, the wind blowing fearfully, making it almost impossible to stem its fury, the water rising very high, breaking over the beach, completely inundating the lower part of the village, so that a number of the inhabitants' dwellings were flooded, and they were obliged to move. The water in its course undermined a storehouse containing 300 days' Government rations for Lieutenant Mast, and other private property. The floor of the building was entirely washed away, the water in its strength carrying nearly all the contents into the sea. A very small portion of the stores was saved in a badly damaged condition. It was an act of Providence that the steamer Alexander yv^ us allowed to bring provisions, otherwise there would have been great suffering and privation here, and at this date (March 19, 1870) we are nearly destitute of provisions; flour is entirely gone, aud but a few hundred pounds of old ship bread on hand. Of sugar, molasses, and butter we have none. The natives on the coast north of here, and all those of the Aleutian group, are dependent on this island for skins to cover their large canoes (bi-dar-ros) and small canoes (bi-darks). I have allowed all sea lion and old-wig hides, and oil to soak the same, to be shipped to Unalaska, from which place they are distributed by vessels touching at the difter- ent places free of expense. The amount sent this last season is 527 hides and 34 barrels of oil and blubber. August 20, 1869, tlie steamer Alexander took 6,707 seal skins left here by Hutchinson, Kohl & Co. in the season of 1868. The army transport steamer Ncwhern arrived yesterday, bringing fresh troops for these islands. Lieutenant Huggins relieving Lieutenant Mast. ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 15 I hereby acknowledge receipt of instructions of date February 2, 1870. The prohibition referred to has been and will be strictly enforced. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WiNSLOW B. Barnes, Third Lieutenant, United States Revenue Service. Hon. George S. Boutwell, Secretary of the Treasury, Washington, I). C. Inelosure to report of Lieutenant Barnes, dated June 14, 1870. [Translation.] St. Paul Island, September 1, 1869. On your arrival at this island you read your instructions in our presence. Those instructions were immediately translated to us, and we learned from them that the Secretary of the Treasury left to your judgment and intrusted you to designate the number of seals we can kill this year. You also handed us a translation of the order of 1868, by which the killing of seals was prohibited. The fulfillment of this order would have not only brought us to extreme poverty, but would have deprived us of means of subsistence. We have no money for changing the place of our residence, and the prohibition of seal-kiUing will cause our ruin. You decided upon a certain number of seals to be taken for our sub- sistence. Knowing that the fixing of the number of seals was left to you, we take the liberty to request you to increase the number of seals to be killed this season, and beg to explain hereby the reasons which prompt us to do so. Twelve cents a day is not sufficient for our food, and besides food we want warm clothing for the cold winter, and if we do not provide ihem our families will suffer from the rigor of the climate. Our houses must nearly all be repaired. Most of us have debts which we consider it our duty to pay before expending for ourselves. We have a church and a school which we sup- port. We have widows and orphans who require the support of the community. Finally, we can not subsist on seal meat alone. The rigor of the winters and the discomfort of our dwellings made us acquire the habit of drinling tea, which warms and stimulates us. We are accustomed to this beverage, and it is difficult for us to dispense with it. We request you to give due attention to our wants, and trust that you will perceive the necessity of increasing the number of seals you have decided may be killed in one year. Special Agent Charles Bryant: Annual Report for 1870. Island of St. Paul, Alaska, July 14, 1870. Sir: In compliance with the instructions of the Department of May 24, 1870, ordering me to take charge of the sealing islands and to pro- vide for the immediate wants of the inhabitants, if found in a condition 16 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. of necessity, I called on the chiefs at each island to give me a state- ment of the actual wants of the population. From the information so obtained and from the absence of provisions in the stores of Hutchinson, Kohl & Co. and Williams & Havens, it became apparent that measures should be taken for supplying the natives from such stores as were put on board the revenue steamer Lincoln in prevision of that emergency. 1 therefore requested the commander of the Lincoln to land on the islands all the bread and flour which might be possibly spared from his vessel, as well as the provisions specially ordered by Department's telegram to the collector of customs at San Francisco dated June 8, 1870. The following supplies were put at my disposition : Bread and flour, 20,000 pounds; sugar, 4,000 pounds; tea, 525 pounds; salt (as per report of July 5), 10 tons. The native population on St. Paul being 240, and on St. George 132, all these stores will be divided between the two islands to correspond as nearly as possible with the proportion of said population. The amount of provisions usually required per month for an average family of six persons, as stated by the chiefs, has been, since the treaty of cession, as follows: Bread and flour, 120 pounds; sugar, 15 jjounds; tea, 3 pounds; seal flesh from GO animals of medium size. These figures, when multiplied by the number of average families (62 X 6=372), give the amounts required for one month on both islands : Bread and flour, 7,440 jDounds; tea, 186 pounds; sugar, 930 pounds; seal flesh from 3,720 animals. As my calculations at San Francisco had to be reduced to the lowest rates in view of the fact that the LAncoln would take a large quantity of coal at Nanaimo, it necessarily follows that the provisions now on hand can not last four months, as I expected, if no reduction is made from the reqnisition of the chiefs. It being desirable to satisfy the natives to the same extent as was done under the control of private companies, I determined to issue rations without reduction, in the hope that the Department will find means to forward more supplies during the three months from the date of this letter, through which period my present supplies will carry me at the above rates. The mode of issuing and distributing provisions, determined npon after consultation with the chiefs, will be on each island as follows: A committee of three chiefs elected by the people will receive every week from the officer in charge a weekly proportion of provisions and receipt for the same in a book provided for that purpose. The distribution will be made by the chiefs under the supervision of said oflicer. As to the seal flesh, I determined to allow the killing from time to time of such numbers of seals as will be actually eaten. No killing will be permitted for the purpose of putting up dried seal flesh for the coming winter, unless the prohibition contained in my instructions is expressly revoked by further orders from the Department. In regard to the skins of animals which will be killed for flesh, I con- sidered but just tnat the natives should salt, i^reserve, and hold at the disposition of the Government such quantity of choice skins from each killing as will be sufficient to cover the actual cost of provisions and salt issued to them up to the date of said killing, adopting the usual market price of skins on the islands (40 cents) as a standard of calcu- lation. By this arrangement, after three months from date, a lot of 2,100 choice skins on St. Paul and 1,500 on St. George will be held free of any private claim at the disposition of the Treasury Department. ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 17 These 3,600 skins, if sold at auction in San Francisco, would probably realize from $10,000 to $12,000 in coin, and thus, after deduction of about $2,000 for the supplies now granted and the expenses of trans- portation and sale, a fund of about $8,000 might be created to cover further expenditures on behalf of the natives of the sealing islands. With reference to the balance of skins which will remain in the hands of the natives after deduction of the number reserved as above, I did not consider it advisable, in the absence of any instructions on this point, to interfere with the desire expressed by the natives that they might be allowed to exchange or sell said skins for the purpose of pro- curing from the stores now on the islands dry goods, clothing, crockery ware, hardware, and various small articles to which they have been accustomed for many years past. A sufficient stock of these commodi- ties is still extant on the islands from last year's supplies, but more clothing will be absolutely required for the coming winter. In this connection I beg leave respectfully to invite the attention of the Depart- ment to the fact that the Aleutian population of the sealing islands has, with very slight variations, the same wants as any rural community in the Christian world. Should the killing of seals be permitted to cover the wants for the whole year, the required number of seals to be killed would be in all (from July 15 of this year) 44,640 (3,720x12). Coming to that part of the instructions given me which refers to sug- gestions as to the future action of the Government in regard to the sealing islands, I have to state that under the pressure of urgent busi- ness— conferences with natives, attendance to the counting of skins to be taken on the steamer Alexander, and in view of the necessity of sending this letter as soon as possible — I can only advert to such features as require prompt and immediate action. Should no change have occurred in the legislation or in the views of the Department in regard to the sealing islands, I would suggest that the following supplies be forwarded with all possible speed, to secure the subsistence of the population for eight months from October 15 of this year to June 15 of 1871: Bread and flour, 59,536 pounds; sugar, 6,740 pounds; tea, 1,488 pounds; salt, 45 tons; wood for baking purposes, 10 cords. If the temporary arrangements adopted by me are approved and authority should be given me to prolong the same for the coming winter, I would suggest that Hutchinson, Kohl & Co. may be authorized to send to the islands the necessary stock of clothing, dry goods, hard- ware, etc.; otherwise, that measures be devised to provide for those commodities on account of the skins which may be taken to San Fran- cisco at the end of this year's sealing season. In view of the very limited capacities of our revenue cutters for car- rying freight, it would seem advisable to charter a sailing vessel for the purpose of carrying supplies to the islands and taking to San Francisco such skins as may be ready for shipment. Should any information be desired on that behalf, I would respectfully refer to Capt. C. M. Scam- mon, commander of the Lincoln, who is well acquainted with the re- sources of the Pacific Coast and has devoted much attention to the subject under consideration. As soon as circumstances will permit I will devote myself to the com- pletion of a detailed plan of administration of the sealing islands. In connection with this matter I would respectfully request that Mr. Buy- nitzky be relieved from the island of St. George as soon as practicable H. Doc. 92 2 18 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. and ordered to assist me at St. Paul for some time before leaving for Washington. I consider it particularly desirable tbat be should become thoroughly acquainted with all the details of the plan to be submitted by me to the Department. I am, sir, very respectfully, Charles Bryant, Special Agent, Treasury Department. Hon. Geo. S. Bout^vell, Secretary of the Treasury. Report of S. JV. BuynitzJcy, of the Treasury Department, stationed at St. Paul Island, AlasTca, in charge of tJie seal fishery. Washington, D. C, December 30, 1870. Sir : By letter of instructions of May 25, 1870, I have been detailed to the islands of St. Paul and St. George, Alaska, there to act under the orders of Oapt. Charles Bryant, special agent of the Treasury Department, and also to obtain and report to the Department such information as might be acquired relative to the seal fishery and the commercial interests of the islands and of the country generally. Con- cerning my action at the islands under the instructions of Capt. Charles Bryant, I beg leave respectfully to refer to Mr. Bryant's official reports. As to the information which I have been able to acquire rela- tive to the seal fishery and the commercial interests of the islands and of the country, I have the honor to submit the following : The islands of St. Paul and St. George, owing to their isolated posi- tion, their climate, and the configuration of their shores, seem to have been particularly designed by nature for the propagation of the species of seals commonly known under the name of fur seal and scientifically classified under the appellation of " Phoca ursina." The number of fur seals congregating every summer at the islands is literally beyond computation. At the commencement of sjiring they begin to appear in the Bering Sea, coming from the Pacific through the straits of the Aleutian islands, chiefly through Unimak Pass. Full-grown males (called bulls) are the earliest visitors at the islands of St. George and St. Paul. They approach the islands in the last days of April, and after a careful survey of their habitual resting grounds settle thereon, to await the arrival of the females, which takes place considerably later. The seals invariably select for their resting grounds (rookeries) such beaches as are strewn over with large bowlders, affording a safe hold against the sweep of the surf. Flat, sandy beaches are carefully avoided by them, probably on account of the danger to which the new-born seals would be exxiosed of being carried oif by the sea before they have learned to live in that element. From the day of their settling on the rookeries to the epoch of the appearance of the females the bulls sleep almost without interruption. Toward the end of May they begin to look out for the coming of their families. The females (cows) generally recognize their former mates, and land at their respective rookeries. There being a considerable difference between the male and female in regard to age of puberty (6 years for the male and 2 for the female), this species is necessarily polygamous, and an average family numbers about ten cows to one bull. The rookeries nearest to the water are occujned by the propagators, while the minor individuals of the tribe ALASKA INDUSTKIES. 19 have to cg-mp on the slopes, where they are more exposed to the danger of being cut off from the sea and to become the prey of the hunter. The hunting begins as soon as the resting grounds are fully occupied, which generally happens about the end of June. It is carried on until the middle of November, when the seals leave the islands, to disappear for five months in the vast expanse of the Pacific. The surrounding, driving, killing, and flensing of the fur seals has been reduced to a science by the natives of the islands. A day is waited for when the direction of the wind allows of a rookery being ax)proached so that the game can not scent the hunters. A i^arty of from twenty to thirty men, armed with clubs, cautiously advance along the shore until the retreat of the animals toward the sea is cut off by the line of hunters. Then, at a signal from the chief of the expedition, the men rush up the clifl's and drive toward the interior of the island as many seals as have been sur- rounded. When the herd has been driven to a certain distance from the shore, a halt is made, and a sorting of the game as to age, sex, and condition of the fur is effected. This operation requires the exercise of a lifelong experience, and is of the utmost imijortance, as the killing of females, which are easily mistaken for young males even by the natives, would endanger the propagation of the species, and the slaugli- tering of males under 2 or over 4 years old would be a useless extermi- nation, their furs having little value for trade. The sorting once accomj)lished, all the animals not destined for killing are allowed to escape toward the rookery, and the balance of the herd is driven to the slaughtering grounds, situated near the salt houses. Great care is taken, when driving, that the animals do not become overheated, for should this happen the skins would become worthless, the fur falling off". On reaching the slaughtering grounds, the drove is allowed a rest of two or three hours, after which, at a signal given by one of the chiefs, the killing is effected with wonderful rapidity. I have seen a drove of 1,600 seals dispatched by 30 men in little more than an hour of time. As soon as the animals are killed, all available hands, men, women, and children, rush to the work of flensing, which has to be finished as soon as possible, to prevent the carcasses from stiflening. Every part of the animal is turned to account — skin, flesh, blubber, and intestines. The skins are immediately taken to the salt house and placed in large vats, the fur side down, and the flesh side plentifully sprinkled with salt. When the skins have been thoroughly saturated with salt, which process requires about forty days, they are taken uj) and shaken. Then another lighter coating of salt is applied, and they are booked up in folds, ready for shipment. The commercial value of fur-seal skins depends upon their size, and particularly upon the quality of the fur. The greatest proportion of first-class skins are obtained from seals 3 years old. London is the most important and almost the only market for fur-seal skins. There they are manufactured into elegant furs by a series of tech- nical operations, the secret whereof is jealously kept by a single firm. The prices obtained in London by American traders for seal skins shipped in 1867 and 1868 ranged from 16 to 3U shillings per skin, according to quality. The cost of each skin rendered at London, including compen- sation of natives, expenses for salt, shipment from the islands to San Francisco, transshipment for Europe, freight and commissions, amounted to $1.50 in gold. This was the figure of costs when the price paid by the traders to the natives for each skin was nominally from 20 to 40 cents, but actually less, as the same traders realized on some articles furnished to the natives a ijrofit of nearly 100 per cent. At present, 20 ALASKA INDUSTRIES, wheu the Alaska Commercial Company has fixed the price to be paid to the natives at 40 cents i)er skin and the advance on San Francisco j)rices of commodities brought to the islands at only 25 per cent, the above figure of costs will be considerably increased. Some increase of costs will be occasioned by the obligations assumed on the part of the company as to the establishment and keeping of gratuitous schools for the natives, and also by certain additional advantages vouchsafed to the natives, as appears from the instructions of the company to its agents, a copy whereof is herewith submitted. So that in future the actual cost of each seal skin rendered at London will amount to no less than $2, exclusive of the pro rata of the rental and the tax imposed by the conditions of the lease. The fat or blubber of all the seals killed for their skins is not more than sufiicient to supply the want of fuel at the islands. Although every chip of driftwood is carefully collected by the natives and brought with great pains to the village from the remotest points, almost all of it is used up in the repairs continually required by the rapidly decaying woodwork of their miserable dwellings, and only a small quantity may be reserved for the purpose of kindling the seal- blubber fires. The sum- mer temperature at the islands being 45° and the mean temperature of the year about 38°, the dwellings, which are nothing better than cellars covered with turf, have to be heated all the year round. Notwithstand- ing the enormous quantity of seal blubber consumed at the islands, a considerable amount of it might be converted into seal oil for exi)orta- tion. Thousands of old bulls, which have become useless for the pur- poses of propagation and are an incumbrance to the rookeries, might be killed for their blubber, and thus a new and i^rofitable article of trade added to the resources of the islands. Unfortunately, the market price of seal oil is lower than the tax offered on this article by the competitors for the lease of the islands, and consequently this branch of industry has no chance of being developed. The population of the islands, numbering 240 on St. Paul and 125 on St. George, are mostly Aleutes, some half-breeds, and a few descendants of Kamchadales brought over from Kamchatka by the vessels of the Russian-American Company. Their mother tongue is the Aleutian — a language spoken with slight variations all over the Aleutian islands and the southeast coast of the Alaskan peninsula. The Russian lan- guage is understood by all and is intelligently spoken by many. They all belong to the Greco-Russian Catholic Church, and are sincerely attached to their religion. According to the statement of the natives of the islands of St. Paul and St. George, a notable improvement in their material welfare has taken place sincetiietransfer of the Territory to the United States. Still, their l)rosperity is far from being in harmony with the importance of their share in the production of wealth. Their dwellings — damp,iusalubrious hovels, constructed of driftwood and sods — are particularly in painful contrast with all other conditions of their life. There being no building materials at the islands, the natives are unable to accomplish any con- siderable improvement in their system of building without assistance on the i)art of the Government. The prevalence of inflammatory diseases of the lungs, mostly due to the miserable condition of dwellings, requires the presence of a medical practitioner at each island. The recall this summer of the United States troops, and therewith of the contract doctors who were attached to the military posts at the islands, leaves the population without medical assistance. Some provision toward supplying this want is absolutely ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 21 necessary. The only place in the Territory besides the islands of St. Paul and St. George which I had the opportunity to visit, was Unalaska, the most important of the Aleutian islands. Situated near the Unimak Pass, which is the best entrance to the Bering Sea, and possessing a good harbor, Unalaska is visited by vessels engaged in the fur trade more than any other port, not excepting Sitka. The principal settle- ment of the island is Iliuliuk Harbor, with 300 inhabitants. It is the religious metropolis of the Aleutian tribe. From this point the light of Christianity spread all over the Aleutian archipelago. Here lived the apostle of the Aleutes, Father John Veniaminov, whose name and teach- ings are reverently transmitted from father to son in every Aleutian family. Fishing and sea-otter hunting are the principal occupations of the inhabitants of Unalaska. Fresh and dried fish is the staple article of food. The sea-otter skins, of which the Unalaskans secure from three to four hundred a year, are traded at the rate of from $15 to $35 for clothing, hardware, crockery, sugar, tea, and tobacco. The Aleutian tribe, numbering about 3,000, represents nine-tenths of the trade of the Territory, and is unquestionably far in advance of all other tribes with respect to moral, religious, and social development. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. IST. BuYNiTZKY, Clerk. Hon. George S. Boutwell, Secretary of the Treasury. 1871. Special Agent Charles Bryant: Preliminary Report for 1871. Office Special Agency, St. Paul Island, May 19, 1871. Sir : I have the honor to report the arrival on the 15th of the present month at this island of the Alaska Commercial Companj'^'s steamer Alexander, laden with material and supplies for the island. As I have received no communication whatever from the Department by said steamer, I must conclude that such matter must have been sent by .nistake to Sitka, in which case I am not likely to receive it for a year or so, and I beg leave to request that as no vessels but those belonging to the Alaska Commercial Company visit those islands, instructions be given that all mails be forwarded to those islands from San Francisco direct. In the absence of any instructions, I shall be guided by a certified copy of the act of Congress authorizing the lease and the conditions of the lease as given me by the company. I am happy to report that thus far the conditions have been fully complied with. The store has been well stocked with goods of good quality and sold at low prices; provisions also the same. The health of the inhabitants has been very good since my last report. There have been G births and G deaths — 1 adult, 2 boys — and 3 infants. The Alaska Commercial Company have brought at their own expense a physician to reside permanently on the island. In November last a school was opened for the natives, which was 22 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. attended by 29 pupils, wliicli were between the ages of 5 and 17 years. The average attendance was 95 per cent. All manifested great interest in learning the English language and made good progress. All learned the alphabet, and many were able to read simple sentences. I herewith transmit a very able report of Acting Assistant Special Agent Samuel Falconer on the condition of the island of St. George, under his charge. I have the honor to be, respectfully, yours, Charles Butant, Special Agent, Treasury Department. Hon. George S. Boutwell, Secretary of the Treasury. Renort of Assistant Aqent Falconer. — Inclosure with report of Special Agent Bryant, dated May 19, 1871. St. GEOnaE Island, Bering Sea, May 14, 1871. Sir : Having been appointed by you October 10, 1870, to act as your assistant ori St. George Island, I beg leave to submit the following report. On arriving at my post of duty I was furnished by your late assistant, Mr. S. N. Buynitzky, the following statement, purporting to be tbe number of seals taken during his term of office, together with that of Lieut. E. Henderson, for the year 1870 up to time of writing : St. George Island, October 14, 1870. There were taken this year, np to July 17, 2,434 fur seal ; from July 17 to October 10, 4,352; a total of 6,786. Of this number 1,500 skins are kept free from any private claim, subject to further orders of the Treasury Department. S. N. Buynitzky. In addition to this number, there were taken during the close of the season 473 fur seals, making a grand total of 7,259 for the year 1870. The number of seal pups killed during the whole season for native food foots up to 1,200, and are not included in the above figures. As the fur-seal season was almost closed before my arrival, I am unable to furnish you with much of a report on this subject, but will confine my remarks chiefly to the native inhabitants of the place, together with other incidents of interest which happened from time to time. I was not long a resident of the place until I found, to my astonish- ment, a higher degree of civilization existing among them than I antici- pated ; and I am happy to add in reference to this that the new arrivals who are in tlie emi^loy of the Alaska Commercial Company proved to be no ways detrimental to them in their ideas, but on the contrary assisted them in carrying out this order of civilization into a higher degree of perfection. Indeed, I can not speak too highly of Mr. Brown, the agent of this company, who has been very particular in carrying out the conditions of the agreement between the company and the Govern- ment, and the many other acts of kindness shown them in aid of their comfort has rendered him quite a favorite among them. The company has furnished abundance of everything that is neces- sary for the comfort and sustenance of life, and from the very low prices charged on many of the principal articles has left no room for comi)laints. In speaking of these people, I may safely state that I know of no class of the human race that enjoy themselves any more than they do. Scarcely has an evening passed over their heads but they have engaged in dancing or some other amusements. ALASKA. INDUSTRIES. 23 The health of the island is good, there being no disease of any kind upon it, the number of deaths since my arrival being 3, 2 of which were infants, and caused by sheer neglect of their parents; the other was a child of 5 years, the ailment of which had been of long standing. Quite difi'erent from that of last year, when there were 19 deaths recorded on the books kept by the chief of the island. From inquiry I have learned that many of the deaths referred to were caused by the manu- facture and use of " quas," a kind of liquor made by the natives out of flour and sugar. This year there has been a stop put to the manufac- turing of the article, the result of which will doubtless keep many from tilling early graves. The number of births up to date were 5; 4 of which are alive and doing well. On the 1st of November last a school was reestablished for the natives, the attendance on which numbers about 25, and from the advanced state they were left in by our friend Mr. Buynitzky it was no difiticult task to get along with them. They are making rapid progress, and feel anxious to learn the English language. Men who have advanced to the age of 30 and 40 attend school and are making equal progress. The temperature of the weather I kept, and used Fahrenheit's ther- mometer. For the last two months of the year 1870 the mean temper- ature ranged as follows: For November, 30.80; December, 28.60; for January, 1871, mean 30.04; February, 23.22; March, 14.85, and April, 32.52. The coldest day during the entire winter season was on the lOtli of February, the thermometer indicating as low as zero, although you will perceive that March was the coldest month by great odds. On the 2d of this month the ice made its appearance and landed on the north side of the island in a limited quantity, but day after day it forced its way along from the north until it made a complete bridge between this island and that of St. Paul. Indeed, I am of opinion that the whole surface of the sea to the north of this was a solid sheet of ice. In a report given by a former agent of this Territory, it was stated that the white bear was known to frequent these islands. At that time I doubted the assertion, but to-day I am ready to indorse it. Not that I have seen any pay us a visit, but it is not but what an oppor- tunity has presented itself for them to do so. The schooner H. M. Hutchinson (owners, Hutchinson, Kohl & Co., San Francisco) sailed from this island on the 20th of October last in ballast, en route for San Francisco, E. Henniug in command ; also the steam- ship GonstanUne, same owners, sailed from here on the 12th of October last en route for San Francisco, with 1,800 salted seal skins on board taken from this island, M. C. Erskine in command. I am respectfully, your obedient servant, Samuel Falconer, Acting Assistant Special Agent. Capt. Charles Bryant, Special Agent of Treasury Department. Special Agent Bryant : Annual Report for 1871. Fairhaven, Mass., November 10, 1871. Sir: I have the honor to report the arrival at St. Paul Island, Alaska Territory, on the 31st of July last past, the Alaska Commer- cial Company's steamer Alexander, from San Francisco, having on 24 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. board as passeuger Stephen N. Biiynitzky, esq., a clerk of the Depart- ment, with authority to take charge of the islands and allow nie to report for duty in the Atlantic States, and now beg leave to submit the following report : For the details of my administration from the time of my taking charge of the seal islands, July 10, 1870, until the departure of the Alaska Commercial Company's steamer Consiantine, October 12 of the same year, I beg leave to refer to my former reports, dated July 14 and October 12, respectively. The sealing season had so nearly expired at that time that only 1,60(> seals were taken for their skins. November 2 about 4 inches of snow fell, and, it becoming sufficiently cold for the purpose, the natives commenced taking their supply of winter food and completed it the 11th of the same mouth, taking in all 2,800 young seals. These were obtained by driving the females with their young to the uplands, where the pups were caught and examined, males only being selected for this purpose, the others being allowed to return to the rookery. Those selected are driven to the village and slaughtered, after which the chiefs apportion to each family its part. Some families preserve by salting; others suspend the carcass on poles, allowing them to freeze, and are so preserved for eating fresh. These pups at the time are 4 months old, and weigh on an average 36^ pounds. Their skins have no commercial value. The principal occupation of the natives during the winter mouths is hunting foxes, which abound in large numbers on the island, for their skins for sale, and shooting such small game for food as can be found at that time of year. The present year the company has paid pre- miums to the parties getting the three highest numbers, and under this stimulant 1,400 were taken during the months of November, December, January, and February. During the holidays, from Christmas to Lent, there was much drunk- enness from beer made by fermenting sugar and flour together. The evil became so great that it was found necessary to restrict the sale of sugar to a bare ration, sufficient for their tea, and even then so strong was their appetite that they would associate together and save their small allowance until enough could be had to have a holiday, as they term it. This was especially the case on birth and saint days. Fortu- nately, it does not make them quarrelsome. Twice I found it necessary to interpose my authority to prevent disturbance among the natives, and once a difficulty occurred between the first chief, when drunk, and one of the employees of the company, which led to some dissatisfaction among the people, but the trouble was amicably arranged. There is no authority in the native government or provision for punishing crime other than the church by penance, and this seems insufficient for this kind of misdemeanor. It would seem worthy of consideration whether authority should not be given the officer in charge of the island to impose small fines in these cases and apply the proceeds to relieving the necessities of the poor. The only possible place where a school could be accommodated was the dining room of the employees of the company, and that could be had only two hours each afternoon. As early as practicable a school was opened, and botli parents and children were deeply interested in its success. It was attended by 29 scholars between the ages of 5 and 18, the average attendance being 95 per cent. All learned the alphabet, and many to read simple sentences. But great difficulty was experi- enced in enabling them to understand the meaning, their isolated con- dition being unfavorable to the development of ideas, and it was found ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 25 that the only effective method was object teaching, for which there existed a scant supply of material. The school had to be closed in April, and owing to the difficulty of many attending during the sealing season it had not been resumed. At the time of my leaving, August 15, a large building was being iitted expressly for the school and a place for the people to assemble. The past winter has been the most severe in long-continued cold weather in the memory of the oldest inhabitants of the island. On the 5th of February large bodies of drift ice came down from the north, envel- oping the island on all sides, and did not finally disappear until May, a period of ninety days. Although no considerable ice formed along the shores of the island, huge sheets of this drift ice, 3 or 4 feet thick, were pushed by the tide high on the rocks, and remained, obstructing the rookeries, until late in June before melting. Owing to this cause the seals were a month later than usual in landing, and many landed in a crippled condition, exhibiting evidence of having suffered injury in working through the large bodies of ice to the south of the island. May 15, 1871, the Alaska Commercial Company's steamer Alexander arrived from San Francisco, having on board the general agent of the Alaska Commercial Company and a number of employees to reside permanently on the island. The steamer had also as passengers the Russo-Greek bishop from San Francisco, with his attendants, making a parochial visit and to minister to the spiritual wants of the people. The steamer having touched at St. George, in accordance with verbal orders given him by me Special Agent Samuel Falconer came to confer with me in regard to the affairs of that island. The steamer brought all needful supplies and material for conducting the business of taking seal skins. These were landed and a small number of seal skins shipped (3,448, as per certificate dated May 19, 1871). The steamer sailed on the 19th for San Francisco. A small number of seals were taken for food during the month of May and the skins salted. June 1, the seals being present in sufficient numbers, the company commenced taking skins. This employed all the natives steadily, the working force of the island being just sufficient to perform the work in the given time. June 11 the company's bark Cyane arrived from San Francisco laden with lumber, wood, and salt for the island. There were several fami- hes residing on the island who came here in the employ of the former Russian Fur Company from the island of Kadiak. At the time of the transfer of the Territory four of these contracted to work in the employ of WilHams & Havens, of New London, Conn., to be returned by them to Kadiak at the end of the sealing season of 1869. It not being con- venient for the agent of Williams & Havens to do this, they agreed with him to cancel said contract and received 1100 each instead of the con- veyance to Kadiak and have since resided on the island, sharing with the other natives in the labor and proceeds of the sealing business. As the bark Cyane was to return by way of Kadiak, and the agent gave them permission to take passage, four families availed themselves of it. These contained eight adults and five children. The bark having landed her supplies, sailed again on the IGth for San Francisco, via Unalaska and Kadiak, and the sealing was continued until July 31. July 31, the steamer Alexander arrived from San Francisco with sup- plies for the ensuing winter. After landing part of her cargo, on August 1 the steamer visited the island of St. George to land supplies and to 26 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. take on board skins. Stephen N. Buynitzky, acting under verbal orders from me, took passage on her for the purpose of conveying- to Samuel Fal- coner a letter of appointment as special agent of the Treasury Depart- ment; also a letter of instructions from myself, a copy of which, with a copy of his report on the condition of that island, I herewith inclose. There are on the island a population of 370 natives, so called. These are about one-half pure Aleutian blood, the other half of creole blood. In several the foreign element predominates. They have a well-organ- ized system of government, under chiefs of their own selection, subject to removal at the will of the people whenever they choose. Those now acting have done so for three years, and are very efiflcient men. These exercise a kind of patriarchal supervision over the affairs of the whole people, but possess no power to enforce their authority beyond the expression of their will. This meets all their wants as a simple com- munity, but there sometimes arise contingencies when this is insufficient. The' proceeds of the sealing business are a common property, shared by all, and all are expected "to participate in the labor. Sometimes, when delivering skins to ships, some are disposed to shirk their duty for apparently frivolous reasons. In such cases I have felt called on to exercise my authority. There is always a liability of differences arising between natives and the employees of the company which call for the exercise of judicial powers. These make it worth while to consider how far the resident officer should be empowered to act in cases where an appeal to the Department would require a year to get a decision. The population of St. Paul is 249; that of St. George 127. This is somewhat unequal in proportion to the labor and proceeds of the sealing business, St. Paul having two-thirds of the population with three-fourths of the labor and proceeds; but this will probably be equalized by the removal of some of the people from St. George to St. Paul. The population of both islands — except the chiefs, who live in wooden houses of their own — are living in underground houses built of turf, containing three compartments — an outer one where, in an open space, the cooking is done, with blubber for fuel; a middle one, half workroom and half outhouse; an inner one, not larger than 10 by 12, lighted by a single sash. ]S^ot half of these have wooden floors or ceilings. Here, crowded together, without ventilation, to keep themselves warm as they best can by animal heat during long, tedious winters, sickness necessarily prevails, and without means to struggle against privation or for comfort, their average life is shortened, and their later years are full of pain and suffering, while full half the infants, for want of care, do not live six months. This is the condition where the experience of tlie mili- tary and civil officers and employees of the company demonstrates the climate to be especially favorable to robust health. I would most re- spectfully ask, ill behalf of these people, that application be made to Congress for an appropriation to furnish material to build small, wooden houses above ground. There are native carpenters sufficiently skillful to do all the labor. All that is necessary is to furnish the material at the islands and place it in charge of the Government officer, who will see to its proper disposal and use. Such material would cost, at the island, $500 per house, and the number required would be, on St. Paul 40, and St. George 20. The company propose building such houses and allow the natives to live in them, but refuse to sell the lumber or houses to tliem, being averse to the natives acquiring any right or title to such property on the island. This, for obvious reasons, ought not to be. The natives are already more than sufficiently dependent on the com- pany, and ought not to hold their houses at the will of the resident agent. ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 27 Congress, by leasing their island and taxing its only industry, the seal fishery, so heavily as to preclude the company's being liberal, owe it to them to see that they have every reasonable comfort and are fully pro- tected in their rights. It is doubtful whether, without the right of ownership in their houses, they can be induced to change their con- firmed habits so as to secure the necessary conditions of cleanliness and comfort desirable for their better health. Some method might be adopted by which they might.repay the outlay for their houses, as the proceeds of the seal fishery, $30,000 on St. Paul and $10,000 on St. George, annually paid by the company, is amply sufficient with proper economy for all the comforts and many of the conveniences of civilization. In my report to the Department dated October 15, 1870, I had the honor of calling attention to certain exigencies existing under the new arrangement of affairs at the islands. One was that a suitable building be erected on each island for the accommodation of the Government officers, they being now dependent on the company, whose means are limited for their own employees. Another was that a physician be allowed for each island and paid by the Government, and that suitable buildings be erected for their accom- modation. Should this be granted, I would suggest that one building be erected for both purposes, as less expensive. Still another was that an additional officer be allowed each island. This I deem important for the following reasons: The interests of the Government are too great to be lelt dependent on the health of a single officer, the great distance and infrequent communication rendering it liable that a whole year might elapse before the information could be transmitted and the want supplied. Another, and equally important, is that the nature of the business is such that the required knowledge necessary to keep the Government informed of its conclitions in advance can only be obtained by a residence on the island at least one year and by careful observation comparing one year with another; nor can it be imparted to another unless on the ground, and in the event of a change of officers the experience of the one leaving would be lost to the Government. The whole number of seals taken during the year 1869, as ascertained by actual count on their delivery in July, 1870, was — On St. Paul Island 60, 992 On St. George Island 24,909 Total 85,901 Seals killed during tlic year 1870. On St. Panl Island : From April 28 to Jnly 1 3,988 July 1 to October 9 (salted) 6,449 Cut skins ( uot salted) 278 October 9 to November 30 (salted) 1, 597 Cut skins (not salted) 202 Young seals killed for winter supply of food for natives 2, 800 Total 15,314 On St. George Island : Previous to July 1 1, 799 July 1 to October 10 4,987 October 10 to close of tbe season 473 Pups for winter supply 1, 200 Total 8,459 Grand total for 1870 23,773 28 ALASKA INDUSTKIES. Skins taken during the present season, 1871, up to July SI. On St. Paul : May for native food 418 June 20, 042 July 24 708 Cut skins rejected 335 Total 45,503 St. George Island, as per report of Special Agent Samuel Falconer up to July 31 . 17, 000 Total on both islands up to July 31, 1871 62, 503 Besides the above, 1 per cent should be allowed for loss by heating while driving and otherwise. This will cover all seals killed at the islands. During the interval between July 1, the date of the act author- izing the lease and its promulgation at the islands October 10, there was killed on St. Paul 6,449 and on St. George 4,987 animals for food for the natives. These were mostly 1 -year-old seals, and their skins were not of prime value. Of these, there were reserved, in accordance with the plans stated in my report of July 14, 1870, and salted on Govern- ment account on St. Paul 2,040 and on St. George 1,500 skins. These are the same mentioned in my report of May 19, 1871, the necessary order for the shipment of which miscarried by mail, and 1 only received the certified coi)y at the date of my leaving the island, when no oppor- tunity occurred for shipping them, the steamer being loaded to her fullest capacity with skins belonging to her owners. The remainder of these skins are in the hands of the Alaska Commercial Company, and, not being worth the tax, are left on the islands. Skins damaged by cutting have always sold at half price in market, and the same rates have been paid for them at the salt houses. Since the leasing they, not being con- sidered worth the tax, have been rejected by the company. This has resulted in no loss, as will be seen by reference to the foregoing state- ment. Formerly the average of cut skins equaled 6 per cent of the whole. Since their rejection the average has decreased to three-fourths of 1 per cent. About 6,000 gallons of oil have been rendered, at a cost of 25 cents per gallon by allowing the natives 0 cents per gallon for skinning and carrying the blubber to the place of rendering — a compensation scarcely in proportion to the labor, as the saving of the oil doubles the skinning and carrying. The cost of rendering (25 cents) added to the tax (55 cents) makes a total of 80 cents per gallon at the island, while the market value is less than 50 cents. It must be obvious no com- pany can afford to incur the expense necessary for carrying on a busi- ness involving such positive loss. In my opinion, no great revenue can be derived from taxing the oil, and as the natives are the parties most to be benefited by its saving by us, it affording an additional industry to their island, I would suggest that in place of a revenue tax there be established a regulation fixing a stipulated price, say 20 cents per gal- lon, to be paid by the company to the natives for all the oil shipped from the island. This would leave a margin sufficient to pay the cost of rendering and shipping. In this way about 50,000 gallons of oil may be obtained annually above or over what blubber is required by the natives for fuel. The proceeds of this would enable them to pur- chase wood or coal to warm their houses in winter, the blubber being entirely unfitted for that purpose, and is now burned in an outhouse for cooking only, the 60 cords of wood now annually distributed among them being insufficient for baking purposes. ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 29 The breeding rookeries, so called, are the rocky shores selected by the old males for that purpose. They are of variable length, from one- eighth of a mile to 3 miles in length, and from 5 to 50 rods in width, separated from each other by intervals of sand beach from a few rods to 6 miles in length. The old males land early on these places and pre- vent any but females occupying them with themselves. All the other classes, with those selected for killing, occupy the uplands immediately in the rear of these. It is claimed by the natives that the seals return invariably the second year to their places of birth and, when not too often disturbed by driving, continue to do so. This is important, as will appear, and I have instituted experiments to determine the fact by having 100 male pups selected before I leave and marked by cutting off" the right ear, on a rookery 1 mile north of the village, and a like number with the left ear, on the rookery to south of village. This has been done for two years, and next year the first will be old enough to be taken. The seals occupy the southeast and southwest shores of the island for a distance of 25 miles. For convenience and to save long driving three salt houses have been built, one at the village, one 5 miles west of that point, and one at the north- east point, 12 miles distant. It being more convenient to take and ship skins from the village, the tendency is to kill an undue proportion of the whole number taken from the island from the adjacent rookeries, which contain less than one-fourth of the number. To do this necessi- tates their being driven at too short intervals from the same places, so that those driven to the killing ground and allowed to return to the water as unfit for present use do not return to their old places, but shift to more distant parts of the islands. This has been the effect from the season of 1868, as over one-half the skins taken each year have been from these places. I would therefore suggest that a regula- tion be established requiring the seals to be taken from all the rookeries in such number as the size of the rookery bears to the whole number on the islands. The breeding males and females occupy the same ground from year to year without leaving their places until the end of July and no other classes mix with them. These have clearly defined boundaries entirely separate from the grounds occupied by the classes driven for killing, and are never disturbed by it. As these are the sources that produce the supply, and the age at which most of them are killed is 3 vears, their condition will furnish a standard by which to estimate the product three years in advance. A careful comparison of their condition the present year (1871) with those of 1869 and 1870 shows a decrease in the number of females the present year equal to 10 per cent of the two former years, which showed a gradual increase. This might indicate a necessity for restricting the number to be taken, were it not that the excess of 1870 will compensate the deficiency for one year, but should two successive years of decrease follow it will be different. This decrease is the same on the rook- eries where no seals have been taken since 1868 as on those that have been worked continually. Whatever may be the cause of this decrease I am sure it must be looked for outside the islands — a period of the year in which we have little or no positive knowledge of their habits. Sufficient search has been made for their winter abodes, with a view to taking their skins to prove they do not land in any considerable num- bers on any known land. They begin to leave the islands early in October and by the middle of December have all left, and none are 30 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. seen again until April or May. A few hundred, mostly young pups, are taken by the Indians around Sitka, 1,200 miles east of the islands, during the month of December, and again in March on their way return- ing to the islands, and in February oft' the coast of British Columbia, but in such small numbers as to make no appreciable difference to the immense number that visit the islands annually. This is about all that is known positively of their winter habits. It is evident that sharks or other voracious fish prey on the young pups while in the water, from the fact that of more than a million pups annually leaving the islands not one-third return to them in the spring. The time of the arrival of the seals in the spring varies with the season from the middle of April to the middle of May, and they are present in sufQcient numbers for taking their skins before the 1st of June. In such cases a discretionary power may be granted to the officer as the least interested party, but as this is the time when they are most easily disturbed, it should be done with caution. The new system may now be considered as fairly inaugurated, and although it has not been done without some friction on both sides, no serious differences have arisen, and it is now working harmoniously. The supplies have been abundant and of good quality and sold in quantities desired, except sugar, which for reasons before stated has been restricted. All the conditions of the lease have been as fully complied with as the conditions of the situation permitted. The Alaska Commercial Company, by their previous establishment on the island and acquaint- ance with the business, have been able to meet these difficulties better than any other less favorably situated could have done; and in the suppression of intemperance and the introduction of sanitary measures I have had the hearty cooperation of the agent and employees of the company. I have the honor to remain, Charles Bryant, Special Agent, Treasury Department. Hon. George S. Boutwell, Secretary of the Treasury. Incloaure with Bryant's Report, dated November- 10, 1871 : Letter Bryant to Falconer. Headquarters Special Agency, St. Paul Island, AlasJia, August 1, 1871. Sir : You are hereby instructed to see that the laws of the United States concerning the seal fishery under the contract with the Alaska Commercial Company are observed; that the natives are protected iu their right, and in general you will perform all those acts which shall appear to be necessary for the interests of the United States in that island, and report all facts in connection thfirewith at these head- quarters. Charles Bryant, Special Agent, Treasury Department. Samuel Falconer, Esq., St. George Island. ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 31 Inclosure with Bryant's Report dated Noiwmber 10, 1871: Beport of Assistant Agent Falconer. Special Agent's Office, St. George Island, August 3, 1871. Sir: I have the honor to report the arrival of the steamer Alexander at this island on the 2d. instant, bringing a cargo of all needed supplies for the coming winter. Since the date of my last report, May 14, 1S71, the harmonious rela- tions heretofore existing between the natives and the Government and company have continued uninterrupted, the natives having worked faithfully during the past two months in securing skins and provisions for their sustenance next winter, and I am happy to state that with the cooperation of the company's agent, Mr. Brown, I have succeeded in so far restricting the quantity of spirituous liquors brewed by them from their sugar and liour rations that no intoxication has been manifest. The number of skins secured to this date amount to about 19,000, of which some 17,000 of this year's catch and 3,000 of last year's, will be at present shipped per Alexander, as per certificates herewith inclosed. Please find also inclosed certificates for 20 cords wood turned over to the natives by the company for their use, in accordance with the terms of the lease, and for a full supply of salmon for gratuitous distri- bution during the winter. The meteorological record has been kept in accordance with your instructions, and returns are hereto aj)pended showing an average tem- perature for the month of May, 38.32 ; June, 40.85, and July, 44.09. On the night of the 12th ultimo two sharp flashes of lightning were ex- perienced, accompanied by thunder and heavy rain, and it was notice- able on the next morning the bachelor rookeries were nearly deserted, the seals having gone into the water. They, however, returned during the day. The school which was supported through last winter has been sus- pended for the sealing season, but will be again opened as soon as it shall seem i^rofitable to do so. I am, respectfully, Samuel Falconer, Special Agent. Charles Bryant, Esq., Special Agent, Treasury Department, St. Paul Island. Beport of Mr. S. N. BuynitzTcy, of the Treasury Department. Island of St. Paul, August 10, 1871. Sir : In pursuance of your instructions of June 28, 1 took i^assage on the steamer Alexander, which left San Francisco on the 13th of July, and arrived here on the 31st. I immediately reported for duty to Capt. Charles Bryant, and was detailed by him on the following day to the island of St. George, where I remained five days, returning to St. Paul on the 6th instant. As Mr. Bryant has concluded to avail himself of the authority given him to return to Washington and to leave me in charge of the seal islands, I deem it my duty to lay before the Department such facts con- cerning the sealing business as seem to me to require an immediate modification of the law regulating the same. 32 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. The first section of the act of July 1, 1870, makes it unlawful to kill any fur seals except in the months of June, July, September, and October. This restriction has evidently no other object than to prevent any killing of seals at a time when the hunting of these animals might be prejudicial to the existence of the seal rookeries, but, probably owing to inaccurate information at the disposal of the framers of the bill, the limits of time are erroneously defined. The beginning of the hunting season ought to be determined by the condition of the rookeries at each season ; that is, no sealing should be allowed before the rookeries are definitely settled, which at some seasons happens to be the case in the month of June, but mostly in May. As to the limitation at the end of the season, I can not discover any practical reason therefor. The fact is that the security of the rookeries depends mainly on the manner of hunting, and but partially on the time. All restrictions as to time, while failing to attain the object in view, have proven prejudicial to the successful carrying on of the sealing business, and entailed an unneces- sary loss upon the Treasury and a grievous hardship upon the native population of the islands. Owing to the enormous taxation falling in the shape of rental and of tax proper upon the sealing business under the present lease with the Alaska Commercial Company, the mode of carrying on the same had to undergo a radical change. Formerly every skin was worth taking; at present none but choice furs will pay. Hence the necessity of beginning the hunting as early as possible, taking very few skins in July, none in August, few in September and first half of October, and most at the end of the season, when the furs which are very poor during the summer mouths have become rich again for the winter, as is gen- erally the case with all fur-bearing animals. The number of working days being necessarily limited at any season by the peculiar require- ments of the seal hunting with respect to weather and direction of winds, and the number of seals to be taken from any one drove extremely restricted by the exigencies of the market and the difficulty in select- ing the proper victims, it is next to impossible to prepare a large num- ber of good skins within the limits of time prescribed by the law with- out exhausting the working energies of the population. In addition to the disadvantages above stated, a great difficulty arises from the change which has occurred in the tone of the foreign market since the cession of Alaska to the United States. The Eussian company used to contract with the London firms for a certain number of seal skins of average quality to be delivered on payment of a certain sum in bulk. At present the seal skins are taken in London at so much apiece, according to their size and the quality of the fur, so that seal skins have been — for instance, last year — sold in London in a dozen categories, ranging in price from 55 down to 7 shillings apiece, but few skins being classified in the higher and the greatest number in the lower categories. Thus, the average price obtained last year did not amount to 20 shillings per skin. Under the existing circumstances it is evident that the sealing busi- ness can not be successfully carried on without the utmost exertion on the part of the officers of the Government and the agents of the com- pany, for the establishment of this new system certainly interferes with all former notions and habits of the natives and creates the neces- sity of a training altogether novel to them. However successful may be such training, no completely satisfactory results may be attained without the immediate removal of the existing restrictions as to the time of sealing. ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 33 Coming to the result of this year's season, I take pleasure in stating, to the honor of all parties concerned, that they have done better than might have been expected under the difficulties described above, the number of skins reported for tax this season being over G0,000. I am, sir, with great resi)ect, your most obedient servant, Stephen N. Buynitzky, Glerli. Hon. George S. Boutwell, Secretary of the Treasury. Special Agent Bryant ; inclosing shipping receipts. Headquarters Special Agency, St. Paul Island, August 11, 1871. Sir : I have the honor herewith to transmit a copy of certificate to collector of customs at San Francisco of shipment of fur seal skins per steamer of this date. I have the honor to remain, Charles Bryant, Special Agent, Treasury Department. Hon. George S. Boutwell, Secretary of the Treasury. Inclosure with Special Agent Bryant's letter of August 11, 1871. Office Special Agency, St. Paul Island, August 11, 1871. I hereby certify that the Alaska Commercial Company has this day shii)ped per steamer Alexander, for San Francisco from St. Paul Island, 41,080 fur-seal skins of this year's catch and 300 fur-seal skins, in bundles, taken April 28, 1870. Charles Bryant, Special Agent, Treasury Department. Inclosure with Special Agent Bryant's letter of August 11, 1871. Treasury Agent's Office, St. Paul Island, May 5?, 1872. This certifies that I have shipped on board Alaska Commercial Com- pany's steamer Alexander, consigned to the collector of customs, San Francisco, 3,541 fur-seal skins, the property of the United States. Charles Bryant, Agent in Charge Seal Islands. H. Doc. 92 3 34 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 1872. Special Agent Bryant; inclosing shipping receipts. Treasury Agent's Office, 8t. Paul Island, September 9, 1872. Sir : I liave the honor to transmit lierewitli copies of certificates for the shipment of fur-seal skins from the seal islands, Alaska Territory, by the Alaska Commercial Company, of this year's catch up to date. I have the honor to remain, Charles Bryant, Treasury Agent, in Charge Seal Islands. Hon. George S. Boutwell, Secretary of the Treasury. Inolosure with Special Agent Bryant's letter of September 9, 1872. Office of Treasury Agent, St. Paul Island, August 20, 1872. This is to certify that the Alaska Commercial Company have this day shipped on board their steamer Alexander, 21,000 fur-seal skins for trans- shipment at Unalaska to San Francisco by the bark Cyane or any one of the company's vessels, these being all of this year's catch. Charles Bryant, Treasury Agent, in Charge Seal Islands. Inclosure with Special Agent Bryant's letter of September 9, 1872. Office Treasury Agent, St. Paul Island, September 9, 1872. This is to certify that the Alaska Commercial Comi)any has this day shipi^ed on board of its steamer Alexander, for San Francisco direct, 49,551 fur-seal skins, and included in this number are 7 casks of sample skins marked "Fur-seal skins, London," and numbered as follows: Cask No. 1, containing 25 skins, not bundled; cask No. 2, containing 30 skins, bundled; cask No. 3, containing 24 skins, not bundled; cask No. 4, containing 30 skins, bundled; cask No. 5, containing 32 skins, bundled; cask No. 6, containing 36 skins, bundled; cask No. 7, con- taining 36 skins, bundled. And further this is also to certify that the A lexander has on board, shipped at St. George Island, as per certificate of Assistant Agent Falconer, a copy of which is herewith inclosed, 8,877 fur-seal skins, the balance, 10,123, as per said certificate, having been previously shipped to Unalaska for transshipment to vSaii Francisco, together with 21,000 from this (St. Paul) Island, as per certificate dated August 20, 1872, all of this year's catch. Charles Bryant, Treasury Agent, in Charge Seal Islands. Assistant Agent Falconer ; shipping receipt, quota of 1872. Assistant Treasury Agent's Office, aSY. George Island, August 27, 1872. This is to certify that there has been shipped this day, on board the Alaska Commercial Company's steamer Alexander, 8,877 fur-seal skins, ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 35 the baliiuce, 16,123, liaviug beeu shipped by the comi)aiiy's vessels to Unalaska a few days ago. Samuel Falconer, Assistant Treasury Agent. 1872. Special Agent Bryant : Annual Report for 1872, Treasury Agent's Office, St. Paul Island, September 5, 1872. Sir : I have the honor to submit the following report on the affairs of the seal islands since my last, dated May 7, 1872 : July 12, the Alaska Commercial Company's steam schooner H, M. Eutchinson arrived at this island, having on board Father Nickoli, a priest of the Kusso-Greek Church, who administered to the spiritual wants of the people and married four couples. The schooner sailed again on the 29th for St. George with Father Nickoli on board. August 15, the Alaska Commercial Company's steamer Alexander arrived, laden with supplies for this island, liaving previously touched at St. George on her way hither and landed supplies, together with the frame a.nd material for the house to be erected for the nse of the Govern- ment officers on that island. The Alexander brought, as employees of the company to reside permanently on the island, William Kapres, esq., as general agent of the company in place of Dr. H. H. Mclntyre, who retnrns to San Francisco, and E. C. Church as a school-teacher. The steamer also brought to reside on the island Mr. C. P. Fish, esq., of the United States Signal Corps, for the purpose of establishing a signal station on this island. There being more than a full load of skins for the steamer ready for shipment, after discharging her cargo the steamer took on board from this (St. Paul) island 21,000 and from St. George Island 16,123 fur-seal skins and sailed on the 20th for Unalaska, to store them for transship- ment from there on some other of the company's vessels to San Francisco. August 25, the Alaska Commercial Company's bark Gyane arrived here from San Francisco, laden with salt, coal, and merchandise for the island, having on board as freight the frame and material for the house to be erected on this island for the use of the Government officers. August 29, the steamer Alexander returned from Unalaska, laden with salt and coal. September 2, the bark Cyane, having landed her supplies for this island, sailed for St. George, taking on board as passengers to Unalaska two native families, who wished to reside there; also, two other natives, who go to San Francisco to remain during the winter and return in spring. In my last report, of May 7, 1872, I stated some new facts in regard to the relative difference of value between seal skins taken in June and July and those taken in September and October, owing to their shedding their overhair in the later season. There were taken during the month of June and July, 1871, on St. Paul Island 15,000 and on St. George Island 19,000 fur-seal skins; the remaining portion of the 100,000 to be taken that year were left for the months of September and October. It was found that about the middle of August the seals began to shed their overhair; the new covering appearing as short, black bristles in the fur injures the skin for manufacturing. In this condition they are called stagey. This condition continues until late in October. 36 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. This would be too late to take the requsite number within the time prescribed by law, so that in order to secure them they had to be taken in this stagey condition and were not of prime value. In my opinion there exists no necessity for the restriction of the taking of skins after October or during the period they remain on the islands before leaving for the winter. The seals appear to be governed by the weather somewhat in the time of their arrival in the spring. They were first reported May 5 of the present season, but light snows being frequent kept the breeding grounds covered, so that they landed very slowly. The first drive for food was made May 15, obtaining 200 animals, but they were not present in sufficient numbers to furnish continuous occupation in taking them for their skins until June 10. In view of their depreciation in value by shedding late in the season, it was desirable to take as many as possi- ble during the months of June and July, therefore all available native labor was devoted to this object, and the result was that on St. Paul Island there were taken up to July 27, 70,000 skins, the remaining 5,000 being left for the skins of animals killed by the natives for food in the months of October and November; at the same time there were taken, as per report of Assistant Agent Samuel Falconer, in charge St. George Island, 25,000 skins, thus making a total of 95,000 on both islands up to the end of July, 1872. The present season the beach mas- ters or breeding bulls have landed in excellent health and condition and in greater numbers, occupying much larger grounds than ever before. The females also come in sufficiently increased numbers to occupy all the ground thus mapped out, and the number of young seals produced greatly exceeds any former year. The weather, although excessively foggy and disagreeable to the residents of the island, has been especially favorable to the young seals. It is also observable that a larger num- ber of yearlings or last year's pups than usual have returned to the island the present season. There is now only a deficiency of one class, that of the 4 and 5 year old seals. This is clearly traceable to the fol- lowing causes; During the season of 1868 there were killed on both islands 220,000 animals for their skins, and in the season of 1869 85,000. At that time the relative value of the sizes or ages of the skins was not understood, and all the skins being paid for at the same price, the natives, who were quick to perceive the difference between taking a small skin and a large one and carrying it to the salt houses, killed all the yearlings they could. These were the products of 1867 and 1868. These were sent forward in 1870 to market and overstocked it with small skins. This created a demand for larger skins, and the Alaska Commercial Company instructed their agents to take all the large skins possible in 1871. This was done, and as many 4 and 5 year-old seals as could be were taken. This again fell on the already diminished product of 1867 and 1868. When these were sent to market they were found too old, and now, the proper medium being ascertained, the seals will be selected accordingly. It will be seen by reference to my report of November 30, 1869, con- taining a detailed description of the habits of these animals, that this class of 4 and 5 year old seals perform an important service along the shores during the season of incubation, but as there was already exist- ing an excess of old bulls from former years, the detriment to the rook- eries from the absence of this class, growing out of the excessive killing of 1868, can work no serious injury to the rookeries for these two years, and at that time they will be supplied from the growing seals. Under the present system the rookeries show a steady increase, that warrants ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 37 tlie assertion that by 1874 an addition of 30,000 skins may be added to the number now taken annually. The civil affairs of the natives have been administered by their chiefs with very little necessity for my assistance. There has been consider- able drunkenness from the use of quas, or native beer, manufactured by themselves from fermenting sugar and flour together, aud so fond are some of this artificial excitement that they save all that is sold for their families to use in tea or coffee until enough is obtained for a good drunk, and then indulge in it, aud in two cases it has been necessary to confine the parties until sober to prevent them doing injury to their families or others. That they have worked well and faithfully the taking of the 70,000 skins in so short a time bears evidence. The supplies have been of good quality and in sufiBcieut quantity, and the prices reasonable. The school has been discontinued during the sealing season, but will be resumed again as soon as the vessels are gone. The company last year built six wooden dwelling houses above ground for the natives. These have not proved wholly a success for comfort and convenience, as was hoped. Six more are laid out and partially completed on an improved plan, based on last year's experience, which promise to attain more fully the object desired. The affairs of the island of St. George are in an equally prosperous condition, for the details of which I beg leave to refer to a copy of the report of Assistant Agent Samuel Falconer, in charge, inclosed herewith. I desire to bear witness to the able manner in which all my assistants have aided in forwarding my plans for the comfort and improvement of the natives. I have the honor to remain, Charles Bryant, Treasury Agent, in Charge Seal Islands. Hon. George S. Boutwell, Secretary of the Treasury. Report of Assistant Agent Falconer : Inclosure with Bryant's Annual Report for 1812. Assistant Treasury Agent's Office, St. George Island, August 15, 1872. Sir: 1 have the honor to report the arrival of the company's steamer Alexander on the 11th instant, bringing Mr. Adams, who will relieve Mr. Brown, the present agent of the company, aud Dr. Meaney, the newly a])pointed physician for the island, together with a fall cargo of mer- chandise for the station and the material for the Government house. On the 29th ultimo the company's steamer H. M. EutcMnson touched here, having on board the liev. Father Nickoli, a priest of the Russo- Greek Church of the diocese of San Francisco, who attended to ihe, spiritual wants of the people and performed the marriage ceremony for eight couples. The company commenced driving seals for their skins on the 3d of June last and discontinued on July 27, having secured 25,000, the full number stipulated in the lease for the year 1872. Last season only 19,077 skins were secured, as was reported, when it was the intention of the company to have taken their full number. 38 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. Tills, however, tney were unable to do on account of the skins being^ stagey in the last part of the season, and for this reason the full com- plement has been secured in June and July. In reference to the appearance of the rookeries, I find that the seals are very numerous, much more so than they were last year, especially tbe old males and young bachelors, the class that is driven for their skins. In corroboration of this fact, I saw large numbers haul up at the foot of the high cliffs, apart and distinct from all the other rook- eries, where they were never known to frequent before. From these places I deemed it advisable to have them driven away, as they could not be taken if allowed to remain. Why they should resort to places of this kind is more than I can conceive if it is not that they are pre- vented to some extent from landing on their usual places by the numer- ous old males that constantly guard the shore line. The number of breeding rookeries on the island is four, viz, North, East, Starry Athille, and Zapeny. They, too, seem to be in a flourish- ing condition this year, as their breeding grounds are enlarged to some extent. Their positions on the islands are as follows: Zapeny is on the southwest side, and about 5 miles from the villtige; Starry Athille is on the north side, 2 miles from the village; North rookery is also on the same side, and not more than 1 mile from town, and East rookery is on the northeast side, and about 3 miles .from town. The following figures will show the number of drives made from each of those places, also the number of skins obtained from each rookery during the season : Rookery. North East starry Athille. Zapeny Number of drives. IC 16 14 11 Total Number of skius. 4,818 9,714 5,274 5,194 25, 000 From the last-mentioned rookery two drives of 2,583 were made to the killing ground near the village, the balance being salted at that place on the rookery. A larger number of skins would have been secured this year had there been sufficient salt on hand with which to cure them. There has been, however, a salt house recently erected, which will con- tain all the skins taken at that place in future. The number of seals lost from overheating while driving was very small, not more than one in a thousand. I would also mention that great care has been taken not to molest nor disturb the breeding rookeries at any time during the season, and the same amount of precaution has been used after arriving on the field not to kill any that appeared to be the slightest damaged. As you will observe, out of the entire num- ber taken this j ear only 164 have been rejected by the company on account of accidental cuts in skinning. This is considerably less than 1 per cent. 1 would also state that through the course of the season a few seals were killed in which were found buckshot and rifle bal|s. It would appear that they had been down about the coast of British Columbia or somewhere east of Sitka, as the natives on the entire Aleutian chain use no other weapons than the spear in killing seals. I also noticed a few this season apparently about 3 years old with the tip of the right ear off. Probably they were some of those clipped by your direction on ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 39 St. Paul two years ago, as no experiment of this kind had ever been tried on this island. Their arrival at the islands this spring was on the Gth of May, nearly the same time as last year, and on the following day I collected and took charge of all firearms belonging to the natives, as I did the year before. This I found to be necessary for the reason that there are two fresh-water ponds within gunshot of a like number of breeding rook- eries where numerous Hocks of wild fowl constantly frequent, and the temptation is so great that they can not resist shooting if allowed to retain their arms. The prevention of the use of firearms during the sealing season, together with other precautions taken concerning the rookeries, is, in my opinion, the cause of the increase of seals on the island during the past two years. Mr. Lessen, your assistant, joined me early in May last and has ably assisted me in the discliarge of the duties of the island since that time. The general health of the island has continued good. There has been one birth and one death since the date of my last report. Samuel Falconer, Assistant Treasury Agent. Charles Bryant, Esq., Agent in Charge of ISeal Islands, 1873. Special Agent Bryant: Annual Report for 1873. Fairhaven, Mass., September 30, 1873. Sir : I have the honor to submit the following report on the condition of the fur seals and the general affairs of the seal islands since my last, dated September 9, 1872. At that time there had been taken and shipped from St. Paul Island, of the quota of 1872, 71,070 fur-seal skins, the balance of the quota being left to be supplied from the skins of animals necessarily killed for food for the natives. Of this balance were shipped, as per certificate dated June 2, 1873, 3,900 fur-seal skins, making a total of skins shipped from St. Paul Island of the catch of 1872 of 74,976; so the account for seals taken stands as follows: Seals talien by the Alaska Commercial Company for their skins. For the month of — June July October Seals taken for natire food May August September October November December Total Number of seals killed. Skins salted. Condemned as valueless. 36, 068 33, 714 3,294 35, 976 33, 600 3,199 92 114 95 73, 076 687 504 345 801 753 538 72, 775 687 489 117 774 401 457 301 15 a 228 27 352 81 76,704 75, 700 1,004 a Stagey. Of these, 74,976 were shipped as above stated, the balance of 724 skins remaining over to be counted on the quota of 1873. 40 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. Besides the above, there were taken iu November 5,121 young male seals as a supply of seal flesh for winter food for the natives. This makes the whole number of seals killed on St. Paul Island during the year 1872 81,825. This gave 70 animals per family, with an average weight of flesh when dressed of 9 pounds, or 630 pounds per family, the usual supply. The skins of these have no commercial value. There were taken at the same time on the island of St. George by the Alaska Commercial Company and by the natives for food 25,101 seals. Of these, 25,000 were salted, the balance of 164 were rejected as damaged by cutting or otherwise. All of those salted were shipped in September, 1872. Besides, there were killed for a supply of food for winter use for the inhabitants 2,090 young male seals. This gives a total for seals of all classes killed on St. George during the year 1872 of 27,254. Some changes are observable in the habits of the seals, growing out of the present system of killing 3, 4, and 5 year olds instead of 2, 3, and 4, as formerly, it having been ascertained that these sizes are of great- est value in market. There is a much smaller number of 5 year-olds seen swimming along the shore of the breeding rookeries during the period of copulation and more of the young females maturing are seen to pass up through the rookeries to the old males always gathered there. Where formerly the shore had been occupied in short sections with open spaces between, through Avhich the young males passed to the uplands to lie down, these spaces have been filled by the addition of the annually increasing number of females maturing until these spaces have become closed and the rookeries form a continuous line along the shore, thus obliging the young seals to seek new resting places farther on, and where they accumulate in larger numbers and wider distances from the breeding places. This is rather an advantage than otherwise, as it facilitates the gathering them for killing with less liability to disturb the breeding seals. It was also observable that a much larger number of 1-year-old seals arrived on the island during July and August, as if the season had been more favorable for them while absent during the winter and the destruction of them less than usual. The seals began to leave the island in the latter part of September, and on the 27th of December had all left for the winter. The winter of 1872-73 was unusually cold and severe, the sea freez- ing around the island in February, and (continued frozen until the 23d of May. This delayed the arrival of the seals at the island ten or fifteen days later than usual. The first seals were reported near the island on the 9th of May. The first drive for fresh food for the people was made May 23, when by driving from three places 297 seals were obtained. From that time they continued to increase, so that on June 3 the Alaska Commercial Company commenced taking them for their skins. At that time I estimated their number equal to what it usually is at twelve days earlier in former years or that they were twelve days behind their usual time. The females began to arrive June 9, and no change in their habits or movements was observable except their increased numbers, from the annually maturing females, which I esti- mate at 5 per cent a year, or 15 per cent since 1870, the date of the lease. The Alaska Commercial Company made their first drive for the taking of skins June 2 and continued until July 23, having taken in all 74,397 seals; of these 73,884 were salted, 361 were spoiled by being cut in skinning, 152 were damaged by heating on the field before they could ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 41 be skinned. The account of seals killed up to August 1, 1873, stands as follows : Taken by the Alaska Commercial Company- Juno July Total For native food in May. Left over from 1872 Nvimber killed. 38, 070 36, 327 74, 397 297 Grand total. 74, 694 Salted. 37, 732 36, 152 73, 884 284 724 74, 892 Damaged by cutting. 338 175 513 13 526 Of the above there were shipped, as per certificates to the collector of customs at San Francisco, copies of which are already deposited with the Department, as follows; July 14, 32,070; August 8, 5,100; August 9, 37,804; total, 74,980, a difference of 88 in excess appearing in count- ing the skins from the bait houses for shipment over the account as rendered on their beiug taken. There has been shipped from St. George Island, of the quota of 1873, as per certificates dated July 16, 5,280; August 10, 19,404; a total of 24,750. Copies of these certificates have been already filed with the Department. A detailed report of the seals damaged or rejected has not yet been received. The same conditions in regard to the changes in their habits growing out of the established system of killing older seals were observable as noted last year. When the seal islands were visited by myself and Special Agent H. H. Mclntyre, in the season of 1869, there was no opportunity afforded for either of us to visit St. George Island to ascertain by actual observation its condition and proportion as regarded number of seals as compared with St. Paul. From the best sources of informa- tion then obtainable it was believed to contain from one-third to one- half as many as St. Paul, and on this information the number of seals to be taken annually was fixed at 25,000, and St. Paul at 75,000. It is now ascertained that the number of seals annually breeding on St. George is less than one eighth of the number on St. Paul, and that the island of St. George can not be relied on to furnish the established quota of 25,000 skins annually of the desired size and quality to be of prime value, and to obtain the requisite number the past seasons it has been necessary to take seals too small for first-class skins. I therefore recommend that the number to be taken annually on the island of St. George be limited to 15,000. And in order that this may work no hard- ship to the people of St. George by depriving them of a part of their necessary support, I suggest that it be recommended to Congress to amend the act limiting the number to be taken on the island of St. Paul to 75,000 annually, so as to allow an addition of 10,000 to the quota of that island, which is amply supplied to yield the requisite number, and thus a portion of the population of the island of St. George may remove to the island of St. Paul temporarily during the sealing season, or permanently as they choose. In my report dated November 10, 1871, I stated that I had caused a number of young male seals to be marked by cutting their ears. This was done to determine whether as a rule they returned to the rookery where they were born, as was claimed by the natives. This w^as done in 1870, and the present year they were 42 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. old enough to be taken for tlieir skins; G out of 100 thus marked have been taken, 2 on the island of St. George and 4 on the island of St. Paul, and none of these were found on the same rookery where they were marked. This would go to prove that they are not governed by any special ii),stinct to return to the exact place of their birth. This also furnishes some evidence of the percentage of seals that live to grow up. There yet exists but little information of their haunts or habits while absent from the islands. That they have numerous and powerful enemies is apparent by the great disproportion between the number that leave the islands at 4 months old and those that return again at 1 year of age. During the fall months, while the young seals are leaving the islands, schools of a small species of the whale (known among whalemen as the killer, from its sometimes attacking and killing the right whale) are seen in the vicinity of the islands, often appar- ently chasing the seals, and in one instance, while so doing, one ran into shoal water, was killed, and two seals were found in its stomach. From the most careful observation, extending over five seasons of seal- ing, I can not estimate the number of young seals that return the first year after birth to be over 30 per cent of the product, and that were no seals taken for their skins not over 10 or 12 per cent would live to the age of 5 years. Thus it is seen that the older the class of seals taken for their skins, the smaller the supply from which to take them. The breeding rookeries during the breeding season have a fixed and permanent character. They begin to fill at the water line and fill in equal numbers in a given space, extending their boundaries no farther than can be so filled, so that by carefully noting the boundaries from year to year an approximate estimate can be made of the ratio of increase by the addition of the young females maturing annually. These as compared with their area in 1870 now show an expausi(m equal to 15 per cent in three years, or an annual increase of 5 per cent since the date of the lease. The full-grown males that do not find room on the breeding places gather as near as possible, to await for oppor- tunities to supersede the weak and wounded while fighting for the pos- session of the females. Here the proportion their numbers bear to the necessities for breeding purposes can be readily estimated, and of this class for breeding purposes there is a fall supply. The classes driven for their skins during the sealing season are too often disturbed to afford opportunity for estimating their numbers. But after the sealing is all done, and the full quota taken for the year, we know what remains as a future supply. In a few days they settle quietly on their resting places and can then be fairly estimated. On St. Paul Island there is evidence of a steady increase that exceeds the demand to fill the quota for that island, while on St. George, as before stated, the supply falls short of the number necessary to furnish large- sized skins. All other conditions appear to be the same on St. George as on St. Paul, the females annually increasing in numbers, showing it to be only necessary to reduce the number of males taken for their skins to afford the necessary complement for breeding purposes. Thus maybe summed up the general condition of the fur seals at the seal islands, after three years' practical application of the present estab- lished system for their management. The number of breeding females has increased 15 i)er cent, while 100,000 males have been taken annually for their skins, and there is still left a surplus of males required for breeding i)urposes. The general affairs of the natives have been administered by chiefs of their own selection and in accordance with their former customs. ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 43 witli only sucb slight clianges as the new conditions required, it being my policy to accustom them to rely on themselves in all matters that concern only themselves. Such incidents as seem worthy of note fol- low in their regular sequence. On the departure of the steamer Alex- ander for San Francisco, September 9, 1872, 3 f\imilies and 7 unmarried parties, 17 persons in all, availed themselves of the privilege accorded them by the Alaska Commercial Company of a free passage on their vessels to and from the islands, to remove temporarily for the winter to Unalaska, intending to return to St. Paul agaiu iu the spring. With the departure of the steamer ended the sealing, and daring the months of October, November, and December the natives were employed in work of grading and building the house erected for the use of Treas- ury agents and six other houses that were erected for the use of the natives by the Alaska Commercial Company. In November, the weather being suflflciently cold for the purpose, the necessary supply of seal flesh and blubber for winter use of the natives was secured and pre- served by either salting or freezing. December 20, 1872, iu accordance with a regulation adopted by them- selves, the natives made their annual division of the fund derived Irom the labor of taking the fur-seal and sea-lion skins, which amounted to 130,037.07. The same rules are observed as under the former Kussian company, they arranging themselves into four classes. Those who are most expert in skinning seals and otherwise good citizens constitute th first class, which contained 34 men ; those who failed to come quite up to this standard constitute the second class, 23 men; those more idle and lazy, the third class, 4 men; while those sick and working irregu- larly, together with boys just learning to take seals, constitute a fourth class, numbering 10 men. It is always i)racticable to rise by merit from the lower to the higher classes. In this division the second class get 90 per cent of the first, the third class 80 per cent, and the fourth 70 per cent. To these is added one first class share for the acting- priest and two first-class shares set aside to create a fund to pay for a new church; iu all, 74 shares. This gives as a first-class share, $451.22 ; second class share, $405.09; third class share, $360.97; fourth class share, $315.85. The same rules are observed ou St. George Island in classification, but a given number of* skins are set apart according to classes for which each man is paid for taking: First class, 17 men, 971 skins, at 40 cents, $388.40; second class, 2 men, 935 skins, at 40 cents, $374; third class, 7 men, 821 skins, at 40 cents, $328.40; fourth class, 3 men, 400 skins, at 40 cents, $160. It will be seen by comparing the amount of the shares on both islands that St. George Island has already a larger population in pro- portion to the amount of skins taken and money received for tliem than St. Paul, therefore it will be necessary on diminishing the present quota of St. George to provide tor the removal of a part of the popu- lation to St. Paul. The census taken January 1, 1873, ou St. Paul Island gives the num- ber of the native inhabitants on the island 218. To these should be added the 17 now absent and properly to be reckoned as belonging to the island, making in all 235, showing a decrease since 1870 of 12 per- sons. These are divided as follows: Males, 114; females, 121. The oldest person was a female aged fifty-eight years; shehas since deceased, leaving the oldest native now living fifty six. There were during the year previous 4 marriages, 10 births, and 12 deaths, the mortality being greatest among young children, the average life of deceased being 7 44 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. years and 4 months; average length of life of those now living, 22 years and 11 months. It will be seen that the severity of the climate is not favorable to longevity. During the winter and spring following there has been, up to August 1, 2 births and 12 deaths, mostly from consumi)tion. A schoolhouse was fitted up and properly constructed and a school commenced October 2 and continued eight mouths, but on account of a prejudice among tlie people who have a fear that in learning English their children will forget their Eussian and weaken their attachment to their church only 7 attended regularly. Under the assiduous care of the teacher these made very commendable progress. There were at the same time three classes taught by natives, two in Eussian and one in Aleut; in all, 17 scholars attended schools of all kinds. Assistant Agent Samuel Falconer reports the same difficulties existing on the island of St. George in regard to securing attendance at school. (See copies of his report inclosed herewith.) The GO tons of coal accepted in lieu of 60 cords of wood for gratuitous distribution was divided according to the population, 40 tons being received at St. Paul and 20 tons landed on St. George. It was stored until the severity of the weather rendered its use necessary, in December, 1872, when it was dis- tributed by the chiefs in weekly rations, and lasted until March 1, 1873, after which the supply on hand by the Alaska Commercial Company for sale lasted until May. The store was well supplied with dry goods and provisions of good quality and sold at low prices and in such quantities as desired, except the article of sugar, the sale of which was limited to one half pound per person per week. This was necessary to prevent as much as pos- sible the manufacture of quas, or native beer, and the drunkenness pro- duced by its use, and it is believed that during the holy days very little of the small quantity sold was used for tea, being saved in small parcels until suflflcient had accumulated to brew into beer. The ice pack that completely inclosed the island in February re- mained until May 23, when it broke up and drifted to southwest, ren- dering it for the first time possible for a vessel to approach the island. The steamer Alexander arrived May 28, bringing mails, etc., from San Francisco, having on board the general agent of the Alaska Commer- cial Company and a number of employees of the company to carry on the sealing. The steamer also brought as passengers from Uualaska the men that belong to the island who took passage to that place in September, 1872, to winter there. The steamer also brought two car- penters from San Francisco to frame and build a church for the natives, the people of both St. Paul and St. George having last year agreed with the Alaska Commercial Company to furnish the materials and a part of the labor for this purpose, to pay for which a fund nearly suf- ficient has been already accumulated by setting aside for that object two first-class shares of the seal fund annually. The materials have since then been landed on the island, and the church on St. Paul has been raised and boarded and will be completed before another year; that on St. George will be built during the ensuing winter. The steamers, having finished unloading and taken on board the bal- ance of skins left on the island to fill the quota of 1872, again sailed lor Unalaska June 2 to reload at that place with lumber, coal, salt, and stores for the use of the islands, she being employed to ply between that place and the seal islands until the end of tlie sealing season. Immediately after the departure of the steamer the sealing com- menced, and all the natives of the islands worked continuously, Sunday ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 45 excepted, until it was liiiished, July 23. Eight natives from Unalaska were brought up to assist in unloading vessels and do the other work of the company while the sealing lasted. An attempt was made on June 11 by the general agent of the Alaska Commercial Company to induce the chiefs to adopt as a native, to share iu the sealing and its profits, an employee of the company, a Spanish Creole, a native of the Ladrones Islands. This being contrary to the formerly established law of the Russians, and the i)rinciple always kept in view in all legislation that to the natives of the island belong the privilege of doing the labor and receiving the pay, it was not permitted. In my report, dated November 10, 1871, I had the honor to recom- mend to the Secretary of the Treasury to ask for an appropriation by Congress for the purchase of lumber and material to enable the natives of the seal islands to build wooden houses for themselves. As the president of the Alaska Commercial Company voluntarily offered to build those houses and allow the natives to live in them free of rent, no further action was taken iu the matter. There have since been built on St. Paul Island 13 such houses and so disposed of, and 3 more will be built this season. There are now 43 native families living in 35 turf huts. The proposition was made by the company to build a large number of these houses the present year instead of the church, but the people unanimously desired the church first. On St. George there have been built 3 houses for the use of natives, and 1 more to be built the present season. Arrangements were made with the general agent of the comiiany before I left the islands by which the i)eople will all be comfortably housed during the coming winter. A very large amount of the necessary su])plies for the uses of the natives have been stored on the islands for the coming winter. Eighty tons of coal have been landed on St. Paul, but owing to the pressure of other matters the 40 tons for the natives had not yet been delivered to the Treasury agent in charge. The 20 tons for St. George Island have been delivered to the officer in charge and duly receipted for. The Alaska Commercial Company have this year introduced two labor-saving improvements on St. Paul Island of groat advantage to the people. The first is a moveable railway track jDlaced on the beach, extending into deep water, so that boats come to and discharge their freight into cars to be hauled on shore. This saves the men from the necessity of wading through the water to land coal, salt, and other heavy articles on their shoulders as formerly. The other is the intro- duction of a horse and mules to haul the skins from the killing ground to the salt houses while sealing, instead of men bringing them on their shoulders. This improvement alone reduces the labor of taking the skins fully 25 jjer cent, and is the principal reason of the work being done so much earlier this year than before. It will be seen by the foregoing report that all the conditions of the lease have been fulfilled by the Alaska Commercial Company in a broad and generous spirit that entitles them to very high commendation. I inclose herewith copies of the reports of Samuel Falconer, assistant Treasury agent in charge of St. George Island ; and at the same time desire to express in the strongest manner my appreciation for the able manner in which he has administered the affairs of that island since the date of his taking charge, November 9, 1870. I have the honor to remain, Charles Bryant, Treasury Agent for Seal Islands. 46 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT. The seal skins being all cured and shipped on board ^teaniGT Alexan- der, she sailed for Sau Francisco September 9, to touch at St. George and take on board the remainder of the quota of that island. The gen- eral ngent of the Alaska Commercial Company and employees, except the winter force of three men, returned to San Francisco; also, as i^as- vsengers myself and family and Assistant Agent, H. W. Elliott and family. Samuel Falconer, esq., assistant treasury agent, remains in charge of St. George Island, acting under the following instructions: Treasury Agent's Office, St. Paul Island, Jj^ni 24, 1872. Sir: You are hereby assigned for duty and placed iu charge of St. George Island. It will be your duty to see that the laws of the United States concerning the taking of fur seals, under the lease with the Alaska Commercial Company, are oFiserved; that the natives ai'e protected in all their rights, and in general it will be your duty to perform all those acts which shall be for the interest of the United States and the comfort and Improvement of the natives of the island. You are herewith furnishetl Avith a blank book to keep a record of the following objects, said book to be kept on the island for future reference. It will also be your duty to see that, when seals are driven for their skins, they are taken from all the difi'erent rookeries or families in such jn'oportion as the size of the rookery bears to the whole number on the island. To keep a list of the number of seals killed, time of driving, and place from whence driven, with as near as may be the loss from overheating while driving or otherwise. To give special attention to the condition of the breeding rookeries as to their increase or otherwise from year to year, adding any observations pertinent to the object of their increased development that may suggest itself, and rejjort the facts to me in detail as often as practicable. In addition, you are requested to give attention to the following items of observa- tion and inquiry : (1 ) To prei>are a list which will give the full name, sex, age, and condition, whether married or single or widowed, of every man, woman, and child now living on the island. (2) To prepare a list which will show the number of families and names of mem- bers living on the island. (3) Keep an accurate record of marriages, births, and deaths, and the causes of deaths as they occur. (4) Keep an accurate record of changes, removals, and arrivals of the natives to and from the island. (.5) Keep a daily journal of the weather, together with any observations or remarks that are likely to l)e of future use to the general inteiests of the island. Assistant Agent Francis Lessen, a copy of whose instructions is herewith transmit- ted to you, will report to you, to assist in the performance of these duties. Charles Bryant, Treasury Agent, in Charge of Seal Islands. Samuel Falconer, Esq., Assistant Treasury Agent. Treasury Agent's Office., St. Paul Idavd, April fi4, 1872. Sir : Should Bishop John, of Sitka, wish to place a curate on the island of St. George to minister to the spiritual wants of the people, you will permit him to do so, admonishing liim to coniine himself strictly to his i)arochial duties. Respectfully, yours, Charles Bryant, Treasury Agent, in Charge of Seal Islands. Samuel Falconer, Assistant Treasury Agent, St. George Island. ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 47 Treasury Agent's Office, St. Paul Island, August I, 1873. Sir : You are hereby instructed that in all cases where skins are shipped from St. George Island on the vessels of the Alaska Commercial Company bound direct to San Francisco, without aflt'ordiug opportunity to communicate with this office, to give a certificate for the number so shipped to the master of said vessel ou which the skins are so shipped ; also forwarding two copies of the same to the Secretary of the Treas- ury and the collector of customs for San Francisco, one of these copies to be forwarded by the vessel taking the skins, and the duplicate copies should be sent the next oppor- tunity occurring after, and report the same at this oftice at the earliest opportunity. You are further instructed not to permit any person or persons other than natives of the seal islands or directly in the employ of the Alaska Commercial Company, to reside on St. George Island without written permission from the Secretary of the Treasury. Charles Bryant, Treasury Agent, in Charge of Seal Islands, Samuel Falconer, Assistant Agent, in Charge of St. George Island. This lastwas necessary, as in some cases the vessels touch at St. George after leaving St. Paul on their way to San Francisco. The island of St. Paul is left in charge of Francis Lessen, esq., assist- ant Treasury agent, with instructions of which the following is a copy: Treasury Agent's Office, St. Paul Island, August 7, 187S. Sir: You are hereby placed temporarily in charge of the island of St. Paul, where it will be your duty to maintain the laws of the United States relating to the pro- tection and preservation of the fur seals, the conditions of the lease with the Alaska Conunercial Company, and the regulations of the Secretary of the Treasury under said lease for the taking of the same. It will be your duty to see that no seals are killed except under the directions ot the chiefs for the purpose and as provided in section 1 of the act entitled "An act to prevent the extermination of the fur-bearing animals in Alaska," approved July 1, 1870. You are further instructed not to permit any person or persons other than natives of the seal islands or directly in the employ of the Alaska Commercial Company, to land or reside ou St. Paul except by written permission of the Secretary of the Treasury. However, should a curate of the Russian Orthodox Church, furnished with proper testimonials from Bishop John, of Sitka, wish to land and reside on the island to administer to the spiritual wants of the people, you are hereby authorized to permit him to do so, with the understanding, however, that in all civil matters he will be subject to the laws of the United States and the regulations of the Secretary of the Treasury which may be made in pursuance thereof. Charles Bryant, Treasury Agent, in Charge of Seal Islands. Francis Lessen, Esq., Assistant Treasury Agent, St. Paul Island. I have the honor to reinaiu, Charles Bryant, Treasury Agent for tSeal Islands. Hon. Wm. a. Richardson, Secretary of the Treasury. Inclosure with Bryant's Annual Eeport for 1873: Shipping Receipt. Treasury Agent's Office, St. Paul Island., June 2, 1873. Sir : This is to certify that the Alaska Commercial Company have this day shipped on board their steamer Alexander, for transshipment on board bark Cyane, or other vessel, at Unalaska, for San Francisco, 48 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 3,906 fur-seal skius, all of last year's catch, being the balance of the quota of 1872. Very respectfully, yours, Charles Bryant, Treasury Agent, in Charge of Seal Isla7ids. Collector of Customs, Sa7i Francisco, Cal. Inclosure with Bryant's Annual Report for 1873: Shipping Receipt. Treasury Agent's Office, St. Paul Island, July 14, 1873. Sir: I hereby certify that the Alaska Comuiercial Company has this clay shipped on board their steamer Alexander, from this island, for transshipment at Unalaska, on board the bark Cyane, for San Francisco, 32,076 fur-seal skius; also the same steamer has on board, shipped at St. George Island, July 7, 1873, 5,286 fur-seal skins, all of this year's catch. Charles Bryant, Treasury Agent, in Charge of Seal Islands. Collector of Customs, San Francisco. Cal. Inclosure with Bryant's Annual Report for 1873: Report of Assistant Agent Falconer. Assistant Treasury Agent's Office, St. George Island, May 27, 1873. Sir: Having reported to you in detail in the month of August last concerning the fur-seal rookeries aud the number of skins taken by the company leaves me but little to say on this subject at present, as noth- ing important transpired on the island since that time. The seals, however, continued in large numbers until late in autumn, a few remaining as late as the 19th of December. The number of pups and other seals taken by the natives for winter food at the close of the season foots up to about 2,000, the same as last year. The material for the Government house, landed here by the steamer Alexander in August last, was erected according to plans and specifi- cations, with this exception, a rock foundation was placed underneath the building instead of posts, as the plan provided, there being good material near at hand for that purpose. I also found it necessary to erect an addition 9 feet square inclosing the back door, and furnishing a suitable place for water, coal, etc. The labor account for the erection of this building amounted to $377, as per vouchers herewith inclosed; also please find bills to the amount of $159.97 for necessary articles purchased for the use of the building; in all, $536.97. I may here state that the foundation when complete cost about $100 extra, thus making an additional expense, but as there were no posts on the island suitable for the purpose I was compelled to use the rock, which is, in my oi)inion, well worth the difference. The laborers were paid according as the work progressed, through ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 49 the kindness of the Alaska Commercial Company, and at the same rate per diem as paid by said company when employed by them. Mnch difficulty was experienced during the erection from the con- tinuous rains and general foul state of the weather. In consequence of this there was but one other building erected last season — by Mr. Adams, the company's agent, which was finely fitted up for a store, the old one having been converted into a schoolhouse. In September last the company's bark (Jyane landed a large quantity of lumber for native houses, but their erection was prevented for like reasons already stated. In the mouth of October last the island was visited by a vast num- ber of violent gales, causing buildings to shake to the very ground. Fortunately no serious damage was done. The winter following was unusually rough and cold, the ice arriving as early as the 27th of January and remaining until May 21. The school was maintained through the winter, but has met with quite a drawback on the part of the children's parents, who entertain the idea that by acquiring an English education it will interfere Avith their religion. The absurdity of this has been fully explained to them, and a few have consented to have their children attend, although not regularly, while others are still of the original belief. Thus, where no inducement is held forth by the children's parents, slow progress may be expected, though much pains have been taken by their teacher. Would it not be well to notify their bishop at Sitka in reference to this, who would be most likely to banish this erroneous idea from their minds entirely? The general health of the island is comparatively good, for the par- ticulars of which I will refer you to Dr. Meauy's report to the com- pany's agent stationed on your island. The number of births since the month of August last is 4, and the number of deaths for the same period 2. The meteorological record for the island will be forwarded you in a separate inclosure. Samuel Falconer, Assistant Treasury Agent, in Charge of St. George Island, Inclosure with Bryant's Annual Report for 1873 : Report of Assistant Agent Falconer. Assistant Treasury Agent's Office, St. George Island, August 1, 1873. Sir: Owing to the lateness of last spring, the seals were about three weeks behind their usual time of arriving. This, however, would not nppear anyways detrimental to them, as their breeding rookeries are in as good, if not better, condition this year than they have been at any one time since my arrival at the island, for I notice on some of the rookeries the passageways formerly occupied by young bachelors in hauling up on the back ground are completely blocked up by females, thus pre- venting the young seals from landing; and as the greater j)ortion of this island's shore is composed of high cliffs, it renders it difficult for any great number to effect a landing. There are also numerous old males constantly guarding the shore line, which makes it still more difficult for the younger ones to work their way onto the background. Of this class there is a scarcity this year, and I am of the opinion it is in a great measure owing to above reasons. H. Doc. 92 4 50 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. From personal observations taken on your island last spring I am persuaded to believe that the proi)er number and ratio have not been assigned this island, for I do not hesitate in saying that St, Paul is better able to furnish 100,000 annually than St. George is 10,000. I would therefore suggest tliat the Se(;retary of the Treasury be informed of this, in order that the act relative to the number of fur seals taken on each island might be amended, so that, say, 15,000 be taken on St. George Island and 85,000 on St. Paul. On the 4th of June the Alaska Commercial Company commenced driving seals for their skins, and during this mouth only 0,727 Avere obtained; but in July they came in greater numbers, and the company succeeded in securing their number, 25,000, by the 28th of this month. Should a warm dry season happen to set in, unfavorable for the haul- ing of seals, I feel confident that the number assigned this island could not be taken within the time considered best for the taking of skins. Thus the company would fall short of the desired number and the Gov- ernment of the revenue, when in reality there are millions to be had on St. Paul. Samuel Falconer, Assistant Treasury Agent. Capt. Chas. Bryant, Treasury Agent, in Charge of Seal Islands^ St, Paul. Special Agent Bryant: Supplemental Report for 1873. Fairhaven, Mass., December 4, 1873. Sir: I have the honor to inform you that the Alaska Commercial Company's schooner William Sutton touched at the seal islands, Alaska, on the 4th of October last, for the purpose of taking to San Francisco Messrs. Mossman and Davidson, of that place, two carpenters, who had been employed in building the native church. By this mail I received a brief report from Francis Lessen, esq., assistant Treasury agent in charge of St. Paul Island, containing information of the con- dition of that island two months later than I left, August 9, the follow- ing of which is a copy : Treasury Agent's Office, St. Paul Island, October 4, 1S7S. Sir: I have the honor to submit to you a short report on the condition of tliis island. Since your departure, August 9, I have, according to your instructions, examined the near rookeries frequently, and on three occasions Mr. Adams, myself, and Bootrin, the chief, went in a whaleboat around the island to the western and northeastern point rookeries. I find our opinion on the unusual quantity of young seals (pups) and the good condition of the rookeries all agree. In regard to the health and comfort of the inhabitants, I have much pleasure to state that the management of the company's affairs under Mr. Adams, agent for the Alaska Commercial Company of this island, although short as yet, has proven to me sufficiently that he intends and does as much to improve their condition as circum- stances permit. August 1.5 a division was made among the inhabitants of the earnings of this year's sealing, which amounted to $29,674.60, and was divided by the chief in my presence, as follows: 38 first-class shares at 100 per cent, $435.11 per share; 20 second-class shares at 90 per cent, $391.59 per share; 10 third-class shares at 80 per cent, $348.08 per share; 6 fourth-class shares at 70 per cent, $304.57 per share. On the arrival of the company's schooner inW/am Sutton, October 4, 1 received from the Alaska Commercial Company on account of the Government for distribution among the inhabitants of this island 27 barrels salted and 8,000 pounds dried fish, also 40 tons of coal, as provided for in the lease. The school for the education of the children was opened on the 1st of October, under the management of Mrs. Fish as teacher. Francis Lessen, Charles Bryant, Escj., Assistant Treasury Agent. 'Treasury Ayentfor Seal Islands. ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 51 In my report of September 30 I stated that previous to leaving the island, August 9, arrangements had been made to secure the comfort of the natives during the ensuing winter. From private correspondence I learn that these have all been fully carried out and that they are now all comfortably housed. I have the honor to remain, Charles Bryant, Treasury Agent for iSeal Islands. Hon. Wm. a. Eichardson, iSecretary of the Treasury. Speeial Agent H. W. Elliott: Affairs of natives, ISeal Islands. Washington, D. C, October 31, 1873. Sir: Three points connected with the general interests of the Gov- ernment upon the Pribilof group of seal islands seem to call for your immediate personal consideration, and as such I take them from my general report and present them in this special communication to yourself. First. The annual waste of seal oil upon the Pribilof Islands. One hundred thousand seals are annually slaughtered, and the blubber suf- fered to rot and waste away upon the killing grounds, owing to the tax now levied by law upon every gallon of seal oil that may be made and exported to home ports. In this way over 40,000 gallons of excellent oil are annually lost to the aggregate of national wealth. As the matter now stands, no party can protitably render this seal blubber into oil and transport it 13,500 miles to San Francisco for market, and enter into successful competi- tion there with the makers of lard, rape seed, and other oils, who have no such imi)ost to support. I would therefore respectfully suggest that, as this waste of seal oil on the Pribilof Islands is a public loss, the tax now levied by law upon its shipment from the islands to home ports be abolished. Second. With regard to the inhabitants of the Pribilof Islands, Avho are the "natives," as specified in the law of the lease. This is a mat- ter of great importance to these people, and to prevent confusion and illegal action in the future I earnestly urge upon you the propriety of settling this question beyond any possibility of evasion or misappre- hension, for as the case now stands it is not clear or explicit as to what class of the classes of people now living upon the islands are " the natives" who are by law guaranteed, as they should be, the sole right of independent residence on the islands and participation in the seal- ing labor and reward. The people now living upon the islands may be divided into three classes, viz: (1) The natives, properly speaking, or those who have been born and raised upon these islands. (2) The people who were living there but not born at the time of the transfer of the Territory. (3) The people who were living and working upon the Pribilof Islands at the time of the granting of the present lease. If you decide exclusively in favor of the first class, you will deprive three-fourths of the present population of the right to live and labor upon the islands. If you decide exclusively in favor of the first and second classes, you will deprive six Kadiak and Aleutian tamilies of the right to live and labor there, a loss which the peox^le could not well sustain, as their 52 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. working gang for the sealing business is none too large now, and many days during the press of the best driving and killing season in June and July they are short handed. But if you decide in favor of the third class also, and exclusively, you will settle the matter in the most satisfactory manner with regard to the wishes of the people themselves. Accurate records of the peo- ple living upon the islands at the time of the granting of the lease can be found in the church registers on both islands. A copy of theone on St. Paul I embody in my report, and the record with regard to St. George was in the custody of Father Shaiesneekoflf, of Unalaska, who was absent on the occasion of my being there August, 1873. Third. The brewing of beer, or "quas," upon the Pribilof Islands. The existing law, which prohibits the importation, making, or vending of spirituous or fermented liquors in the Territory, is an excellent one, but the natives can evade it almost everywhere, and do so by brewing a species of beer from sugar, rice, flour, etc., with which they become intoxicated; but upon the seal islands this law can be thoroughly enforced, and it should be done rigidly, with honest regard for the best interests of the people there, who had they the opportunity would be in a chronic condition of drunken debauchery. This is only natural on their part, for most of their time is passed in idleness, owing to their position and the character of service they are called upon to render, which engages them scarcely over two working months in the year. The Government agent upon these islands can quietly and effectually abate this existing nuisance of beer intoxication bymarking the offend- ing persons and instructing, or rather authorizing, the company's agent to discontinue the selling of sugar, hops, etc., to the i>arties who abuse the privilege of i)urchasing them, and this agent of the Alaska Com- mercial Company will cheerfully do so. As matters now stand the law is simply nothing in regard to prevent- ing the great evil of intoxication among these simple people, carried out, as it has been, by the Treasury agent in charge of the islands during the season of my residence there in 1872-73. The ])hysicians on the two islands should alone have the dispensation of liquor, and they should be well supplied with it for medicinal use only, but to all others living or visiting on the Pribilof Islands the law should be patent and real. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, Henry W. Elliott, Special Agent Treasury JJepartment. Hon. Wm. a. Eichardson, Secretary of the Treasury. Special Agent Bryant : Shipping receipt, quota of 1873. Treasury Agent's Office, St. Paul Island, May 14, 1874. Sir : I hereby certify that the Alaska Commercial Company have this day shipped on board their steamer Alexander, for transshipment at Unalaska, 256 fur-seal skins of last year's catch, being the balance remaining on hand of last year's quota. Charles Bryant, Treasury Agent, in Charge of Seal Islands, Collector of Customs, San I'ramisco, Cal. ALASKA INDUSTEIES. 53 Sjaecial Agent Bryant: Shipping receipt, quota of 1874. Treasury Agent's Office, St. Paul Island, May 14, 1874. Sir : I hereby certify that the Alaska Commercial Company liave this day shipped on board their steamer Alexander, for transshipment and storage at Uualaska, G62 fur-seal skins, being the skins of animals killed last year for native food, and to be counted as a part of the quota of 1874. Charles Bryant, Treasury Agent, in Charge of Seal Islands. Collector of Customs, San Francisco, Cal. Special Agent Bryant: Shipping receipt, quota of 1874. Treasury Agent's Office, St. Paul Island, July 10, 1874. Sir: I hereby certify that there has been this day shipped on board the Alaska Commercial Company's steamer Alexander, for transship- ment at Unalaska, 40,000 fur-seal skins, all of this year's catch. Charles Bryant, Treasury Agent, in Charge of Seal Islands. Thomas Shannon, Esq., Collector of Customs, San Francisco. Special Agent Bryant: Shipping receipt, quota of 1874. Treasury Agent's Office, St. Paul Island, August 7, 1874. Sir: I hereby certify that the Alaska Commercial Company have this day shipped on board steamer Alexander, for San Francisco direct, 49,238 fur-seal skins taken on this island this year. Said steamer has also on board 5,020 fur-seal skins shipped at St, George Island July 31, being the balance of this year's quota for that island. Charles Bryant, Treasury Agent, in Charge of Seal Islands, Collector of Customs, San Francisco, Cal. 1874.. Assistant Agent Falcoyier: Report on characteristics of fur seals. St. George Island, Alaska, August — , 1874. Sir : Since my appointment as assistant Treasury agent on the island of St. George I have never made any report direct to the Department bearing on the habits and peculiarities of the fur seal. My instructions were to always report to Mr. Bryant, the agent in charge, but the only reports so submitted were of a routine character, 54 ALASKA INDTTSTRTES. concerning the taking of seals by the Alaska Commercial Company, their compliance with the laws of the United States and tlio lease under which they have been acting, and the various changes in the rookeries. To Mr. Bryant, as agent in charge of tlie seal islands, more properly belonged the duty to apprise the Department of the changes in the rookeries and the habits of this valuable animal, which constitutes the chief, if not the only, source of revenue derived by the Government from the possessions acquired from Russia. The reports submitted by Mr. Bryant to the Department at various times dift'er so widely from my views that I feel it incumbent upon me to communicate to the Department a summary of the result of my operations during my residence on this island. The report that I now have the honor to submit is based upon per- sonal observations carefully made during the past four years, and is m the main corroborated by Mr. H. W. Elliott, who was at one time sta- tioned Avith me on this island as an agent of the Treasury. I shall also speak on other topics of interest relating to the island and its inhabit- ants. THE ISLAND OF ST. aEORGE. This island is much smaller than St. Paul; is situated in latitude 56° 19' JC" north, and longitude IGO^ 19' 0" west; is 10 miles long, with an average breadth of about 3i miles, and has an area of 27 square miles. The shores of the island are bold and rocky, and the cliffs are in many places perpendicular, and rise to a height of nearly 1,000 feet. The sides of these cliffs are the favorite resort of myriads of waterfowl, which come here every season to breed; while others breed under the rocks in the center of the island. During the spring and early summer months the natives very readily secure, without incurring much dan- ger, all the eggs they desire. By stationing themselves along the edges of the cliflls, they entrap a great many of the birds by means of a net fastened over a hoop attached to the end of a long pole. The island is entirely destitute of timber. There is a heavy growth of grass during the summer, of an excellent quality, affording good pasturage for cattle, and sheep, and goats. The only wild animals besides the seal are the blue and white fox. The latter were very numerous when the island was first discovered by the Russians. The white fox evidently made its way to the island on the ice from the Arctic or mainland during some severe winter; but the a])pearance of the blue fox is unaccountable, as the Pribilof Islands and Attn, in the extreme western end of the Aleutian chain, are the only places in America where they are known to exist. St. George is ISO miles from the Aleutian Islands, 38 from St. Paul, and about 000 from the Arctic Ocean. The mean temperature during the winter is about 2(»o F., and in sum- mer 43°. A great quantity of snow falls during the winter, most of wliich, liowever, is carried off' by the strong winds which blow gener- ally from the north in the winter season. During the summer it rains almost constantly, which, with the dense fogs that prevail during this season, accounts for the humidity of the atmosphere of the islands and their adaptation to the peculiar habits of the I'ur seal. THE HABITS OF THE FUR SEAL. About the 1st of May the bulls first make their appearance, approach- ing the shore with great caution and raising their heads at intervals well out of water. If everything appears satisfactory they haul up and ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 55 select tlieir positions in the rookeries, where they remain during the breeding season unless driven away by man or the superior strength of their rivals who come later. They take neither food nor drink for throe mouths, living entirely upon the absorption of their own blubber. When they take to water at the end of the season they are reduced in weight fully one-half. It has been frequently stated that the bulls, after making a recon- noissance of the hauling grounds, depart and return again in the course of a few days with large numbers of their kind, and at the first appear- ance of these sentinels the natives extinguish their fires. Both of these assertions are incorrect. When the bulls first land they will weigh from 450 to 500 pounds. They are about G^ feet in length and the greatest circumference from 5 to 6 feet. In ascertaining tlie weight of seals I have exercised great care, and have never yet seen a fur seal that would weigh even 600 pounds. The male matures in eight or nine years and not sooner. The dif- ferent years of progression can be readily traced from one year up to eight or nine; after that period I think it impossible to ascertain with any degree of accuracy the true age of a seal. None but a full-grown seal cau maintain a position in the rookeries, and when the breeding season is over many of them take to the water to feed, and when return- ing to land to rest they haul up on portions of the rookeries other than the breeding grounds. The most desirable position for THE BREEDING GROUNDS appears to be loose belts of rocks which skirt the shore between high- water mark and the base of the clifl's. These grounds vary in width; generally they are from 25 to 100 feet, according to the formation of the shore; but when they are insufficient for their wants and all the avail- able space has been taken up, I have seen them haul up on the back ground, sometimes scaling the sides of hills to the height of several hundred feet and at an angle of 30 degrees. By the 10th or 15th of June all the ground is occupied, each bull reserving for himself a space of 9 or 10 feet square for his family. Very little contesting for position takes place until the arrival of the females. They commence to haul up about the middle of June, and continue to arrive until about the 10th or 15th of July. The engagements at this time (when the females are arriving) are very severe, often resulting in the death of one or both of the antagonists, and sometimes in the death of the female, who is torn in x>ieces by the bulls sooner than either would willingly yield her up to the embraces of a rival. Both the bulls and females when they first arrive are iu excellent condition. A female is about one-fourth the size of a full-grown male. From the weights of several obtained in July, 1873, I found them to average 80 pounds; when advanced in years, however, and they cease breeding, they become very fat and will then weigh from 100 to 120 j)ounds. When they approach the shore they are taken possession of by the bulls on the skirts of the rookery near the water's edge. When she reaches the shore, these bulls (generally the nearest one) will spring between her and the water and force her into his harem, where she remains until his attention is attracted by the coming of another female, and while he is endeavoring to secure the new arrival the other deserts to his next neighbor, who is always upon the alert for an opportunity of this kind to occur, and encourages the desertion. By these repeated desertions from one harem to another the entire rookery is filled. Sometimes in these desertions the female is 56 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. overtakeu and captured by her first partner and severely chastised, the bull taking- her up in his mouth and shaking her very much as a cat would a mouse. The female utters no cry, uor does she make any attempt to get away during the castigation, accepting her punishment with good grace and deserting again at the very first opportunity. The female always endeavors to select a permanent position in the rookeries before giving birth to her young, which generally takes place from two to six days after their arrival. THE PUPS. The pup when born will weigh from 6 to 8 pounds, is of a very dark brown (almost black) in color, and is covered with short hair and a little fur. After the first day it is able to sit up and nurse very much like a young dog. Its mother seems to be very much attached to it; is able to distinguish its cry from the thousands around her, and readily responds to its relief if it becomes lodged between the rocks and unable to extricate itself. When the pups are about six weeks old they receive their first lessons in swimming. They are forced into the water by their mothers and sometimes by the bulls. I have seen on one occasion a female carry her pup in her mouth and drop it in the water a few yards from land and leave it to make its way ashore unaided. Notwithstanding the seal belongs to the order of amphibia, the pup never instinctively seeks the water, and appears very much frightened on its first immersion, and paddles to the shore as awkwardly as the young of the canine or feline species. After a while they become expert swimmers and seek the water of their own accord, and seem to enjoy the sport very much, remaining in it the greater portion of the time. They return to laud only when requiring food and rest. Before they become good swim- mers and are able to battle with the waves a great many are killed by the surf dashing them against the rocks. In the years 1872 and 1873 about 4 or 5 per cent of the young pups were killed in this manner. When they leave the island in the fall they are exceedingly fat, and will weigh from 20 to 25 pounds. Previous to their departure about 2,000 of the male class are annually taken by the natives for food. These pelts have no commercial value. THE PERIOD OF COPULATION takes place a few days after the birth of the pup, and continues at inter- vals for a week for each female until the wants of the entiie harem are complied with by the bull. The fertilization of the female as a general rule is effected by the bull in charge of each particular harem, and not by young males, as previously reported. The young males (bachelors) will invariably pursue the female after she leaves tbe harem and enters the water, but she always refuses him. The position and structure of the genital organs are similar to that of horned cattle, and the manner of coition is not unlike that of the canine species. When pregnancy takes place the bull discontinues to a certain extent his surveillance and allows her to go unmolested where- ever she desires. Ui)on one occasion I saw a copulation take place in the water when the surf was breaking; the water, however, was not deep enough, except when the surf broke, to cover both of their bodies. A copulation may take place in the water, but it is, in my oi)inion, unnatural and very rarely done. The time consumed in a copulation ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 57 is from five to eight uiiinites; but as the season advances and the vitality of the male is decreasing, and his procreative powers are some- what exhausted, a greater length of time is required. The female arrives at puberty at 2 years and produces her first pup at the age of 3 years. This I very readily determined from the fact that when 1 year old both sexes haul up on the back grounds and are not allowed by the bulls to approach the breeding rookeries during the breeding season. Upon returning to the island the following year the females enter the harems and the males of corresponding age take up the position they occupied during the year previous. The young female then receives the male for the first time and brings forth her pup the following year. The period of gestation, judging from the different observations I have made, is fifty weeks. The male arrives at the age of puberty at 3 years, but owing to an inferiority in size and strength he is unable to cope with the old bulls or maintain a position in the breeding grounds until he is fully 8 or 9 years old. THE FUR of the male is of a dark reddish-brown, mixed with black hair, with a silvery tip extending beyond the fur. The nmne is quite shaggy, and is a shade or two lighter than the rest of the body. The older the animal the darker the fur until the seal reaches maturity. The fur of the female is similar to that of the male. The hair is shorter and of a brighter color, especially about the neck and breast, which is the principal means of distinguishing her from the male. The fur of the 3, 4, 5, and G year old males is the best for market, and in killing great care is taken to select the seals of these ages and this sex. The skin of the 5 and 6 year old commands the highest price in market. This, in my opinion, is due more to the difference in the size of the skin than in the quality of the fur, as the fur of the 3 and 4 year old males is equally as good as that of the older class. The qual- ity of the fur and the size of the skin, however, varies in the ages in the same proportion as the quality of the wool and the size of the pelt of a flock of sheep. The fur is damaged to some extent by the animal crawling and rolling over the rocks, and also by the action of the weather. It is always desirable to obtain the catch as early as possi- ble after the seals haul up, say in June and July, from the fact that after this period the skin becomes stagey — that is, the animal com- mences to shed the old hair, and the new hair making its appearance midway through the fur deteriorates the quality and throws it out of the category of prime skins. After reaching maturity and as they advance in years the quality of the fur becomes poorer, being sorae- Avhat long and coarse about the neck, and thin, short, and irregular about the loins and small of the back. The following table will show the weights of a number of male seals taken in the month of July, 1873, from 1 year old up to G : Age. "Weight. Poundg. One year I 33 to 46 Two years 53 to 08 Three years | 76 to 89 Age. Fowr years . Five years. Six years . . Weight. Pounds. 90 to HI 120 to 146 175 to 200 58 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. From the above table it will be seen that the weights with the dif- ferent ages vary as in the case with other animals. A poor 3-year-old will not weigh much if any more than a 2-year-old in good condition, nor is the difference in their size very perceptible. To ascertain the age of a 2 and 3 year old is by no means an easy matter, as we have no means of determining, except by the size, and there is very little difference in them at these ages. A keen eye only, with long practice, can overcome this difficulty. When 4 years old and upward the mane on the back of the neck commences to grow, until the animal is 9 or 10 years old. After that period I have found it utterly impossible to determine their age with any degree of accuracy. NUMBER OF SEALS. In regard to the number of seals that annually frequent this island, I would state that a survey of the different rookeries was made in 1873 by Assistant Treasury Agent H. W. Elliott. Allowing 2 S(|uare feet for each seal and counting all classes, he estimates the total at 100,420. From a subsequent survey of therookeries, however, it was found, owing to the increase of seals this year, that their cai)acity was underrated, there being a difference of (59,580 square feet, which on the above basis would make a difference in favor of the rookeries of 34,790 seals and the total at 193,210. Even this latter figure, in my opinion, is consid- erably below the real number that frequent the island. It is utterly impossible to make other than an approximate estimate of their num- ber. It would be about as easy to calculate the number of bees in and. around a hive. This survey was made of the breeding grounds only, and the capacity of the hauling grounds was not considered, nor was the number in the water. It lias, I believe, been stated that the seals never leave the rookeries until the fall. This is not tbe case, for at least one-fourth of their number is constantly in the water, and this, added to the number on the hauling grounds, would add 50 per cent to the number before given, making a grand total of 289,815 of all classes. In reports submitted to the Department a few years ago it was esti- mated that the number of seals upon this island was one-half the number on St. Paul. This is incorrect. From the best sources of information and from personal observations I am of opinion that to every one on this island there are twenty seals on St. Paul. THE MANNER OF KILLING, as practiced by the natives, is very simple. About 2 or 3 o'clock in the morniug a party of hunters, armed with hardwood clubs from 4 to 5 feet long and 2 inches in diameter, move quietly between the breeding rookeries and the background where the bachelors are lying. When they have advanced far enough to secure the desired number, a halt is made by the leader, who directs the drive inland a short distance, where they are separated into small lots of 100 and 200 each and slowly driven to the killing ground near the village, at tlie rate of half a mile per hour. Should the weather be warm and the grass dry, a much greater time is required. One man and a boy are generally appointed to the care of each lot when on a drive. Before killing, they are allowed to rest and cool for an hour or so, after which thirty or forty are selected from the main body, driven a few rods, and surrounded. Each native, with a few well-directed blows (sometimes one will suffice) over the head, soon disi)atches all the desira- ble ones, while those that are rejected are allowed to return to the water. Those allowed to escape are generally from 15 to 20 per cent ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 59 of tlie entire drive — some bein^ too small aud others too old and large. The killed are then skinned, with the blubber on tlie pelt, and spread on the ground to cool, with the Heshy side down. The entire drive is disposed of in this manner. After they have all been killed, the blub- ber is removed fiom the pelt and the skin is taken to the salt house, each mau skinning and cleaning about fifty per day. Upon the following morning the skins are counted by the chief, the agent of the company, and the Government officer, and are laid down in kenches or bins, with alternate layers of salt thickly spread over them, and are allowed to remain in this condition from six to eight days. They are then taken up, sprinkled with fresh salt, and rolled into bundles of two each and secured by strong cords. In this condi- tion they are shipped to market. « THE DEPARTURE OF THE SEALS. The old bulls are the first to leave the island in the fall, the migra- tion southward commencing about the latter part of September and the first of October. From this time the number of seals gradually decreases until all have disappeared. The young pups aud their mothers are the last to leave (with the exception of a few old bulls that remain behind to protect the females), which is sometimes as late as the middle of December. THE HOME OF THE SEALS. I have heard it frequently stated that the movements of the seal and its haunts after leaving the island are mysterious; and many theories are given tending to show that they are scattered over the vast waters of the Pacific Ocean, feeding and roaming at will, without any banded organization. While I was stationed at Sitka as deputy collector of customs, and subsequently an officer of a vessel plying along the shores of British Columbia and Alaska, I had many opportunities of ac([uiring from the natives and by personal observation many facts tending to convince me that the favorite haunts of this animal are the shores of British Colum- bia and lower Alaska. As they feed upon fish, and, like other animals, require a certain amount of rest and slee]), the numerous bays and inlets of still water which indent those shores seem to me peculiarly ada])ted to the wants of those animals when they leave the islands. As the fish upon which they live are more abundant in shallow than in deep water, the theory that they seek the deep waters of the Pacific would seem to me without foundation. Another reason why they pre- fer these shallow waters is that they are less liable to come in contact with their formidable enemy, the "killer," a name — and it would seem an appropriate one — given to it by seafaring men. These animals are a species of whale measuring from 30 to 40 feet in length. They have a long fin on the back, and when swimming near the surface this fin appears well out of water. They frequent the shores of the Pribilof Islands in October and Novemberand destroy a great number of the seals. In support of this assertion I would state that in the year 1868 Mr. E. Norton, while on St. Paul Island, observed a killer chasing seals, swimming with such force that he ran aground and was unable to get off. When the tide went out Mr. Norton cut it open and found three seals in its stomach. It is very evident that many seals fall a prey to voracious animals; otherwise their increase would be greater. In my opinion, the destruc- tion of the seal in the water is equal to the number taken on the land. 60 ALASKA INDUSTRIFS. SEA LIONS, There is on the south side of the island a small sea-lion rookery, where these animals number about 4,()()(). The greater portion of them remain around the island all winter, or until the ice drives them away. A great many are taken by the natives during this season for food, the flesh being of a much finer quality and tiavor than that of the fur seal. The skins are used by the natives in the construction of bidarkas and bidarrahs (native boats). THE NATIVES. As is well known, the natives were brought by the Eussians from the Aleutian Islands and were upon the island when it was ceded to the United States. They are of a dark copper color, with long, lank, and black coarse hair. The beard is very defective and never makes any appearance until the man is well advanced in years, and then only a few straggling hairs. Their medium height is below that of the European, with a few rare exceptions. They are, like all semicivilized races, uncleanly in their habits and persons, and during my first two years upon the island it required a constant watching and teaching, both by precept and example, to make them understand that cleanli- ness in their j)ersons and dwellings was necessary to preserve their health and prevent disease. They have not much gratitude, but are kind and tractable and easily managed. They are good natured and cheerful, at times slightly irascible, but are never cruel or overbearing, except when under the influence of quas. They possess one trait of character, I think, peculiar to themselves; that is, they never harbor revengeful feelings. I have known them to express a dislike for a per- son, but when he had left the island, perhaps never to return, they remembered only the kindness they received at his hands and never spoke ill of him. They are industrious, but not avaricious, and always appear ready and willing to obey the summons of their chief or the agents of the company or the Government. In their expenditures many of them are prodigal. This, however, may be partly attributed to the voluntary generosity of the company in providing for them comfortable houses rent free, furnishing them with excellent goods from the store at reasonable rates, paying them good wages for their labor, and supporting their widows and orphans. This seeming indifference in making provision for their old age may also be attributed to their knowledge of the fact that in the future either the company or the Government will be obliged to support them. Still I have always endeavored to make them understand that they must not indulge in lavish expenditures, but practice economy in the event of a change in their condition. They are all members of the Greek Church and appear very much attached to their faith, which I have always encouraged, as I have found that their church exercises a strong influence over them for good. The worst evil they are addicted to is quas drinking. This is a kind of beer they brew from flour and sugar, and sometimes from a small berry that grows upon the island. Tlieir educational progress has not been very satisfactory, from the fact that they have an antipathy to the English tongue, believing that if their children grow up with a knowl- edge of our language and customs it will alienate them from the faith of their parents, and they accordingly encourage the absence of their children from the school. They desire that their children shonld acquire the Eussian language first, in order that they may be enabled to read ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 61 the liturgy of their church. For this purpose aud when they have had school they would privately teach the Eussiau tongue, the children all assembling at a particular house for this purpose. This religious preju- dice is difficult to overcome, but their progress toward civilization, con- sidering their ignorance and abject dependence under the Russians, is certainly remarkable. If a priest were stationed upon each island who would instruct them in both languages and give tliem to understand that an English educa- tion would in nowise contiict with their religious duties, they would, in my opinion, encourage their children to attend school with more regu- larity. Their progress then would be swift and sure, as they are natu- rally apt scholars. The presence of a priest upon the island would also have a moral effect upon them that would be invaluable, and I would respectfully recommend to the Department that some provision be made for one on each island. The condition of the natives upon this island at the present time is in many respects equal to, if not better than, many of our own people in the agricultural districts. The Alaska Commercial Company have for the last four years, so far as I am able to judge, fulfilled every requirement of their lease, and in many cases have exceeded their obligations by gratuitous distributions to the natives of provisions, clothing, and fuel. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, Samuel Falconer, Assistant Treasury Agent. The Secretary of the Treasury, Washington^ D, G. Assistant Agent Falconer : Shipping receipt, quota of 1874. Assistant Treasury Agent's Office, St. George Island, July 12, 1874. This is to certify that there has been shipped this day, on board the Alaska Commercial Company's steamship ^/e.rrtw^er, 4,380 fur-seal skins for Unalaska, to be reladen at that place on board the Alaska Com- mercial Company's bark Cyane, for San Francisco. Samuel Falconer, Assistant Treasury Agent. 1875. Special Agent Bryant: Annual report for 1875. Fairhaven, October 11, 1875. Sir : 1 have the honor to submit the following report on the condition of the seals aud general affairs of the seal islands since my last report, dated May 12, 1875. The first seals were seen in the vicinity of the island on their return, April 5, and the usual precautions taken to insure their not being disturbed. They came with their usual regularity and order, the full-grown males landing on the breeding grounds and the young males passing these to the hauling grounds. Enough of 62 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. the latter nad airivod to make a drive and kill for fresh food for the natives for the iirst time May 7, and only one more drive was made for this purpose before the 1st of June, the time at which the Alaska Com- mercial Company commenced taking the seals for their skins, after which the natives subsist on the carcasses of the seals killed for this purpose. There was on hand in the salt houses June 1, of the animals killed for food for natives from July 17, 1874, to May 31, 1875, inclusive, 5,063 l^rime skins, to be counted as a part of the quota of 1875. The Alaska Commercial Company commenced taking seals for their skins June 1, and continued up to July 22, taking in all 84,933 seals, from which 84,800 prime skins were salted. These, when added to the skins on hand June 1, as stated above, made a total of 89,923. This was all the Alaska Commercial Company desired to take for the quota of 1875, as it has been their invariable rule to ship a little short of the full quota and make up the deficiency iiom the skins of animals killed for native food after the count at the islands has been verified by the ofticial count of the customs officers in San Francisco. No seals are allowed to be killed on the island except by permission of the Treasury agent in charge, and under the direction of the regular chiefs. When seals are killed for native food, care is taken, as far as possible, that only such as have skins of prime value are killed. These skins are all taken to the salt houses where the agent of the Alaska Commercial Company examines and accepts all that are of prime value, and they are salted as a part of the quota of the following year. Those rejected are thrown away as worthless. This waste is usually very small, except during the time from August 15 to October 15, when the seals are shedding their overhair, and the skins are of no value. An account is kept in the record book in the Treasury agent's office of all seals killed and for what purpose, and of all skins and what disposition is made of them. All skins accepted at the salt houses are counted in at the salting and again on their delivery for shipment by the Treasury agent, and there is always a slight difference, but the counting on their delivery is taken as the official count, as that is direct, while the count of salting extends over the operations of the whole year. Appended is a series of tables showing the number of seals killed, prime skins salted, and those stagey or of no value. The information of the AlaskaCommercial Company's leasing the right to take seal was first made known at the island October 9, 1870, too late for sealing that year, and the skins of seals taken for native food from July 10 to December 30 were shipped May 19, 1871, amounting in all to 3,748. Fm- seals killed on St. Paul Island during ihe year 1871.^ Killed. Prime akins salted. Skius damaged. Mnv Ifi to 2S for nnt,iv<», food . 432 45. 008 1,349 29, 760 418 44, 674 882 29, 591 14 Juno and July, by Alaska Coinnu'rcial Company, for theirskins.. 334 467 October 2 to 31, by Alaska Conimircial Company, for their skins. . 169 Quota full 76, 549 75, 565 1,376 1,352 984 24 Total 77, 925 76, 917 1, 008 'During the winter of 1871-72, S. N. Buyuitzky was in charge of the island, and the number of young seals was not recorded. Seal skins shipped for tlie i/car 1871. Per certificate dated August 11 41,080 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. Fur seals killed on St. Paul Island during the season of 1872. 63 Killed. Skins salted. Rejected. May 11 to 31, for native food 687 69, 879 6,023 687 69, 576 4,678 June 1 to July 31, by Alaska Commercial Company for their skins . August 1 to JJecember 6, for native food ". 206 1,.345 Yount; seals killed for winter food 76, 492 5,121 74, 941 1,551 Total 81, 613 74, 941 1,551 Seal skins shipped in 1S72. May 9, of the quota of 1871 33 gQg August 2, of the quota of 1872 '.'.'.'.'"'.'.'.'.'.'..'.'.'.'. 2l' 000 September 9, of the quota of 1872 ' 49^ 551 Total 104, 357 Fur seals killed on St. Paul Island during the season of 1873. Killed. Skins salted. Rejected. May 23, for native food 297 74, 397 1,793 284 73, 884 914 13 513 879 June 1 to July 24, by Alaska Commercial Company August 4 to December 30, for native food Pups for winter food 76, 487 5,489 75, 082 1, 405 Total 81, 976 75, 082 1,405 Seal skins shipped in 1873. June 2, of the quota of 1872 3 905 July 14, of the quota of 1873 [.] 32' 070 Augusts, of the quota of 187:! 5' joo August 9, of the quota of 1873 37' 304 Total 78,886 Fur seals killed on St. Paul Island for the year 1874. Killed. Skins salted. Rejected. From April 27 to May 30, for native food 1,279 87, 923 1,270 87, 802 9 By the Alaska Commercial Company from June 2 to July 17 121 Quota full 89, 202 3, 585 89, 072 130 2 959 626 Seals killed for native food from J uly 23 to December 31 Pups killed for winter food 92, 787 4,897 92, 031 756 Total 97, 684 92, 031 T^R Seal skins shipped in 1874.^ May 14, of seals killed for food from July 23 to December 31, 1873 918 July 10, 1873 40,000 August 7, 1873 49,238 Total 90,156 'This year the deficiency in the quota by the count of customs officers is not reported for correction. 64 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. Fur seals killed on St. Faul Island for the year 1875. Skins of seals killed for native food from July 17 to December 31, 1874, brought forward ■ Seals taken for native food from February 10 to May 31 By Alaska Commercial Company from June 1 to July 22 Quota full. Killed. 1,850 84, 933 86, 783 Skins salted. 3, 223 1,840 84, 860 Rejected. 10 73 89, 923 83 Seal skins shipped in 1S75. May 28, of skins left over from 1874 3,856 July 8, catch of 1875 39,036 August 7, catch of 1875 46,974 Total 89,866 It will be seen by reference to the foregoing t;ibles that there have been killed annually on St. Paul Island 5,000 seal pups, or young seals 4 months old, nominally for winter iood. I can find no precedent for this previous to the transfer of the islands to the United States, only that to the natives the former Eussian Fur Company allowed, as an extra indulgence after the close of the season's sealing, the privilege of taking 500 of these young seals for feasting. This, under the clause in the act providing for the lease that allows the killing of young seals for winter food, has been construed to mean these young pups instead of half-grown seals taken for food at other times. The skins of these pups are of no value as a part of the quota, and these seals yield only 8 pounds each of eatable flesh, and are nearly all immediately eaten up as a luxury, and the same number of half-grown seals required. for salting for winter use as before. It seems a great waste. I have there- fore limited the number to betaken on St. Paul Island to 3,000, pro- viding, however, that as a substitute there shall be killed a sufficient number of larger seals whose skins may be salted as a part of the annual quota. In my opinion, this ought not to be allowed, or, if so, the number limited to 500 on St. Paul and 250 on St. George. The rule governing the taking of these seals for their skins is to take only such surplus males as are not required for breeding purposes, reserving all the females to be added yearly to increase the original stock. These animals being polygamous in their babits, one male being considered equivalent to ten or more females for breeding purposes, the sexes being produced in equal proportions, always leaves a surplus of males to be taken without loss or decrease in the yearly product. What the number of this surplus was could only be determined by a careful observation of their habits and necessities covering live or six years of the time it takes for tlie animal to mature. At time of writing my detailed report on the habits of these animals, dated November 30, 1800, it was stated to be 100,000. This number was based on the best information obtainable at that time from the natives of the island and the few employees of the former Kussian Fur Company remaining in the ter- ritory. Since then a residence of seven successive seasons on the island in charge of these animals has furnished me with the desired opportunity for determining this surplus product by actual study of their habits and requirements, and the result is the killing of 100,000 per annum does not leave a sufficient number of males to mature for the wants of the increase in number of females. And as it is desirable to state some of the methods by which these conclusions have been reached by me, a brief restatement of the habits of these animals and the effect of the killing of 100,000 per year for the past five years seems necessary. ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 65 The seais return to the islands in spriug in the same order aud at nearly the same date in point of time, the males always arriving first; those full-grown, or 7 or more years old, land on the breeding grounds and occupy them to the entire exclusion of all the younger ones, who are obliged to seek resting places elsewhere. They select for their breeding grounds the rocky slopes of the projecting points and head- lands, each occupying as much space as he can defend from intrusion for the use of his anticipated family. These, for sake of distinction, are called " beach masters." When these grounds are fully occupied the remainder of full-grown males fight their way to the rear of these breeding places, and lie in wait for opportunities to rush down and forcibly occupy any vacancies that occur among the beach masters. These are called " reserves." When I first examined these grounds in 1809 none of these breeding grounds occupied continuous shore lines of more than a quarter of a mile without spaces between, where the younger seals pass to the uplands and lie down in groups by themselves; but in 1871 and 1872 the increase in the number of females so crowded the families that these spaces were entirely filled by the breeding seals, and the seals less than C or 7 years of age were compelled to find rest- ing places on the beaches at the head of the bays and coves formed by these projecting points and headlands. This removed them farther from the breeding places, and facilitated their being driven with less chance of disturbing the breeding seals than before, when the separate groups had to be gathered in the rear of the breeding seals and herded for driving. The first females arrive about the middle of June, two months later than the males, who have at that time all arrived and located in their l)laces. The females do not laud until forced to do so to give birth to their young, which generally occurs within two days, producing one at a birth each. Immediately after landing, the female is appropriated by the nearest inale and forcibly added to his family, where she is jeal- ously guarded until she has borne her young and been covered for the ensuing year, which occurs usually in three or four days after the birth. Then she is allowed to go at will, and spends the greater portion of her time in the Avater, returning to nurse her young when necessary, the young seal being cared for by the male. The females all arrive, have their young, and are covered by the end of July. Soon after this the males leave the breeding grounds and do not return to them again. The young seal requires to be 35 to 40 days old before going into the water to learn to swim, and to be 4 months old to acquire sufificieut age and strength to follow the mother at sea. Hence it is very important that there should always be a sufficient stock of breeding males to insure the impregnation of all the females during their first heat in July, for the period of gestation being one year, if they miss the first heat and return in August or September they have their young in the next year too late in the season to give it time to get strength for living at sea. The young male seals return to the islands the first year at the same time of the females, in July, and for every additional year of age ten or fifteen days earlier, so that when they attain to puberty, at the age of 4 years their time of arrival is the same as the old seals — that is, from the 1st of April to the middle of June. These, on their arrival, not being permitted to land on the breeding places, join the younger seals on the beaches, where they lie quietly until the time of the female being in heat, when they leave the beaches and play along the shores of the breeding places constituting an auxiliary force in covering the females, many of whom escape from the shore to be met by these males who H. Doc. 92 5 66 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. copulate with tliem in the water. These beaches, occu[)ied by the iuter- luediate ages from 1 to G years old, together with the ievr superauuii- ated ones whose age iiufits them to cope with the beach masters, are called, to distinguish them from the breeding places, the hauling grounds. It is from this class, on these hauling grounds, that the seals are taken for their skins. These seals as they lie on the beaches are surprised by the hunters, cut off from the water, and driven inland in droves to the salt houses, where they are separated into groups of sixty or seventy at a time, and surrounded by the sealers with their clubs. Under the direction of the chief the prime seals are selected and killed and those too young or too old are allowed to go into the water and return to the hauling grounds again. These hauling grounds are swept and driven two or three times a week during the mouths of June and July and the prime seals culled out fbr killing, and every seal growing up has to run this gauntlet for his life his second, third, and fourth years before he escapes to grow up as a breeding bull. Thus it will be seen the method of lalliug does not admit of the setting apart of a special number and taking the remainder for the quota for market, and the only possible way to pre- serve the requisite number for breeding purposes is to restrict the num- ber to be killed so far within the product as to insure enough escaping for this object. When the lease was put in practical operation in 1871 there was a very large excess of breeding males on hand. Since then this surplus has been diminished by the dying out of the old seals faster than there has been younger seals allowed to escape and grow up to fill their places, until the present stock is insufficient to meet the necessi- ties of the increasing number of breeding females. The beach masters leave the island in August and September, and the females with their young from October to January, and do not return until the following July. Of their life while absent from the island we have no definite knowledge. They are frequently reported as being seen by coasting vessels on the coast of British Columbia and eastern Alaska during tlie months of December, January, February, and March, and a few skins are taken by the Indians of that coast, but arc not known to land and haul up on the shores anywhere. The most probable conjecture is that they remain near shoals and banks where fish and food abound during the winter months and gather the neces- sary stores of fat and blubber to sustain them through the summer. From the birth to the time of the seals leaving the islands at 4 months old the loss by death is comparatively small, but during the time they are absent from the island, from December to July, it is very large, only about 40 per cent returning at 1 year old, and this loss is still consider- able the second year; after this they appear to be able to protect tliem- selves, or rather avoid their enemies. What are their enemies is not fully known. In the month of September, about the time the young seals begin to go into the water, a species of small whale, called the "killer," make their appearance in the vicinity of the island in schools of from five to ten, and are seen near the shores apparently chasing the seals, who manifest great fear of them. Three instances have occurred where these killers have got in shoal Avater and have been taken and young seals found in tlieir stomachs. These whales undoubtedly follow the seals to their feeding grounds and prey upon the young during the winter. These large and voracious animals are sufficient to destroy the young seals in great numbers, and their presence fully accounts for this immense loss. One other cause should be stated tliat lias directly contributed t^^ diminish the present stock of breeding males. During the season of ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 67 1868, before the euactment of the prohibitory law, the several parties sealing there took 240,000 seals, mostly of the prodncts of the years 1866 and 1867. These would have matured and been added to the stock of breeding males in the years 1872 and 1873 and to this a part of the prospective dehciency is to be attributed. It became my duty, as a special agent of the Treasury Department, to reside on St. Paul Island during the season of 1869 for the purpose of studying the habits of the fur seals with a view to determining the practicability of preserving and deriving a revenue from the animals. At that time no opportunity was afforded of visiting the island of St. George to compare the number of seals breeding there with those on St. Paul Islaiid, but from the best information obtainable it was believed to be equivalent to one-third of the latter island, and the proportion of the quota of that island was fixed at 25,000. In the year 1873 it was found that the proportion was too large, and for reasons set forth in my report of September 30 of that year the number of seals to be taken from St. George was fixed at 10,000, and 15,000 added to the quota of St. Paul. From the report of Assistant Treasury Agent Samuel Fal- coner, now in charge of that island (a copy of which is herewith trans- mitted), it will be seen that since that date the breeding seals have so increased as to warrant an increase in the quota of that island of 5,000, making it 15,000. Constant and careful attention has been given to the conditions and changes in the different classes of seals and the data kept for compari- son from year to year, and the result, as summed up the present year, in comparison with 1870, shows the present stock of breeding females has steadily increased in a ratio of 5 or 6 per cent per annum added to the original stock, while the stock of breeding bulls has decreased by loss from age and other causes so much faster than there has been young seals grown up to replace them that its present condition is only equal to the present demand, and the stock of half bulls, or those to mature in the next two years, is not sufficient to meet the wants of the increase in the family. [Juder these circumstances I feel it my duty to recom- mend that for the next two years the number of seals to be taken for their skins be limited to 85,000 per annum, to be ai)portioned between the two islands as follows : From St. Paul, 70,000, and from St. George, 15,000. The civil ati'airs of the natives have been conducted by themselves through their chiefs of their own selection, and with two exceptions good order and quiet have been maintained. One of these occasions was while the chief was making his rounds at 2 o'clock in the morning to wake and send a party of men to drive seals, he came upon a party of four young men who had during the night been drinking quas, or native beer, and got into a drunken quarrel. While he was attempting to quiet them one of them struck him, intiicting a severe wound over the left eye. At this others interfered and separated the combatants, and while the chief went to the surgeon to have his wound dressed the party dispersed to their homes. The next day an investigation of the matter was had at my office, and the man was clearly proven in the wrong. The three chiefs, who exercise both the judicial and executive functions, decided to punish the offender by creating a lower class in the division of the seal fund for tiie i)urpose of punishing misdemeanors of this kind, and placing him in it, which would be equivalent to a fine of $80. This condition was accepted by the offender and finally executed in the regular order of settlement of the fund derived from the killing of seals and other labors done by the people as a community. 68 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. The otlier case was one where one of the chiefs and a party of natives had made a lot of quas, and, through fear of detection, drank it in the night and came on the iields next morning nnder its iutiuence. They were very careless about skinning and when tlie skins came to be salted it was found a much larger number were damaged by cutting than usual. It was necessary to call them up and give them a severe reprimand, on which they promised to do better, and the effect lasted until after the sealing was over. Twelve additional houses had been built this year up to the time of my leaving the island, and six more were in process of erection. These would be ready for occui^ation by October 1. This makes, in all, ('>4 cottages built by the Alaska Commercial Company for the use of the natives. These have been built with special reference to the wants of the people, and they are allowed to live in them free of rent. This gives each family a separate residence with ample accommodation, so that where five years since the population were crowded into mud huts, half underground, suffering from scrofula and other diseases incidental to living without cleanliness or ventilation, there now is a village of 70 houses Avith well-graded streets, and the advantages derived by the people from their improved condition are already apparent in the better health of the community. The quantity of fish and coal provided for in the lease for gratuitous distribution has been landed on the island, and will, in due time, be delivered to the custody of the Treasury officer in charge; and beside this a large supply of the latter for sale for the use of the natives. The supplies of dry goods and provisions have been of good quality and ample in quantity, and sold at rates not exceeding 25 per cent on the cost prices. The widows and orphan children have been fed and clothed at the expense of the company, and all the conditions of the lease have been fulfilled in a broad and liberal manner. The yearly account of the natives was made up for settlement, and the annual division July 24 is as follows : 1,930 seal throats,at one-third cent , $6. 43 66 sea lion throats, at 15 cents 9. 90 547 sea lion skins, at 60 cents 228.20 53 sea lion small intestines, at 20 cents 10. 60 109 sea lion large intestines, at 10 cents 10.90 908 cut sealskins, at 20 cents 181.60 74,791 cut seal skins, at 40 cents 29, 916. 40 Total 30, 374. 03 This was divided among six classes, the whole containing 78 shares: I'cr share. First class, 36, at 100 $432. 07 Second class, 21, at 90 388. 88 Third class, 13, at 80 345. 64 Fourth class, 3, at 70 302. 45 Fifth class, 4, at 60 259. 24 Sixtli class, 1, at 50 216. 03 At the end of the sealing season on !St. Paul the party from 8t« George returned to that island, having the credit for taking 15,000 seals on St. Paul transferred to their Island. On the return of Samuel Falconer, assistant Treasury agent, from his leave of absence in May last, he was again placed in charge of St. George Island, and William J. Mclntyre remained as his assistant. On the return of the steamer for the last time, August 1, to this island Assistant Agent William J. Mclntyre was ordered to St. Paul Island to act as an assistant to George Marston, assistant agent in ALABKA INDUSTRIES. 69 rbarge of that islaud . This removal Avas rendered uecessary on accouii t of the strong feeliug of dissatisfaction of the people against his (Will- iiim J. Mclntyre's) former administration at that place, they all asking either to have him removed or to be i)ermitted to remove themselves, as they could not live with him on the island another winter. I was not able to visit that island nntil my return on my way down, when the steamer stopped there for six hours, and I availed myself of it to inquire into the truth of the complaints by the party of sealers who came over here to seal in May last, as stated in my report of May 28. These charges were fully sustained by the chief and people remaining on the island, the chief giving me a written statement in the liussian language of the whole affair, with the desire to have it transmitted to the Secretary of the Treasury. (This letter is inclosed herewith.) The chief also informed me that the copies of the regulations of the company governing their employees in their relations with the natives, together with their letters of instructions from myself, that I had caused to be translated into Russian and filed with them for their use, that Mr. Mclntyre took from them on his assuming charge of the island, he had returned again on Mr. Falconer's resuming charge. There were also many individual complaints made of meddlesome interference by Mr, Mclntyre in their private affairs, and of frequently disturbing their families by forcing tlieir doors and rushing into their houses with pistols at unseasonable hours of the night, searching under their beds for beer, and frightening their wives and children, and treating them generally with a harshness they never experienced from the Eussians. From my long experience of the natural timidity and docile obedience of these peo- ple under all reasonable circumstances, I am led to believe there must have been very strong provocation on his part to have made them prefer removing from the island to remaining on it with him another winter. Under these circumstances I could not have confidence in his ability or fitness to have charge of either island, and therefore ordered him to St. Paul Island, and assigned him for duty as assistant to Col, George Marston, assistant Treasury agent in charge of that island. I herewith append the letter of the chief and people of St. George Island, and beg leave to recommend that it be referred for translation to Stephen N. Buyuitzky, esq., a clerk of the Dej)artment, who was detailed to assist me as interpreter in 1870, and who while so employed resided four months on St. George Island as officer in charge, and who is personally acquainted with the people signing the letter. [Translation.] St. George Island, June 17, 1875. Hon. Captain Bryant: We, residents of the Island of St. George, notify you of our complaint and beg- that you will submit our humble petition to your President, lor we feel aggrieved since the fall of November 29, 1874, and namely on account of the following facts: While one of our people, Aleute Ciprian Merkuliev, was absent on a hunting expe- dition in the west end Captain Mclntyre took his son to the school and shut him in. Toward dusk the boy escaped from the school and went to the west end to join his father. In the morning of the next day Captain Mclntyre sent a native after him, with orders that Ciprian Merkuliev, with his son, should return on that very day. Ciprian Merkuliev came back with his son on that very da j^ and brought sonje wood for his own use; then Captain Mclntyre grabbed him from behind and tore his over- coat, and after that Captain Mclntyre said to Ciprian Merkuliev, "Wait for nie, I am going to kill you," and ran after his j.istol; then Ciprian Merkuliev ran away and concealed himself under a overhanging rock, having on only a shirt and a pair of drawers and without boots. He remained there two nights and two days and was found on the third day half dead, and was led back between two men. Captain Mclntyre let him stay at home several days and as soon as he was getting better led him to his (Mclntyre's) Iiouse, and after putting manacles on Ciprian Merkuliev's 70 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. hauilH foniiued liiiu iu the cellar and lot the boy go liee. After that Captain Mclu- tyre kept Ciprian Merkuliev several days in the cellar and finally released him. Since that time Captain Mclntyre gave us no peace; he incessantly visited our houses and forced our doors, and even went so far as to iirevent our -working for the company, which paid us for our work. Since then we lived with him through the whole winter in daily expectation of heing shot by him, and we do not want to live any longer with him on the island. NiCANOR YlKONLOV. Andronik Rezantz.ov. (Then follow the names of 26 Aleutes, afhxed by themselves or on their request by those of their fellow- villagers who knew how to write.) Col. George Marstoii, the last appointed assistant Treasury agent, arrived and reported for duty at St. Paul Island June 27, and after a month of careful instruction in the special duties of his position, on my departure, August 16, he was placed in charge of that island during my absence on leave, with the following instructions : Treasury A(;ent Office, St. Paul Island, August 6, 1873. Sir: You are hereby placed in charge of St. Paul Island during my absence on leave by the Secretary of the Treasury. It will be your duty to see that the laws of the United States concerning the taking of fur seals under the contract with the Alaska Commercial Company are observed ; that the natives are protected in all their rights, and in general it will be your duty to perform all those acts which shall be for the welfare of the United States, and the comfort, improvement, and well- being of the natives of the island. Your station is provided with a book for keeping a record of all transactions and occurrences that may be useful in furnishing information for guidance in the future government of the affairs of the island. You will see that no seals are driven or killed except under the direction of the chiefs with your permission, and in killing for food for natives you will see that as near as may be only such seals are killed as whose skins may be of the class to be accepted by the Alaska Commercial Company as a part of the quota of next year, and in killing young seals for winter food you will limit the number to be taken to 3,000 instead of 5,000, as was done last year. You will, however, have a sufficient number of larger seals killed when the weather is snfificiently cold for their curing jiroperly with salt to insure a winter supply of food in case the weather should prove too warm during the winter for the usual supply to 1)e kept frozen. You will permit no person not a native of the seal islands to reside on the island, other than the employees of the Government or of the Alaska Commercial Company, with a written permission of the Secretary of the Treasury. You are further instructed that if any cases come within your knowledge of the natives brewing quas or beer from sugar, or you have reason to believe such natives are indulging in such i^ractices you will be careful to see that it is broken up and that supplies of sugar and other articles from which such quas or beer is made are sold to them iu such limited quantities as to prevent a repetition of such practices. By permission of the Secretary of the Treasury, a priest of the Russian orthodox church is permitted to reside on the island to minister to the spiritual wants of the people, with the understanding, however, that in all civil matters he will be subject to the laws of the United States and the regulations of the Secretary of the Treas- ury made in pursuance thereof. As soon after the leaving of the steamer as convenient for yourself and the agent of the Alaska Commercial Company, you will receive 40- tons of coal in lieu of the proportion for this island of the 60 cords of wood provided as a condition of the lease. You will, on receiving this coal, give to the agent of the Alaska Commercial Company a receipt therefor, and have this coal stored until, in your judgment and the chiefs of the people, its use becomes necessary, when you will cause it to be dis- tributed to the people on the same principle and method as described on page 221 of the book of records for the island under date December 14, 1874. Charles Bryant, Treasury Jgent, iu Charr/e of Seal Iflauds. George Marstox, Esq., Ansistani TreasHri/ Agent, in Charge of St. Paul Island. I have the honor to remain, yours respectfully, Charles Bryant, Treasury Agent, in Charge of i^eal Tslaiids. Hon. B. H. Bristow, ^Secretary of the Treasury. ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 71 hicJosnre irHh Bryant's annval report for 1S75 ; report of Assistant Agent Falconer. Assistant Treasury Agent's Office, St. George Island, August 1, 1875. vSiR : I liave tlie honor to report the arrival of the Alaska (Commercial Company's steamer Alexander at the island for her last time this season. On her way down to Unalaska, July 10, there was shipped ou board 6,338 seal skins, and to-day 3,0t)2 as per certificates herewith inclosed, making in all 10,000 for this year. On the 1st of June last the company commenced driving seals, and finished on the 17th of last month. From the various observations taken of the seal rookeries this sea- son, I find that the four on the north side of tlie island compare favor- ably with that of former years, while the one at Zapadnie, on the south side, has increased at least one-third over that of any year since my arrival at the island, 1870. The young ones, from 1 year old up to 4, have also increased over one- half. Should this hold out, I am of opinion that 5,000 additional could be taken without detriment to the rookeries. As regards the okl bulls, there seems to be a slight falling off which can be accounted for in a measure owing to the yearly increase of female seals. I would here remark, for some reason or other, which would seem un- accountable, the seals were about two weeks later arriving this year. 1 have nothing further of interest to communicate except the com- pany is building a very fine church for the natives, and 1 think the majority of native houses, if not all, will be built this season. I am, respectfully, Samuel Falconer, Assistant Treasury Agent. Capt. Chas. Bryant, Agent in Charge of Seal Islands. Schedule of seeds killed on St. George Island. This schednlpi comprises the number of seals killed ou this island by the Alaska Commercial Company and natives from 1870 to 1875, both inclusive: Tear. Killed by com- pany. Killed by Gov- ernment agent. Pups for food. Cut. Rejected. Accepted. Total. 1870 7,259 19,027 25. 064 25, 072 10, 027 10,031 1,500 1,200 2,090 2,100 2,191 2,446 7,259 19, 077 25, 000 25, 000 10, 000 10,000 9,959 1871 97 164 180 78 63 21, 167 1872 64 72 27 31 27, 164 1873 27, 263 1874 12, 473 1875 10, 031 Total for 6 years 108. 057 Pups for native use are not yet taken; therefore they can not be included in this list of 1875. A r GUST 1, 1875. Samuel Falcoxeh, Assistant Trcasurij Agent. 72 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. Hpeckd Ayent Bryant: prelUn'marn report for 1875. Treasury Agent's Office, St. Paul Island, May J ,2, 1875. Sir : I have the honor to inform you of the arrival at this island on the 10th nitimo of the Alaska Commercial Company steamer Alexander, twenty- two days from Sau Francisco, laden with supplies for the seal islands ; also bringing as passenger Samuel Falconer, assistant Treasury agent, returned from leave of absence, who reports here for assignment for duty. I have received no communication from the Department by mail, but learn from Mr. Falconer that Assistant Agent Francis Lessen had been relieved and another appointed in his place, and from his uonarrival must conclude he was detained on the road and failed to connect with the steamer, and may be expected to arrive here late in June. Assistant Agent Samuel Falconer will be again placed in charge of St. George Island, and no changes made until the arrival of the newly appointed agent. I have received the letter granting leave of absence to take effect at the close of the season, of which I shall avail myself, and would most respectfully request that the collector of customs at San Francisco be authorized to j^ay on my vouchers my salary from April 14 to August 31, inclusive. This advance is necessary to enable me to settle my bill in San Francisco and meet the expense of taking my family east. I have had no communication with the island of St. George since August last, as the steamer did not touch there on her way here, and as she will go to Unalaska from there on lier way down before she returns here I am compelled to delay anj^ report on that island until I receive the report of Assistant Agent William J. Mclntyre, now in charge. As there will be no opportunity for the Department to again commu- nicate with these islands before my return to Washington, when I shall file a detailed report covering my six years' administration, I now only submit a brief statement of the occurrences since my last report, dated August 7, 1874. At that date the Alaska Commercial Company had finished taking seals for their skins, the number then taken being suffi- cient, when added to the skins of animals killed for food after the close of the last season, to fill the quota for 1874. There were taken for food after the close of the sealing season, from July 3 to December 30, 3,585 fur seals. Of these skins G2G were of no value, from the animals shed- ding their fur; the remainder, 2,lt59, Avere accepted and salted by the Alaska Commercial Company, to be counted as a part of the quota for the year 1875. The past winter has been one ot unprecedented mildness, the mean temperature of the months of November, December, January, and Feb- ruary all being above the freezing point, while the lowest degree of cold occurred in March, the thermometer falling to 14 degrees above zero. Owing to the mild weather, the seals delayed their departure from the island much later than usual — considerable bodies of them remain- ing until February, and a few still lingered until March. The first seals returning the present season landed the 5th of Ajiril, and they are now present in about the same conditions as last year at this date. ALASKA INDUSTRIE!^. 73 A census taken on January 1 shows the whole number of native pop- ulation on the island to be ii22, divided as follows: Whole number. Males. 103 8 Females. 119 17 28 9 Children under 5 years Between 5 and 15 ' 17 Births during the year 5 Infants less than 1 year old living January 1, 1875 3 | 6 Deaths during the year | 3 7 These people are divided into 64 families living in 58 houses, 44 of them built of wood and all above ground, and 14 are turf huts built partially in the ground. The past year 21 cottages have been built and the church advanced as far as the material on the island permitted. This is the first year since I have had charge of the island in which the births have exceeded the deaths, and there is a marked improvement in the health of the population, partly due to the mild weather, but more to the advantages of improved houses and the facilities thus furnished for cleanliness, ventilation, and other comforts. The supplies have been abundant and the prices reasonable, except the article of coal. Had the winter proved severe there would have been some suffering. With the new houses this becomes one of the greatest necessities, and arrange- ments are now made to secure the landing of an ample sujjply for the present year. The 40 tons provided for distribution gratis by the lease was stored until January, when it was distributed proportionally to each family weekly, and the supply lasted until tlie end of March. The school was commenced in the first week of October and kept continuously, except public and church holidays. The first month a very general attendance was secured, but with the commencement of the church holidays the attendance fell off, and it was difficult, without actual compulsion, to secure so great an attendance as was desirable. Mrs. C. P. Fish labored diligently and perseveringly to accomplish her task, and a few who have become attached to her have made good progress in reading, writing, and simple arithmetic. The strong prej- udice that exists among some of the more bigoted against their chil- dren learning English, lest it should weaken their attachment to the Russian Church, prevents a cordial action on the part of many. In regard to the suppression of the making of beer, or quas, from fer- menting sugar and fiour together, some progress has been made, and there has been less drunkenness than in any former year. During the month of September berries were very plentiful. With their juice fermented with sugar the evil became so serious that I found it necessary to restrict the sale of sugar to 4 ounces per week for each person, and this sufficed to check the evil. This regulation was main- tained until the berrying season had passed, when, on the promise of better behavior, the former ration was restored of one-half pound weekly to each j)erson. But with this allowance some save theirs until sufficient is accumulated with which to brew a quantity of quas, and then the consequence is they drink it secretly until drunk and make a disturbance, when I find and destroy it. The civil government of the natives has been administered by their own chiefs, or tyones, as they are called. There are three of these who exercise both the judicial and executive functions, and I have always made it a point not to interpose my authority in their private affairs 74 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. unless necessary, and have only had two cases where interference was necessary to sustain the authority of the chiefs. Good order and quiet have been maintained, and all misdemeanors known have been pun- ished. No serious acts, and only a few cases of petty tlieft occurred. On the morning- of August 20 a schooner was reported approaching the island from eastward. Supposing it to be a vessel belonging to the Alaska Commercial Company a flag was set to indicate the point of landing, but when near the southeast point of the island she kept away and ran down toward Otter Island, about 8 miles distant, and lowered a boat that pulled to the landing. Lest the seals should be disturbed, I took one of the chiefs and a boat and started for the island. Before reaching it the vessel took up her boat and stood to westward. On landing I found no appearance of the seals being disturbed. The vessel still steering to westward at 3 o'clock, I returned to the village of St. Paul. As soon as I had returned the vessel changed her course and made for Otter Island again, and at dark was near its east point. Men were stationed on the rookeries to prevent any disturbance there. At daylight the schooner passed near the reef and along the southwest shore heading to north and passed out of sight behind the island. A messenger sent to observe her movements returned at noon reporting the vessel going around the island to northeast. The vessel after round- ing the northeast point steered to eastward, passing out of sight. On the evening of the 29th of August some natives who had been out fishing came in at dark and reported a schooner at anchor behind Otter Island, and that boats were moving about and that they heard reports of guns and saw smoke as if they were shooting seals. Kerek Bootriu, the first chief, volunteered to take a boat and go and see about the truth of the report. Mr. Benjamin G. Mclutyre accompanied him, and from them I gathered the following statement : The boat arrived at the island half-past 11, and on crossing to the other side saw the schooner at anchor under a high bluff", completely concealing her from view from St. Paul Island. In the morning as soon as it was sufficiently light they launched their boat, and pulling around the island came on the schooner by surprise. Before she could get under way they were on board. It proved to be the schooner Cygnet., of Santa Barbara, Cal., Kemberly master. He was evidently much disturbed by being boarded so unexpectedly. The captain said he was hunting for sea otters, and had taken 160 pelts near the island of Saranak. There were the car- casses of two fur seals hanging in the rigging and the pelts lying on deck. Captain Kemberly said he had captured them in the water for fresh food for some Kolosh Indians in his crew. The boats were stained with blood, as if recently used. Captain Kemberly explained that they did not usually clean their boats until the end of the season. In the meantime the vessel had got under way and the boatsmeu informed that they must leave or go to sea with them. Captain Kemberly stated that the vessel had been at anchor thirty-six hours when boarded by the boat. No doubt could be entertained that they were taking seals by shooting them in the water. The boat landed and examined the shore by daylight, and found no seals had been killed there. They then returned to St. Paul village. Sea Otter Island is a small, rocky island about 8 miles distant from St. Paul. It is one-half mile long and half that in breadth; its ends and farther side are perpendicular cliffs, against which the sea breaks and affords no foothold for landing. Its other side faces St. Paul and slopes from the center gently to the shores. Here is the only boat landing, and any object the size of a seal can be seen from the hill in the ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 75 rear of the village. HLoiild this attempt be repeated, it will be neces- sary to put a partj^ on it to prevent its injury by disturbing tbe seals. As it is only a rock, without any reliable supply of fresh water, it will be necessary to have a large boat for the purpose of carrying supplies there. This island has no breeding rookery on it, but in the months of August and September 5,000 or 6,000 seals resort there to rest and play on its outlying rocks and ledges. I herewith inclose an aftidavit sworn before me by Benjamin G. Mclntyre on September 10, that it may be of service should any pro- ceeding be instituted. 1 have the honor to remain, Charles Bryant, Treasury Agent, in Charge of ISeal Idands. Hon. B. H. Bristow, Secretary of the Treasury. Tnelosnre wiili Bryant's letter of May 12, 1S75 : (JeposHion of Mr. B. &. McTntyre as to invasion of rookrrie>i by crew of " Cygnet."' St, Paul Island, Alaska Territory, ss: Personally appeared before me, Charles Bryant, special agent of the Treasury Department under the act of Congress approved March 5, 1872, B. G. Mclntyre, who, on beiug duly sworn, deposes and says: I am agent of the Alaska Commercial Company, in charge of said company's business at St. Paul Island, Alaska; that on the 19th day of August, A. D. 1874, the schooner Cygnet, of Santa Barbara, Captain Kimberly, appeared off said island; that on the attempt being made by Capt. Charles Bryant, special Treasury agent in charge of the seal islands, to board said vessel, she stood away after she had lowered her boat; that said schooner sailed around the island on the night of the 19th of August, 1874, and disappeared ou the 20th of that month; that on the 29th day of said month said vessel was again discovered by the natives of said island at anchor behind the bluffs of Otter Island, where she was engaged, as they believe, in unlawfully shooting fur seals in the water near said Otter Island; that on the night of the 29th of said month deponent went to Otter Island, under cover of darkness, where he hid until daybreak on the morning of the 30th of said month, when by pulling alongside said vessel, he suddenly surprised her crew and boarded her; that he saw on board said vessel the carcasses of several fur seals, and which were admitted to be such by the captain of said vessel; that the said Captain Kimberly informed deponent that he had on board the skins of several fur seals caught in the waters about tbe seal islands of Alaska, aud requested deponent to inform the special Treasury agent in charge of the seal islands that he intended to keep said skins; that said Captain Kimberly informed deponent that he had endeavored to avoid seeing any person from the islands; that on differ- ent occasions deponent saw several shots fired from the deck of said vessel, and saw the boat lowered and something taken on board, which he believed to have been fur seals unlawfully shot and killed in the water adjacent to the islands. B. G. MclNTYRE. Done at my office on St. Paul Island, this 10th dav of September, A. D. 1874. Charles Bryant, Special Treasury Agent, in Charge of the Seal TsJands. 76 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. Special A(/ent Bryant; transmitting report 0/ Assistant Agent McTnti/re, on raid of rooleries hy schooner " Cygnet.'' Treasury -Agent's Oia-icE, St. Pan! Island, 2Iay :2(i, 1875. Sir : I herewith trausmit to the ])e])artment a letter with aeeompauy- iug aftidavit received from Assistant Treasury Agent William J. Mclu- tyre, concerning the killing of fur seals unlawfully by the officers or crew of schooner Cygnet near the island of St. George during the month of September of the year 1874. Tlie letter will explain the whole pro- ceeding, and the promptness and energy with which said assistant agent, William J. Mclutyre, acted was very commendable. This is the same vessel mentioned in my report of May 12, ultimo, and I have since learned said vessel has since been to the port of Victoria, British Co- lumbia, and sold her furs, and refitted for another cruise in these waters this coming season. Every precaution will be taken to prevent any killing of seals by the officers or crew of said vessel, or to seize her, if possible, in the act. I have the honor to remain, with respect, Charles Bryatn^t, Treasury Agent, in Charge of Seal Islands. Hon. B. H. Bristow, Secretary of the Treasury. Itieloaure u-Uh Speeial Af/nit BryanVs letter of May 26, 1S75 ; invasion of roolceries hy crew of schooner " Cyf/nef." Island of St. George, Bering Sea, March 15, 1875. Sir: Ou the 1st of September last the natives reported that the crew of the otter-hunting schooner Cygnet were shooting seals from the deck of the vessel as she lay at anchor in Zapadnie Bay, 5 miles from the village. When a seal was killed they would lower a boat, take it on board, and after skinning it would throw the carcass overboard. I immediately sent a party of natives to watch the Cygnet and ascer- tain if possible how many seals were killed, and also sent a letter to the captain of the vessel informing him that his actions were illegal, and that he must leave these shores at once. As there were no boats on the south side of the island, signals were made for a boat from the Cygnet to come ashore. The next day the natives informed me that the signals were unan- swered, and that no comuiunication was had with the vessel; that the crew had lowered two boats and were killing seals in the water under the cliff near the rookery, and that the seals were evidently very much alarmed, as they were leaving the breeding and hauling grounds and were takijig to the water in great numbers. A heavy sea was running on the north side of the island, and the breakers rendered it extremely hazardous to launch the whale boat and sail around the island to South- west Bay, and as the natives are poor sailors I did not deem it prudent to make the attempt. Still, I wished to give the captain of the vessel timely warning before proceeding to any harsh measures. I had armed the natives with the intention of repelling by force any attempts to kill seal on the rookeries or within rifle-shot of the shore if the crew still ])ersisted in doing so after the receipt of my letter by the cjiptain. I ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 77 had the mitives carry one of their bidarkas across the islaud to Zapad- uie, sent the letter before referred to, and also requested an interview with the captain on the beach, which he at once granted. Captain Kimberly was very much astonished when informed that he was violating the laws of the United States; acknowledged that he had been killing seals, but maintained that the jurisdiction of the Govern- ment did not extend to the waters of Bering Sea, but only over the Pribilof Islands, I informed him that the phraseology of the act ap- proved July 1, 1870, was quite plain, and there was no mistaking its meaning; that the second section of said act provides, *• That it shall be unlawful to kill any seal in the waters adjacent to said islands, or on the beaches, clifts, or rocks where they haul up from the sea to remain; and any person who shall violate either of the provisions of this, or the first section of this act, shall be punished on conviction thereof, for each offence by a fine of not less than two hundred dollars, nor more than one thousand dollars, or by imprisonment not exceeding six mouths, or by such tine and imprisonment both, at the discretion of the court having jurisdiction and taking cognizance of the offence; and all vessels, their tackle, apparel, and furniture, whose crew shall be found engnged in the violation of any of the provisions of this act shall be forfeited to the United States.'' He replied that if that was the law, of course he had violated it, but had done so innocently; that he was engaged in otter hunting, and had at that time 200 skins on board; that he was looking for a kelp patch to the west of the island, where he expected to find otter in abundance, and was only waiting for calm weather so that he could hunt them in small boats, and that he had not fitted out for any puri)0se other than otter hunting. In reply to the inquiry as to why he had not answered my signals and sent a boat ashore, he replied that he supposed tbey were made by the natives, prompted either by motives of trade or curi- osity, and therefore paid no attention to them. Had he known that they were made by white men he should have sent a boat ashore at once. I informed Captain Kimberly that he must return to me the skins of all the seals he had killed, and leave the shores of this island at once. The natives reported that he had killed 34 seals, but Captain Kimberly said that he had killed 35, and would bring them ashore at once, which he did. These skins I salted and stored in the comi^any's magazine at Zapadnie, where I supposed they would be perfectly safe, but the foxes effected an entrance into the salt house by digging under the floor and destroyed every one of them. It may be proper, however, to state that these skins were deemed stagey by the company's agent, or I should have turned them in to the company to be included in this year's quota. The Cygnet left that same afternoon (September 2, 1874), and has not been seen in these waters since. The captain's full name is Samuel Kimberly, and the second officers Cannon. The latter was engaged in sealing on this island in 1868. I am, very respectfully, yours, Wm. J. McIntyke, Assistant Treasury Ayent, l^t. Georyc. Ca])t. Charles Bryant, United Statefi Trea.mry Ayeni, iSf, Paid. 78 ALAiSKA INDUSTRIES. Inclosure with Special Agent Mclntyre's letter of March lo,1877 ; deposition of Zecar Oustujoff. Persoually appeared before me, William J. Mclntyre, assistant Treas- ury agent United States (appointed under the act of March 5, 1872) at St. George Island, this 5th day of September, A. D. 1874, Zecar Ousti- gofif", who, upon being duly sworn, deposes and says: That on the 1st and 2d of Se])tember, A. D. 1874, I saw the crew of the schooner Cygnet, as she lay at anchor a quarter of a mile or thereabouts from the shore of said island of St. George, shoot and kill fur seals from the deck of said vessel and skin said seals on board; that the said crew did also shoot fur seals in the ^vater under the cliff about 500 yards or thereabouts from the shore of said island ; and that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, 34 fur seals were killed at the times and in the manner before specified; that fur-seal skins to the number of 35 were on the said 2d of September, A. D. 1874, returned to William J. Mclntyre, the Government officer on said island, and that I, by the direction of said William J. Mclntyre, did assist in the counting and salting of said skins in the salt house of the Alaska Com- mercial Company at St. George Island on the date last mentioned; and further, that the said 35 fur-seal skins were killed by parties other than the Alaska Commercial Company and without their consent, or tlie cousent of the Government of the United States. Zecar Oustigoff. In testimony whereof I subscribe my hand and seal on the said 5th of September, 1874. Wm. J. MclNTYRE, |i'. >S.| Assistant Treasury Agent, United States Treasury Department. ISjiecial Agent Bryojit ; transmitting report of Assistant Agent Mclntyre on management of affairs on St. George Island. Treasury Agent's Office, St, Paul Island, May 28, 1875, Sir: I have the honor to submit the following report on the affairs of St. George Island. The steamer, when driven from her anchorage here on the 14th instant, proceeded to St. George, where, finding land- ing impracticable at the village, it went around on the opposite side, and after landing Assistant Agent Samuel Falconer and Mr. George F. Adams, subagent for the Alaska Commercial Company, she pro- ceeded to Unalaska, with the freight for St. George on board. Eeturn- ing thence, she arrived at St. George on the 24th instant, and after discharging the portion of freight for that station, again left for this island, arriving here on the morning of the 25th. The steamer brought as passengers Father Inocent Shisenekoff, archpriest of the Russo- Greek Church for this district of the Aleutian and seal islands; also, Paul Shisenekoff, a former resident of this island, who has been to San Francisco to be ordained as a resident priest here; also, Zachar Shis- enekoff" and family, former residents here,Avho have been living at Una- laska. All these are to reside here except the archpriest, who will return to Unalaska after performing the necessary ceremonies for installing his brother as pastor over the church here. Five native laborers were also among the passengers, to do the labor while the natiyes here arc employed in taking seals: also, one carpenter from ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 79 Uualaska, to take the i>lace of the oue who now retiirus to San Fran- cisco. By this vessel I am in receipt of the report of William J. Mclutyre, assistant Treasury agent, who has had charge of St. George Islaud during the absence of Assistant Agent Samuel Falconer, a duplicate copy of which is herewith inclosed. It will be seen by this report that he has, without authority, incurred a bill for labor and material for paint- ing and refitting the Treasury agent's house and the fence around it of over $107. The vouchers for this bill, together with the pay roll, have been forwarded for my approval. 1 have examined these and find the prices reasonable and just, and have approved them, and they will be presented to the collector of customs at San Francisco, and I have to request that their payment be authorized. As this bill is nearly double my estimates for this purpose, as asked for in my report dated August 7, 1874, 1 can but think more has been done and greater expeuse incurred than the exigency of the circum- stances demanded. It will be seen, also, that he asks lor authority to put down a new floor and purchase a new stove and carpet and double bed. As both houses were built at the same time and furnished alike, with the exception of the bed (the officer then in charge preferring a spring bed to a mattress), and these articles here in this house scarcely half worn, I must consider that the necessity is not so great for their renewal as to justify my giving authority to purchase new ones without waiting the pleasure of the Department, though it requires a year to do so. I shall visit St. George as soon as the newly appointed assistant arrives. To do so now, and leave this place for a month without an officer, would be detrimental to the Government interests. From the general tenor of the report it would appear that the affairs of the island had been very ably administered, but I regret to have to state that I have information from other sources going to show that Assistant Agent Mclntyre has been guilty of unwarranted harshness in his treatment of the natives. Gregore Kolichieff", the second chief of St. George Island, is here in charge of the working party of 11 men. Last evening said Kolichiefit", accompanied by Keprian Makoolielf, I»licholi Ostigofit', Zecar Oustigott', and Berese Gallanim, came before me and made the following charges : It would appear that Keprian Makoo- iieff has a son named Esau, a boy about 8 years old, and that instead of sending him to the English school kept by Mr. Mclutyre himself for the Ahiska Commercial Company, his father sent him to study with aforementioned Kolichiefl' to learn Eussian, In November, when the boy's father was away from home, Mr. Mclntyre went to said Kolichieff's house and forbade his teaching the boy Eussian, and ordered him to send the boy to the school kept by himself. Kolichiefl" said he had no right to send the boy, as lie was not the boy's father, whereupon Mr. Mcln- tyre took the boy to the schoolhouse and locked liim in to keep him in all night, as a punishment for not coming to school. The boy, not being used to such treatment, escaped through the window in the night and fled to Zapadnie, a place on the opposite side of the island, distant 5 miles, where the father was gathering driftwood. In the morning Mr. Mclntyre sent Zahar Oustigoff to-order the father to bring the boy home; and immediately on their arrival he (Mr. Mclntyre) attempted to seize the boy, but the father would not let him. Mr. Mclntyre returned to his own house, got a pistol and pair of handcuffs, and again returned to the native's house for the purpose of punishing both father 80 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. and SOU. Upou seeing this, the native, fearing for his life, lied from his honse, with only his pants and shirt, and in this condition hid him- self in the cliffs at the east end of the island, where the people found .him, on the third day after, so exhausted by cold and hunger that they had to carry him home on their backs. When they arrived there the doctor took charge of him. On the fourth day after, Mr. Mclntyre took him from his house, put handcufts on, and lodged him in the cellar of the company's house, a very cold, damp place, and kept him four days on bread and water. During all this time the sou had been confined in a dark closet in the company's house and kept on bread and water. All agree in the truth of this statement, and say they never expe- rienced such treatment from the Russians, and they all unite in asking me to remove him. They say they are afraid of their lives, and if he is to remain on the island they all wish to leave it. All the former resi- dents say that the said Keprian Makoolieff is a very quiet, inoftensive man, and gave no occasion for such treatment and made no effort in self-defense. They also complain that, on assuming charge of the island, Mr. Mcln- tyre took from their chief the Russian translation of the act of (.ougress reducing the quota of skins for their island, with the necessary instruc- tions I had given in relation to coming over here to help take seals, and told them he should govern them in his own way. This paper was of no real value to them, but they have a great reverence fur a written document, and I find they considered this one as their guaranty for the right to come to this island and help seal and share in the bene- fits of it. I feel so thoroughly assured of his unfitness for the position that, were it practicable, I should ask his immediate removal. I shall order Mr. Falconer hero on the next trip of the steamer, that I may go there and investigate these matters. Charles Bryant, Treasury A ; report of A-'^aistant Agent Mclntyre. Island of St. Geor&e, Bering- Sea, May ;.H>, 1875. Sir: The steamer Alexander arrived here on the 8th of August last on her way to San Francisco and brought me your letter of instructions for the winter. About the middle of August last I punished three natives for drink- ing (juas. I then informed all the natives that it was the intention of the Government to break up the practice of brewing and drinking quas on these islands, and that it must be discontinued in the future. This was the first as well as the last instance of quas having been made or drunkenness observed during the winter. The natives have been sober, steady, and industrious, and have conducted themselves upou all occa- sions in the most exemplary manner. I watched them so closely that they could not make quas and escape detection. There has been a great deal of sickness on the island during the past winter. At one time it seemed as if everyone in the village was down with sickness. From the 8th of August up to the date of this report tiiere have been nine deaths and only four births. Among the deatlis three were grown people and the remainder were children. ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 81 Only one accident occurred during' the winter, and that was occasioned through carelessness in handling a gun, the charge of which passed through the native's hand, necessitating amputation at the wrist. The bull seals commenced to haul up on the 5th instant, and on the following day I called in all firearms and forbade any persons going near the breeding rookeries. Two thousand four hundred and ninety fur seals were killed for food. Of this number, 205 were accepted by the company to be included in the quota of 1875. Of the remaining, 2,100 were pups and the rest stagey. The school has been kept open in accordance witli law, the average daily attendance being 11. The progress of the scholars has been very flattering. I have had the Government house thoroughly cleaned, papered, and painted both inside and out with two coats. The inside 1 painted white and the outside a very pretty brown with white trimmings. I have also painted the fence a light brown. In the fall I banked the foundations up to the woodwork. A new floor is necessary for the office and large rooms. The old floor is badly worn and has shrunk a great deal. I have to request that you authorize me to put down a new floor during the fall or winter. A new stove is also wanted and a new carpet and double bedstead. These are the only additional improvements neces- sary at present. I considered the repairs made this spring absolutely necessary for the proper preservation of the property. The following is the meteorological Tecord for the twelve months ending April, 1875 : [Average above zero ] Mouths. May June July August... September October . . . Tempera- ture. 42,20 47.9 49.7 52.9 49 40 M ontbs. November December. January . . February . March . . . . April Tempera- ture. 40.22 33.2 36.11 37.3 32.26 32.26 I inclose a separate report concerning the killing of fur seals by the crew of the otter-hunting schooner Cygnet in September, with affidavit. I respectfully request to be furnished with a copy of the lease and all acts of Congress pertaining to the seal islands, and any other informa- tion pertinent thereto. In accordance with your instructions, I have turned over all Govern- ment property to Assistant Treasury Agent Samuel Falconer, who arrived here on the 15th instant. At the close of the sealing season of 1875, 1 shall make a report con- cerning the breeding and hauling grounds, the approximate strength of the rookeries, and the mode of selecting killing seals. I will then be able to verify my figures made this spring, and take advantage of the information acquired during the past year. While m charge of this island I have seen that the natives were pro- tected in all their rights, and that the spirit of the act and lease was carried out in every particular. I am, very respectfully, yours, Capt. Charles Bryant, i^pecial Agent, St. Paul Island, H. Doc, 92 — '-{, Wm. J. McIntyre, Speeial Agent, 6V. George. 82 ALASKA INDU8TliIES. Special Ayetit Bryant; shipping receipts for 1875. Treasuky Agent's Office, 8t. Paul Island, May 28, 1875. I hereby certify that the Alaska Commercial Company has this day shipped on board steamer Alexander, from this island, 3,850 fur-seal skins, beiug the skins of seals taken for native food Irom July 18, 1874, to this date. Chakles Bryant, Treasury Agent, in Charge of Seal Islands. Tkeasury Agent's Office, St. Paul Island, July 8, 1875. I hereby certify the Alaska Commercial Company has this day shipped on board steamer Alexander, for transshipment at Unalaska, 39.aa6 fur-seal skius for the quota of 1875. Charles Bryant, Treasury Agent, in Charge of Seal Islands. Treasury Agent's Office, St. Paul Island, August 7, 1875. This certifies that the Alaska Commercial Company has this day shipped on board steamer Alexander, M. C. Erskine, master, 46,974 fur- seal skins of the catch of 1875; that said company has also shipped 3,662 fur-seal skins from St. George Island of the catch of 1875, and that said steamer has on board 5,328 fur-seal skins from Unalaska cov- ered by certificate of July 8, 1875. Total number on board, 5a,964 skiiLS. Charles Bryant, Treasury Agent, in Charge of Seal Islands. 1B76. Special Agent Bryant: limitation of catch to 85,000 seals annually. Washington, D. C, March 2, 1876. Sir : I have the honor to submit the following communication, asking your consideration of the subject-matter contained in my report, dated October 11, 1875, concerning the limiting the number of fur seals to be taken by the Alaska Commercial Company on the islands of St. Paul and St. George for the ensuing year. It will be seen by a reference to said report that for reasons therein set forth it is desirable to limit the number of seals to be taken the present season to 85,000 instead of 100,000, as heretofore done; and, further, that the present proportion of 90,000 for St. Paul and 10,000 for St. George is not properly adjusted to the existing condition of the rookeries on said islands, and that it is desirable the proportion should be fixed at 70,000 for St. Paul and 15,000 for St. George. As the Alaska Commercial Company steamer will leave San Fran- cisco on or about the 1st of April next for the seal islands to commence the season's operations, and no other opportunity will occur for com- munication before the season is over, an early consideration of this matter is desirable. I have the honor to remain, yours, respectfully, Charles Bryant, Treasury Agent, in Charge of Seal Islands. Hon. B. H. Bristow, Secretary of the Treasury. ALASKA INDUSTKIES. 83 Special Ayent H. W.Elliott; criticism of Br yanfs report i^. Smithsonian Institution, Washington^ March 0, 1876. Sir : I have been informed, and I have learned from Mr. Clarke, Chief Division of Customs, that the Treasury agent, Mr. Charles Bryant, who is in charge of tlie seal islands of Alaska, has urged a reduction in the number of seals that may be killed this year in comi)liance with the provisions of the law approved July, 1870, on the ground that, after a residence on those islands and in charge of the sealing interests there during the last seven years, ho has just discovered the fact that taking 100,000 young male seals annually "does not leave a sufficient number of males to mature for the wants of the increase in the number of females," a statement which bears on its own face a self-evident contra- diction. If Mr. Bryant had made no other report to the Secretary of the Treasury than the one quoted from above, his statements, indefinite as they are, would have much weight, and he could not be truthfully charged with inconsistency and want of correct appreciation of the duties devolved upon him by the Treasury Department; but, unfor- tunately for the character of this report, he has made six annual reports to the Secretary of the Treasury prior to it — his last report of October 11, 1875 — and in each and every one of these reports Mr. Bryant's lan- guage testifies in positive terms to a steady increase in the numbers of the breeding seals; nowhere does he qualify or question this fact, which at the time I disputed in strong terms, as I do now. Now, in 1875, he comes before the Department with a statement which completely ignores his testimony for the six preceding years, and which he stoutly main- tained, with the aid of his friends, in si)ite of my opposition to its truth. I remember a long and a somewhat warm argument which took place between ex- Secretary Boutwell and myself in the fall of 1873 on this subject, in which he declared his firm belief in the truth of Mr. Bryant's testimony as to the great increase in the numbers of the seals, and refused to give in the least adherence to my statement to the contrary, and I then asked for Mr. Bryant's removal on the ground that he was giving to the Secretary of the Treasury an altogether erroneous idea as to the condition of the seal life; and, indeed, Mr. Bryant carried this so far as to advise in one of his annual reports that an addition of 30,000 be made to the lawful 100,000 for the season of 1871. My theory as to the fact that these seals on the Pribilof Islands have attained for some time past their maximum limit of increase in a state of nature is based upon a rigid stud}' of the subject on the ground during the seasons of 1872, 1873, and 1874, and every step I have taken in arriving at this conclusion is based upon facts, surveys, and figures, as set forth in my report, and the originals I can produce at a moment's notice; while to the contrary Mr. Bryant has never made a survey of the area and position of these breeding grounds about which he speaks in such positive erroneous language, and can not lay before you a single record jnade by him on these fields which will bear him out in his asser- tions; it is mere guesswork with him, and he has never made a series of systematic consecutive examinations of the breeding grounds, which is absolutely necessary to the correctness of any theory which an officer of the Government may advance with regard to the condition of those scattered and extensive breeding fields of the fur-seals on the Pribilof Islands. I would, therefore, respectfully urge that Mr. Bryant be instructed 84 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. to do this season wliat he has never done as yet on the seal islands — to make a careful and thorough survey of the area and position of the breeding rookeries under his charge, so that these records may be com- pared with work done by myself in 1872 and repeated by Lieutenant Maynard in 1874, and reported upon at length and in detail by both of us. This work will show at a glance whether the seals have increased or diminished, and be far above the level of mere guesswork. There is one plain inference which can not fail to arrest the attention of the inquirer, and which Captain Bryant's reports confirm nuichmore strongly than do my own, and that is the fact that if the females are "increasing" at the rate of "6 per cent" every year it is proof conclu- sive that there must be males enough for the purpose of breeding or these rookeries could not expand. In view of this conflicting testimony of Mr. Bryant, I trust that you will give the matter your careful consideration before signing any war- rant for reduction, based upon such evidence, when it is fully as probable that the six reports of Captain Bryant prior to the one for 1875 are more correct than is the latter, though all of them are based upon conjecture and assumption, not founded upon actual investiga- tion ; and, furthermore, it would give me satisfaction to meet Captain Bryant in your presence and there discuss this matter in full. It is in no sense a i^ersonal matter with me; it is one in which I feel naturally a deep interest, that will arise in anyone's mind after long and atten- tive study of the subject. I should have come forward to oppose any increase in the killing just as promjitly as I do this proposition for diminution, unless such a proposition were based upon tenable ground. Yery respectfully, your friend and servant, Henry W. Elliott. Hon. B. H. Bristow, Secretary of the Treasury. p. s. — To more fully illustrate the nature of my objection to Mr. Bryant's testimony, I inclose a compilation from the several reports of that officer made to the Secretary of the Treasury during 1869-1875 inclusive. H. W. E. luclosure tvUh Special Agent Elliott'n report of March 6, 1S76. [Report dated November 30, 1869.] It will also be seen that the great iuiportauce of the seal hahery is uot to be calcu- lated from the basis of its present yield, as with proper care the number can be increased until both islands are fully occupied by these valuable animals. [Report dated Xovember 10, 1871.] The breeding males and females occupy the same ground from year to year, with- out leaving their places until the end of July, and no other classes mix with them. These have clearly-defined boundaries, entirely separate from the grounds oeeujjied by the classes driven for killing, and are never disturbed by it. As these are the sources that produce the supply, and the age at which most of them are killed is 3 years, their condition will furnish a standard by which to estimate the product three years in advance. A careful comparison of their condition the present year (1871) with those of 1869 and 1870, shows a decrease in the number of females the present year e(|ual to 10 per cent of the two former years, wliich showed a gradual increase. This might indicate a necessity (or restricting the number to be t^cen were it not for tlie excess of 1870, which will compensate the deficiency for ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 85 ouf year; but should two successive years of decrease follow, it will be different This decrease is the sauic on the rookeries where no seals have been takeu siucel86S as those that have been worked continuously. Whatever may be the cause of this decrease, I am sure it must be looked for outside of the islands, a period of the year in Avhich we have little or no positive knowledge of their habits. Sufficient search has been made for their winter abodes, with a view to taking their skins, to prove they do not laud in any considerable numbers on any known land. They begin to leave the islands early in October, and by the middle of December have all left, and none are seen again until April or May. A few hundred, mostly young pups, are taken by the Indians around Sitka, 1,200 miles east of the islands, during the month of December, and again in March, on their way returning to the islands, and in Feb- ruary off the coast of British Columbia, but in such small numbers as to make no appreciable difference to the immense number that visit the islands annually. This is about all that is known positively of their winter habits. It is evident that sharks or other voracious fish prey on the young pups while in the water, from the fact that of more than a million pups annually leaving the islands not one-third return to them in spring. Ill the coucluding sentence of this extract, Mr. Bryant makes a state- ment that is merely a matter of conjecture on his part; it is just as near the trutli to say that half of the million pups born this year return next. He nor no one else would be justified in making either of these statements so positive, for the data does not exist. [Report dated September 5, 1872.] The present season the bcachmasters or breeding-bulls have landed in excellent health and condition, and in greater numbers, occupying much larger grounds than ever before. The females also come in sufficiently increased numbers to occupy all the grounds thus mapped out, and the number of young seals produced greatly exceed any former years. The weather, although excessively foggy and disagreeable to the residents of the islands, has been especially favorable to the young seals. It is also observable that a larger number of yearlings or last year's pups than usual have returned to the island the present season. There is now only a deficiency of one class, that of the 4 and 5 year old seals. This is clearly traceable to the following causes : During the season of 1868 there were killed on both islands 220,000 animals for their skins; and in the season of 1869, 85,000 for their skins. At that time the relative value of the sizes or ages of the skins was not understood, and all the skins being paid for at the same price, the natives, who were quick to perceive the differ- ence between taking a small skin and a large one, and carrying it to the salt houses, killed all the yearlings they could; these were the products of 1867 and 1868. These were sent forward, in 1870, to market, and overstocked it with small skins. This created a demand for larger skins, and the Alaska Commercial Company instructed their agents to take all the large skins possible in 1871 ; this was done, and as many 4 and 5 year old seals as could be taken. This again fell on the already diminished product of 1867 and 1868. When these were sent to market, they were found too old, and now, the proper medium being ascertained, the seals will be selected accordingly. It will be seen by reference to my report of November 30, 1869, containing a detailed description of the habits of these animals, that this class of 4 and ,5 year old seals perform an important service along the shores during the season of incubation; but as there was already existing au excess of old bulls from former years, the detri- ment to the rookeries from the absence of this class, growing out of the excessive killing of 1868, can work no serious injury to the rookeries for this two years, and at that time they will be supplied from the growing seals. Under the present system the rookeries show a steady increase that warrants the assertion that by 1874 an addition of 30,000 skins may l)e added to the number now taken annually. [Report dated September 30, 1873.] The breeding rookeries during the breeding season have a fixed and permanent character. They begin to fill at the water line, and fill in equal numbers in a given space, extending their boundaries no farther than can be so filled, so that by care- fully noting these boundaries from year to year an approximate estimate can be made of the ratio of increase by the addition of the young females maturing annu- ally. These, as compared with their area in 1870, now show an expansion equal to 15 per cent in three years, or an annual increase of 5 per cent since the date of the lease. The full-grown males that do not find room on the breeding places gather as near as possible to await for opportunities to supersede the weak and wounded while fighting for the possession of the females. Here the proportion their numbers bear to the necessities for breeding purposes can be readily estimated, and of this class for breeding purposes there is a full supply. The classes driven for their skins 86 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. (Inriuft- tlie sealing season are too ofteu disturbed to afford op])urtiinity for est flieir uumbcrs. But after the sealing is all done and the full (inola taken 'stimatin^ _^ „„„.„„.^. -_ ^ j^^i" the year we know what remains as a future supply. In a few diiys they settle quietly on their resting places and can then be fairly estimated. On St. Paul Island there is evidence of a steady increase that exceeds the demand to fill the quota for that island, while on St. George Island, as before stated, the supply falls short of the number necessary to furnish large-sized skins. All other conditions appear to be the same on St. George as on St. Paul, the females annually increasing in numbers, showing it to be only necessary to reduce the number of males taken for their skins to afford the necessary complement for breeding purposes. Thus may be summed up the general condition of the fur seals at the seal islands after three years' practical application of the present estalilished system for their management. The number of breeding females Las increased 15 per cent while 100,000 males have been taken annually for their skins, and there is still left a surplus of males required for breeding purposes. [Report dated August 4, 1874. J Astheclass of seals killed for their skins are mostly 4 years old and they do not mature until 6 years, the full effect of the additions of 15,000 increase on the quota of this island the present year can not be fully estimated until two years more, when those that have escaped to grow up this year will be sufficiently matured to be of service. In my opinion any further increase in the number of seals to be taken annually would result in future injury to the rookeries, [Report dated October 11. 1875.] At time of writing my detailed report on the habits of these animals, dated Novem- ber 30, 1869, it was stated to be 100,000. This number was based on the best infor- mation obtainable at that time from the natives of the island and the few employees of the former Eussian Fur Company remaining in the Territory. Since then a resi- dence of seven successive seasons on the island in charge of these animals has fur- nished me with the desired opportunity for determining this surplus product by actual study of their habits and requirements, and the result is the killing of 100,000 per annum does not leave a sufficient number of males to mature for the wants of the increase in the number of females. And as it is desirable to state some of the meth- ods by which these conclusions have been reached by me a brief statement of the habits of these animals and the effect of the killing of 100,000 per year for the past five years seems necessary. Constant and careful attention has been given to the condition and changes m the different classes of seals, and the data kept for comparison from year to year, and the result, as summed up the present year in comparison with 1870, shows the present stock of breeding females has steadily increased in a ratio of r> or 6 per cent per annum added to the original stock, while the stock of breeding bulls has decreased, by loss from age and other causes, so much faster than there has been young seals grown up to replace them that its present condition is only equal to the present demand, and the stock of half-bulls, or those to mature in the next two years, is not sufficient to meet the wants of the increase in the females. Under these circumstances I feel it my duty to recommend that for the next two years the number of seals to be taken for their "skins be limited to 85,000 per annum, to be apportioned between the two islands as follows : For St. Paul Island, 70,000, and for St. George Island, 15,000. Kow, US these reports run, Captain Bryant will be perfectly consist- ent if lie advocates an increase of 30,000 to the lawful (juota next year, and what's to prevent him on the ground of his taking? Special Agent Bryant; xyreMminary report for 187G. Treasury Agent's Office, St. Paul Island, May 35, J<^70. Sir: I have the honor to submit the following brief statement for your information : Immediately after my personal interview with your- self ou March 22, having been notified by the president of the Alaska Commercial Company that their vessel would sail for the seal islands on or about the 15th of April, and also being informed by the district ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 87 attorney for the district of California that my presence was required there as a witness for the United States in the case pending in the court for trial in the seizure of schooner San Dief/o, I lost no time, but pro- ceeded at once to my home in Fairhaven, Mass., from which I started for San Francisco March 30, arriving there April 7. The sailing of the steamer was delayed until Ajnil 137, and arrived at Unalaska May 10. After coaling and discharging freight, tbe vessel again left for the seal islands, arriving at St. George on the evening of May 17 and ancnored, when a boat came off, and after a brief inter- view with the officer in charge. Assistant Agent Samuel Falconer, he returned to the shore with mail. Daring the night a severe gale came on, preventing all communica- tion with the .shore next day; and on the day following the steamer was driven to sea again, and after two days' storm she arrived at St. Paul Island. In my brief interview with Assistant Agent Samuel Falconer, in charge St. George Island, I learned of the general good health of the people during the winter and that the affairs of the island were in a satisfactory condition. I have just received his report, copies of which will be submitted by next mail. I am pleased to be able to state that I found the general condition of the people of this island in an equally satisfactory condition, and a more detailed report will be forwarded next mail. The winter has been very severe and large bodies of ice were driven from the north down around the island during March a.nd April, which has delayed the seals in their landing, but they are now arriving in greater numbers and promise to be present in as large numbers as usual by the 1st of June. In my report to the Department on the affairs of the seal islands, dated October IL, 1875, for reasons therein set forth, I recommended the number of seals to be taken the present year on the St. Paul Island be limited to 70,000 instead of 90,000 as heretofore. I believe the change necessary for the preservation of sufficient numbers of male seals for breeding purposes, but as I have received no communication from the Department and have therefore no authority to act in the matter other than by recommending to the general agent of the Alaska Commercial Company, a voluntary action on their part, and am informed by him that so well assured is the Alaska Commercial Company of this necessity that they will take only 75,000 seals on St. Paul Island the present year. I also recommended that the number to be taken on St. George Island be fixed at 15,000 instead of 10,000 as heretofore. This increase is warranted by the increase of male seals on that island the past two years, and seems the more necessary from the fact that the number of people residing on that island is so large in proportion to the number of seals taken there that the compensation received for taking 10,000 is barely sufficient for them to purchase the necessities for their living with the greatest economy. In my letter to the Department dated March 6, 1876, 1 requested that there should be furnished for the use of the offices of the Treasury agents on St. Paul and St. George islands each a copy of the Revised Statutes of the United States; also two blank books for the keeping of the records of the islands, and a scale for weighing mail matter. As none of these have been received, or any communication from the Department, I must conclude they have gone to Sitka. If this is so, I shall not get them for at least one year and possibly longer, and 1 would 88 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. again state that as the Alaska Commercial Company only sends a ves- sel to these islands twice a year, the only direct way to forward mail matter is to direct it to their care, 310 Sansome street, San Francisco, Cal. This Company will send one more vessel to these islands, to leave San Francisco the 1st of Augnst next, and it is the only opportunity to communicate this year. Assistant Treasury Agent W. J. Mclntyre, who has during the past winter resided on this island, is now assigned for duty on St. George Island. Yours, respectfully, Charles Bryant, Treasury Agent, in Charge of Fur Seal Islands. Hon. B. H. Bristow, Secretary of the Treasury. Assistant Agent Falconer'^s report of affairs on St. George. Assistant Treasury Agent's Office, St. George Island, September 29, 1876. Sir: From the most careful observations obtained of the breeding rookeries this season, I find that they are somewhat fuller this year than last. Although their positions change a little from year to year, so that it is almost impossible to ascertain to a certainty, yet I am of opinion they are steadily increasing. The old bulls, too, are quite numerous, much more so than they have been for the past two or three years. There is not a sand spit or rest- ing place around the island but on what they are to be seen. I noticed, too, a large number of this class on the outskirts of the rookeries badly used up owing to their continued warfare with each other, struggling for positions in the harems. They were fearfully lacerated about the neck and foretiippers ; many of them were minus an eye, and, in some cases, both were out. The most perceptible difference this season has been with the young ones, such as are driven for their skins. In places where 1,000 had been obtained heretofore, double that number has been taken this year at a single drive. If the 5,000 has not been added to this island by the last session of Congress as we recommended last year, I M^ould most earnestly request that it be done by the coming one, for the island can well afford 15,000 annually. There are no parties better able to judge and determine the proper ratio for each island than the resident agents, who have had years of experience and have watched the rookeries carefully. The company began driving seals on the 1st of June, and secured their number (10,000) on the 7th of July — all of which were shipped on board their steamship St. Paul on the 15tli of July last, as per cer- tificate forwarded you at that time. On the 19th of June a small schooner appeared ofl' the west end of the island, which subsequently proved to be the Cygnet, of Santa Bar- bara, Cal., ami anchored opposite Zapadnie rookery, on the south side, some little distance offshore. She did not appear to engage in shoot- ing or spearing seals, nor did her crew attemjit to land, probably for the reason that the rookeries were well guarded by natives, Avho re- mained there day and night. ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 89 lu tbis position she remaiued for eleven days, after whicli she took her departure through the night and has not been seen here since. I have, however, learned through Captain Erskine that a small ves- sel answering her description has been seen around Otter Island. This is the same little schooner and captain that was here killing seals two years ago during my absence East, and was allowed to slip through the hands of William J. Mclntyre, who was then in charge of the island. I am also informed that the schooner Ocean Spray has been around your island this season killing seals, and has since been seized by Colo- nel Wood, deputy collector at Unalaska, and taken to San Francisco via Sitka. It would appear from the way those small vessels are cruising around our islands, shooting and spearing seals contrary to law, that the serv- ice of a revenue cutter is much wanted. In fact, I know of no part of the Territory where a cutter is any more needed than here dur- ing the summer season, and I would request that the attention of the Secretary be called to this fact, for unless the islands are protected in some such way as this there will be others engage in the enterprise in future. Ko doubt captains or commanders of cutters will use very plausible arguments against coming here, but I see no reason why a vessel could not visit the islands with perfect safety, say once in ten days, with headquarters at Unalaska. Eeceipts for Government and native coal, also for 20 barrels fish, have been forwarded you in a separate inclosure. I am, respectfully, Samuel Falconer, Late Assistant Treasury Agent. Oapt. Chas. Bryant, Agent in Charge of Seal Islands. H. R. Mclntyre, agent of Ala sTia Commercial Company; poaching schooners. San Francisco, August 15, 1876. Sir : I regret to report that the agents of the Government and com- pany in charge of the seal islands have not been entirely successful in protecting them from marauders during the past sealing season. On the 13th of June, 1876, the schooner Ocean Spray, Butler, master, brought to the islands a piratical crew, commanded by one Dr. Thatcher, who was formerly connected with a similar expedition in the schooner San Diego., and comprising, in addition to the usual number of sailors, twenty-six Indians from British Columbia, with an interpreter from Victoria. By stress of weather a canoe load of Indians, with Dr. Thatcher, was thrown upon St. Paul Island after attempting unsuccess- fully to gain a footing upon Otter Island, and from these men we learned that the Ocean Spray is owned in San Francisco and chartered for this cruise by one Frank Howell and his partner, by the name of Mbby or Mbbetto. From the admissions of Dr. Thatcher it appears that he intended to place his entire force of Indians upon Otter Island, armed with modern weapons, and to hold it against any force from St. Paul, while his crew proceeded to capture seals on and about the islands. This design was frustrated only by the unusual prevalence of fog, 90 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. which resulted iii throwing him into our hands, a,iid by the fact that his crew of Indiaus mutinied after he was allowed to proceed on his illegal voyage by Special Agent Bryant, who interfered unwarrantably and contrary to his duty, as we believe, in permitting the vessel and her criminal commander to escape after we had fairly captured them. The schooner was subsequently seized by Deputy Collector Woods at Uualaska and taken to the district of Oregon. On the 15th of June, 1876, the schooner Cygnet appeared off St. Paul Island, where she still remained on the date of our departure, having been last seen as the fog cleared up on the ]4th of July. She was engaged in shooting seals in the water, iu which she appeared to be very successful. On one occasion she approached within rifle shot of a densely populated seal rookery, where she was observed by one of our employees. He states that 30 shots were fired and 17 seals taken from the water at this time within two hours. Oil another occasion the Cygnefs crew effected a landing on Otter Island, where she captured, as a count of the carcasses showed, 300 seals in a single night. The following night she was pursued by Spe- cial Agent Mclntyre and Company's Agent Adams and overtaken, but as the boats neared her they were warned off with the threat that they would be sunk if they. came alongside. The company's schooner General Miller was sent in pursuit of the Cygnet^ in charge of Acting Deputy Collector Armstrong, on the 1st instant, but as the latter vessel is a fast sailer it is very doubtful whether the Miller can overtake her. I am, very respectfully, H. H. McIntyke, General Agent of Alasla Commercial Company. Gen. J. F. Millee, President of AlasVa Commercial Company, ISan Francisco, Cal. Special Agent Bryant; annual report for 187 fl. Treasury Agent's Office, St. Paul Island, September 26^ 1876. Sir: I have the honor to inform you of the arrival at this island on the 22d ultimo, of the Alaska Commercial Company's steamer St. Paul laden with stores and supplies for the seal islands. I received no communication from the Department by this mail. Assistant Treas- ury Agent George Marston has received two letters dated August 18, 1876, marked " O. W. P." in the upper left-hand corner, the first inform- ing him his appointment under the act of Congress approved July 31, 1870, as assistant Treasury agent for the seal fisheries in Alaska at a salary of $2,190 per annum is to be discontinued from September 30, 1876. The second, of the same date and mark, is a reappointment under aforesaid act of Congress, approved July 31, 1870, as an assistant agent for the seal fisheries at a salary of $2,90i) per annum in place of Samuel Falconer, superseded, and he is assigned to take charge of St. George Island accordingly. William J. Mclntyre, assistant Treasury agent, also received a letter of tlie same tenor and date notifying him that his services as assistant Treasury agent are discontinued from September 30, 1876, and he will return to Washington i)er steamer St. Paul, ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 91 I liave the lionor to submit the following brief report on the condi tioii of tlio fur seals and the general affairs of the seal islands for the present season up to date. The large quantity of drift ice from the north that remained melting around the island during the month of May so chilled the waters as to delay the seals in their first arrival twenty days later than usual. We were able to make the first drive for native food May 23. As soon as the water became warmer they arrived more rapidly, so that by the 10th of June they were plentiful enough to proceed with the taking them for skins with as much dispatch as the number of men employed could do so, and up to August 2 there had been 79,400 salted, including 4,852 left over from 1875 of animals taken for food for natives. The account is as follows : . Killed. Skins salted. Stagey. Left over from 1875 5,321 74, 550 648 4,852 469 Taken by Alaska Coiuniercial Company for skins 74,548 1 2 For food from August 10 to September 1 619 29 Total 80, 519 80, 019 500 Seal skins shipped as per certificates : July 27... 55,538 September 26 24, 322 Total 79, 860 Showing a difference between the counting when salted and when delivered of 159 less skins. In my report dated October 11, 1875, for reasons therein set forth, I recommended that the number of seals to be taken on this (St. Paul) island be limited to 70,000 instead of 90,000 as heretofore, but receiving no authority to do so the matter was left to the discretion of their agent by the Alaska Commercial Company, and so well satisfied was he of the necessity of a reduction in the quota that he decided to take onlv 80,000. The weather proved very favorable for the seals until July 10, when heavy rains fell, accompanied with high winds, and it has continued with little variation up to date. This, occurring as it did just at the time the females were leaving their young, has resulted in a much greater loss ot young seals than usual. The condition of the dii¥erent classes of seals as they have returned to the island shows that the scarcity of full-grown breeding males still continues, the proportion on the rookeries being 1 to 17 females; this, in accordance with the result of my observation, should be 1 to 10 females. Where the females are so greatly in excess they fail of being impreg- nated for their young during their first heat and go over until their second heat, when the old males have nearly all left the island and herd with the younger males on the hauling grounds. As their period ot gestation is a year, they bear their youiig a month later, which gives it that less time to mature strength for following the mother to sea at the end of the season. It is particularly observable this year that a very large number of the young seals have been produced a month later than formerly, and they are still hovering on the rookeries with their mothers, too young to go into the water. The taking of 80,000 instead of 90,000 this year leaves 10,000 more 5-year-olds to increase the breeding males, but as these will not mature for service on the breeding ground until two years 92 ALASKA INDUSTIIIES. older, I still sboiild recomnieud that for next year the quota of thiK island should he limited to 80,000. The females do not land until ready to produce their young, and for the foregoing reasons have been later than usual, but they show ample evidence of an increase of 4 or 5 per cent over last year. Of the hol- luschickie, or young males, between the ages of 2 and 5 years there is quite a visible increase shown by their proportions when seals are driven in to kill for food since the quota was full. The number of the yearlings or last year's pups that have returned to the island is greater than any year since 1872. This would indicate that the condition of their life during the past winter while absent from the island had been more favorable, and that the loss or destruc- tion from their enemies had been less than ordinary. These classes all show a considerable increase in number over last year. The civil affairs of the natives have been administered by the chiefs as heretofore. There has been considerable drunkenness from beer made by themselves from fermenting sugar and flour on church holi- days, but no serious disturbance. Their account was made up and their annual division of the seal fund made August 9, the amount to their credit being — 79,241 prime seal skins, at 40 cents -^Sl, 696. 40 759 cnt seal skins, at 20 cents 151.80 189 sea-lion skins, at 60 cents 113. 40 Total 31,961.60 This was divided by them as follows: Two first-class shares were allowed toward the payment of their new church, two for the resident priest and one for the archpriest at Unalaska, and a donation of $100 to Kazan Shisenekoff, a native residing here who has no share of the sealing. Class. ^Number of shares. Value of share. Total. First Second Third Fourth Kazan Shisenekotf. Total 64,at$l la, at 90 cents 8, at 80 cents.. 3, at 70 cents . $378.40 I $24,271.60 340.56 ! 4,427.28 302.72 I 2,421.76 264.88 I 794.64 I 100.00 31,961.28 This division differs from former years in making only three classes for the sealers instead of four, and setting apart a fourth class, com- posed of the widows and families of the sealers deceased during the year previous. They say that this change is necessary, as the agent of ithe Alaska Commercial Company construes article 12 of the company's regulations in requiring them to support the widows to mean only neces- sary articles of subsistence. They wish this share given for a fund to enable them to buy fr'om time to time such other articles as their com- fort and convenience require. The islands have been fully supplied with all such articles as the com- fort and convenience of the natives required, except the article of coal for sale. The last winter was unusually long and severe. The drift ice from the north remaining about the island until late in May rendered a larger supply of coal than was ordinarily necessary. I have the assur- ance of the general agent of the Alaska Commercial Company that this contingency will be provided for in future. ALASKA INDUSTRIES. do In regard, to the details of affairs on St. George Island, I liave to state that I am in receipt of a copy of a certificate of the shipment of the full quota of seal skins at that island. (10,000), July 15, 1876, accompanied by a private letter from Assistant Treasury Agent Samuel Falconer, stating that his full report would be forwarded to this oflice on the return of the steamer iSt. Paul. The weather obliged the steamer to pass the island on her way hither without landing, and as she will not return here after going there, I have no information of later date than that cer- tificate. I wish to call especial attention to this point: Under the original act of Congress authorizing the lease of these islands, approved July 30, 1870, from imperfect information concerning the num- ber of seals breeding on St, George Island, the proportion of the quota for that island was fixed at 25,000 and St. Paul at 75,000. It was found in 1873, from information based on actual observation, that this proportion did not correspond with the true proportion of numbers of seals breeding on the two islands, and the proportion was changed, giving to the island of St. Paul 90,000 and St. George 10,000 per annum. As the island of St. George had one-third of the native population, this decrease in the number of seals taken there worked a great hardship in depriving them of the means of their necessary support, and to obviate this a portion of the number of sealers were permitted to come over and reside during the sealing seasons of 1874-75 on St. Paul, and assist in taking the increased number of that island and in sharing in the proceeds. This gave some dissatisfaction to the natives of St. Paul, so that when it became necessary for me to recommend, as I did in my report dated October 11, 1875, a reduction in number of seals to be taken on St. Paul Island, for reasons therein set forth, I recommended that the proportion for St. George should be increased 5,000. This was not done. These same reasons being now in full force, I would again recommend that the quota for St. George be fixed at 15,000 per annum, as the rapid increase of male seals on that island since the reduction of its quota in 1873 will fully warrant this increase. This, vath 80,000 on St. Paul, will make the full quota for both islands 95,000 for 1877. Eespectfully referring to my report from this island dated July 20, informing the Department of attempts by unknown parties to take seals from Otter Island, I would further state that Otter Island is a small islet adjacent to St. Paul, being 0 miles distant from its most southern point in a southwest direction and 8 miles distant from the village. It is about 1 mile long and one-half mile in breadth, and contains an esti- mated area of 150 acres. It lies with its longest diameter parallel to St. Paul. Its two ends and farther side are bold, precipitous bluffs, rising directly from the water from 50 to 250 feetiu height, affording no landing for boats and scarcely for seals. From its rim-like edge it slopes gently to the shore of tlie northeast side, presenting its slightly concave surface to view from St. Paul like the side of the roof of a house, so that in a clear day any object the size of a man moving on its surface can be seen from the hill in the rear of the village on the latter island. In this way the parties were discovered on the 26th of June, as stated in my report of July 26. On this side is the boat landing, and that is available only in a smooth sea when there is no surf. This inclined plane affords a most convenient hauling ground for seals, but there is no breeding rookery there, nor do any female seals vir^it the island. It is the habit of the young male seals, from 2 to 5 years oldj to return to the island at the same time as the old ones, but being prevented from landing on the breeding places by the hitter, their only'object is to seek some other resting jilace, where they can lay at rest and wait until old 94 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. and stroug enough to contend for their share in the females. In this way from 5,000 to 6,000 young males gather annually during the months of June and July on the island, where they remain until about the 15th of August, when the breeding rookeries break up and the females go in the water. These then leave their hauling ground and go in the water with them, and from" that time not more than fifty to one hundred seals are found hauled up on the island. These seals are produced on St. Paul Island, and are as much a part of its rookeries as though Otter Island was attached to and a part of St. Paul, and the killing of seals there would have the same effect on the rookeries of the latter as if taken on it. In hazy weather vessels can sight this island in the daytime without being seen and in the night run in under its high blufis and anchor, comf)letely concealed from observation from St. Paul, while their boats can land and take seals, knowing that a boat approaching from St. Paul can be seen in ample time to escajje to a safe distance; i^o that the only sure way to prevent these raids is to keep a party of natives on the island, as has been done this year. It is well known, that, from some oversight in framing the act of July 30, 1870, authorizing the lease of St. Paul and St. George islands, this island was not included in that act, and that the penalties prescribed in that act do not attach to Otter island, and many believe it to be entirely without the i^rotection of law. Under these conditions the high prices obtained for seal skins are a strong temptation, and it is to be expected that these attempts will be repeated, particularly while the risk of detection and capture is so slight. I would therefore recommend that such legislation be obtained in this matter as will extend the penalties of the act of July 30, 1870, over this Otter Island, placing it on the same footing in relation to the law as St. Paul and St. George islands. So great a portion of the weather during the sealing season remains foggy that the only sure protection of the seals against being disturbed on this island is to have a party stationed on it. To do this properly a house should be built with sutticient room to accommodate an officer and five natives to serve as a boat's crew. Such a house, with stove and fixtures, could be built here at an expense not to exceed $300. During the months of June and July the natives of St. Paul would all be required to work at sealing, and the men could not be obtained for a boat's crew; but at Unalaska plenty of men could be employed at a rate of $20 per month, which would amount to $200 in gross for the two months. After the sealing season Avas over these could be returned to Unalaska and men furnished from here at very slight expense. Should the Department decide to authorize the carrying out of any of the foregoing suggestions by furnishing the proper autliority, I could purchase the material and have the house built here, but the boat would have to be procured and forwarded from San Francisco, with all its fur- nishings— sail, oars, compass, anchor, etc. These could be purchased and shipped to me by the collector of that port. There is no supply of good fresh water on Otter Island, and all their supplies would have to be carried from this place. I would further state that owing to the swift and changeable currents in the straits between the islands, the frequent and long-continued fogs, the passage of open boats from island to island is very hazardous, exi)osing the party to the chances of being lost for a day or two at a ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 96 time, and to avoid tliis risk it would be desirable to have a large sailing- boat of 8 or 10 tons, large enough to be safe in a moderate storm, and decked over, so that, in the even t of being caught in a fog for three or four days, the crew would be safe and comfortable. For such a boat there is a good and safe harbor, with •I feet draft of water. Such a boat would be very useful in pursuing or capturing vessels which sliould attempt to shoot seals near the shore. In this way fuller protection could be given to the interests of the Government here and at much less expense than by sending a revenue cutter into these waters. I would further state that such a boat as is required for the officer that should take charge of Otter Island is also much needed by the oiiicer in charge here for the purpose of boarding suspicious vessels and for visiting distant points of the island in the care of the seals. One would do for both purposes, and I therefore would most respect- fully request that such a boat be furnished this station, with authority to employ crews in cases of boarding vessels disturbing the seals. I have the honor to remain, yours, respectfully, Charles Bryant, Treasury Agent, in Charge of Seal Islands. Hon. Lot M. Morrill, Secretary of the Treasury. liivlomire with S2)ecial Atjent Urijnnfs annual report for 1S76 ; sMpping receipts. Treasury Agent's Office, St. Paul Island, July 27, 1876. Sir: I hereby certify that the Alaska Commercial Company has this day shipped on board the steamer St. Paul 55,538 fur-seal skins of the quota for this island for 1876. The steamer also has on board 10,000 fur-seal skins ^ hipped July 15 from St. George Island, being the full quota for that island this year. Charles Bryant, Treasury Agent, in Charge of Seal Islands. Collector of Customs, San Francisco, Cat. Treasury Agent's Office, St. Paul Island, September 26, 1876. Sir : I hereby certify that the Alaska Commercial Company has this day shipped on board the steamer St. Paul 24,322 fur-seal skins ofthe quota for 1870, Yours, respectfully, Charles Bryant, Treasury Agent, in Charge of Seal Islands. Collector of Customs, San Francisco, Cal. 96 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 1877. Assistant A(/ent MouJton; report as aijent in charge, during illness of Special Agent Morton. Treasury Agent's Office, St. Paul Island, August 4, 1877. Sir: I have the houor to report that Mr. Mortou is too ill to make his report iii time for this steamer. A full report will be forwarded at a later date. I cau say for Mr. Morton that the condition of the island is most satisfactory. Inclosed please find my report of the condition of St. George Island, also copies of the certificates of shipment of fur-seal skins from both islands. After I had counted the skins on board at St. George (15,000) I took passage on board the steamer St. Paul for this island to relieve Mr. Morton, who was to go to the States. He is too ill to leave by this steamer, but will leave at a later date. I have counted, on board the steamer St. Paul, 60,526 fur-seal skins taken from this island, making a total for the two islands of 75,526. I have forwarded to the collector of customs in San Francisco copies of the inclosed certificates. ^'ery respectfully, your obedient servant, J. H. MOULTON, Treasury Agent of Seal Fisheries. Hon. John Sherman, Sevrefary of the Treasury, Washington, D. C. Inclosure ivith Asstatant A(jeni Moulton's letter of August 4, 1877 ; report of affairn on St. George for 1877. Treasury Agent's Office, St. George Island, AlasM, July ;28, 1877. Sir : I have the honor to report that the sealing season of 1877 com- menced June 1, ended July 10. The total number of seals taken during the season was 15,000. During the month of June there were taken 9,987. This is the highest number ever taken in the mouth of June. The following statement will show from where the seals were taken : Starry Ateel aud North Rookeries 7, 010 East Rookery 6, 601 Zapadnie Rookery 1, 389 It will be seen from the above statement that there were taken from Zapadnie but 1,389. The reason so few were taken from that place was owing to the season being very unfavorable for driving seals so far, the distance being 5 miles from the village. I think it will be advisable to take at least 5,000 from there the next season, and they should be salted on that side of the island. To attempt to drive that many seals to the village would result in great loss to the Government. The total loss to the Government the past year is 2,042. Below is a statement of the loss during the past year : Pups killed for native food in November, 1876 1, 500 Pups killed by boys through mischief, September, 1876 55 Seals died from heat aud exhaustion 125 Seals killed for native food in October, 1876 187 Skins cut aud veje(;ted by the Alaska Comniercinl Company, season of 1877. .- 175 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 97 The 55 pups killed by boys were stoned to death under the clifl's. It appears from the records in this office that some effort was made to dis- cover the guilty ])arties, but without success. All the rookeries are in excellent condition and show a large increase over last year. The rookeries and hauling grounds show an increase of at least 33^ per cent over last year. This increase is seen in all classes of seals. The breeding rookeries are so full this year that the bulls and cows began to cover parts of the hauling grounds. The chief of the natives informs me that he has never seen so many seals on the island before. The school closed June 1, and the progress made by the scholars was quite satisfactory. The average attendance was 24. The general health of the island is good. Since August 1, 1876, there have been 7 births and 10 deaths. Since October, 1870, there have been 44 deaths and 40 births. The present native population is 98, divided as follows : Males. Females. Adults 19 19 4 27 Youths 17 Infants 12 Total 42 56 Widows 9 Families 27 There has been but very little quas drinking on the island since my arrival in May, and as a general thing the natives have been orderly and industrious. Their earnings for the past year foot up $9,118. The coal, salt, and salmon for native use have been delivered to me, and are of good quality. The supplies furnished the widows and orphans are abundant and of good quality, and all goods for sale to the natives are first-class and sold to them at not more than 25 per cent above cost price in San Francisco. The terms of the lease on the part of the lessees are being carried out in good faith. In my efforts to prevent drunkenness and maintain order on the island I have received the cordial support of the agent of the Alaska Com- mercial Company. I have granted permission to Eoff Philimonoff and Platon Vicoloff to visit the island of St. Paul and remain during the coming winter. The Alaska Commercial Company's steamship ISt. Paul arrived to-day and took on board 15,000 seal skins for shipment to San Francisco. Inclosed please find duplicate copies of certificate of the same. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. H. MOULTON, Treasury Agent, St. George Island. J. M. Morton, Esq., Treasury Agent, in Charge of Seal Islands. H. Doc. 92 7 98 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. Inclosurea with Assistant Agent Moulton's report of August 4, 1877 ; shipping receipts. Island of St, George, July 28, 1877 This is to certify tliat 15,000 fur-seal skins have this day been shipped on board the Alaska Commercial Company's steamer St. Paul, bound for San Francisco, Cal. J. H. MouLTON, Assistant Treasury Agent. Island of St. Paul, August 3, 1877. This is to certify that 60,526 fur-seal skins have this day been shipped on board the Alaska Commercial Company's steamer St. Paul, bound for San Francisco, Cal. J. H. MouLTON, Assistant Treasury Agent. Assistant Age^it Moulton; report of affairs on islands during illness of Special Agent Morton. Treasury Agent's Office, Si. Paul Island., September 25., 1877. Sir: I liave the honor to report that owing to the serious illness of Mr. J. M. Morton, Treasury agent, he is unable to complete his report on the seal islands in time to forward it by the revenue cutter Richard Bush, which is due here about the 28th instant. He is at present im- proving, and without doubt will be able to complete it within a very short time. I am authorized by Mr. Morton to state that the condition of afi'airs on the seal islands is satisfactory; that no change in the present rules relative to the taking of seals is deemed necessary; and that the Alaska Commercial Company have fulfilled the terms of their lease in every respect. I am further authorized to state that Mr. Morton, being too ill to avail himself of the leave granted him to be absent from the island during the present winter, has sent for his family to join him in the spring, with the view of his remaining here some length of time before visiting the States — at any rate, during next year and perhaps the following. Mr. Morton, being out of danger and improving in health, has directed that I return to St. George Island the first favorable opportunity. Very respectfully, your obedient serva;it, J. H. Moulton, Treasury Agent, Hon. John Sherman, Secretary of the Treasury, Washirigton, D. C. Special Agent Bryant ; annual report for 1877, previous to his removal from office of special agent in charge. Fairhaven, Mass., August 1, 1877. Sir: I have the honor to submit the following brief report on the affairs of the seal islands from the date of my last report, dated Sep- tember 26, 1876, to May 15, 1877, at which date the office and property of the Treasury agency was delivered to my successor, John M. Mor- ton, who had arrived at the island the evening previous. A reference to my report of September 26 will show that the weather ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 99 from July 10 up to date bad been exceptionally unfavorable to the wel- fare of the young- seals, and had resulted in a greater loss than in previous years. This condition of unfavorable weather,with frequent and severe storms, continued through the whole season ; October 30 and 31 a severe gale occurred, accompanied with a heavy fall of snow, covering the breeding grounds to the depth of 10 inches,which drove all the seals into the water. When the storm ceased, the snow melted, and large num- bers of the females returned to the shore without their young, aud remained several days searching and calling to find them, aud then left the island for the winter. As many of these young seals thus driven into the water by the storm and snow, for reasons stated in my report of September 26, were too young to live in the rough sea, it is apparent that a very considerable loss in the product of this year is to be looked for; and as the time that these mature for the taking of their skins at 3 years old will be the season of 1879, careful attention should then be given to gnard against the effect of this loss, and preserve a sufficient number of breeding males to supply the rookeries. When the usualtime (the middle of November) arrived for taking the supply of young seals for native food for winter, it was found, after driving all the rookeries, only one-half the number necessary could be taken, and this deficiency had to be made up by driving and killing older seals, which resulted in the loss of 000 skins, that number being too small to be accepted by the agent of the Alaska Commercial Com- pany as fit to salt. But few seals remained on the island after the storm, and those only whose young were too immature to live at sea, the great body of them leaving on an average of one month earlier than usual; but this did not affect the time of their arrival in the spring, the first seals being seen returning April 24, and there were enough landed to make the first drive for fresh food JMay 22. The following table will show the date of seeing the first seals and time of making the first drive for food from 1871 to 1877: Tear. 1871. 1872. 1873. 1874. 1875. 1876. 1877. Seals first seen. May 1.. May 5.. Apr. 21. Apr. 23. Apr. 27. do.. Apr. 21. rirat drive or food May 16 May 14 May 28 May 6 May 7 May 23 May 22 In 1871 and 1872 they were delayed by ice in the water melting, ren- dering it too cold for them to pass through. It will thus be seen that the time of their first arrival varies but little from year to year. The winter proved the most severe in storms of wind and severity of cold since the transfer of the Territory to the United States, the heavy gales bringing large bodies of drift ice from the Gulf of Anadeer, that completely inclosed the island on the 24th of December, and the severe cold of January and February froze the mass solid, so that the island remained inclosed by it until May 5. The island was supplied with all the necessary stoves for the use and comfort of the natives. Coal, however, was not on sale to the natives. Of this article, as stated in my rej)ort of September 26, 187G, the general agent of the Alaska Commercial Company had promised to send after the date of that report, and two attempts were made, one in January, 100 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. another in April, to reacli the island by a schooner with the necessary supply, but owing to the ice they were not able to approach near enough even to see the island. Early in March the temperature rose, and the weather continued as remarkable for its mildness as the winter had for its severity. Owing to this the people were able to collect driftwood sufficient to meet their necessities, so that there was no real suffering, as must have been had not the spring weather proved unusually warm. This experience dem- onstrates the necessity of having stored on the island by the Alaska Commercial Company, for sale for the use of the natives, a sufficient supply to meet their . necessities before the season is so far advanced as to risk communication being prevented by the ice. The 40 tons pro- vided by the conditions of the lease for gratuitous distribution among the natives was duly delivered to my charge and stored until the 1st of December, when the severity of the cold necessitated its use, from which time a weekly distribution of 80 pounds per week for each family was made, and in this way it served to meet the necessities of the people for cooking their food until the end of March, from which time they were able to collect driftwood enough to serve them until the arrival of the seals and blubber was obtained. There being 80 fires necessary, this 40 tons gives each fire one-half ton of coal for the winter, and this barely serves their necessities for cooking, and they require an addi- tional 40 tons, for sale by the Alaska Commercial Company, to make their families reasonably comfortable. This, for some reason or other, the general agent has been unwilling to furnish, and in my opinion a regu- lation should be established by the honorable Secretary of the Treas- ury requiring that a supply of 40 tons of coal for St. Paul and 20 tons on St. George Island should be provided by the company and sold the natives annually. This, with the 00 tons provided for in the lease, is the smallest possible amount which will render them comfortable; and hav- ing placed them in houses above ground and rendered this a prime necessity, it belongs to them to furnish this supply, for which they are abundantly able and willing to pay. The priest and his assistants went to the Island of St. George for a parochial visit in July, to return iti September. The weather not per- mitting the steamer St. Paul to touch there on her return to the islands in September, they were left there until January, when the schooner touched there, laden with coal, on her way to St. Paul, and they embarked on her, but the ice preventing the schooner reaching St. Paul, they were taken to Unalaska and remained there until the arrival of the steamer St. Paul, iu May, when they returned to the island again, together with a party of natives belonging to this island, who had spent the winter at Unalaska. The services and business of the church were in the meantime conducted by the second chief and a deacon. The civil affairs of the natives were managed by the two chiefs, with the advice and approval of myself. There was some drunkenness dur- ing the holidays from quas, or beer brewed by fermenting flour with the sugar bought at the store for their tea and coffee, but no quarrels or disturbance arose more than the breaking of a window. This was punished by a fine to pay for the damage aud a prohibition from pur- chasing sugar for a time. The school was opened October 2, Miss Juniatte B. Pierce as teacher, and continued to the end of May. At the commencement a full attend- ance was secured, which continued until the holidays in January. From that time it was dilficult to secure a full attendance, from lack of ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 101 interest and appreciation by the pareiits of the children. Those who attended regularly made very good progress, but owing to their hav- ing no practical use of the English language outside of the schoolroom, there is very little exhibition of its knowledge unless they are ques- tioned directly for the purpose of drawing them out. The Alaska Commercial Company's steamer /St. Paul, from San Fran- cisco, arrived at the island the evening of May 14, by which I received Department letter dated March 3, 1877, marked " G. N. L." in the upper left-hand corner, informing me that my letter of September 24, 1876, asking permission to return to Washington at the end of the seal- ing season of 1877, with a view to resigning my position, had been received; and by the same letter I am instructed to jn'oceed at my ear- liest convenience to San Francisco, Cal., reporting my arrival there by telegraph. My resignation was accepted to take effect on my arrival at that port. I -also received Department letter dated March 13, also marked '' G. N. L." in upper left-hand corner, .amending the letter of March 3, so as to accept my resignation on the arrival at the island of John M. Morton, appointed as my successor. In pursuance of these instructions, on the 15th of May I delivered to John M. Morton the charge of the island's Treasury agent's house, furniture, and all prop- erty belonging to the Treasury agent's office, including records of the island, taking passage on the steamer St._ Paul for Port Townsend, thence by steamer to San Francisco; arriving there, liroceeded by rail to Fairhaven, Mass., June 30. I would most respectfully represent that when I made application for leave of absence to return at the end of the sealing season of 1877, with a view to resigning ray position after filing my report, it was with the understanding that by the letter of my appointment, dated September 11, 1875, marked " L. G. M.," my time and expenses in traveling were to be paid from the date of my departure to my arrival at home from the seal islands. Now, I would most respectfully represent, that the making of my resignation take effect on the arrival of the Jiotification at the island subjects me to a loss of time not contemplated in my letter of appointment. I would further represent that in the settlement of my account (July 21) the account of the expenses of travel from St. Paul Island to Washington on leave of absence in September of 1875 and my return to the seal islands in May, 1870, both falling in the fiscal year from July 1, 1876, to June 30,'l877, the allowiince being but $000 and my expenses for those two passages being $715.28, exceeded the appropriation by $115.28, that sum was disallowed in the settlement, thereby subjecting me to the direct loss, I having been obliged to incur and pay that in the discharge of my duty to the Department. In view of the foregoing statements, I have inclosed herewith vouchers for the amounts claimed by me, and would most respectfully request your favorable consideration and approval of the same, and that the amounts thus called for be included in a deficiency bill and Congress asked to make the necessary approju-iation, as was done in the cases of Assistant Agents Samuel Falconer and William J. Mclntyre, who were discharged under somewhat similar circumstances in October, 1876. I herewith transmit the certificate giving the authorit}^ under which I have acted while in charge of the seal islands in accordance with instructions contained therein. I would further state that, in closing my official connection with the Department and retiring to private life, should any of the information I have obtained while in the discharge of my duty or the results of 102 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. my observation while iu the Territory of Alaska be tliougLt of use, a letter addressed to me, statiug the matter, will meet with a cheerful response. I have the honor to remain, yours, respectfully, Charles Bryant, Ex- Treasury Agent for 8eal Islands. Hon. John Sherman, Secretary of the Treasury. 1878. . ■ Special Agent Morton; annual report for 1877. Office of Treasury Agent, St. Paul Island, May 15, 1878. Sir: I have the honor to submit the following statement relative to affairs at the seal fisheries since the date of my last report in May, 1877: In explanation of my failure to transmit official letters to the Depart- ment by either of the vessels touching here last fall, I would respect- fully state that on the 18th of last July I was suddenly prostrated by sickness and thereby confined to my bed until the middle of the fol- lowing October, since which time no opportunities of communication have been afforded. During my illness Treasury Agent J. H. Moul- ton was present on tbis island acting in my official stead, be having reported here from St. George Island July 29 per Alaska Commercial Company's steamer St. Faui for the ])urpose of remaining in charge during my then contemplated absence through the winter mouths. As no means were aftbrded of reacbiug St. George Island subsequent to the time when my restoration to health was tbougbt to be assured, Mr. Moulton has been comijelled to remain here during the winter, and now awaits the first opportunity to proceed to his i)roi)er post of duty. The full number of seal skins taken by the Alaska Commercial Com- pany during the season of 1877 and shipped by its steamer St. Paul, August 5, was as follows : On St. Paul Island (including 1,469 skijis of seals killed for food) 60,526 On St. George Island (iucludiug 1^56 skins of seals killed for food) 15, 000 Total on both islands 75, 526 Th^ total catch of fur seals on St. Paul Island for all purposes dur- ing the year 1877 is shown in the following table: By the Alaska Coiiim(;rcial Company Por natives' food during the year Young seals for winter food (skins of no value) Total Number killed. 59, 087 4,041 5,007 68, 135 Skins salted. 59, 057 2,854 61,911 Skins rejected. 30 1,187 1,217 Tbe skins which are shown in the above table to have been rejected by tbe company were mostly from seals killed for food in August, September, October, and November, when they were shedding their hair and fur, and therefore worthless. It is worthy of note that tbe shedding or ''stagey" season of the past two years has been of much ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 103 longer duration tlian is general, and that the loss in skins of seals which were necessary to be taken for food during that time has thereby been unusually large. It may be remarked, however, that the waste in this respect during the past was much less than that of the previous year. Kelative to the killing of young seals late in the fall for winter food, I would respectfully state that there have been heretofore taken for such iHiriJose from 4,000 to 5,000 annually. As the skins of these young animals possess no commercial value, and are not, therefore, accepted by the company as a part of the yearly quota, it was my desire to limit the number taken on this island to 3,000 and to substitute in their stead animals of prox)er condition to furnish imme skins; but when the time arrived for securing this supply of meat it was found that the skins of all the larger seals continued stagey, with the pros- pect that they might remain so until their departure from the island, and as it would have involved a greater actual loss to have killed such seals at that time, and in order to insure a full supply of winter meat, I was compelled to x^ermit the maximum number of young seals to be taken. Of large seals killed for food after the close of the sealing season, I may report that there now remain in the company's salt houses on this island 2,522 skins, these to be included in the company's quota for the coming season. Eegarding the general condition of the seal life on this island during the past summer a favorable report may be made. The large rookery bulls, which are the first seals to reach the island in the spring, arrived somewhat behind the general time, owing to the late season; this, how- ever, did not delay the approach of the cows nor prevent the rookeries from filling as early as usual. The nonbreeding seals, to which the killing is confined, also presented themselves slowly during the early part of the summer, but were i)resent in sufficient numbers on the 4th of June to permit an inauguration of the sealing, which progressed favorably and was completed as early as the 14th of July. Of seals of this class it may generally be stated that their movements to and from the land during the season are variable and irregular, and that it is not, therefore, jiracticable to obtain reliable data upon which to base a report of their condition as compared with previous years. The weather proving favorable, their greatest numbers are usually repre- sented after the close of the sealing, when their grounds are no longer disturbed by the sealers. At such a season of the past year I may state that the general appearance of their hauling grounds presented no material changes from that of the previous year, so far as the closest observations could determine. The residence of the breeding seals on the island during the season assumes a permanent character, and as the general arrangement and disposition of the families are very regular and systematic, it is practi- cable, by a close scrutiny from year to year of the grounds occupied by seals of this class, to detect any material increase or diminution which may occur in numbers. From a comparison of my observations of the breeding rookeries on this island during the past season with Treasury Agent Elliott's survey of their boundaries in 1872 and 1873, I find in most of them a very appreciable expansion, and in none any noteworthy contraction. In general terms, I may report the condition of all the rookeries as very satisfactory. There has been a marked increase of cows since 1872, and there is as yet no evidence that a supply of large bulls sufficient for breeding piirposes has not been preserved. It will be observed from the report of Treasury Agent Moulton that 104 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. the rookeries ou St. George Island are in excellent condition and that a very material increase in all classes of seals has taken place. In view of all the facts as above represented, I see no warrant in suggesting any changes relative to the quotas as at present established for the respective islands. The natives of this island received gratuitously from the company during the fall and winter 40 tons of coal, 60 barrels of salmon, and casks and salt for the preservation of meat in requisite numbers and quantity. All widows and orphans have been supported by the com- pany. A physician has been employed and medical attendance and medicines have been furnished without charge. Between the agents of the lessees and the natives harmonious relations have at all times pre- vailed, and the general treatment extended to the latter has been in full accord with the generous policy which characterizes the company's dealings with this people. A school was maintained on the island from the 17th of September, 1877,to the 17th of May, making eight months. As the people were very desirous of the establishment of a Eussian school, the use of the com- pany's schoolhouse was granted for that purpose in the afternoons, and the English school has therefore been held only during the morning hours. This arrangement has served to dis])el the objections heretofore held by the peoj)le to their children attending the English school, which they contended would effectually interfere with the acquisition of the Russian tongue, in which their church service is conducted. Before the opening of the English school 1 took pains to explain to the parents the importance of sending their children, and stated to them that every child of i^roper age and condition would be required to attend. Treas- ury Agent Moulton has since given his close personal attention to this matter with very excellent results. The average attendance of boys and girls during the term was about thirty, which was much larger than has ever been given to any previous school. Under an excellent lady teacher the progress made by the children in the elementary branches has been very commendable. During the past year the native people of this island have received from the company for labor performed the following moneys : In taking — 59,709 seal skins at 40 cents each $23,883.60 490 cut seal skins at 20 cents each 98. 00 244 sea-lion skins at 60 cents each 146. 40 Total 24,128.00 The above amount was divided as follows under the direction of the chiefs : 63 first-class laborers (each) $310. 74 11 second-class laborers (each) 279.66 4 tliird-class laborers (each) 248. .59 1 fifth-class laborer 186. 44 1 seventh-class laborer 124. 30 Irregularly distributed 170. 00 For incidental labor about the village the people have received in addition to the above amount about $3,400. The population ot this island on the 1st day of January, 1878, was 257, divided as follows: Males, 118; females, 139. The number of births during the year 1877 was 13, and the number of deaths 18. The steam revenue cutter Rush first arrived at this place June 9, when a detail of one officer and two men was made from that vessel by Captain Bailey to serve as a guard on Otter Island during the sealing ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 105 season. For their accommodation a suitable lioiise was erected on said island by the Alaska Commercial Company. The cutter subsequently visited the islands respectively on July L'l, September 9, September 29, and September 30, finally departing for San Francisco October 9. That no unlawful attempts were made during the season to procure seal skins is without doubt due to the cutter's presence iu these waters. The Alaska Commercial Company's schooner General Miller touched here August 11, landing lumber. On August 21 the whaling bark Osmanli, of New Bedford, appeared off this island, but did not come to the anchorage. A boat was, how- ever, sent on shore from that vessel with a request to be supplied with a few fresh vegetables, which were furnished by the company's agent. On September 29 the steamer St. Paul arrived here from Sau Fran- cisco, bringing additional supplies for winter. Salt and coal were landed at Unalaska for future use at the seal islands. Relative to the matter of quas brewing by the natives of this island, I may now report that a wonderful abatement of that evil has been effected, if not its entire suppression. Since October but three offenses in this regard have come to my knowledge, and since February none at all. This has been accomplished mainly by restraining, temporarily, every person who has made quas from the privilege of purchasing at the company's store sugar, molasses, and other articles which enter into the manufacture of said liquor. I have to state, however, that during the early part of the sealing season there was considerable drunkenness and not a little violence and disorder, chiefly on the part of the young men. Through intemperance, one man, two women, and a girl lost their lives the same night, having been suffocated by the burning of the wall paper of a room in which they lay intoxicated. In connection with this subject, I beg to refer as briefly as possible to the removal from the island in June last of a young Russian named ]Sicholas Krukoff". About that time a most disgraceful drunken debauch occurred on the island, which was participated in by as many as thirty persons, men and women, and wiiich finally led to a severe aftray among a party of young men, with whom appeared said Krukoff as an active belligerent, although he, himself, was not intoxicated at the time. Before peace could be restored on that occasion I was compelled to incarcerate Krukoff', together with four other persons, in one of the company's warehouses over night, to accomplish which act it was found necessary to call in the aid of the native chief and the company's agent. Afiairs of this nature had become of frequent occurrence, and the one in question was of a character especially flagrant and shameful. I could not, therefore, but regard it as my duty to take some further action looking to the punishment of the guilty parties and to prevent, if possible, a repetition of a like scene in the future. With such end in view I invited to my ofQce the native chieis and elders of the people, together with the resident Greek Catholic priest, and 1 impressed upon these persons that it was a duty they owed to the community to take an interest in this matter and to assist the Treasury agent :n preserv- ing peace and order in the village. After a long and earnest conversa- tion relative to this subject, in which a very becoming interest and responsibility was manifested by all present, they agreed in the punish- ment of the man Krukoff', who.se oti'ense, in their minds, was greatly aggravated by the fact that he was not intoxicated at the time of said disturbance, while the rest were under the influence of liquor and could not be held responsible for their actions. They further charged that he had always been a prominent ringleader in affairs of a like nature 106 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. whicli Lad theretofore taken place; that he had on one occasion made a murderous assault ou the chief, without i)rovocation, which came near proving fatal to that individual, and that through his generally bad character and notorious conduct had rendered himself personally obnoxious to the greater portion of the peo])le. It was therefore unan- imously agreed that an example should be made of Krukoflf' by remov- ing him from the island. From my own knowledge of his general character and conduct in the past, and as the least severe punishment, and the only one which seemed to be practicable, I resolved to act iu the matter in accordance with the ijeople's suggestion, feeling assured the best interests of the whole community would thereby be promoted. He was accordiugly placed on board the revenue cutter June 11, and subsequently landed at Unalaska, where the agent of the Alaska Commercial Company directed provision to be made for his support until such time as it might be deemed advisable to permit him to return to the island. The past winter here has been one of unusual severity. A miuimnm temperature of 21° F. below zero was indicated and a mean for the month of February of 6° above. The fall of snow has been heavier than for many years previous. The natives have, however, passed a comfortable winter. The coal gratuitously distributed by the company, together with driftwood, which was cast upon the island in unusually large quantities last fall, furnished an ample supply of fuel. The general health of the natives during the winter has been unusually good and their condition in other respects has improved. These facts are in a great measure due to the absence of quas. Indeed, this matter of the consumption of intoxicating drinks is one whose importance can not be overestimated, considered with reference to its inHuence upon the welfare and prosperity of the people. I may state that without thorough and permanent reformation in this regard all efforts looking to any material improvement iu their general condition must prove of little avail. Yery respectfully, J. M. Morton, Treasury Agent, in Charge of Seal Islands. Hon. John Sherman, Secretary of the Treasury, Washington, JJ. G. Special Agent Morton ; annual report for 1878. San Francisco, Cal., September 4, 1878. Sir: I have the honor to report as follows relative to affairs at the seal islands since the date of my last yearly report. May 14, 1878: By the Alaska Commercial Company's steamer, which arrived at St. Paul Island May 12, 1 received from' the collector of customs at San Francisco a certified copy of your telegram to him dated April 24, rel- ative to the number of fur seals to be taken by the Alaska Commercial Company during the season of 1878. Said telegram read as follows : Yoii aro aiitliorized to soud written instructions to John M. Morton, Treasury agent at the seal islands, that the quota of seals for the present year shall be fixed ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 107 at 20,000 at St. George anc. 80,000 at St. Paul, providing, in his judgment, such change ofrtli and Starrv At66l 1, 412 Soutliwt^st Bav ...... 849 4 do . 351 5 North 535 7 East 1,738 8 1,261 14 East 1,836 16 Korth 803 16 1,369 1,500 1,127 1,500 316 811 19, 758 19, 758 83 22, 468 20, 569 Total shipment, quota of 1879 20, 000 be charged to quota 509 Inclosure loitli Otis' annual report for 1879. C. Island op St. Pal't., June 4, 1879. This is to certify that 2,884 fnr-seal skins have this day been shipped on board the Alaska Commercial Company's steamer St. Paul, Erskine, master, destined for San Francisco. Harrison G. Otis, Treasury Agent, in Charge. D. Island of St. Paul, July 29, 1879. This is to certify that since June 4, 1879 (date of last certificate), 77,116 fur-seal skins have been shipped on board the Alaska Commercial Company's steamer St. Paul, making in all 80,000 shipped from this island during the present season. Harrison G. Otis, Treasury Agent, in Charge. 124 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. E. Island of St. George, May 31-, 1879. This is to certify that 600 fur-seal skins have this day heen shipped on board the Alaslca Commercial Company's steamer St. I'aul, Capt. M. C. Erskiue, master. B. F. SCRIBNEK, First Assistant Treasury Ayent. F. Island of St. George, July 14, 1879. This Is to certify that 6,900 fur-seal skins have this day been shipped on board the Alaska Commercial Company's steamer St. Paul, Capt. M, C. Erskine, master, to San Francisco, Cal. J. H. MouLTON, Assistant Treasury Agent. G. Island of St. George, July 24, 1879. This is to certify that 8,264 fur-seal skins have this day been shipped on board the Alaska Commercial Company's steamer St. Paul, Capt. M. C. Erskine, master, for San Francisco, Cal. J. H. MoULTON, Assistant Treasury Agent. H. Island of St. George, July 25. 1879. This is to certify that 4,236 fur-seal skins have this day been shipped on board the Alaska Commercial Company's steamer St. Paul, Capt. M. C. Erskine, master, for San Francisco, Cal. J. H. Moulton, Assistant Treasury Agent. I. — Alaslca Commercial Company, San Francisco, in account with St. Paul Island, Alaska, May 31, 1879. Dr. Aug. — , 1878. To amount of salmon required to be furnished for consumption by the natives, 60 barrels. Aug. — , 1878. To amount of coal required to be furnished for use of natives, 40 tons. Aug. — , 1878. To barrels and salt required to be furnished for preservation of meat, requisite numbers and quantities. Sept. 2, 1878. To maintenance of school as required by law, eight mouths. Oct. — , 1878. To shipments of fur-seal skins from the island to date, 82,000 skins. Cr. Aug. — , 1878. By amount of salmon supplied for use of natives, 60 barrels. Aug. — , 1878. By amount of coal supplied for use of natives, 40 tons. Aug. — , 1878. By barrels and salt supplied for preservation of meat, requisite num- ber and quantity. May 8, 1879. By maintenance of school as required by law, eight months, commencing September 2, 1878 ; closing May 8, 1879. I certify that the above account is correct to the best of my knowledge and belief. Harrison G. Otis, Treasury Agent in Charge, etc. K. — Alaska Commercial Company, San Francisco, in account with St. George Island, Alaska, May 31, 1879. Dr. Aug. 10, 1878. To shipment of 12,058 seal skins, taken during the months of June and July, 1878, and shipped to San Francisco, Cal., per steamer St. Paul. Oct. 3, 1878. To shipment of 5,942 seal skins, takeu during the months of June and July, 1878, and shipped to Unalaska, per schooner Bella, for transshipment to San Fraucisco; Cal. ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 125 Cr. Ang. 18, 1878. By 20 barrels salmon for distribution to natives. 20 tons coal for dis- tribution to natives. Barrels and salt for the preservation of meat have been furnished in such numbers and quantities as demanded. Maintenance of school eight months, commencing September 2, 1878, and closing May 1, ]879. I certify that the above account is correct, J. H. MOTJLTON, Assistant Agent at Seal Fisheries. 1880. Special Agent Otis; preliminary report for 1880. Washington, D. C, March 29, 1880. Sir : I have the honor to present for your consideration the following subjects connected with aflairs at the seal islands of Alaska and to ask for your instructions thereon : (1) Under its lease and section 1962, Eevised Statutes, the Alaska Commercial Comi^any claims, in abeyance, the right of taking 100,000 fur-seal skins upon the islands of St. Paul and St. George, independ- ently and outside of the number of prime skins which may be taken by law from seals killed by the natives for food. Heretofore the uniform practice has been for the company to accept and count in its quota all prime skins taken by the natives from seals killed by them for food, outside of the regular sealing season, when such skius were not required by them for their own clothing. In this way the whole number of prime skins annually taken and shipped from the islands has been kept within the limit of 100,000 provided by law. To grant tbe claim set up by the Alaska Commercial Company would increase this number by several thousands. The number of prime skins taken by the natives on their own account during the last sealing season, sold to the Alaska Commercial Company and accepted by it as a part of its quota of 1879, was, for both islands, 4,315. In the absence of specific instructions from the Department on this point, I shall consider it my duty to resist this claim of the company, notwithstanding the apparent color of law under which it is made. (See section 1962, Revised Statutes.) I ask instructions in the premises and an authoritative interpretation of the statute governing the case. (2) By Department letter dated April 7, 1879 (A. K. T.-E. W. C), I was instructed to report in detail, at the close of the sealing season of 1879, the amount of seal oil manufactured by the Alaska Commercial Company in 1878 and in 1879, the cost of its manufacture as shown by the books of tlie company, and the difference between the whole cost and the amount of the tax of 10 cents per gallon imposed by the Depart- ment. In compliance with those instructions, I reported, under date of August 25, 1879, that the amount of oil manufactured in 1878 was 15,000 gallons, at a total cost of $1,022.92; and that the amount manu- factured in 1879 M^as 17,469 gallons, at a total cost of $1,666.06. It will thus be seen that the tax on the whole quantity of oil manufactured in the two years amounts to $3,246.90. Deducting the reported cost of manufacture, $2,688.98, a difl^rence of $557.92 is shown. It appears that the Alaska Commercial Company (having paid the native laborers 126 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. by tbe day for their work in mauufacturing this oil) ask that the differ- ence that they are required to pay be devoted to the general welfare of the people of the islands. The question of the disposition of this fund hav- ing been before the Department, but still remaining undecided, I respect- fully recommend that the sum in question, $557.92, be devoted to the construction of waterworks on St. Paul Island. This improvement will, in my judgment, prove of more practical benefit to all the people concerned than any other which could be made with the money. At present water for domestic purposes has to be hauled a considerable distance to the village, and in winter it is frequently difficult to procure for several days together, owing to the bad weather, the spring and the roads becoming obstructed by snow and ice. This makes it necessary for the people to procure water by melting snow in their houses, thus keeping them more or less damp, filthy, and unhealthy. The project of distributing water through the village by means of pipes would be a substantial benefit to the people of the island, which I urgently recommend. (3) In his official rei^ort of his last cruise in Alaskan waters in the United States revenue cutter Richard Bush, the late Capt. George W. Bailey, formerly commanding that vessel, expressed the opinion (at page 13 of tbe printed report) "that it is not necessary to locate an officer and men from the vessel on Otter Island ; and that now, there being two special agents during the season at each island, an occasional visit by them in their boat from St. Paul to Otter Island would be suf- ficient for its protection." In this recommendation I concur so far as it relates to the officer, who can be relieved by myself or assistant. It will be necessary, however, in order to effectively watch Otter Island, to have the special agents furnished with a suitable boat and at least two men to man it. These might be supplied by the cutter, and can be returned to it when she touches at the island for the last time in the fall. I recommend this course, and ask that the necessary instructions be given. (4) I am asked by the native chiefs of St. Paul Island to present to the Secretary of the Treasury the case of one Kassian Shaisnekoff', a temporary resident of the island, who has never been admitted to the privilege of particii)ating in the work of sealing for the reason that, though a native of the island he was living away from it (at Una- laska) when the country came into possession of the United States. He subsequently returned to the island as a temporary laborer, and at his own request (and being a brother to the local priests) was permitted to remain on sufferance, but was ruled out as a sealer by my predecessor, Mr. Morton, in common with other natives who had been i)ermitted to come to the island simply as temporary laborers under authority of the Department. Shaisnekoff' has been given miscellaneous employment by tbe Alaska Commercial Company, and at the close of each sealing season has generally been presented with the sum of $100 by tbe-peoide, out of their sealing fund. I would recommend that the request made in his behalf be granted, were it not for the fact that it would constitute a precedent for the return of several natives of St. George Island who have never lived there since the transfer of the country, and whose advent at this late period, in the capacity of sealers, would doubtless be construed as an injustice to the people who have the prescriptive right to take seals, and who would be sure to strenuously object to the newcomers. I think this claim in behalf of Shaisnekoff would not have been urged were it not for his relationship to the local ])riests. I, how- ever, report the case to you as it is, and await your decision thereon, ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 127 as well as upon auy other matters conuected with the seal islands which may in your judgment require it. I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant, Harrison G. Otis, Special Agent Treasury Department, in Charge of Seal Islands. Hon. John Sherman, Secretary of the Treasury. Special Agent Otis; preliminary report for 1880. Office of Special Agent Treasury Department, St. Paul Island, June 8, 1880. Sir: I have the honor to report my arrival at this island on the 31st ultimo by the steamer St. Paul, thirty days out from San Francisco. The steamer reached St. George Island on the 20th of May, finding the shores of the island free from ice; but the i)resence of heavy pack ice about the shores of St. Paul Island i)revented her from eft'ecting a landing here till ten days later, and then only after the fourth attempt. The weather at the seal islands during tLe past winter is reported as having been exceptionally severe, the mercury falling to 18° F. below zero at this island and to 8° F. below zero at St. George. The sealing season is consequently somewhat backward; it has, indeed, not fairly commenced. Keferring to Department letter of Ai)ril 17, 1880 (H. B. J.-P.), touching the matter of leaves of absence to the Treasury agents here, I have the honor to report that I have communicated the directions therein contained to my assistants for their information and guidance. Special Agent Scribner, now on duty at this island, will avail himself of the leave granted him at the close of this sealing season. Special Agent Moulton remains on duty at St. George Island. It seems that Special Agent Beaman (who has been transferred to St. George) had some months since formed and declared a purpose to leave the islands this season, for reasons of his own, either with or without authority from the Department. I have informed him that I can not control his movements in that nuitter, if he is determined to go, and that he must be his own judge whether to take such a step without proper authority. I am not advised at this writing whether he still adheres to his deter- mination, since learning the recent orders of the Secretary referred to above; nor can I know at this time what his purposes may be at the close of the sealing season when the steamer leaves for San Francisco. But in the unanticipated contingency of his carrying out his threat, I will remain here myself until the arrival of another officer or until further orders. 1 otter to do this in order to meet the requirements of the Department and the necessities of the case, which demand the constant presence of not less than two officers of the Government at these islands at all times, and notwithstanding the fact that authority heretofore given me authorizes me to absent myself during the winter. I forward this letter at the earliest opportunity, in order to give an opportunity for a reply to reach me by the steamer Bora, which it is 128 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. understood will be dispatclied to San Francisco soon and start on ber return voyage between the lotli and 25tli of July, probably. I am, sir, your obedient servant, Harrison G. Otis, Treasury Agent, in Charge of Seal Islands. The Seciietaey of the Treasury, Washington.^ D. G. Special Agent Otis; preliminary report for 1S80. Office of Special Agent Treasury Department, St. Paul Island, July 1, 1880. Sir : I have the honor to report that on the 9th ultimo the United States revenue cutter Thomas Coricin touched at this island on her northern cruise, when Captain Hooper, commanding, represented to me that, in view of the possibility of his being compelled to winter with his ship in the Arctic Ocean, he required far clothing for his crew, and asked permission to procure what are known as "pup" seal skins here for that purpose if the same conjd be lawfully and properly obtained. His request appearing to me to be reasonable, I made an exception to the existing rule in consequence of the exceptional character of the cutter's mission to the frozen ocean, and issued to Captain Hooper a written permit to take such number of this description of skins as he required for the use of his crew's clothing and might be able io procure on the island, on condition that the skins so procured be used exclusively for clothing and not for sale or barter. Under this authority he took on board 380 pup skins taken from young seals about 4 months old, lawfully killed last fall by the native people for food. These skins not being of the requisite marketable size, or lit for acceptance by the Alaska Commercial Company as part of their lawful quota, I requested Captain Hooper to report the transaction to you, which I also do myself, asking your sanction of my course. In this connection I have to state that the rule at these islands in reference to traffic in this class of skins has been to prohibit their ship- ment, except in the Ibrm of blankets or manufactured clothing, on the ground that there is no express authority, either in law or orders, for shipi)ing from the seal islands any greater number of seal skins than the maximum number (100,000) allowed by law to be taken annually by the Alaska Commercial Company under their lease. Evasions of this rule have frequently been attempted, and it is not easy of strict enforce- ment where scores of native people are found with these skins in their l>ossession and eager to trade with every vessel touching at the islands. The matter would seem to turn on the questions of the true owner- ship of this class of skins, the right of the native people to traffic in them, and the right of the Alaska Commercial Company, or of its agents, to buy and ship fur-seal skins of any number, kind, or class not embraced in the terms of its contract or included in its annual quota of prime skins. It is claimed that pup skins are not seal skins in a commercial sense, they being of undersize and not of recognized or established commer- cial value; and further, that being taken from seals killed by the native people "for their own food and clothing," as authorized bylaw, such skins belong to these people as their own exclusive property. The true point is, What does the law authorize? It is clear that it gives no ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 129 authority for tlie natives to traffic in skins or skin clothing, but only authorizes the killing by them of such number of seals "as maybe necessary for their own food and clothing" during other months than June, July, September, and October of every year. If the claim set up be conceded, and the United States makes no claim to ownership in this class of skins, and the right of free trade be acknowledged the natives, then it is plain that the restrictions upon shipment should be removed; not otherwise. As a matter of fact, there are no seals, either young or old, killed on these islands exclusively for native clothing. All the pups and larger young seals killed by the native i^eople, under section 1 of the " act to prevent the extermination of fur-bearing animals in Alaska," are killed for food. The people use little or no fur clothing, and are, therefore, under no necessity of killing seals for that purpose exclusively. The number of seals so killed for food was, on both islands, in 1878-79, as shown by my last annual report, 6,706 i)ups and 6,264 large young seals; in all, 12,970. About 75 per cent of the skins from the last-named class were accepted by the Alaska Commercial Company and counted as part of their quota; the remainder were rejected as stagey and worth- less, and thrown away. I believe the Alaska Commercial Company, as a company, have refused to handle these pup skins, the officers saying that there is nothing in the traffic, and that they do not wish to render themselves or the com- pany liable to censure for improper conduct in the observance of the terms of their lease. Yet individuals are constantly seekiug to clandes- tinely ship pup skins from tlie islands upon the company's vessels, giv- ing the Treasury officials more annoyance than the whole regular catch. The price of these skins here is from 40 to 60 cents each, and they sometimes fetch $ L on vessels, where they are a novelty and much sought after. What they are worth or would fetch in the markets of the world I am not informed. The question of limiting or restricting the number of pup far seals heretofore allowed to be killed annually for food becomes pertinent here. The proviso in the law, "that the natives of said islands shall have the privilege of killing such young seals as may be necessary for their own food and clothing," etc., need not necessarily, as I interpret it, include any seals of the class known as "pup" seals, but may be contined to those of an age fit to furnish marketable skins, if the Sec- retary of the Treasury so direct. It is true that the meat: of the large young seals, when salted, is not preferred by the native people, but it is eaten with avidity by their countrymen of the Aleutian Isles, to which large quantities are shipped daring the regular sealing season which otherwise would be left to rot on the killing grounds. This class of meat food could be eaten by the seal islanders as well, and without any serious hardship, I think. It is their regular meat food during the killing season proper, and is usually eaten fresh. The pup meat is salted for winter use. I do not represent that it is absolutely necessary to cut off the pre- ferred source of native food or recommend any restriction in their present abundant su^jply of seal meat; but the subject is one of sufficient importance, in my judgment, to engage your attention. Under the present admirable system of legal protection to the fur seals of these islands, this precious animal life is still very abundant, and the full number of seals allowed by law to be killed annually can be taken without detriment to the integrity of the race. Yet, in view of the large mortality which occurs among the seals while absent from H. Doc. 92 9 130 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. these islands, and in view of the great value of tliis peculiar interest ot the Government and the people concerned, a wise provision would seem to dictate the adoption of the most careful and effective measures looking to the permanent preservation of the fur-seal life in all its abundance indetinitely. Not to speak of the heavy mortality caused among the younger seals by their natural enemies in the sea, the destruction by man of the larger seals for the sake of their skins while on their annual journeys north- ward to the seal islands has latterly grown to be very considerable. Several vessels are said to be engaged in this business along the island and mainland shores to the eastward and southward. 1 liave been reliably informed that the number of fur-seal skins taken in the Straits of Fuca and adjacant waters last year was several thousands, and that under tiie stinudus of the present high j)rices of furs it will pretty cer- tainly reach 10,000 or 12,000 this year. A large proportion of the seals so killed are said to be pregnant females. This is "kdling the goose that lays the golden egg." I have thus stated these facts to you impartially, and submit the information for your consideration and such action as in your judgment the nature of the case may require. I am not able to And on record in this oflhce any s[)ecitic Department rules or decisions applicable to the points *here raised, and respectfully ask for instructions upon the fol- lowing points particularly: (1) Is not the ownership in nil the fur seals which haul out upon the land at the seal islands of Alaska (a Government reservation by law) vested in the United states? (2) Are the skins of young fur seals, or " pups," so called, which may by law be killed by the native people " for their own food," the property of such people when not required or used "for their own clothing?" (3) Or are such skins the property of the United States? (4) If it be decided that snch skins are the ])roperty of the native people, shall they have the right of free trade in them, either in the form of manufactured clothing, blankets, or as dressed or undressed pelts? (5) Shall the restrictions heretofore placed upon the shipment of such skins be maintained and enforced? (6) Is the Alaska Commercial Company to be treated as having any exclusive permit to trade as well as to take seal skins? It is proper for me to explain that perhaps not more than 50 or 60 per cent of these pup seal skins taken are preserved and dressed, thus showing that the people are careless and improvident of them. This considerable waste would necessarily be increased if the people should be deprived entirely of a market for their skins, unless the United States were to sissert an ownership in and take possession of the skins. They afford some revenue, and it would be wiser to let the people have it than to destroy it altogether by cutting off' the market or throwing away the skins. I ask your instructions upon the whole subject. The work of sealing is ])r(>gressing satisfactorily. About 4:3,000 skins have been taken up to this date on St. Paul Island and a proportionate number on St. George. The catch is but slightly below last year's figures at this date. Rumors of intended raids by predatory vessels upon the seal islands have reached my ears from various sources. How much truth there may be in these rumors I know not, but it is well known that there are a number of lawless traders, acquainted with these waters and ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 131 islands, who would willingly make a descent upon the seals if they were given the opportunity. If any such raids are made they may be expected late in the fall, upon the return of the predatory vessels from the Arctic Ocean, going southward. I do not anticipate any serious forcible attempt to violate the law in the manner indicated, but it would be a desirable safeguard for the revenue cutter to prolong her stay in these waters (upon her return from the Arctic), to the latest practicable date in the fall. The Alaska Commercial Company has a telephone in operation from St. Paul village to the northeast point of the island, where the descent would probably be made. I am, sir, your obedient servant, Harrison G. Otis, Treasury Agent in Charge. The Secretary of the Treasury, Washington^ J). C. Assistant Agent Moulton ; inclosing statistics of seal catch. Office of Special Agent Treasury Department, St. George Island, July 20, 1880. Sir : In compliance with your verbal request made to me while in Washington, I respectfully inclose herewith a statement of seals killed on St. George Island from 1870 to 1879. I have been unable to get a statement from St. Paul, as I have not visited that island since my return, but will do so the first opportunity that I may have, and will forward a statement to your address. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. H. Moulton, Assistant Agent, Seal Islands. Hon. H. B. James, Chief of Customs, Treasury Department, Washington, I). C. Statement of fur seals killed on St. George Island, 1870 to 1879. Year. • Number killed. Number killed for food. Accepted by Alaska Commercial Company. Shipments. 1870 8,659 21, 167 27, 000 27, 148 12, 490 11, 533 11, 779 16, 577 20, 590 22, 243 1,200 2,090 2,000 2, 191 2,446 1,752 2, 020 1,533 2,627 2,378 7,259 14, 838 25, 000 25, 000 10, 000 10, 000 10, 000 15, 000 18, 000 20, 000 (n\ 1871 (a) 30, 051 97 780 1872 1873 1874 10 000 1875 10, 000 10 000 1876 1877 15 000 1878 18 000 1879 20 000 a No record of shipment. J. H. Moulton, Assistant Agent, Seal Islands. 132 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. Special Agent Otis ; annual report for 1880. Office Special Agent Treasury Department, In Charge of Seal Islands, St. Paul Island, July 30, 1880. Sir : I have the lionor to submit the following report on the results of the sealing season just closed on the islands of St. Paul and St. George, and other affairs of the seal islands during the year which has elapsed since my last annual report. SEALING OPERATIONS. The regular sealing season was begun by the Alaska Commercial Company on this island on the 1st day of June; the respective quotas of fur seals allowed by law to be killed on the two islands having first been fixed by me for 1880 on the basis of 1879, viz, 80,000 on St. Paul and 20,000 on St. George Island. Killing continued on St. Paul, with some interruptions, until the 17th day of July, when the island's full quota had been completed. Thirty-five working days were consumed in the work — two more than in 1879. On St. George Island the sealing season commenced June 3 and closed July 9, one week earlier than in 1879. Tbe full catch of this island was completed in twenty-three working days — six less than were required last year. The results of the entire sealing operations of the year are shown in detail by the accompanying tabulated statements, marked, respectively, A and B. It will be seen that the prime skins taken from all animals, save " pups," killed for food since the close of the sealing season of 1879 are included " as part of the taxable quota of the Alaska Com- mercial Company," in accordance with the Department's instructions of April 8, 1880. All the shipments of fur-seal skins were made and certified after actual and careful count by the Treasury agents, and were as follows: From St. Paul Island: June 7, 1880, per steamer St. Paul 2,270 June 30, 1880, per steamer Dora 12, 184 July 21, 22, 23, 27, 29, 30, 1880, per steamer St. Paul 65, 546 80,000 From St. George Island : May 22, 1880, per steamer St. Paul 1,132 July 24, 1880, per steamer St. Paul 12,692 July 26, 1880, per steamer St. Paul 6, 176 ^ ' '^ 20,000 Total from both islands 100,000 Certificates covering all these shipments are herewith, being marked, respectively, C, D, E, F, G, and H. Duplicates have been iurnished to the masters of the vessels on which the shipments were made, and copies mailed to the collector of customs at the port of San Francisco. THE SEAL LIFE. I am glad to be able to report the seal life of these islands as still abundant and in satisfactory and promising condition. Seals of all classes and ages, and of both sexes, have appeared upon the hauling grounds and breeding rookeries during the present season in countless numbers. The grand aggregate can not even be approximated with ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 133 any degree of correctness. As well as I can judge, after close obser- vation, it is increased rather than diminished since last year. Several of the principal rookeries and hauling grounds show a steady and unmistakable expansion over former years. Others show some changes in their boundaries, but no contraction is apparent. On the sand beaches, bluffs, and plateaus, apart from the breeding rookeries, there is a conspicuous surplus of large males without harems — capable bulls who have been elbowed out of the family circle. This fact may be taken as evidence that more than enough young males have been annu- ually spared in recent years to supply all the requirements for breeding l^urposes. The size of the harems (which are each lorded over by a single big bull) varies greatly. As a rule they embrace from fifteen to twenty cows each, occasionally as many as forty and even fifty, frequently not more than from three to five. One fact is quite evident : The bulls invariably gather about them as many cows as each can court, cajole, or capture, be the number more or less. After the killing of more than 75,000 young male seals, or bachelors, on St. Paul Island within the short space of six weeks, a very large number of good, killable animals remain. On St. George Island, as shown by the report of Assistant Treasury Agent Moulton, the same favorable condition of the seal life substan- tially obtains, the animals api)earing in lesser numbers, of course. Captain Moulton says : All classes of seals are here in the usual numbers, the class required for their skins arriving in greater numbers in June of this year than in June of last year. All the breeding rookeries are in the most satisfactory condition, there not being apparently any falling off in the numbers of breeding seals, either male or female. After frequent and careful inspection of the several breeding rookeries, I am of opinion that no injury has been done to the seal life by taking 20,000 seals for their skins. I have visited this island (St. George) since the close of the sealing season, and found many killable seals on the hauling grounds, and can verify the above opinion of my assistant. After this, my second season's, experience at the seal islands, I am satisfied that the maximum number (100,000) of seals allowed by law to be killed annually for their skins may be taken each year in the future without detriment to this valuable interest of the Government and people and without endangering the indefinite perpetuity of the seal life, unless, indeed, unknown enemies rise up and destroy it, or the animals change their habits and seek other resorts for their kind, of which there is now no apparent prospect. How much impression may in time be made upon their numbers here by the reported lawless and indiscriminate killing of female seals in and about the Straits of Fuca on their annual migrations northward it is difficult to estimate. I have heretofore called your attention to this waste. THE NATIVE PEOPLE. The native population of St. Paul Island, as shown by the census taken on the 1st of January, 1880, embraced 83 resident families and a total of 278 souls. During the year there were 9 marriages, 19 births, and 18 deaths on this island. St. George Island, by the census taken July 1, 1880, had a total poj)ulation of 92 souls; the families numbered 25, and there were 4 marriages, 5 births, and 6 deaths during the year. The natural increase in population is thus shown to be very slow; in fact, the population of the islands has remained stationary since my 134 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. last animal report (save tlie slight increase caused by marriages of women from abroad), and this despite the fact that the condition of the l^eople in the matter of physical comforts and wealth is exceptionally good for a primitive race. Chronic diseases of long standing, and dis- eases of a scrofulous character seem to be deep rooted in the constitu- tions of this simple peox)le. The earnings of the native sealers on St. Paul Island amounted for the year to $32,104.40 (not including considerable payments for miscel- laneous labor), obtained from the following sources, viz: 79,445 prime seal skins, at 40 cents $31, 778. 00 555 cut seal skins, at 20 cents 111. 00 264 sea-lion skins, at 60 cents 158. 40 GHjarrels intestines, at $6 57.00 Total 32,104.40 This aggregate sum was divided by the chiefs and people upon a community plan of their own and distributed among the entire resident native population in the following i^roportions, viz : 61 first-class shares at $406.55 $24,799.55 16 second-class shares at $369.05 5,904.80 2 third-class shares at $300 600.00 4 special appropriations 350. 05 3 chiefs, each $150 extra 450.00 Total 32,104.40 Three first-class shares, amounting to $1,219.65, were appropriated to pay for the translation of the Russian Church service into the Aleu- tian language. The earnings of the native sealers on St. George Island amounted to $8,000, being the proceeds of 20,000 prime seal skins at 40 cents each, which sum was divided and distributed as follows : 10 shares, at $400 $4,000.00 4 shares, at $385 1,540.00 5 shares, at $272 1,360.00 2 shares, at $50 100.00 Church appropriation 1> 000. 00 Total - 8,000.00 In addition to the above there was earned by the St. George people during the year the sum of $2,135.25 by taking sea-lion and fox skins and performing other labor. Repressive measures heretofore used against the manufacture and use of quas, or home-brewed beer, have been continued with good effect. Drunkenness among the people has been reduced to the miui- mum. I consider this course necessary to the salvation of this people. There is good reason to believe that with free trade in rum and furs on these islands, both people and seals would practically disappear within the next decade. The venerable Bishop E^estor, head of the Russian Greek Church in America, visited these islands early in the present season on a religious mission. He preached to tlie people, and, in compliance with the expressed wish of the President, instructed them in the principles of a ]rurer morality and a higher form of (dvilization, reminding them of their duties, religious and civil, and adjuring them to abandon the evils ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 135 of drunkenness, gambling-, filtliiuess, and the like. How long or how far bis good advice will be remembered and lieeded is problematical. English schools have been maintained during eight months of the year on both islands. They were well taught, and the progress made by the pupils in their studies was not discreditable. The attendance on the St. George School was good, being 100 per cent of the whole number of pupils enrolled (24), There was something of a falling off in the attendance on this island over that of the preceding year, the percentage being but 75 of the enrollment (40). THE ALASKA COMMERCIAL COMPANY. The lessees of the islands have faithfully and liberally complied with all the terms and conditions of their contract with the Government, and have shown themselves willing and ready to meet all requirements of the Department and of its officers stationed on the islands. The quantities of salmon, coal, barrels, and salt, required to be fur- nished by them for the use of the native inhabitants have been supplied, as shown by the accompanying accounts current, marked I and K. The supplies of food, clothing, etc., kept for sale have been generally abundant in quantity (with a single noteworthy exception), good in quality, and sold at average moderate prices. The widows and orphans have been sui)ported gratuitously, and the people have, as a rule, been justly and kindly treated. The company has constructed a telephone line connecting St. Paul village with the northeast point of the island, where the largest rookery is located. Several new houses for native occupancy are in course of erection. The construction of the waterworks heretofore agreed upon will probably be commenced and completed the present season if the necessary material arrives. No seal oil has been made this year. The exception noted above in the food supply for native consumption occurred on St. George Island last spring, when the people were with- out white Hour or hard bread for a period of about six weeks previous to the arrival of the company's steamer, on the 20th of May. The sup- ply of brown ilour did not fail entirely, however. The deficiency was owing, as I have ascertained, to an unintentional underestimate in mak- ing the provision requisition, and to an unexpectedly heavy consump- tion in proportion to the population, judged by the standard of former years. The natives being essentially a meat-eating people, however, no suffering ensued, as all other necessary supplies were abundant. The principal agent of the company has assured me that no deficiency shall occur hereafter, and that at least six months' extra supply of flour and bread will always be kept on hand at the station. VESSELS TOUCHING AT SEAL ISLANDS. No predatory vessels have appeared in these waters during the past year. In compliance with instructions. Otter Island has been twice visited by myself and one of my assistants during the season, and other visits will occasionally be made to it by me during this fall to watch for predatory vessels. There is no fur-seal breeding rookery on the island, but a few thousand seals haul out there to rest and sleej). 136 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. The following is a list of vessels toucliing at St. Paul Island since my last report: Kig. Kame of vessel. Master's name. Arrived. Departed. Character of voyage. TJ. S. revenue cutter. Schooner Kichard Eush Bella Bailey Petersen Bailey Hague Williams Anderson Erskine Hooper Erskine Hescoth, own- er. Hague Erskine do 1879. Aug. 9 Aug. 31 Sept. 28 Oct. 12 1880. Apr. 25 do ... May 31 June 9 June 18 June 25 June 28 Julv 13 1879. Aug. 10 Aug. 31 Sept. 29 Oct. 14 1880. Apr. 25 Apr. 26 June 7 June 9 June 20 June 26 July 1 .TiiU- 13 Cruising for Government. Business of Ala.ska (^oin. U. S. revenue cutler. Schooner Brig Kichard Rush St. George Hidalffo mercial Company. Cruising for Government. Business of Alaska Com- mercial Company. On voyage to Arctic. Business of Alaska Com- mercial Company. Do Schooner Steamer Matthew Turner. . St. Paul IT. S. revenue cutter. Steamer Thomas Corwin . . St. Paul Cruising for Government. Steam yacht . . . Steamer Lancashire Witch (English). mercial Company. Pleasure voyage around the world. Do St. Paul mercial Company. Do Do do July 20 July 23 July 27 -Tulv an Do Do do do .. Do •' Of the above, the company's vessels and the United States revenue cutters touch at St. George Island also. Assistant Treasury Agent J. H. Moulton remains in charge of St. George Island, his assignment to St. Paul having been revoked by me on account of the departure of Assistant Agent Beaman. Assistant Agent B. F. Scribner, formerly on duty at St. George Island and latterly here, avails himself of the leave of absence granted him in Department letter dated April 17, 1880, and embarks for San Francisco on the steamer St. Faul, sailing to-day. Both he and Assistant Agent Moulton have discharged their several duties in a faithful and officer- like manner. Assistant Agent Beaman, carrying into effect a threat first expressed nearly a year ago and frequently since, has for personal reasons taken the responsibility of leaving his post of duty and these islands with- out authority from the Treasury Department, and also in defiance of my own previous and formal disapproval of his course. He embarked from St. George Island on the 24th instant. 1 rejiort the facts for your information and action thereon. In this state of the case (it being impracticable to hear from the Department again before next year) I am constrained by a sense of duty to waive the i)rivilege heretofore officially granted me iu the mat- ter of leaves of absence and to remain on duty here during the coming winter, in order tliat the requirements of the Department, demanding the constant presence of at least two of its agents at the seal islands, may be fulfilled. I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant, Harkison G. Otis, Treasury Agent in Charge. The Secretary op the Treasury, Washington, I). C. ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 137 <::5 I Co '^ o S 8 IS e «> s s 13 be £ be he Whole number of seals killed. ■N COOOCOOtOin .H OS C^tD -H^M OD 00 t- 05 ^ «0 t- «0 0> CO f lO O CO CI M • in r-li— OOOr-lQO t-HO-J*OOOOCOOOCD 0-h<^05(MOO?OOCCC10'^0 •05 C^r-I T-* C^THt-H^^a5-*C^]CC (MClC^^3500l>C^t*C;L^O00 • rH"T-r.-^T-r .-T.-r »-r t-r »-i Whole number of skins accepted by Alaska Commer- cial Com- pany. ! CO .OqiO-*M O^COCOeDT)((N-*COOCOOO,H 1 5\ 4J c cS > cc 43 a: 1. c a: 1 _e "S Ph 43 00 a .a 43 3 ■s (> ci 43 m c & 5 4^ •^ r— 4^ O 'A C ca 0) c« h^ 43 to .d 43 3 = 'c 43 cC > [a Ij 3 w > f— 'a s > 43 a o m ■s ) ^43 > cS 'c "3 SI ca 4 ID > C! "bj C pi S .s CC 5 N a. ;5 'c .£ > C8 c 1 ca c:: a "i 3 s 0 ( m . bl 00 < —1 1 > 0 .„• bj s b < 1^ 0 00 jb < 00 lO a CO "C5 00 r-l OS 1 o u O en o eq 1—1 CO CO OS -s % o CO f— ( CO ;.! IB i oc ■■o 00 ca 3 s •H n 00 OS r- •H 1—1 in 1.H co' 00 r-l 05 i-H 138 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. to (S M Ml < Whole number of soals killecl. evi CO tc 00 ^ ^ o § ^--o-g o o o 00 m a 00 u % .2 -a .1-1 M o H 3 m For other rea- sons. CO 6 (M •h M >Hr-l CO CM 00 Is 1-1 > rr "2 a. r 'c N a (.a "4^ c 12 'c p- s; r c c "E a 4 c c- 'c 7 E- C 1— c- C 4 i c- c C c; M c 7 ^ C 1— 1 1 c- I 1 c r f c a 'c s 'c p- c , a X c C c- r r ■I c d c c e c h- s c > a c c c 1- 'c i §2 c 1 -1 o lev 1 c IC- ■v -S »CV lev • > — Iff- > 1 ' a 1 ev lev c 1 c S 1- 3 ic H ^ > 'u- 3t- ! S t> .« a c i IT c^ 1- IT 1 1- ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 139 B. — Annual statement of fur seals hilled at St. George Island, season of 1879-80. Kookery. Killed for native food. 6 a 0 © © Killed for their skins. Aggregate. "HfltA Pups. -6'."— Respect- fully referring to my letter to the Department dated November 3, 1881, I again call attention to the evil of the unlawful killing of fur seals in waters adjacent to the Aleutian Islands, and recommend that explicit instructions be issued to the commanding officers of all revenue cutters which may hereafter cruise in Alaskan waters directing them to break up the practice, which is not only unauthorized by law but is in direct violation of Treasury regulations, and particularly of the Department's ruling contained in the letter to D. A. d'Ancona, dated March 12, 1881. I think it would also be well for the revenue officers to keep a sharper lookout upon the sea otter grounds, to the end that the hunting of those rare fur-bearing animals shall no longer be carried on in defiance of law, as I suspect it has been in some cases. lY. The killing of seals for food.— The matter of the killing, by natives of St. Paul and St. George 'islands, of young seals (viz, 4 month old imps) for food has heretofore formed the subject of correspondence with the Department. The latest rulings on the subject are those contained in the Department's telegram to Assistant Agent Moulton, dated Sep- tember 3, 1881, and in the letter to me, dated November 21, 1881. These rulings authorize the Treasury agents, in their discretion, to materially reduce the number of such seals heretofore killed for food provided the Alaska Commercial Company shall make good its offer to supply to the natives, in lieu of seal meat, a quantity of corned beef and condensed milk, free of charge. Anticipating this action by the Department, and being aware of the company's oft'er, I had, previous to the date of the telegram referred to, instructed my assistants to reduce the number of pup seals to be killed for the last winter's supply of food to 3,000 on St. Paul and to 1,000 on St. George Island. The new supplies which the company offered to furnish went forward to the islands in September last, and doubtless proved an acceptable substitute for pup seal meat. An abundance of the meat of larger seals (the skins of which are merchantable) is always put u]) in the fall, so that there is no danger whatever of the natives suffering for meat food. If it shall be found that the result of this experiment has proved successful, then I shall recommend that the killing of pup seals be entirely discontinued in the future. It is a needless sacrifice of the seal life, which, though done under the color of law, ought not to be persisted in. If, however, the practice be continued to any extent, the course indicated in Department letters of July 11 and July 18, 1881, should be strictly followed, and all such skins be taken possession of by the Treasury agents as the property of the United States. I ask qualified instructions in advance to carry into effect my proposed recommendation. 154 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. V. Ptihlication of laws and Treasury regulations. — I respectfully call your attention to my letter to the Department dated July 4, 1881, and to the accompanying compilation of the various scattered laws, Execu- tive orders, and Treasury regulations affecting the seal islands, and renew my recommendation that the same be printed under the direction of the Secretary, at the Government Printing Office, and a limited number of copies be furnished for use in Alaska. As the annual sailing day of the seal island steamer is now only some thirty days off, I have to request your early attention to the matters presented in this letter. 1 am, sir, very respectfully, your obedieut servant, Harrison G. Otis, Treasury Agetit, in Charge of the Seal Islands. Hon. Charles J. Folger, Secretary of the Treasury. Special Agent Glidden; preliminary report for 1882. Office of Special Agent Treasury Department, St. Paul Island, May 30, 1882. Sir: In accordance with your letter of instructions of April 17, 1 left San Francisco on the steamer St. Paul on the 4th instant and came, via Kodiak, Unalaska, and St. George Island to this place, arriving here on the afternoon of the 28th. The steamer only anchored at St. George long enough to land Assistant Agent Louis Kinmiel and take on board Assistant Agent Wardnian. Mr. Wardman came here with me for the purpose of consultation with Mr. Moultou, assistant agent at this place. I have advised with them very freely in relation to the conditions and requirements of the islands. Agreeably to your j)ermission, I have directed that the quota of seals to be taken for their skins be apportioned at 78,000 on St. Paul and 22,000 on St. George. I am informed that there has been but little quas brewed upon the islands since the 1st of Januarj^, but that enough has been used to cause occasional instances of drunkenness. In consequence of this the sale of sugar has been entirely stopped, and all o])en appearance of quas drinking has disappeared. I have recommended to the Alaska Commercial Company to procure and keep on sale a sufficient supply of condensed milk to take the place of sugar, and they will comply with my recommendation. It is hoped that the removal of sugar from the reach of the natives will effectually put a stop to the brewing of quas and to the intoxication consequent upon its use. There have been no pup seals killed for food upon St. Paul Island during the past year. In lieu of this seal meat the Alaska Commercial Company has furnished, free of charge, corned beef, condensed milk, and other articles of food. The order in relation to killing pup seals for food did not reach the agent in charge at St. George last fall until after the comijlement of pup seals for that purpose had been killed. The company's steamer, I)ora, owing to rough weather, was unable to land the supplies destined to take the place of pup seal meat on that island. There were, therefore, 1,031 pup seals killed on that island for ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 155 native food to be used during the past winter. The supplies to be sub- stituted for this seal food will be furnished to both islands for the com- ing year and no pup seals will be allowed to be killed. I recommend that an order be issued by you authorizing lard to be issued by the Alaska Commercial Company as one of the articles of jsubstituted food in the place of condensed milk. The milk will be sub- stituted on sale in place of sugar, and obtainable by the natives in that way. The fat of the lard seems to be desirable. The skins of the pup seals killed for food have heretofore been used by the natives in the manufacture of blankets, rugs, and other articles for sale, and the proceeds have been considered a sort of perquisite of the natives. They have sold these articles to whalers and others, and it is said that these same articles afforded 'the natives au opportunity of trading for illicit supplies. The advertisement and sale of even pup seal skins by the Government or its agents in San Francisco or elsewhere might and would probably affect to some extent the seal market in London, where all the skins are sold at auction, and possibly be a seri- ous injury to the lessees of the fur-seal islands. It therefore becomes a serious question as to what ought to be done with these pup seal skins. There are now in store on St. George Island the 1,028 skins taken there last fall. They were salted and properly cared for by the agent in charge. They are not of great value, being worth in San Francisco but little more than the cost of salting, bundling, transportation, and selling. If they are sold by the Alaska Commercial Company, or if they are, as heretofore, used by the natives in constructing articles for sale, and the articles sold by the Alaska Commercial Company for the benefit of the natives, or whatever disposition be made of them, the Alaska Com- mercial Company desire that their rights be protected, and that no use be made of these skins which will affect the general market or come in competition with them. If no more are killed the solution is easy, but if, after trial, the seal meat shall again be thought necessary for the health of the natives, and the killing of pup seals be continued, the ques- tion of the disposal of the skins becomes important. I desire instruc- tions as to the disposition of the skins on hand, and for the future disposition of any that may be accumulated. The agent in charge of St. George Island reports to me that evidences of a partial raid by a marauding vessel upon the sealing grounds of that island were discovered, and the vessel seen off the grounds on the 4th of October last. The success of the effort and the number of seals taken were not ascertained, but the conclusion was that nothing of any serious moment was accomplished. I am of the opinion that a Govern- ment cutter should keep pretty close guard of both islands from the close of the killing season, September 30 or August 15, to the last of October, It is during this time that marauders will be troublesome, if at all. If it were generally understood that a Government vessel was on the lookout, no unlawful attempt to capture seals would be likely to occur. Captain Healey, of the Convin, on his return from St. Lawrence Bay with the Rodgers crew, detailed Lieutenant Lutz and two men to remain uj)ou Otter Island and protect that island from parties who may attempt to kill seals there. There have been 24 deaths on St. Paul Island since January 1, 1882, 19 of which have occurred since the 19th of the present month. An epidemic of pneumonia has attacked the natives here and elsewhere with, fatal violence. St. George' Island has been very healthy, only 1 156 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. death having occurred there since June 1, 1881. Other localities out- side of my jurisdiction have suffered from this epidemic even worse than here. At Kodiak there had been, when I was there, 68 deaths, and at Unalaska 48 deaths since the 17th of April. Many of the strongest men and best hunters have died. The physicians at the last- named places say that the drinking of quas has had much to do with the fatality of the disease. On this island the disease has nearly abated. None of the whites have to any extent been affected and the general health of that class is excellent. In consequence of the sickness and death of so many natives here and the fear that there might be a scarcity of laborers d'uring the kill- ing season, I have permitted the agent of the Alaska Commercial Company to bring a limited number of men from Unalaska to perform such labor as the natives here shall not be able to accomplish. There is no letter book or copying press in this office, and no copy of official communications has been kept to which I can refer. I recom- mend that the necessary articles for that purpose be provided, and that copies of all official correspondence be preserved. KespectfuUy, yours, Henry A. Glidden, Agent in Charge. Hon. Charles J. Folger, Secretary of the Treasury. Special Agent Glidden ; inclosing shipjnng receipts, qnoia of 1882. Office of Special Agent Treasury Department, *S'^. Paul Island, July 6, 1883. Sir: Inclosed I hand you certificate of shipment of 15,020 fur-seal skins made this day by the Alaska Commercial Company, per steamer Dora, for San Francisco, Cal. Ivesi^ectfully, yours, Henry A. Glidden, Special Treasury Agent. Hon. Charles J. Folger, Secretary of the Treasury. Island of St. Paul, July 6, 1882. This is to certify that 15,020 fur-seal skius have this day been shipped on board the Alaska Commercial Company's steamer Dora, Captain Hagne, master, for San Francisco, Cal. Henry A. Glidden, Treasury Agent. Office of Special Agent, Treasury Department, St. Paul Island, Alashi, July 28, 1882. Dear Sir : Inclosed please find certificates of shipment of fur-seal skins as follows: St. George Island, 20,000 j St. Paul IsUmd, 04,980; per steamer Dora, July 6, 15,020. KespectfuUy, yours, Henry A. Glidden, Special Agent. Hon. C. J. Folger, Secretary. ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 157 Island of St. Paul, July 2S, 1882. This is to certify that 64,980 fur-seal skins have this day been shipped on hoard the Alaska Commercial Company's steamer, St. Paul, whereof Capt. M. C. Erskine is master, to be delivered to said company in San Francisco, Cal. Henky a. Glidden, Treasury Agent. Island of St. Paul, July 28, 1882. This is to certify that 100,000 fur-seal skins have this day been shipped on board the Alaska Commercial Company's steamer, St. Paid, Capt. M. C. Erskine, master, to be delivered in San Francisco, Cal. Henky A. Glidden, Treasury Ayeni. Special Agent Glidden; anriual report for 1882. Office of Special Agent Treasury Department, St. Paul Island, July 21, 1882. Sir: I have tlie honor to submit the following report of the sealing business at the seal islands of Alaska for the year ended July 20, 1882 : The catch of fur seals, as will appear by the reports tabulated and herewith submitted, has been very successful. The skins taken on this island are of better size and quality than for many years. I visited St. George Island on the 18th instant and, upon examination, found that the permission given by me in June to take 22,000 seals, as the quota upon that island, was a mistake, as the number of killable seals there was too small to allow the taking of more than 20,000. I therefore changed the quota accordingly, restoring the number to be taken from each island to where it was last year. St. Paul Island has an abundance of killable seals left after the quota is taken. The num- ber of skins taken on St. Paul is 80,000 and on St. George 20,000, mak- ing the full quota accepted 100,000, and it is expected that the ship- ments will include that number. The skinning has been done by natives of the islands, and the killing also, except that done by the agents of the company, as is usual. The saltiug, booking, and bundling lias been done, principally, by men brought from Unalaska. It has not been possible for the natives of the island to do more than the driving, killing, and skinning. The foct is that the epidemic, of which I wrote you in June, took away 13 (and 3 or 4 more died previonsly and since the last season) of the working force of the island, and some of them the very best men. It is becoming quite a serious question whether the native people of the island will be able to do even the killing and skinning in years to come. I have per- mitted boys from 12 to 10 years of age to assist what they could, in order to supply, so far as i)ossible, the deficiency in native labor. The number of seals appearing upon the rookeries and hauling grounds does not diminish, but, from the best information I can get, gradually continues to increase. The natives have generally done thi ir work well, and no trouble from any attempted strike, like that of last year, has been experienced. In one instance there was a manifest carelessness in cutting skins, for which I imposed a fine upon each man of $1.50. The number held responsible was 32, and the amount collected, $ i8, has been placed to the credit of the general fund. There had been fines imposed and col- lected by my predecessoi s amounting to $100, which was credited to the same lund, making a total of 1118 realized in this manner. I have 158 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. paid from it $2 for a pair of shoes for an orphan boy, who was desti- tute, leaviug, at present, a balance of -f 146. I suggest that for the present that fund be left as it is, to be expended, in the discretion of the agent, for the benefit of native orphan children. It is a forced levy upon the funds of the natives, and should be used in some manner for their beuefit. The oil fund had a balance of $557.92, as per statement of my prede- cessor to you. Under your instructions of April 8, 1880, to him, a part of this amount was authorized to be expended for the construction of waterworks on St. Paul Island. Two good wells have been dug and housed and provided with pumps, at an expense of $221.50, leaving a balance unexpended of $333.42. I suggest that this amount be left as it is at present, to be expended for the benefit of the natives in such manner as may hereafter be authorized by the Department. I inclose bill and receipt of the Alaska Commercial Company for materials and labor in constructing the wells. The balances above named are in the hands of the Alaska Commercial Company, and charged to them on our books. The mortality upon this island since January 1, 1882, has been greater than for the same time in any year since the lease to the Alaska Com- mercial Company. Thirty-six deaths have taken place, of which 13 were adult males, 9 adult females, and 14 were children. Pneumonia and consumption are the principal fatal diseases. The people are irreg- ular in their habits, careless in exposing themselves to the elements, do not have good nursing and attention while sick, and appear to be reck- less and fearless of death. Tlie chiefs and leading men have requested me to say to the Secretary that the people are unanimous in asking the restoration to them of the privilege of killing pup seals for food. They also desire that the pup skins may be given to them. In my commu- nication of June last I discussed the question of how to dispose of pup skins to some extent, and I do not see any reason to change my opinion. There has been no manufacturing or drinking of quas by the natives since I arrived here in May. The prohibition of the sale of sugar, except for the sick, seems to have suppressed this evil, which has here- tofore been a curse to the people. The amount of money to be distributed to the natives of St. Paul this year is $32,008.30. This has been equitably apportioned to the widows of sealers who have died since the end of last season, and to the present working force, according to the merits of each individual. The natives are better paid, according to the amount of work they do, than any class of laborers in this or any other country. The above amount represents the labor of 07 men and boys for this season, or from the 3d day of June to the 20th day of July. The highest number of hours' labor'^by any one man during that time is 358, and his share gives him $1.63 per hour for work. Each first-class share amounts to $5!>5.50; second class, 00 per cent of first class, or $535.95, and other classes each 10 per cent less, down to and including the ninth, which was 20 per cent, the lowest. There were paid to widows $1,650 and to the priest $1,000. The payment to the priest out of this fund is customary, and seems to be in accordance with the wishes of the peo- ple. The church has now on deposit at interest $5,018.47, and is out of debt, which has been paid out of the earnings of this people. The payment to each man amounts to more than the earnings of an ordinary laboring man at the East for a year, with constant employment. In addition, the Alaska Company furnishes them with house, meat, fuel, ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 159 salt, and scliools free of charge. They are indeed highly favored, and, as wards of the Government, luxuriously provided for. The amount to be distributed at St. George is $8,000. This is paid to 26 men and boys, with the exception of $600 to the priest and $100 to the church. The apportionment to each is, for first class, $372.45, and each class below 10 per cent less than the one preceding it. This gives $223.05 less to a resident laborer of St. George than the same class on St. Paul. The long exemption from labor, from the end of one season to the beginning of the next, is detrimental to the natives. It is a sort of enforced idleness. They must of necessity employ their time uuprofit- ablyifnot engaged in actual industry. lam told that gambling in various forms, from pitching half dollars for keeps to the more intricate and enticing game of«draw poker, is almost universally prevalent among the men. The women are the " drawers of water and the hewers of wood," and in fiict perform much of the work which in a civilized com- munity the men usually do. Many of the people are improvident. A few of them are economical and have deposits at interest with the Alaska Commercial Company, aggregating on both islands on the 1st day of June, 1881, $23,087.81. Every person receiving a share in the distribution is required to keep to his credit enough to secure to his family a weekly payment of $3 until the next distribution is made. This insures to every family a liv- ing beyond the habits or improvidence of the husband. The Alaska Commercial Company supports the widows and orphans of those sealers who have died without leaving property. The company has complied with the requirements of its lease, as will appear by the account current herewith inclosed. My assistants have performed their duties faithfully. Mr. Moulton has rendered me valuable assistance. His long experience and good judg- ment have been of great service to me. Mr. George Wardman and Capt. Louis Kimmel have had the charge of St. George Island, and their duties have been well performed. Messrs. Moulton and Ward- man will go to San Francisco on the return of the steamer at the end of this month. Mr. Kimmel will remain on St. George, and I shall be here during the coming winter. There have been but few seals on Otter Island during the season, and those are principally old, wounded, and played out, who require rest and hospital treatment. Lieutenant Lutz and two seamen from the revenue cutter Cortcin have remained on the island and protected the interests of the Government there. We have had no trouble from marauders or visits of strange craft of any kind. The appropriation for carpets, allowed by your letter of April 17, 1882, has been expended— $50 here and $49.96 at St. George. The amount appropriated ($100) was too small to provide more than for two rooms. There are still three rooms in each building that need carpets or matting. I therefore ask for $100 for carpets and matting for next year. This will provide for two more rooms. The $250 authorized to be expended for repairs of buildings as per letter of November 10, 1881, has been used— $150 at St. Paul and $99.00 at St. George. The furniture in the Government buildings on both islands is scant, old, much broken, and worn. The furniture for the sleeping rooms was paid for, as I am informed, by the Alaska Commercial Company. I do not think that Government agents who come here ought to be obliged to furnish the sleeping rooms in the Governnient building. There is no hotel or other accommodation here for them, and they can not very well 160 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. afford to purchase furniture for the limited period they usually remain here. I therefore ask that I may be permitted to expend $500 for fur- nishing- the offices and sleeping rooms of the Government buildings on St. raul and St. George islands. This will give but 8250 to each build- ing, which will but little, if any, more than decently furnish the offices. The agents of the Government who are willing to come to this inhospi- table climate ought to be made as comfortable as is consistent with proper economy. Bishop ^Nestor, of the Russo- Greek Church, who came from San Fran- cisco with me on the St. Paul, committed suicide on the 12th instant by jumping overboard from the same steamer while off tbe coast of Stuart Island, in Norton Sound. He was greatly beloved by his people, and respected by everybody. The health of the natives on St. George has been good. Only two deaths have occurred there in a year, and those were children. Respectfully submitted. Henry A. Glidden, Special Agent. Hon. Charles J. Folger, Secretary of the Treasury. Inclosure with Special Agent Glidden' s annual report for 1882. Alaska Commercial Company, San Francisco, Cal., in account ivith the United States at St. Paul Island, Alaska. 1882. Dr. July 28. To shipment of fnr-SGcal skins to date, quota 1882, 80,000. June 1. To amount of salt salmon required to be supplied for consumption by the native people, requisite quantity. June 1. To amount of coal required to be furnished for use of native people, 42 tons. June 1. To supplies of barrels and salt required to be furuished natives for the pres- ervation of meat, requisite number and amount. June 1. To supplies agreed to be furuished native people in lieu of killing young seals for meat, requisite amount and quantity. June 1. To maintenance of schools as reciuired by lease, eight mouths. 1882. Cr. July 21. By lawful quota of fur-seal skins allowed to be taken annually, quota 1882, 80,000. June 1. By amount of salt salmon sup]»lied for consumption to the native people, requisite quantity. June 1. By amount of coal supplied for use of native people in lieu of wood, 42 tons. June 1. By barrels and salt supplied native people for preservation of meat, requi- site amount and quantity. Juno 1. By food furnished native people to be used in lieu of young seal meat, requi- site amount and quantity. June 1. By maintenance of schools commencing September 5, 1881, and closing May 15, 1882, eight months. St. Paul Island, Alaska, July 28, 1882. I hereby certify that the foregoing account is correct, according to the best of my knowledge and belief. Henry A. Glidt^en, Special Agent, Seal Islands. The Secretary of the Treasury, Washington, D. C. ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 161 Alaska Commercial Company, San Francisco, Cal., in account tvith the United States at St. George Island, Alaska. 1882. Dr. July 25. To shipment of fur-seal skins to date, quota 1882, 20,000. June 1. To amount of salt salmon required to be supplied for consumption by native people, requisite quantity. .June 1. To amount of coal required to bo furnished for natives' use, 18 tons. .June 1. To supplies of barrels and salt required for natives' use for the preservation of meat, requisite number and amount. .June 1. To maiutenauce of schools as required by lease, eight months. 1882, Ck. July 21. By lawful quota of fur-seal skins allowed to be taken annually, quota 1882, 20,000. June 1. By amount of salt salmon supplied for consumption to native people, requi- site quantity. June 1. By amouut of coal supplied for use of native people in lieu of wood, 18 tons. Juno 1. By barrels and salt supplied for natives for preservation of meat, requisite amouut and quantity. June 1. By maintenance of schools commencing September 5, 1881, and closing May 15, 1882, eight months. St. Paul Island, Alaska, July 28, 1882. I hereby certify that the foregoing account is correct, according to my best knowl- edge and belief. Henry A. Glldben, Sjiecial Agent. Hon. Charles J. Folger, Secretary of the Treasury, Washington, D. C. Consolidated annual return of fur seals killed at the seal islands of Alaska in the year ended July 20, 1882. Killed for natives' food. Killed by A. C. Co. for their skins. Aggregate. oc M a 3 O M (A 00 0. Skins rejected. Skins accepted. Skins rejected. < Is 'S g W hen and where killed. 6 '3 © a U ^ ^ S 6 4J a o CD N 'rn u a 0 +^ o .2 a OH ST. PAUL ISLAND. 1881. ,li!ly 240 763 678 443 1,848 2,316 80 111 372 240 487 240 13 263 678 443 30 763 678 443 8 13 3 1,810 2,303 77 111 370 37, 051 37, 440 111 1,848 2,316 1882. 80 111 M'lv 2 372 June 36, 587 36, 822 464 708 12 26 4 19 17 37, 084 July 37, 485 Left over 1 881 Total 6,851 39 1,414 73, 409 il, 172 38 23 17 80, 000 81, 420 ST. GEORGE ISLAND. 1881. 88 201 205 118 113 88 194 32 88 7 201 173 118 205 Octolifir . 118 November 1,031 i,636 .... . . . . . - . . io8 1,144 H. Doc. 92- -H 162 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. Consolidated annual return of fur seals killed at the seal islands of Alaska in the year ended July 20, i When and where killed. i 6 'm u rovember 1, there would be no marauding. I recommend that so far as possible this service of the cutter be required. In accordance with the authority given to the collector of customs at San Francisco to purchase furniture for the seal islands to the amount of $500, purchases to that amount have been made, and I have approved vouchers for the same. The amount was too small to purchase even the necessary articles needed for both buildings. The prices paid to the Alaska Company were really too small to fully compensate them, but their liberality enabled me to get most of the necessary articles requi- site. I ask for a further appropriation of $115 for St. Paul to purchase the following articles: One desk for office, $40; 1 revolving chair, $10; 1 easy chair, $10; 1 center table, $20; 2 toilet sets, $10; 1 stove and pipe, $25. Also an appropriation of $25 for the purchase of a new stove and pipe for the house on St. George. The appropriation for repairs of -Grovernment building on St. Paul, as per letters of the Supervising Architect of the Department of September 3, 1883, and February 7, 1884, has, so far as required, been expended. The appropriation of $125 for repairs on St. George has not been used. I found uiDon examination and an estimate made by a competent mechanic that it will cost $300 to make the repairs contemplated and actually necessary. I therefore ask for $300 for repairs on St. George Island during the coming year. I also ask for an appropriation of $100 for St. Paul and $50 for St. George to be expended in the purchase of carpets and matting for the Government buildings. The pup skins in salt upon the island of St. George were of no use to the natives, and of no commercial value, and, in accordance with instruc- tions contained in your letter of February 28, 1 have caused them to be destroyed. A limited number of pup seals were killed last fall for native food, and the skins given to the natives for clothing and the manufacture of blankets. The school maintained on St. Paul during the past year has been more than usually prosperous under the guidance of a new teacher. The number of pupils registered was 54, and the average daily attend- ance for eight months 51.59. In this we challenge comparison with the schools of an enlightened civilization. The Alaska Commercial Company have complied with the terms of their lease. I inclose account current with the company. 1 also inclose consolidated report of seals taken and duplicate certificates of shipments of seal skins. I have visited St. George Island, and ascertain that the taldng of 15,000 seals there exhausted the killable seals to such an extent as, in my opinion, to endanger the seal life. I therefore recommend that the quota for that island be limited to 10,000 for at least three yearvS. This will enable the seal life to recuperate from its present exhausted condi- tion. The Alaska Commercial Company can take more men from St. George to assist on St. Paul, and tliereby keep the distributive share of the proceeds upon St. George up to its usual standard. Assistant Agents Moulton and Wardman will go to San Francisco ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 169 by the St. Paul. Assistant Ageut Fowler will remain on St. George, and I shall stay here during the coming winter. Very respectfully, yours, Henry A. Glidden, Treasury Agent, Seal Islands. Hon. Charles J. Folger, Secretary of the Treasury. Inclosure with Special Agent Glidden's annual report for 1884. Shipping receipt, quota of 1884. Island of St. George, July 38, 1884. This is to certify that 10,000 fur-seal skins have this day been shipped on board the Alaska Commercial Company's steamer St. Paul, M. C. Erskine, master, for San Fran- cisco, Cal. M. C. Erskine, Master. Geo. Wardman, Assistant Treasury Agent. Inclosure tvith Special Agent Glidden's annual report for 1884. Shipping receipt, quota of 1884. Island of St. Paul, August — , 1884. This is to certify that 84,960 fnr-seal skins have this day been shipped on board the Alaska Commercial Company's steamer St. Paul to be delivered at San Francisco, Cal. M. C. Erskine, Master. H. A. Glidden, Treasury Agent. Inclosure with Special Agent Glidden's annual report for 1884. Shipping receipt, quota of 1883. Office of Special Agent Treasury Department, St. George Island, Alaska, September 5, 1883. This is to certify that 470 fur-seal skins have this day been 8hip])ed on board the Alaska Commercial Company's schooner Mathew Turner, H. Anderson, mastei-, for transshipment at Unalaska for San Francisco. Geo. Wardman, Assistant Treasury Agent. H. Anderson, Master of Vessel. Inclosure with Special Agent Glidden's annual report for 1884. Shipping receipt, quota of 1883. Island of St. George, Septeniber 19, 1883. This is to certify that 3,180 fur-seal skins liave this day T)een shipped on board the Alaska Commercial Company's schooner Matheiv Turner, H. Anderson, master. Geo. Wardman, Assistant Treasury Agent. H. Anderson, Master. 170 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. Inclo8iire ^pith Special Agent Glidden's annual report for 1884. Consolidated annual report of fur seals killed at the seal islands of Alaska during the year ended July 31, 1884. Killed for natives' food. Wbere and when killed. Pups. Large young seals. Total. • Skins ac- cepted by lessees. Skins rejected. Under size. Stagey. Cut. ST. PAUL ISLAND. 1883. August 552 587 400 558 841 213 649 552 587 1,962 1,978 841 213 649 541 165 11 September 422 400 119 October ,,. ... 1,562 1,420 1,562 1,420 18 16 ^November ....... 438 823 197 649 1 December 1884. January Mav Total 2,982 3,800 • 6,782 2,813 3,016 941 12 ST. GEORGE ISLAND. 1883. August 210 54 210 54 660 511 67 143 3 62 54 2 September October . .. 660 340 660 340 1 November 171 67 171 66 1884. Mav Total 1,000 502 1,502 380 1,004 116 2 Killed by the lessees for skins. Aggregates. "Where and when killed. Skins accepted. Skins rejected. Total number of skins rejected. Total number of skins received lei.. Total number of seals killed during the year. Prime. Second class. Under size. Cut. For other reasons. ST. PAUL ISLAND. Balance over shipment, 1883 101 541 165 1883, August 11 422 1,962 1,540 18 16 552 September 587 October 1 962 November 438 823 197 649 35, 271 46, 815 1 978 December 841 1884. January 213 May 649 June 34, 936 46, 150 336 664 63 37 5 69 58 35 340 J uly 46, 873 Total 81, 086 1,000 100 27 4,096 85, 000 88 995 ST. (iEORGi: ISLAND. 1883. August 67 54 660 340 1 76 31 143 210 Sept0005t>:D-*CO»0'-#-^t-)t*lftCOOOmOi«0-^ tH ph .-H ^ i-H W rt rt 1-1 OS t- iH rH -!« m (N T-4rH05CO»rtt*r-(COOt*OSCD 00*.*'^t>C CO CO 03 r-T r-T Si 3§ 1— (i— (r-li— IrHt— 11— fi— lOSL— M (M • 05 (D 03 o 05 oi as ko -^ t^ g irt 00 r- t^ (M CO CD OO CO to t> rH ^ O t* t* CD r-ioooioeo tOCOJtt-ClOO^t-Or-tOOO i-trH^lfl^KN i-ItH i-imt>CSI^-CDC0 05 i-T r-T a> .2 a §^ o .a a i •5? o IM r-l C^ • p. S) o a <1 INCO iH tH CD o o> OOCOCOTjiOrHOt't^lft •<31t^C-COC005 r-T r-T o © H 3 (D 00 o V a 3 !Z5 o CO g 3 5 ll O3C0 »oeo i-H r-t (M lAOO Q0C4 COLO Skins accepted by les- sees. OS OS lO H< t- 00 00«D 00 lO lO 00 t~ l^ N 00 to .-I O 00 lO CO CO CO rH ^ -tt ^J CI rH fH oO(Nooooot-i-io(M-^i.'5 0i:oir5cieoioiO'^ iHt-t OS OS 00 O t- CD '^ CO iO •* -* 'H t- lO 00 00 lO Oi 50 "^ 00 '^ Large young seals. 00(MOOOO<=Hr-iHOC^'^»OOS OSOSOOOSt^CO'fJ^COiO'rJi'^.-lt- .— ( 1— (i-Hi-Hi— (1— ll— <<— IrH 00 lO OS CD 'rt* 00 ..^ rH rH .^ (M C^ i-H .-H 00 p< a CO lO l^ 00 OS l- S o i c r ■*• c -t- a i 0 t- a I- i a c i: c 0 p: >5 .a « 3 ) a P"o 3 +3 - 03 s °^ s 4^ 11 * v* ; > - 5 O ■ 5cq i 5 ; 4. ''i 3 C c c X o c c c (- H J !p: ■ t p: r : -s ! 1 > ■ s'c E- t.- 4 S p: ' c p: -1 p: c p: a 'c c s a a PC 'c s ) ) p: 'o f >'5 J +- :/ +- c; > 1 a p: c +■ 1 , a K si fp- > c: .1 I'? c r J: • Cm > I c a- s ir c P CC o- 0- CC '- I— 1 It- « t- oc O H. Doc. 92- -12 178 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. o Q s I is" 03 s s e s -2 o c2 "no > '-+3 a o ,0 O O as ■73 m ® i . •rH P*>^ a) c3 O H is 3^ ea o © h3 t»5® M o o oot-ot- (C5Dira^.-ii:~t)0O5— icotocot^to-tirttoco-^ogjotoosrHino^in^cor^TH S^isrHS t-IMtOOCOtOCOlOtSiOCOOt-O-iiaS^OOrHC-liOCO^lOt^lMt-C^Oi-IOOO r-1 T-i C^ tH T-1 tH rH i-H d tH M 7-i O a a OS a a t^ a^" - 2 ? ® » ■ "3 O cS o pW § a cs 0 •"^■'^ cs a =« j-< © t-i o © 0 4i O ^ as Ph -» d cS © " © 4J ■ 4i r^ 4j a c« O 3 ci P a ^ 18 o ? o a s W :;1 w '3 3 '3 03 -S ©•'T © 000 o N 13 0 c3-tJ += a .So P»)C5 « © '- o « §11 0) e !zi«3 - © © , 05 P-H O H .5 3.2 O cs = o H .S ^-.S 3 ."^ -Li "^ AJ l-H .0 a 00 M O! © © © -)C!OO.Hr-ICJ(M«COTH^03CDt^l>OOCOOSO>OOC<523 C^l C-1 (M (M r 1 (M C^l OJ (M C-3 CO i-f r-i f.- 1-1 »-i 00 © ALASKT^ INDUSTRIES. 179 M Cf fJ -H rH iM" IN iH CQ CQ ■^■^■*'»tl(M!Oe<10i-(-t)liHt-^r-lt . 05C0r-l O O cJ i-T c^i c>* . c3 i CJ o o o ■ ■ hi : ; o ; o a ■Pm_ is ;2 ; 4) o : o .N Jf^ .5 -^.5 '*-■■? ^ -t- IE t^ fe2 rr. a 11 OJ ,13 •l-< ^ O o !zN 1^ a.s „ ci 0.2 ^dn o © QJ CC ;N -S3. ,- sp^.a a-'-o o O ■^ Ift in «D CD t* t>00 00 O O rH rH (M IM CO CO "* "O t^ rtrHi-lF-(r-tiHrHr-lrH(N'NC^We 0 to cS CI M Skins re- jected. ■6 n p. 0 0 « a I i c . a i 0 '6 1 a i a || OCf.) 1884. Aug. 4 14 21 Sept. 2 15 Nov. 3 5 12 26 1885. May 18 June 1 11 19 48 64 60 60 515 482 503 27 40 19 48 63 19 48 63 i 60 60 515 482 503 1 2 4 19 "NTnrth 48 1 64 60 60 60 Ho 60 fin 515 482 503 "27 39 515 482 503 ' 515 fin 482 fin 503 27 39 118 750 27 1 40 do 118 750 775 802 825 414 1,775 401 2,287 789 2,156 1,011 2,218 483 2 4 118 750 118 Starry Ateel, North, and 750 15 17 18 22 27 775 775 802 802 825! 825 775 802 Kast 825 414 1,775 401 2,287 789 2, 158 1,011 2,222 483 414 1,775 401 2,287 789 2,156 1,011 2,218 483 414 Starry Ateel, Korth, and 1,775 29 July 3 401 Starry Ateel, North, and 2,287 7 789 10 Starry Ateel, North, and East 2,158 13 1,011 17 Starry Ateel, North, and East 2,222 20 483 Total 1,500 318 1,818 190 1,502 120' 14, 804 6 14, 810 15, 000 1,628 16, 628 182 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. Consolidated annual report of fur seals kiUed at the Seal Islands of Alaska during the year ended July 27, 1885 : Inclosure loiih Tingle s annual report for 1885. Killed for natives' food. • Killed by the lessee.s for skins. Aggregate. 00 • Pi pi Ph i (S a I i 00 Of J .p P< o % 00 p 02 Skins rejected. Skins ac- cepted. 2^ §5 Total number of skins re- jected. Total number of skins re- ceived by lessees. SI w -^ <*- m 6 u 40 49 CO y t3 p o o m U o a P- P o • Balance over shipment at village, A iicrnQt 1 ISfii 40 40 Balance?, Augiist 1, 1884. Food at 49 484 49 ST, PAUL ISLAND. A iifTitaf IfiSd 538 538 484 54 54 538 *Np-nf PTiiUpr 1 ftSil 588 588 580 580 588 527 67 588 527 53 2, 853 223 28 976 18 304 10!26,008 32 56, 858 588 OrtnliPV ISft^ ... . 53 580 November, 1884 2,741 335 1,004 822 3,076 1,004 322 223 45 3,076 976 304 28 18 1,004 322 .TiiTif^ IPH^ 25,976 32 4 5 6 27 26, 018 .Tnlv IS.S'i 56, 637 '221 56, 890 1 1 2,040 Total 2,741 3,367 6,108 145 1,182 82,702 253 9 33 4,110 84, 996 89, 106 ST. GEORGE ISLAND. A iirrnaf iSAl 131 120 27 40 131 120 1,527 40 130 1 1 120 1,500 1 130 ""27 39 5,860 8,944 131 120 120 "NTriiT-ftinKAr 1 SSJ. 1,500 27 39 1,500 1 1,527 fJIniT 1 QfiFi 40 TiTni. 1 QQf^ 5,860 8,944 5, 860 .Tnlv IRft^ 6 6 8,950 Total 1,500 318 1,818 196 1,502' 12014,804 6 .. 1,628 5,738 15, 000 16, 628 Total for both islands 4,241 3,685 7,926 2,236 1, 647 1, 302 97, 506 253 1 1 1 1533 99, 996 105, 734 Pups belonging to natives ^' 241 Rejected by Alaska Commercial Company 1, 497 Total 5' '^38 Shipped per steamer St. Paul: St. Paul Island »f'99° St. George Island 15^ Total : 99,996 Alaska Commercial Comimny in account with the United States at St. Paul and St. George Islands, Alaska. DR. ST. PAUL ISLAND. Aug. 1, 1884 : To supply of coal for native use as re(iuired by lease, 40 tons; fish, 60 barrels; salt, requisite quantity ; barrels, requisite number; maintenance of school, eight montha. ST. GEORGE ISLAND. Aug. 1, 1884: To supply of coal for native use as required by lease, 20 tons; fish, 20 barrels ; salt, requisite quantity ; barrels, requisite number ; maintenance of Bcbool, eight months. ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 183 CR. ST. PAUL ISLAND. Aug. 1, 1884 : By supply of coal for native use as required by lease, 40 tons ; fish, 60 barrels ; salt, reiiuisite quantity ; barrels, requisite number. May 6, 1885 : By maiutenance of scliool, eight months. ST. GEORGE ISLAND. Oct. 10, 1884: By STipply of coal for native use as required by lease, 20 tons; fish, 20 barrels; salt, requisite quantity; barrels, reqiiisite number; maintenance of school, eight months. Special Agent Ryan; preliminary report, 1885. Office of Special Agent Treasury Department, St. George Island, June 3, 1885. Sir : I liave tbe honor to report that I arrived at this station on the 29th ultimo, finding Assistant Agents George Wardman and H. G. Fowler on duty. I at once took charge, and have till this date devoted my time during business hours to an examination into the condition and management of affairs. I take pleasure in stating that I find the interests of the Government carefully guarded and conducted on busi- ness principles, and, so far as I have been able to observe, without affording any grounds for the charges of frauds so freely made against the Alaska Comitiercial Company. While it is possible I may be forced to change my mind as to this, for the present I feel it to be my duty to report the situation of affairs as I now see them. Very respectfully, yours, T. F. Ryan, Agent, Seal Islands. Hon. Daniel Manning, Secretary of the Treasury. Assistant Agent Ryan; annual report for 1885 foi' St. George Island. Office of Special Agent Treasury Department, St. George Island, July 30, 1885. Sir : I herewith hand you statement of the season's seal killing on the island of St. George— 15,000, the lawful quota for this year. I am pleased to be able to report that the season (excepting the poor pro- tection from marauders) has passed oft' in a most satisfactory manner, as you will see in part from statement that the work of driving, killing, and skinning has been done with patience and care — but 2 under size, 19 perished, and none cut. There have been no complaints worthy of mention made by the Alaska Commercial Company or by the natives (one against the other), and your assistant, so far as the interests of the Government are concerned, has had no fault to find with either, for both have most willingly complied with every regulation controlling the seal interests and the welfare of the natives. From the 1st of July on Ave have had more or less annoyance from the presence of a schooner prowling around at a distance and at times coming near East and Zapadnie rookeries. We kept a watchman at East some of the time, and at Zapadnie all the time, night and day, but the final discovery of their deviltry was not made till July 20 (the 184 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. last clay of sealing), when five TTnalaska men on their way to Zapadnie with a whaleboat to be left there for the use of the Government ofiBcer reported having seen men and boats on the beach under tlie high cliffs near Starry Ateel rookery. I immediately started for that point, send- ing the men who brought the boat back overland to the village for arms and word to Mr. Morgan of the company to meet me at the rookery, which he (though sick) promptly did, and after a consultation con- cluded to send to the village for colors and a boat, on the arrival of which I entered and went around and under the cliffs to the spot where the men had seen the marauders a few hours before. In the meantime Mr. Morgan and Dr. Lutz of the company had gone on reconnoitering, hoping to be able to Hank and hold the rascals till I could reach them, but they found it impossible to get down or even see over the high cliffs, which are of a most rugged and ragged shape, and were forced to return to a point at the foot of the mountain touching the sea and about the commencing point of Starry Ateel rookery, and follow the rough, narrow beach. We met at the point indicated by the men, but found the marauders gone, leaving, however, evidence enough of their presence there in the shape of the skinned carcasses of from four to five hundred female seals. They hid the carcasses in caves and under rocks with much labor. We also found dead pups in every direc- tion. We returned to the village very tired, for I had tramped over 10 miles (with poor legs) over moss bed, trap holes, and rocks, and Mr. Morgan was not well (not being able to be on hand for the last day's sealing), so the next day we put in resting, feeling confident that the marauders would not dare to put in an appearance there again for at least a few days, for they knew that our men saw them. Early on the morning of the 22d I sent watchmen to every rookery that could be in any danger, and to Starry Ateel, the chief, with several men, with instructions to look over the ground and sight the best point for a rock house as a headquarters for watchmen in protecting that rookery. In an hour or so one of the men returned with the news that the marauders, with two boats, were on the beach. We got there in "double quick." We sent five Unalaska men in charge of an expe- rienced seaman by water, but the sea was too rough for his crew and forced him to return. When we got there, our game had again tiown, leaving behind them 112 seal skins, all their seal clubs, one pair over- alls, one woolen blouse, and one Chinese handkerchief. The skins I brought to the village and salted down in the com])any's salt house. But for the failure of our expedition by sea we should have captured the whole party. Starry Ateel rookery has always been considered as safe from maraud- ers. The company people and natives seemed much surprised, but it is your assistant's opinion that the rookery has been robbed for years. The marauders' manner of taking seals from this island has been to kill the seals and take them to their craft to be skinned, but in this case they became overconfident and bold and concluded it would be safe to start a killing and skinning ground within 500 feet of the rookery. In this they have blundered, for now that it is known it can and will be protected from work of this kind in the future. I have under way at all the rookeries, thought to be in any danger from marauders, stone and sod houses at locations that will aid cowardly watchmen in doing their duty. The se(;ond day after this the night watchman at Starry Ateel reported seeing a schooner about 3 o'clock a. m. far off to the westward; that she had sent up three signal rockets and shortly after disappeared. I immediately got four of the natives and two of the ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 185 company men in a wbaleboat and started for the west end of the island, a distance of over 8 miles, hoping, from the reported display of fire- works, to find marauders near there needing onr attention. We found no signs of them until returning, when, in stopping at all suspicious- looking spots under the clifts, we came on a very comfortable place for such people, about 1^ miles from the west end (which we named Pirate Harbor), where we found every evidence of their presence but a short time before, in the shape of fresh ashes, a hatchet, a silk hand- kerchief, seal clubs, and a broken oar. On returning to the village I got word from the Zapadnie watchman that a small boat burning a blue light had passed toward the west end about 1 o'clock that morning, which, no doubt, was looking for those at Pirate Harbor. During this time we have often wished for a revenue cutter to make her appear- ance, but, of course, they were "foolish wishes." "You will excuse the length of my report in regard to marauder hunting, but I have thought it my duty to inform you, as near as possible, as to the poor protection and the work required to protect the seal interests of this island. The killing of seals for food after the 20th of August, I suggest, should be prohibited. It looks to me as an unnecessary waste. I find that out of 449 seals killed in the latter part of August and in the month of Sep- tember, in the years 1882, 1883, and 1884, 352 were rejected as stagy skins, to be cut up and destroyed. It will be no hardship for the natives to save sufficient food out of a killing along in the middle of August to supply their wants till the pup-killing season, about the last of October. About the first thing that impressed itself on my mind shortly after coming here was that the natives were not only treated well, but in a measure spoiled; the foundation of which is, in my judgment, the system that allows twelve months' pay for less than two months' work. There is no objection to the sum they receive, but for that sum they should be made to render, hke other laboring people, a year's service; and to dis- courage idleness, and to encourage self-reliance and daily thrift, they should be hired by the month and paid by the month, with a contract for a year's employment during good behavior, under a system that would give them in the year the same amount of money they get now. Under the present system it is next to impossible to induce them to do anything (outside of sealing and a little rookery watching) in the way of making themselves more comfortable. If they were likely to be called out to do a day's work now and then, at any time during the year, many improvements to their advantage would be made that under the present system of work and pay will never be made. Since the close of the sealing season the rookeries show that from 4,000 to 5,000 more seals could have been taken this season without injury to future supply. The Alaska Commercial Company have complied with all the require- ments of lease, up to this date, for the year 1885. All of which is respectfully submitted. T. F. Ryan, Agent. P. S.— I wish to add that Captain Healy, of the Gorwm, informed me that he had written the Department over a year ago requesting that he should be permitted to leave a lieutenant and two men on this island, but that his request had not been even replied to. T. F. E. Hon. G, R. TiNQLE, Special Treasury Agent of Seal Islands. 186 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. Special Agent Tingle; supplementary report for 1885. St. Paul Island, Alaska, September 25, 1885. Sir : Since my last report nothing of unusual interest lias transpired on the Seal Islands. One marauding schooner only put in an appear- ance off the rookeries at Northeast Point since the steamer left. I was promptly on hand, prepared to resist her landing. Seeing she was dis- covered, they put to sea and have not yet returned. The revenue cutter Corwin arrived here on the 11th instant from the Arctic, and has been cruising around the islands, making a trip as far as Unalaska, returning to this island at 1 p. m., 23d instant. Captain Healy reported to me, "No marauders in sight." I have visited all the rookeries on the island this month, in company with the Alaska Commercial Company's agent, and find them in good condition. It is the opinion of the agent of the company and natives that there was never as many seals on the island any former year as this. I should say 3,000,000 pups would be a low estimate this year, based on the Elliott plan of computation. I inclose Mr. Chas. H. Townsend's receipt in duplicate for far-seal specimens for the Smithsonian Institution, as per your letter May 1, 1885. I am, very respectfully, Geo. E. Tingle, Treasury Agent. Personal— I think it best I should see you in person next fall or winter and place you in possession of all the points experience has dis- closed to me, before the time for making a new contract arrives, with a view of securing to the Government the full benefit of this valuable reservation, without leaving a chance for wastage. Eespectfolly, ^ ^ ^ Geo. R. Tingle. Hon. C. S. Fairchild, Assistant Secretary of the Treasury. 1886. Special Agent Tingle; annual report for 1886. Office of Special Agent Treasury Department, St. Paul Island, AlasTca, July 31, 1886. Sir: I herewith transmit my report of the operations of the Seal Islands for the past year, and up to the close of this sealing season. I also inclose statement of daily killing of fur seals marked "A," and consolidated statement marked "B," also steamer St. PauVs receipt for 99,980 seal skins shipped marked "C," a duplicate of which receipt is on file in this office, one sent to the collector of customs, San i ran- cisco, and one left with the captain of the steamer St. Paul. The work of sealing was satisfactorily performed by the natives; in fact a decided improvement has been made in their killing and skinning over former years. A comparison of the daily statements tor past years will show a large saving of " rejected " (small, cut, and stagey) skins. The saving made in slaughtering seals last fall during the stagey season, ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 187 for native food, was accomplished without any injury whatever to the natives, as all had an abundance of meat. The reduced number of rejected skins this year is the result of constant watchfulness and peremptory orders of your agents that seals should not be killed below the size, as was claimed heretofore could not be avoided. Experience, however, has taught us that, with the exercise of a little patience and care when clubbing a pod of seals, but few mistakes need be made. The number of seals perished on the drives this season did not exceed 100, which, considering the vast numbers driven, is insiguiticant. The skins of all killables perishing were taken and salted, which leaves the actual loss from all causes not exceeding 50, exclusive of the rejected, as shown in Statement A, or less than one-tenth the number last year. The drives and general conduct of the business was satisfactory this year. The natives sliow a marked improvement in their promptness to obey all orders, and excel in tlieir work ; they readily acknowledge the authority of the Government officer and never show any dissatisfaction with his decisions when brought before him for any offense committed. Five persons only were summoned before the Treasury agent on this island during the past year who on examination were proven guilty of the charges preferred, and iines aggregating $65 imposed on them for oifenses, as shown in the statement of the general fund account marked "D," herewith inclosed. Transportation from the islands and fines are the only modes of punishment at hand. I am happy to say no offense worthy of tlie former has been committed. A small lock up or jail on each island would have a very salutary effect on the people, and in my opinion would do much more than fines to accomplish reform. The buildings could be provided at a cost of not more than $100 each, and while they might not be occupied by three persons in a year their existence would be a constant reminder of the strong arm of the law. The sanitary condition of the two islands is very good and the health of the natives for the past year has been about as usual. They are not generally robust or long lived and in almost every case adults die with consumption, the result of imprudence. For the past fifteen months there has not been a single case of sickness among the white persons on either island ; in fact all are in robust health. The census taken on the 1st of January, 1886, was as follows: Island. St. Paul ... St. George. 1 Males. Females. 1 O H an m g «■! m a tfi 1 1 3 IB 3 1 1-1 a '^ P r-l It ^^ m p 73 27 58 30 27 16 15 5 76 37 47 23 14 1 237 112 37 10 5 14 7 IS 0 14 4 The ice closed in around St. Paul Island on the 6th of February and finally disappeared on the 1st day of May. The coldest day of the winter was 5° below zero and the warmest this summer so far was 54° above. We had a godsend on the 23d of January, when the cutter Rush came to anchor and landed all our mail up to the date of her departure from San Francisco, January 2, being the first instance on record of a vessel reaching this island at that season of the year. The natives not wishing to use any bull-seal skins for clothing or 188 ALASKA INDUSTKIES. boats this year, and there being no authority of law for killing the sur- plus old bulls spoken of in my report of last year, none were killed, and with an additional year's experience I would not now recommend their being killed, as by proper care they are handled in the drives without detriment to the younger seals and in the water may be some protection to the young seals against their natural enemies. THE BREEDING ROOKERIES. Mr. Elliott embraced in his report of 1874 a measurement by him of the breeding rookeries on this island, made July 10 to 18, 1872, since which time no measurement has been made so far as the records of this office show. Deeming it of great importance that the Department should be in possession of the best information as to the i)resent con- dition of the rookeries, I made a thorough measurement of all on this island, commencing on May 3, before the bulls hauled up on the land, when an absolutely correct measurement could be made. In making my measurements I was assisted by Dr. L. A. Noyes (Cap- tain Loud, assistant Treasury agent, not having returned to the island) and four of the best informed natives as to the boundaries of the breed- ing rookeries. In July, when the rookeries were fullest, we verified our work by observations and found the ground included within our lines fully covered. Some of the rookeries, viz, Northeast Point, Tol- stoi, (xorbotch, and Polavina, were densely packed, covering more area than my statement shows, while others were not so closely packed. I do not agree with Mr. Elliott in his assignment of 2 feet square to each seal; at this date it is not enough. I inclose my statement, marked E, as compared with Mr. Elliott's, which on his basis gives vis now on the breeding rookeries 5,148,500 seals, an increase since 1872 of 2,137,550. I think the calculation of 1872, as well as that of 1886, would stand a reduction of one-fourtli in aggregate number of seals and be nearer the true rmmber than our figures show. Statements at best are merely approximate estimates, but in the absence of any absolutely correct method of arriving at the count they serve as a guide. Frequent inspection of the rookeries during last season and this shows a decided increase of cows, with an ample supply of bulls. The same report is also made by the assistant Treasury agent in charge of St. George, on which island I was not able to obtain measurements of the rookeries this spring, but will do so next and forward the result with my next report. So far this season we have sighted but one schooner off this island supposed to be sealing. She did not, however, come in close enough to disclose her real character. At St. George an attempt was made by marauders to land for the purpose of killing seals on a rookery, but were driven off by shots fired at them by order of the officer in charge, as directed by me. At 1.30 p. m., June 29, the revenue cutter Corivin landed here. Captain Abbey reported having boarded the schooners Vanderhilt, Captain Myers ; iSierra, Captain Lee, and City of San Diego, the first two about 20 miles from Unalaska and the last 40 miles from St. George Island. He took from the Sierra 4 rifles and 1,110 rounds of fixed ammunition, and from the City of San Diego 6 rifles and 500 rounds of ammunition. The last-named vessels had seal skins aboard (salted) and plenty of salt and seal clubs, showing clearly they intended, if oppor- tunity offered, to land on the rookeries. Captain Abbey notified the captains of the trading schooners that if again caught in the waters ALASKA INDUSTEIES. . 189 with additional seal skins on board he would seize the vessels and car- goes. On his arrival here, 26th instant, he reported having seized the schooner San Diego, not far from [Jnalaska, sealing, having some fresh- skinned seal skins on board and 574 in salt, 175 of which had been clubbed. Among the skins were some small pups, this year's, showing conclusively the marauder had landed on a rookery on St. George, as the pups have not yet gone in the water. The San Diego is an old offender and was captured once on Otter Island, sealing. Captain Abbey proposes to hand her over to the civil authorities. She is at present in custody of the deputy marshal at Unalaska. This commencement of captures will do much toward breaking up the marauding business about the islands this season; indeed, the Corivin^s presence here has undoubtedly kept off" quite a fleet of schooners and destroyed their unlawful business hereabouts. With the cutter Bear to remain until fall, after coming out of the Arctic, seal life will be protected from i)irates this season. It is the only means by which good can be accomplished in that direction. I do earnestly hope the Department will see the necessity of keeping a cutter around the fur-seal islands every season from the 1st of June to the l^fc of November. Mr. J. P. Manchester, assistant Treasury agent, reported to me in person at this island on June 12, and was assigned to duty on St. George Island, as per your instructions. Mr. Manchester informed me he was appointed with the understanding that he conld return to his home at the end of this sealing season. Your letter of April 30, "J. G. M.," says: "Mr. Manchester, owing to tlie hurried manner in which he leaves for his post, is very anxious to return home at the end of this summer's sealing season, and if you can arrange so that he can be absent during the ensuing winter the Department will not object to your so doing." Mr. T. F. Ryan, assistant agent in charge of St. George, and myself are granted leave of absence " provided a Treasury agent is left at each island during the absence of Mr. Ryan and myself" (J. G. M., A. F., 228-231, Y, September 25, 1885). Mr. Ryan insists on availing himself of his privilege, and Mr. Man- chester can not remain on the island this winter. The Alaska Commer- cial Company's agent is not satisfied to be left on the island during the winter without a Treasury agent. In the dilemma and without any authority of law, but relying on the authority contained in your letter of April 30, quoted above, I appointed Dr. L. A. Noyes, a Democrat in politics, acting assistant Treasury agent, subject to the approval of the Secretary of the Treasury, and placed him in charge of St. George Island. A copy of my letter of appointment and instructions is herewith inclosed, marked "E." Dr. Noyes is the Alaska Commercial Company's physician on this island, and was an applicant for the vacant assistant Treasury agency at the time Mr. Manchester was appointed. His application, he informs me, was indorsed by, among others, Hon. B. B. Smalley and Hon. Hiram Atkins, of Vermont. I regard it as a fortunate circumstance that a proper and available man was here whom I could secure to go to St. George and assume the duties of the office, as it will not do to leave the islands without some- one whom the natives are accustomed to call " the Government." I therefore hope my action in the premises will be approved and that some authority of law will be found to pay Dr. Noyes for his services until he is relieved from duty by the return of the absent Treasury agents or the order of the Secretary of the Treasury. 190 - ALASKA INDUSTRIES. Mr. Mancbester goes down on the strength of his understanding when appointed, and without my permission, as I do not understand I am autliorized to grant leaves of absence, but I hope you will appre- ciate his situation and mine, and give him full benefit, as he is a most agreealble gentleman and good officer. I leave the island of St. Paul with Capt. A, P. Loud, assistant Treasury agent, in charge, feeling that everything will go on smoothly under his efficient and careful management, and take passage on the Alaska Commercial Company's steamer St. Paul for San Francisco, from which place I will report by telegraph for further orders. I administered the customary oath of office to Dr. Noyes. I am, very respectfully, Geo. E. Tingle, Treasury Agent. Hon. C. S. Fairchild, Acting Secretary of the Treasury. Inclosure with Tingle's annual report for 1886; shipping receipts. Island of St. George, July 31, 1886. This is to certify that 14,990 fur-seal skins have this day been shipped on board the Alaska Commercial Company's steamer St. Paul. M. V. Erskine. Geo. R. Tingle, Treasury Agent. Island of St. Paul, August 3, 1886. This is to certify that 84,990 fur-seal skins have this day been shipped on board the Alaska Commercial Company's steamer St. Faul. M. V. Erskine, Geo. R. Tingle, Treasury Agent. ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 191 ■to c o 8 oa *«) ••• 50 29 S3 CJ5 s 4> 00 00 1 I Total number of seals killed. •^r^OOCCiTMOt-OlOO 1— 1 I— t T—l I— 1 1—t rH .— ( ■ (M CO CO 0000 -^JIOSt^lOCOlftiHOCOCl COOSTl(-»J(t>COM ■CO-^OOO'* CO-*** T-lrHC^OintO CIOSCOi-t'MTPCD ' CO iH O^ I> CO 1-4 lO eC iM CD (M -^ CO i-H 1 ih' i-Tr-T 2-2 .So 'rHOJ.-ilOlft COlrt tH O CO rH CO O CO M< t— rH CO 'CO'^OOO'^^ 00-^ 1-li-HNOiOCO (MOlCOrHCl'^lICO ■COi-lCOt^ COr-(lO CO W CO (M -^ CO rH rH rH rH .2 a) 2 cs.o a (S o ■5? 43 N coca rM rH IM 3.2 ^N W<#C^iO tH 13 .2 o o <1 S S o DO .-IC tH r-t tH in • GO-^COCOOO C005t*OeOlrtrHOJCOO (MOS(M-*t-OrH * 0^ ^OD a ^ CO'^ THr-l(MCS»OCD MCiC0rHC m 43 © 43 d o © © O -d 43 © 43 o -d a C3 >^ CD be a p£| '-§> H o Ph > 'a W 1 'o N a a C3 p: a * P t- CO 00 05 CJ 00 o CO tH t- IH (D 1 00 05 o rH rH r-t rH in rH 192 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 9 pi .2 o O 1 S5 >-^ 00 e S s lrHr^»O^HC^imWCQf-H COt-I"# Tj(N-# ■»1< (M iH (N CO ■* fH W tic? o a = •S o, 4^ P 33 rt o M 0) P S a o c3 o +3 bJO o o »f^ • +a O *^ . 4^'d-M >,3H.S-^.9 9.9 ^.S = o ^ £ « S o • go a o «^i^ cj ^ J3 ■.-; .s jd ^ ^ tJ bit- rj t <1* ^4 ^ ^ "^ C O H o g « o t>-.aj N os^ a'«" ■ a. csoao5oo«2i 08 03 03 O to 00 d I ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 193 rH (M CO 1-1 iH ■ i-( ' • i-t . . c^ . ; ! 1 r-f I 1 • • —* ^H 1-) T-li— I^Hi-Hi— t t-H i-HC^l W>*lHINC^rHI>rH'<* ^OtOOOOOOClr— OOOCOC^C^r^Oi-^t— OU^(MCCM^-05C^00 H rH rH rt T- W CO I— t f-1 '.'5 : 1=1 ■ - - ■ M *2 H^ ■?■,•-' ■■»-' o o p o V 1«1 n o a a l-filfS^;^ "3 i" K Xi •/: ,— tc ? ^ gS-S^S a ? .So a o a a a a W ^P§ll3 a i"-!^ ,^ ^ = S o "Sit o 5a^ V- H- 43 43 c^ +- ^ o s _ c Sr-q" iN o b/.ZS a oocoa»05o«iMco'!!<-*inine>a5t-t-05o;oo-3^iMCJmM-fi4fi3(MC-3C CO C^ lO CD CO c bX) . b 3 C3 ^ = S a Ift CO O lO I> CO C^ »0 CD CO ' ^H Oi C<1 -^ O OS 00 CO (M COCD CQ O0(M O CO OT^ in 00 CCOCOCDC^-*CDinCD00L^00t:^CDO0inCri^'* (MrHin COO CJt^CO'^^-^OCOOOOOC^OS'^CD-TCOOCD-^'OlOJ rH ^t^^OOt^COCOCOtM-^CD-^COOOt^OOl^CDOOiniM O ^^ CI (M r-H in O ^H T^ 05 W -^ cq rH 00 CO o o o O o o o in o o CO (M t^ rH ^ o P4 a: a 3 IS o o c! O ■■< c2 5 to •§1 3 o ^ a; '©'©'■© • 0 a =2 n S o a m a 0 (M lO t- t- t- 10 00 !M OS CO CO IM CO 0 a> in a> CO CO © © P" CO » t-rH 1-H Cd CO rH t-«o •H rH CO CO Skins accepted by lessees. r-( -^ CO -* (N IM -^ 0 -^ 10 t^ CO CO .— 1 ITS '^ i-H 1— 1 in 0 00 in f-H CO 03 "^ CO CO 00 CO cq 0 SO in d 00^ (M tr- (M CO -3 o H tH M »C 0 -^ CO -^ r-i -f 00 CO '^ CO i-H in -* cvi ^ —< ,-1 10 1— ( 05 CO in in w --t -^ CO l^ ^ -^ tH i-H tH CO 05 1^ oco in ■* co" CO erf Mb « r-. Cl 10 0 t CO -* i-H M" CO 00 ^ CO rH lO -^ !M Tj< rH i-H in r-T 0 in co" in 10 (>J ^ ■* CO t> r-i ^ F-' rH rH CD 1 o> t- 1 oco 1 in Tj* co" CO OJ co" i P. a 00 00 00 00 0 i-T 0 X 0 00 0 00« (M I-H 00 CO 00 CO 3 a .a £ d m J IT OC OC t. 2 _oc i - oc > 1 oc oc ^^ oc oc > 1-: ■5 c EH ■J to 0 H ir oc oc OC oc T ■it IT 1 •1 oc oc > cc oc oc f-H - c c c D H a, CC g;f=HP:HO 3 cc I a : o ' © o 196 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. The Alaska Commercial Company in account with the United States at St. Paul Island, Alaska. Dr. > August 1, 1885. To supply of coal for native use, as required by lease, 40 tons ; of fish 60 barrels; of salt, requisite quantity; of barrels, requisite quantity; maintenance of school, eight months. Cr. August 1, 1885. By coal for native use, 40 tons ; fish, 60 barrels ; salt, all they wished; barrels, all they wished. May 13, 1886. Maintenance of school, eight months. Alaska Commercial Company in account with the United States at St. George Island. Dr. July 31, 1886. To supply of coal for native use, 20 tons; of fish, 20 barrels; of salt, requisite quantity; of barrels, requisite quantity; maintenance of school, eight months. Cr. June 11, 1886. By coal for native use, 20 tons. July 14, 1886. By fish, 20 barrels. July 31, 1886. By salt, requisite quantity; barrels, requisite quantity. April 21, 1886. Maintenance of schools, eight months. Memorandum. Alaska Commercial Company in account with St. George Island— "general fund:" July, 31, 1886. To balance, being fines to date $90.62 St. Paul Island, Alaska, May 8, 1886. Received of George R. Tingle, Treasury agent, St. Paul Island, th« sum of $6 each for services rendered in assisting the Treasury agent to measure all the breeding rookeries on St. Paul. Yevlampek Viatkin. Kakp Butrin. Anton Melovedoff. Tarenti Stchepenin, Attest : N. Gray. Alaska Commercial Company in account with St. Paul Island, Alaska — "oil fund." June 2. To balance $18«.U^ 1886. Cr. May 8. By Yevlampee Viatkin ^6. 00 By Terrenti Stchepnin 6.00 By Anton Melovedoff 6. 00 By KarpButeriu 6.00 Total l»3^-02 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 197 Alaska Commercial Company in account with St. Patil Island, Alaska — "general fund." 1885. July 12. To balance $56.70 Sept. 16. Anton Melovedofif" lined for breaking in the company's storeroom and stealing and drinking alcohol belonging to Charles H. Town- send, naturalist, and becoming stupidly drunk 20. 00 Sept. 16. Jacob Kechuteu, for same offense 20. 00 Oct. 31. Timofoy Serebnikoff, for entering native house when locked and family absent and stealing coat 5. 00 1886. Apr. 15. Arcena Arkeshoflf (married), assaulting a young girl with immoral intentions 10. 00 May 1. Martin Popoff on complaint of Metropon Schuytehogin, for habitual disturbance of his domestic relations and enticing his wife from him for immoral purposes 10.00 Total 121. 70 Cr. May 28. By amount paid natives for cleaning streets 11. 00 Balance 110.70 Measurements of breeding rookeries, St. Paul Island, Alaska. Name of rookery. Eeef Garbotch Zoltoi Keetavia Lukannon Tolatoi Lagoon Northeast Point. Poll vena North Zapadnie . West Zapadnie .. Sea Lion Rock... Total Increase in 14 years . By H. W. Elliott, assistant Treasury agent, July 10 to 18, 1872. Sea margin. Width. Feet. 4,016 3,660 Feet. 150 lUO 2,200 2,270 3,000 750 15, 840 4,000 5,880 41,616 150 150 150 100 150 150 150 Total area. Feet. 602, 400 366, 000 330, 000 340, 500 450, 000 75, 000 2, 37(i, 000 600, 000 882, 000 6, 021, 900 Total seals, al- lowing 2 feet .square to eacK fe- male seal. 301, 200 183, 000 165, 000 170, 250 225, 000 37, 500 1, 188, 000 300, 000 441, 000 3, 010, 950 By Geo. R. Tingle, Treasury agent. May 3 to 8, 1886. Sea margin Feet. 5,550 2,750 700 2,700 1,6U0 3,100 1,625 14, 825 6,600 5,500 3,800 1,100 49, 850 8,234 Width. Feet. 175 275 30 140 175 250 75 205 175 100 550 145 Total area. Feet. 971, 250 756, 250 21, 000 378, 000 280, 000 775, 000 121, 875 3, 039, 125 1, 155, OUO 550, 000 2, 090, 000 159, 500 10, 297, 000 4, 275, 100 Total seals on Elliott's basis. 485, 625 378, 125 10, 500 189, 000 140, 000 387, 500 60, 937 1, 519, 563 577, 500 275, 000 1, 045, 000 79, 750 5, 148, 500 2, 137, 550 Zapadnie is divided by a sand beach over 700 feet wide at the southwest bay land- ing. In order to show the shape of the rookery better I call that portion north of the sand beach North Zapadnie and the other side West Zapadnie. Mr. Elliott treats it as one rookery. He also leaves out Sea Lion Rock, which is an old rookery. Zoltoi is new since his date. I think the space assigned to each seal by Mr. Elliot is not large enough, and a reduction of one-fourth from the figures above would give more nearly correct the actual number of seals on the rookeries named. Geo. R. Tingle, Treasury Agent, St, Paul Island, Alaska. 198 ALASKA INDUSTEIES. 1887. Special Agent Tingle; annual report for 1887. Office of Special Agent Treasury Department, St. Paul Island, July 31, 1887. Sir : I liave the lioiior to transmit herewith my report for the year ending July 31, 1887, with the steamers' receipts for 100,000 seal skins shipped. Statement A,^ inclosed, shows the daily killing of seals for food and by the lessees; Statement B,i the killing on both islands consolidated. It is very gratifying to be able to report almost no loss from seals per- ishing on the drives. Men are sent to follow up the seals and skiu such as perish and bring the skins to the salt houses. The loss in clubbing is also insignificant. This result is owing to greater care being exer- cised by the natives and lessees' men in handling the immense droves of seals, and the saving in clubbing small seals, which appear as rejected in the statement, is mainly owing to the presence on the field of the Treasury agent and the personal superintendence and strict orders of the lessees' general agent, who requires of his men the greatest care in killing, so that none but acceptable seal skins are taken. Indeed, the unnecessary slaughter of seals whose skins are not merchantable is a thing of the past, as a comparison of this season's statement with former years will show. The ice hung around St. Paul Island until the 13th of May, the weather being very cold, which no doubt was the cause of the light supply of killable*^ seals the early part of June. By the 20th of the month they landed in as great numbers as usual, and more than could be handled each day by the depleted force of natives entitled to partici- pate in the work of skinning or sealing. No difficulty was experienced by the lessees in securing their quota of fine skins in thirty-nine work- ing days, an average of 2,564 per day. The time has come when, in my judgment, the lessees should be authorized by the Secretary of the Treasury to employ additional natives, and teach them the business of sealing in all its branches, as death has played sad havoc with the sealers of the islands, as shown by a statement I herewith inclose, marked G,^ compiled from the records by the Alaska Commercial Com- pany's general agent, Dr. H. H. Mclntyre. From this list you will see the mortality among the men since 1870 has been fearful, andthesmali- ness of the effective force of able men and boys in 1887 to do the work of taking 85,000 seal skins on St. Paul Island during the time allowed by law is insufficient. Were it not for the fact that one-half the work per- taining to the taking, salting, bundling, etc., of the skins is done by Unalaska natives, brought up by the lessees for the sealing season and returned to their homes at the close of the season's business, and eight white men, employees of the lessees, the work would not be done on St. Paul Island without continuing the killing in the fall. About forty natives of Unalaska, the same tribe of people who inhabit the fur-seal islands, are brought annually to the islands, and paid by the lessees for salting, booking, bundling, etc., in order to advance the work, the island natives receiving the full sum of 40 cents per skin. It would be entirely just to take this extra expense from the sum total of the native 1 Misaing. ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 199 fuud, and distribute the remainder to the sealers, as the work performed by the extra help is a part of the duty imposed on the island natives, under the contract and in consideration of the 40 cents per skin paid them. Experience has demonstrated that the system of paymeut to the natives is not the best for their own interests, for the reason that when the season's sealing' ends, and they each get tlieir proportion ot the com- munity fund entered up to their credit in their pass books, they feel the year's work is ended. If called upon to work on a road over which they travel and wheel their water, meat, and fuel, or asked to launch a boat to board the vessel in the spriug, they are paid by the hour, or when called out by the Treasury agent in the spring to clean up the filth they have accumulated during the winter around their houses, they are paid for their labor. They earn their year's salary, or pay, in six weeks, and for the remainder of the year feel they are free. If called on to do any work, even though it may be as much for the benefit of the natives as the lessees, they must be paid by the hour for it. The system of payment by the piece, or skin, was adopted immediately after the transfer of the country as an inducement for the natives to secure the skins, rival coni- panies occupying the islands sealing at the time. In my opinion, it is not the best way to compensate the island natives, and is very unjust to their brothers who are brought from Unalaska to help them. The average pay of the St. Paul native sealer this year is a little over $500, whilst the Uualaskans receive on an average $80 each. This small sum is the main support ot their families for the year, while the St. Paul man has. besides his $500 cash, all the fresh seal meat he can eat, and salt, fuel, fish, house, medicines, physician, and schooling free. It would be a simple act of justice. to place the natives of Unalaska, employed to assist in sealing, on the same footing with the St. Paul natives in the distribution of the sum earned, as one set of men is just as essential to the work as the other. I would suggest, as a much better plan, the payment of a sum equal to 40 cents per skin, divided into annual sala- ries in proportion to the value of each man and boy's labor, payable weekly or monthly, with the understanding that in consideration of this salary their time and labor was subject to the orders of the lessees and Treasury agents at any and all times. For nine mouths or more every year the lessees have nothing for them to do, and the system of payment as suggested, I am sure, would prove more beneficial to the natives and make no difference whatever to the lessees, excepting it would subject the natives to their orders at all times for any work necessary to be done. I would respectfully recommend that any additional force of natives you may see proper to authorize to assist in sealing be paid by the year and not by the skin, and such sum so paid be deducted from the community fund of 40 cents per skin before the division is made and the remainder divided as heretofore among the old sealers, provided that none of the lessees' agents or white employees are paid out of the native funds. It is evident the rapid decrease of native adult males on the islands will necessitate an increase in the outside force of natives or the quota of 100,000 skins per annum can not be taken. The Unalaskan is paid by the lessees for doing the work which under their contract the islanders are bound to do, and while the wages paid them by the Alaska Commercial Company ($40 per month) is very good, the time employed (two months) is very short, lasting only through the killing season. In view of the facts stated, it would seem but just that some more equitable division of the funds be made among those natives who do the work, as they are all of one tribe, the 200 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. fur-seal islands haviug been first peopled a hundred years ago by transplanting Aleuts from Unalaska. The condition of the natives on the two islands is quite as good as usual after a long winter of idleness, during which time they shut themselves uj) in their close houses without permitting any ventilation whatever, keeping the house warmed up to an unhealthy temperature, taking only such outdoor exercise as is required of them in attendance on their church service, emerging in the spring in time to clean up and prepare for the arrival of the vessel. When it is dami) and cold, they are as imprudent and careless as during the winter, consequently take cold easily, resulting in many cases fatally. Bronchitis and pneumonia are the spring diseases. This year has been an unusually fatal one, there having been seventeen deaths in June and up to 12th of July. When once an Aleut makes up his mind to die, having no recuperative powers, he baffles the skill of the physician and calmly awaits the in- evitable. With proper care they would be much longer lived, as there is nothing in the climate or sanitary condition of the islands to invite disease. The white population on both islands, some of whom have remained continuously for five years, are always remarkably healthy. It is a notable fact that not a single death from disease has occurred among them since the transfer of Alaska to the United States. While the percentage of mortality among the natives is much greater than can be found in any State or country of which we have statistics, it is only a question of time when the Aleuts will become extinct. The census taken January 1, 1887, shows as follows: i 1 Males. Females. 3 o .S3 K 3 •« ° a « o o o 05 O M 3 00 Island. < o . ^^ t< tr- I- JO 1= OS -a o . in t-i 03 St. Paula 67 28 58 29 24 12 17 7 76 40 42 15 20 9 237 112 39 16 11 7 5 3 14 4 14 St.George6 5 a Seventeen deaths from June 1 to July 12, including five sealers ; almost 7 per cent in forty-two days. 6 One death since June 1. The cause of the excess of females on the islands is owing to a regu- lation of the Greek Church, which forbids the marriage of parties where the most distant relationship exists. It even extends to the relatiyes of the contracting parties, godmother and godfather. This absurd obstacle makes it almost out of the question for residents of the island to marry. The priest controls all marriages. His permis- sion is absolutely required belbre a marriage can take place. This rule of the church forces the men to go to Unalasl . II ^ . .... 870 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 211 A. — Annual statement of fur seals Mlled on St. Paul Island, Alaska, etc. — Continued. Kookery. Nnmber of seals killed for natives' food. Number of seals killed by lessees for skins. Aggregate. Pi 0? •a an o Hi xf CB '"' DO .9 02 Skins rejected. P< ■a a 1-5 § •6 § a 3 m w a t u « . .S U) cS m 00 "5 O c3 ^ O EH 1887. July 31 Aug. 3 6 12 20 22 Sept. 5 10 19 Oct. 24 Nov. 1 7 1888. June 6 11 12 16 18 19 22 4 53 41 86 23 61 .... 4 53 41 86 23 61 .... u 24 45 • 4 53 41 87 23 61 44 24 45 126 24 53 41 87 23 61 44 24 45 126 53 41 86 23 61 53 T?Qqt, ... .......... 41 do 1 87 do 23 do ' 61 "MnrtTi 44 24 45 44 24 Hn 45 1?6 126 24 126 24 126 742 614 24 24 24 Af\ ;j^orth 121 272 455 227 427 324 764 908 894 438 341 341 530 503 648 389 1,169 810 508 694 407 683 366 550 179 4C5 159 520 142 408 .... 121 272 455 227 427 324 764 908 894 438 341 341 530 503 648 389 1,169 810 508 694 407 683 366 550 179 405 159 520 142 408 .... 121 272 ^Ntaryv- A tApl N'nrth and East 455 do -...-..-.---. 227 427 324 764 25 26 27 908 895 East 438 29 July 2 ^tiirrxT' A t.ppl and 'N'orth ' 341 341 JJjjgt 530 4 503 jjast 648 9 10 2 13 16 17 18 19 20 23 24 25 26 27 27 389 Qfarrtr Atpftl nTid "N'ort.li 1,169 •Raot 810 *iTiirrv Atppl and ^ort.ll 508 694 407 683 366 550 179 405 159 starry Ateel, North and East . 520 • 142 408 Total 1,356 528 528 414 1 113 15, 000 2 15, 000 115 15, 115 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 213 Consolidated annual report of fur seals Jcilled at the seal islands of AlasJca during the year ended Juhj 31, 188S. Killed for natives' food. Killed by the les- sees for skins. Aggregate. OD 1 m be a "3 o H si f— 1 31 3 CO Skins rejected. Skins ac- cepted. a So a 3 •6 <0 0 (D U CO a 1 0 CO 5 73 Op . gbC a IS H "Where and when killed. 6 a P bo 6 Ph GO 03 -3 IS § 0 0) M St. Paul. 1887. Jtdy 39 39 39 39 a 56 961 1,005 135 910 603 528 394 26, 649 52, 830 39 a 56 976 1,020 135 918 612 532 398 26, 929 53, 385 39 Augnat a 56 Do 980 1,051 300 943 619 545 408 980 1,051 300 943 619 545 408 976 1,020 135 918 612 532 398 4 "25" 7 13 10 "31 165 15 15 4 31 165 25 7 13 10 10 6 980 September 1 051 October 300 November 2,177 8 9 4 4 280 555 '"'16' 6 943 December 619 1888. January 545 May 408 June 26 939 Julv 53 391 Total 2,177 4,885 4,885 4,630 59 196 84, 110 890 16 271 85, 000 85 271 St. Oeorge. 1887. July 31 ai 264 a4 264 " "i26 24 5,171 9,411 a4 9fin August 265 113 126 24 265 113 126 24 264 1 "lis' 1 1 113 September 113 October 126 24 126 24 5,171 9,411 216 November 1,356 24 1888. June 1 1 5,172 9,411 July Total 1,356 528 528 414 1 113 15,000 2 115 15, 000 15,115 3,533 5,413 5,413 5,044 60 309 99, 110 890 18 386 100, 000 100, 386 a Balance over shipment. Alaska Commercial Company, in account with the United States at St. Paul Island. Dr. August 1, 1887. To supply of coal for native use as per lease, 40 tons ; fish, 60 barrels ; salt, requisite quantity; barrels, requisite quantity; maintenance of school, eight months. Cr. August 1, 1887. By coal for native use as per lease, 40 tons; fish, 60 barrels; salt, all they wish ; barrels, all they wish. April 26, 1888. Maintenance of school, eight months. Alaska Commercial Company, in account with the United States at St. George Island. Dr. August 1, 1887. To supply of coal for native use as per lease, 20 tons; fish, 20 barrels; salt, as required; barrels, as required; maintenance of school, eight months. Cr. August 1, 1887. By coal for native use as per lease, 20 tons; fish, 20 barrels; salt, all they wish ; barrels, as required. April 30, 1888. Maintenance of school, eight months. 214 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. ST. PAUL ISLAND. The Alaska Commercial Company, to oil fund account. Dr. 1887 July 31. To balance $151.52 Cr. Oct. 8. By repairs on native well and pnmp $1. 50 29. Turfing native well-house 4. 00 1888. May 19. Labor, cleaning native well-house 1. 50 26. Repairs on native pump 3. 65 10. 65 Balance 140.87 The Alaska Commercial Company, to generalJ'und%account. Dr. 1887. July 31. To balance $110.70 Cr. 1888. May 19. By labor for cleaning streets 7.50 Balance 103.20 ST. GEORGE ISLAND. Alaska Commercial Company, in account with general fund. July 31, 1888. To fines imposed by Government officers on natives from August 21, 1883, to date, for violation of orders and various offenses $258.60 Note. — It is proposed, unless otherwise ordered, to use the above accumulation of fines to build for the use of the natives a meat and ice house to carry them through the season when the seals are stagey. Island of St. George, Jtily SO, 1888. This is to certify that 9,948 fur-seal skins have this day been shipped on board the Alaska Commercial Company's steamer St. Paul, whereof M. C. Erskiue is master, William Gavitt, Assistant Treasury Agent. Island of St. Paul, August 9, 1888. This is to certify that 85,000 fur-seal skins have this day been shipped on board the Alaska Commercial Company's steamer aS<. Paul, whereof M. C. Erskine is master. Geo. R. Tingle, Treasury Agent. Island of St. George, August 9, ISSS. This is to certify that 5,052 fur-seal skins have this day been shipped on board the Alaska Commercial Company's steamer St. Paul, commanded by M. C. Erskine. William Gavitt, Assistant Treasury Agent. 1889. Special Agent Goff; Annual Report for 1889. St. Paul Island, July 31, 1889. Sir: I have tlie honor to transmit a report of the operations and the condition of the seal islands of Ahiska for the year ending- July 31, 1889. I alsoaccej)t and inclose the reports of Mr. J. P. Manchester and Capt. A. P. Loud, assistant Treasury agents, of St. Paul and St. George ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 215 islands, respectively, they having been personally in charge of these islands for the past two years. The inclosed tabulated mortality tables made by Dr. C A. Lutz, the resident physician of this island, are correct and AYorthy of consideration. I shall confine my remarks to the Island of St. Paul, as I have had no opportunity to visit St. George Island since my arrival here, June 1. I am satisfied, however, from the information I have received from Col. Joseph Mm ray. Treasury agent, now in charge of St. George Island, that the same condition of attairs exists there as on this (St. Paul) island. By referring to the itemized statement of skins taken, you will observe the number of pups killed for food during the fall of 1S8S was 2,178. This was an unusually small number, exce])ting the year previous, but it was adjudged the proper per cent to kill under the existing circum- stances and respecting the future of the rookeries. The killing of a large number of merchantable seals for food followed during the winter. These skins were salted and accepted by the Alaska Commercial Com- pany as part of their quota of skins for this year. The first appearance of the bulls at their usual annual haunts was May 5, but the coming of these animals to the rookeries was unusually late, followed by a late ap))earance of the cows. At first it was sup- I)osed that the severe winter had prevented the seals from returning as in the past, but close observation on the part of Mr. J. P. Manches- ter revealed the fact that it was owing to the scarcity of the seals, wliicb was to him very perceptible as the season advanced, and as the killing by the Alaska Commercial Company proceeded, the daily, weekly, and monthly recei])ts were much smaller than ever before. The small number of pups killed in the fall for food, the late appearance of the bulls and cows the following spring in large schools as in the past, and the alarming decrease in the daily, weekly, and monthly receipts of the Alaska Commt rcial Company, and as a dernier resort by said company to secure their 10(),()00 skins the killing of smaller seals than was cus- tomary, attest conclusively that Mr. J. P. Manchester's observations were undoubtedly correct, that there is a scarcity of seals, and that within the last year or so they are from some cause decreasing far beyond the increase. As this is the last year of the present lease and there is a new lease to be made, I would respectfully suggest that it is of vital importance to the existence of seal life that the annual quota in the future be limited to the taking of 00,000 skins as the maximum from the Pribilof Islands, 52,500 from St. Paul, Otter, and Walrus islands, and 7,500 from St. George for the first five years of the lease. At the expiration of said time the number to be increased or decreased, as the Secretary of the Treasury may deem advisable. The work of killing seals and salt- ing skins has been accomplished only through the assistance rendered by labor imported from Unalaska, as the number of laborers on the island was too small to complete the task within the limited time allotted by the Government. By reference to the census, you will see that the inhabitants are annually decreasing, and that the females are largely in excess of the males. Here I will say that I heartily concur with Mr. T. F. Eyan, formerly Treasury agent to these islands, whose letter to the Department bearing date April 8, 1889, upon this subject was referred to me. And in reply to Department letter to me, bearing date May 6, 1889, will say that some way to infuse new life into these few remaining people should be devised by the Department at once and speedily executed before it is too late. It is impossible for the Treas- ury agent in charge to receive reliable information concerning the wishes and condition of the natives elsewhere on the Aleutian chain, whether 216 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. they are willing or even would come to these islands to live. He has no facility for traveling to either Otter or Walrus islands, both within a range of 10 miles to this island (and it is his duty to visit them occa- sionally), without it is through the courtesy extended by the Alaska Commercial Company, and at no little expense to the company. If it is deemed advisable to send a vessel along the Aleutian chain to secure strong, healthy male laborers, who are willing to come to these islands and make them their future homes, it should be done at once, under the supervision of a Treasury agent familiar with the conditions of St. Paul and St. George islands, accompanied by a resident physician from one of the islands. On June 27 the Alaska Commercial Company, through Dr. H. H, Mclntyre, their general manager, furnished me a boat, manned and rigged, and I visited Otter Island, and found about 2,000 killable seals, and many were in the water near by. Under the present lease the lessees are not allowed to kill seals on this island. Consequently they are not molested, unless taken by pirates, which has 'been the result once or twice in the past. This island and Walrus should be included in the next lease. The number of resident laborers on this island at present is 52, aged from 03 to 13 years, classified as follows: Clubbers, 6; stickers, 6; flippers, 8; skinners, 32. The number of laborers from Unalaska is 23. These men did general work, such as salting skins, booking, bundling, and delivering them to the warehouse ready for shipment. This entire work was formerly done by the natives, but of late years the native force became too small, compelling the Alaska Commercial Company to introduce labor from abroad. These men, however, are paid by the Alaska Commercial Company, and the natives receive the entire proceeds of the catch. The number of seals killed upon this island this season was 85,000 and sea lions 25. The killing commenced June 5 and ended July 31. The natives realized $33,759.80 for the season's catch, which was distributed as per inclosed statement. On June 26 the United States man-of war the Thetis^ Lieutenant- Commander Stockton, arrived from Sitka; also the United States cutter Bnsh, Captain Sheperd. The Thetis left the following day at Eoon for St. Michaels, en route for Point Barrow, and the Bush June 28, for a cruise through Bering Sea. On July 18 Mr. Webster, the Alaska Commercial Company's agent at Northeast Point, this island, sighted a schooner about 5 miles off the island. On July 25 the United States cutter Rush, Captain Sheperd, again anchored at east landing, and informed me that he had seized the British schooners Maiiie and Black Diamond. The Mattie was seized July 17, and had on board 418 seal skins. The Blade Diamond was seized July 11, with 70 seal skins aboard. He also informed me that there were no less than thirty schooners in Bering Sea with pred- atory intentions. If these piratical vessels are allowed to butcher the seals regardless of age and sex the seals of Alaska will soon be exterminated. The prosjjerity of these world-renowned rookeries is fast fading away under tlie present annual catch allowed by law, and this indiscreet slaughter now being waged in these wateis will only hasten the end of the fur seals of the Pribilof islands. Cai)tain Sheperd is a faithful, conscientious, and energetic officer, and is deserving the loudest encomium from the Department, but without assistance it is impossible for him to police these waters effectually. On the retirement of Mr. J. P. Manchester the Department loses a fearless, faithful, and honorable officer — one who has in the perform- ance of his duties reflected credit ujion himself and honor on his Gov- ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 217 eminent. Capt. A. P. Loud has also discharged Ms duties in a credit- a'ble manner, and retires from office leaving- a record to be envied by his successor. In conclusion, I desire to say that the Alaska Commercial Company has not only strictly conformed to the requirements of the lease during the present season, bu(b has manifested a generous protectorate over the natives. Eespectfully submitted. Charles J. Goff, Treasury Agent. Hon. Wm. Windom, Secretary of the Treasury. INCLOSTTEES WITH GOFF'S ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1889. Annual statement of fur seals killed on St. Paul Island, Alaska, during the year ended July 31, 1889. Rookery. Number of seals killed for natives' food. Number of seals killed by lessees for skins. -A-ggregate. Date. fin be a 3 o . >.£ 03 "3 o S • o m O 00 05—' a >, ■M © 02 Accepted. (3 -♦J <0 a P a 3 OQ 6 g 'u 1 0 H 1888. Aug. 2 8 Zoltoi 177 140 159 364 321 19 114 100 98 98 83 98 111 126 177 140 159 364 321 19 114 100 98 98 83 98 111 126 177 140 159 362 321 19 98 97 98 98 83 98 111 126 "2 '"ie 3 172 134 158 349 313 19 95 92 98 98 5 6 1 13 8 177 140 159 362 321 19 98 97 98 98 83 98 111 126 .... 177 ..do 140 16 do 159 23 Middle Hill and Xiukannon - 364 24 Zoltoi 321 24 do 19 Sept. 6 15 do 3 5 114 do 100 22 do ... 93 29 do . . 98 Oct 10 Tjiiltannon . - . 83 83 18 Middle Hill 98 111 126 98 27 do 111 Nov 3 Middle Hill and Zoltoi 126 5 Keef . 761 547 716 154 7 ..do 8 do g do 15 Middle Hill 277 111 129 206 78 124 41 234 133 277 111 129 206 78 124 41 234 133 277 111 127 190 78 124 41 234 133 ""'2 16 274 110 125 190 78 122 41 231 133 192 119 944 751 339 885 1,053 1,143 1,264 494 1,541 252 1,197 1,330 749 2,546 3 1 2 277 111 127 190 78 124 41 234 133 201 120 947 762 340 895 1,054 1,160 1,270 494 1,561 253 1,205 1,355 754 2,573 1 277 26 Reef 111 30 do 129 Dec. 17 Tolstoi 206 26 Sea Lion Rock 78 1889. May 22 25 Sea Lion Rock 2 124 Reef 41 28 do 3 234 31 Northeast Point 133 June 5 Reef 9 1 3 11 1 10 1 17 6 '"20 1 8 25 5 32 1 . - - . 201 10 do 120 12 Tolstoi 947 14 Zoltoi and Reef 762 15 Southwest Bay 340 17 Halfway Point 895 17 Northeast Point 1,054 18 English Bay, Tolstoi, and Mid- dle Hill... 1,161 18 Northeast Point 1,270 19 do 494 19 Reef, Zoltoi, and Lukaunon . . . . 1,561 20 South west Bay . .-- 253 21 Northeast Point 1,205 22 English Bay, Tolstoi, and Mid- dle Hill.." 1,355 24 Northeast Point 754 24 Reef and Zoltoi 2,578 218 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. Annual statement of fur seals killed on St. Paul's Island, Alaska, etc. — Continued. Rookery. Number of seals killed for natives' food. Number of seals killed by lessees for skins. Aggregate. Date. CM 61) a o . 1 a* i o H o Accepted. a 3 . 0 C8 m a m § m 6 a P4 to ci 0 H 1889. Ptalfwav Point and Liukannon. 969 1,394 1,283 441 10 13 31 .... 979 979 25 1,407 .... 1,314.... 441].... 311.... 844.... 1,349.... 479 ... . 335'.... 1,038.... 1,200.... 1,023.... 834.... 968.... 1,841.... 1,7161 1,407 26 English Bay and Middle Hill . . . 1,314 26 441 27 305 R .... 311 27 840 4 1,318 31 476 3 844 28 Reef, Zoltoi, and Ketovia 1,349 28 Northeast Point - 479 29 do 334 1,009 1,187 1,007 822 964 1,788 1,689 1,552 1, 225 1,520 1,287 373 806 909 1,296 638 645 798 1,974 987 788 2,996 1,818 1,882 1,148 1,903 940 1.999 1,264 1,987 826 1,867 241 1,897 348 1,106 730 1, 360 013 1,705 1 658 1,417 1,067 1,588 1, 604 901 G03 537 1 29 13 16 12 4 53 27 7 335 29 English Bav and Tolstoi 1,038 July 1 1 Northeast Point 1 200 Reef, Zoltoi, and Lukannon .... 1 023 2 Halfway Point - 834 2 Northeast Point 968 3 English Bay, Tolstoi, and Mid- dle Hill 1,841 4 Reef, Zoltoi, and Lukannon 1,716 4 Northeast Point , : 1,5.59 1,255 1,524 1,302 376 813 914 1,314 641 654 800 2,004 1,006 793 3,083 1 838 1,911 1,156 1, 931 948 2,045 1,282 2,016 834 1,913 243 1,943 350 1, 122 740 1,384 616 1,752 1 679 1,433 1,105 1,640 1,624 973 615 538 ""i '"2 1 "i ■""4 ""3 1,559 5 Southwest Bay 30 1,255 5 Northeast Point 4 15 3 7 5 18 3 9 2 30 19 5 87 20 29 8 28 8 46 18 29 8 46 2 46 2 16 10 24 3 47 "i 2 1 "i 4 1,524 6 English Bay, Tolstoi, and Mid- dle Hill ' 1,302 6 376 8 Reef Zoltoi and Lukannon .- 814 8 Northeast Point . 914 9 Eno"lish Bav and Tolstoi 1,314 9 Northeast Point 641 10 Halfway Point 654 10 ^Northeast Point 800 12 Reef and Zoltoi 2,004 13 1,006 13 Northeast Point 793 15 English Bav and Middle Hill. .. 3.085 15 Northeast Point 1,838 16 1,911 16 Northeast Point 1,156 17 ' Halfway Point and Lukannon Beach . . 1,931 17 Northeast Point . . 948 18 Lagoon, English Bay, and Mid- dle Hill 2,046 18 1,282 19 2,017 834 19 Northeast Point 20 1,913 20 Northea-^t Point 243 22 English Bay, Middle Hill, and 1,943 22 350 23 1,122 23 740 24 1,384 24 616 24 English Bay and Middle Hill. .. 1,756 24 Northeast Point 1 26 21 16 38 52 20 12 12 1 1 "3 680 26 1.433 27 Zoltoi and Lukannon 1,105 29 Ensrlisli Bav and Middle Hill , 1,643 29 Northeast l*oint 1,624 30 Halfway Point 973 30 Southwest i5ay ... 615 31 538 Total 3, 178 3. :U1 3.341 3, 302 39 83. 739 1,261 14 85, 000 14 85, 053 1 Note.— The39skius rejected in the food killing were given to the natives for their use. The 14 skins rejected during sealing season were also given to the natives for their use. ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 219 Annual statement of fur seals killed on St. George Island, Alaska, during the year ended July 29, 1889. liookery. Number of seals killed for natives' food. Number of seals killed by lessees for skins. Aggregates. T>nf,ft □0 1 m bO a s o CS i o H on Skins re- jected. Accept- ed, a .2 p< aj 0 a 3 m to 0 oo ^ Bo ■^.'^ Total seals killed during the year. Where and -when killed. P 1 ©■ a 00 OS •i o o o «2 St. Paul Island. 1888. August 1,180 410 292 643 284 532 1,180 410 292 643 284 532 1,178 391 292 641 268 532 2 19 1,145 383 292 6:i5 268 527 23, 168 33 8 2 19 1,178 391 292 641 268 532 23. 446 58, 252 1 180 September 410 October 292 November 2,178 2 16 6 2 16 643 Deceuiber 284 1889. May 5 532 278 1 1 13 23, 447 i 57,32ll 931 13 58, 265 1 Total 2,178 3,341 3,341 3,302 39 83, 739 1 1,261 14 53 85, 000 85, 053 St. George Island. 1888. a 10 761 468 73 a 10 761 468 73 olO 752 396 73 a 10 a 10 752 396 73 a 10 Do 9 32 '"46 752 390 73 9 72 761 September 468 October 73 November 978 1889. 128 128 128 128 128 3,584 iO, 057 128 3,572 12 3,584 July 10,016 41 1 10, 058 Total 978 1,440 1,440 1, 359 41 40 14,947 53 82 135 15, 000 100, 000 15,082 Total both islands . . 3,156 4,781 4,781 4,661 80 40 98,086 1,314 1 14 100, 135 a Balance of skins on hand. ALASKA INDUSTKIES. 221 Distrihution of proceeds from seals taken on St. George Island. For 15,000 skins taken on St. George $6, 000 By division from St. Paul 1,300 $7, 300 First class, 100 per cent : Lestenkoff, Demetria 380 Nederazoff, Arkenty 380 Philimanoff, Simeon 380 Philimanolf, Eotf 380 Merculiff, Sebastian 380 Goi'okoff, Corneal 380 S wetsoff, Enstin 380 Oustigoff, Alexa 380 3,040 Second class, 85 per cent : Oustigoff, Zahar 323 Philimanoff, Andronic 323 Malavansky, Nicoli 323 969 Third class, 75 per cent: Philimanoff, Andrian 285 Oustigoff, Simeon 285 Lakanoff, Stepan 285 855 Fourth class, .55 per cent: Kulikalott; John 209 Rezauzoff, Peter 209 Merculiff, Joe 209 Rezanzoff, Inuokentv 209 836 Special : Lestenkoff, Mike 75 Merculiff, George 75 Philimanoff, Gregory 75 Philimanoff, Ifreme 75 300 Galinin, Pafara 50 Prakapoff, Peter 50 Eezauzotl', Seraphema (orphan) 50 Lestinkott", Demetria (tirst chief) 50 Nederazoff, Arkenty (second chief) 50 250 Galinin, Okalena 100 Shane, Riesa • 150 250 Lestinkoff, Rev. Innokenty 800 7,300 Recapitulation of distribution of proceeds from fur seals taken on St. Paullslandfor 1889. 83,724 sealskins, at 40 cents $33,489.60 1,276 seal skins cut, at 20 cents 255. 20 25 sea lion skins, at 60 cents 15. 00 33, 759. 80 Less paid men on St. George 1, 300.00 32, 459. 80 Provisions at Northeast Point 129. 80 Distributed to the natives 32, 330. 00 26 first-class men received, each, $627.85 16,324.10 10 second-class men received, each, $565.05 5, 650. 50 6 third-class men received, each, $502.29 3, 013. 74 4 fourth-class men received, each, $439.49 1,757.96 222 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 3 fifth-class men received, eacli, $376.73 $1, 130. 19 3 seventh-class men received, each, $251.17 753.51 Rev. Paul Shaishnikoff $1,000.00 2 chiefs, extra 200.00 Estate of Cajsar Shabolin 250. 00 Estate of Akaki Galkin 250. 00 Widows 2,000.00 3, 700. 00 Inclostire with Goff's Annual Beport for 1889. St. Paul Island, Alaska, August 1, 1889. Sir: I herewith present, for your consideration, the accompanying tables. A cursory examination of them will show that the prevailing causes of death are phthisis, pneumonia, scrofula, and bronchitis, and that the number of deaths in seventeen years has been greater than the entire number of births in the same period of time, or the total number of inhabitants in 1872. In all general computations relative to this island females are in excess — the average number of inhabitants being, males^ 107; females, 136; births, males, 6; females, 8; deaths, males, 8,88 ; females, 9.88. The average population is about 244, and the average rate of death per thousand is 84.34. Starting with a population, in 1872, composed of 106 males and 112 females, and taking all births and deaths into consideration since that time, it is found that the population dwindled down by natural causes to 147 in the period of seventeen years, and that the present popula- tion of 223, composed of 88 males and 135 females, is explained by the fact that from time to time the number of inhabitants here was increased by the arrival of people from other places. These arrivals, apparently 76 in number, consisted of the women, and sometimes of the women and children, taken by St. Paul residents in marriage, and were 5 in excess of the actual decrease in population since 1872. This is a statement of facts only, but anyone can see at a glance that the natural tendency of these people is towards extinction, and that result, unless measures are taken to meet the case, will be brought about in twice the period of time covered by these tables. Very respectfully, yours, Ohas. a. Lutz, M. D., Resident Physician Alaska Commercial Co. Hon. Chas. J. GoFF, Special Agent United States Treasury. Births f or seventeen years on St. Paul Island. Tear. Male. Fe- male. Total. Tear. Male. re- male. Total. 1872 4 ] 5 4 10 6 7 10 9 10 6 3 9 8 11 7 12 9 12 10 10 4 14 12 21 13 19 19 21 20 1882. 1883. 1884. 1885. 1886. 1887. 1888. 8 11 4 8 4 2 6 4 8 12 6 10 6 6 12 1873 19 1874 16 1875 14 ]g76 14 1077 8 1870 12 Total laan 109 139 248 1881 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 223 Monthly distribution of mortality on St. Paul Island, Alaska, for seventeen years. Months. Tear. 1 *-5 >> =3 S ,=1 3 ft ^ a (D a i-3 1-5 fcc <1 i a ft 0 0 i 0 !2i e ,0 a (S 0 1 1872 3 6 3 3 2 2 4 1 1 ...... 3 2 ...... 1 1 5 3 ""2 1 2 4 2 1 "l 1 2 ....„ 1 3 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 1 1 1 ...... 2 ...... 2 2 2 1 7 10 1873 3 1 1 ...... 5 1 3 8 10 2 1 1 15 1874 10 1875 2 1 1 9 1876 1 3 2 6 I 1 •1 17 1877 1878 18 21 1879 3 . 2 2 2 1 12 18 1880 1 1 6 i 1 3 20 1881 1 2 1 17 1882 1 1 22 50 1883 26 1884 . . . 1 ...... ""2 5 1 1 1 1 2 2 1 4 4 1 3 1 '"g 1 2 3 1 3 12 1885 1 2 1 2 2 2 1 1 i 1 14 1886 ...... 1 1 10 6 14 1887 21 1888 3 27 Total 32 17 15 29 36 53 26 28 13 18 31 21 319 Mortality in reference to age on St. Paul Island for seventeen years. Sex. Under one year. 1 to 5 j£ears. 5 to 10 years. 10 to 20 year-s. 20 to 30 j'ears. 30 to 40 years. 40 to 50 years. 50 to 60 years. 60 to 70 years. Tear. Males. Fe males. Total. 1872 6 9 3 5 6 6 9 9 10 6 29 13 4 5 5 11 15 4 6 7 4 11 12 12 9 10 11 21 13 8 9 9 10 12 3 2 2 3 10 1 9 7 9 5 10 13 1 7 3 5 3 3 4 3 1 1 9 4 6 2 4 14 8 3 1 3 2 1 1 1 1 1 i' 2 2 1 2 1 7 2 2 2 2 2 6 1 2' 2 1 2 1 1 1 3 4 10 1873 1 1 15 1874 10 1875 2' 2 2 1 2 ■--■-■ 1 1 i' g 1876 17 1877 2 i i- 1 2 18 1878 2 1 1 1 2 1 1 3" 21 1879 18 1880 20 1881 17 1882 2" 1 2" 2 1 1 3 50 1883 : 26 1884 1 2 1 4 7 2 1 2 2 2 12 1885 14 1886 2 4 2 2 1 i 3 1 1 1 14 1887 1888 21 27 Total . . 151 168 93 70 15 20 34 33 31 16 7 319 General record of deaths at St. Paul Island, Alaska, for seventeen years — 187^ to 18S8, inclusive. Disease. Class I. Zymotic diseases Class II. Constitutional diseases Class III. Local diseases Class IV. Developmental diseases Class V. Viiileiit deaths Class VI. Deaths from causes not re- corded Total Per cent to total mortality Sex. Ages. . m m m 03 a ^^ u U u 5 tj a (3 cS C8 c« cS e CS 0 (S © © « a> a 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 0 a a 10 0 1-H 0 0 0 10 0 to 0 t- 0 0 H Ph a P 0 0 0 -4^ 0 CO +3 +3 g 20 6,^6 11 38 9 46 5 5 9 10 1 9 3 11 '"26 1 17 1 8 84 26. 33 3 1 99 31.03 48 51 28 25 3 4 7 11 9 8 4 4012.53 18 22 22 8.... 1 1 3 3 2 12 3.76 6 30 6 34 4 29 93 2 16 1 1 1 3 3 1 3 1 9 64 20.06 2 319 151 168 70 15 20 34 33 31 16 7 47.33 52.66 29.15 21.94 4.70 6.26 10.65 10.34 9.71 5. 01 2. 19 1 224 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. General record of deaths at St. Paul Island, Alaska, etc. — Continued. 1 o H a o Sex. Ages. Disease. i o5 g 0 a i 0 rH 0 +J in 0 (M 0 03 u a >, 0 m 0 £ c3 0) >^. 0 •<* s 0 CO 03 £> 0 10 0 -*^ i CO p 0 11-5 cS m >, 0 c- 0 '^ 0 to Class I. Order 1. Miasmatic: 3 1 1 7 1 7 ] 63 14 6 1 8 3 8 1 1 2 1 11 2 1 4 1 43 7 2 3 7 1 2 1 20 9 1 1 1 8 1 64 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 3 1 2 1 4 3 1 3 1 Order 2. Enthetic: Orders. Dietic: Sf.orlnitiiia .................... 5 1 25 7 5 1 5 1 3 4 1 1 1 14 2 1 Class II. Order 1. Diathetic: Order 2. Tubercular: Phthisis pulmonalis ., 38 7 1 2 2 1 5 4 1 3 4 2 7 2 2 20 8 3 1 Class HI. Order 1. ll^ervous system : 1 3 2 5 1 1 1 1 6 1 1 3 1 20 2 1 2 5 2 1 19. 5 ■"■■4 3 1 3 "Rrjilari^V 1 1 1 1 1 '""'i 3 1 Order 2. Circulatory: 1 1 1 Order 3. Respiratory : 5 1 2 1 1 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 9 1 •-1 7 1 1 1 "Pnftiirnonia ............. 23 5 1 1 2 1 6 6 1 .... 3 6 6 5 5 3 Order 4. Digestive system : 1 1 1 Class IV. Order 1. Children: Birth, premature and stillborn Order 2. "Women: Child hirth 1 1 Orders. Nutrition: Atrophy, inanition, marasmus g 12 2 8 ?, 1 2 3 2 Class V. Violent deaths: Fall 1 1 Order 1. Casualties: 1 1 3 1 30 1 1 Scald "■"■5 4 Asphyxiation and suffocation Order 2. Suicide: By pistol-shot -wound in head Class VI. TTTiclaasififtd unascertained..... . 1 2 1 1 3 34 29 16 1 1 3 9 2 Total 319 151 168 93 70 15 20 34 33 31 16 7 1 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 225 Pojmlation, births, deaths, and death rate at St. Paul Island for seventeen years — lS7i2 to ISSS, inclusive. Adults. 5 to 17 years. Under 5 years. a 4^ '" a r o H o3 CD P Inhabit- ants. Deaths. Births. Year. 03 09 i •a oi 1 CO 93 g S 1^ 1 en a laced to the credit of the general fund. I think it is the duty of the United States Government to furnish the Government officers on each island one good surfboat. The Govern- ment officers are called upon to use boats quite often, and having none are obliged to borrow of the Alaska Commercial Company. They are always very kind and obliging; still, the Government should not use up their jjroperty. The first bull seal made his appearance at this island May 3, 1889. On January 1 . 1889, the census of St. Paul Islaud was as follows : Nati ve population, 223'; number of families, 05. Males: Adults, 48; from 5 to 17 years, 23; under 5 years, 17. Females: Adults, 70; from 5 to 17 years, 37 ; under 5 years, 22. Females in excess of males, 47. Mar- riages in 1888, 2 ; births, 12 ; deaths, 27. We had no communication with the outside world from the departure of the Alaska Commercial Company's schooner Pearl, October 2, 1888, until the arrival of the Alaska Commercial Company's steamer St. Paul, June 1, 1889. The usual watch of natives was continued while tliere were any seals on the island. No pirate schooners around the island in sight during the time and up to date, June 1, 1889. Eespectfully, yours, J. P. Manchester, Assistant Treasury Agent. Hon. C. J. GoFF, Treasiiry Agent, St. Paul Island, AlasM. Special Agent Goff; Supplemental Report for 1889. CLARKSBURa, W. Va., December 23, 1889. Sir : I have the honor to submit the following supplementary to my annual report of the operations and conditions of the Seal Islands, Alaska, for the season of 1889. On September 22 the Alaska Commercial Company's steamer Pora arrived at St. Paul Island, having on board Mr., S. E. Nettletou, your recent appointee as agent to the seal fisheries, who is now in cbarge of the island, I having returned to my home for the winter, as per instruc- tions bearing date August 10, 1889. After the closing of the sealing season, which was July 31, I visited the rookeries daily and made a careful survey of them to ascertain as near as possible the condition of the present seal life with tlie past. From the first I was forcibly impressed with the decrease in number, taking as a guide the report of my predecessor, the Hon. George E. Tingle; but thinking I might be mistaken, and not wishing to sound a needless alarm to the Depart- ment, I ventured the suggestion of taking 00,000 seals as the maxi- mum for the first five years of the new lease, the number to be increased or decreased as the Secretary may deem advisable. I now, without hesitation, after a more careful observation of the entire situation, think that my suggestion of 00,000 was too high, and won Id respect- fully insert instead 50,000 as the maximum, the number to be increased ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 229 or decreased as the Secretary may see proper, the number to be pro- portioned between tbet^Yo islands as tbe agent in charge may adjudge best for the ]irotection of the rookeries. I regard it absolutely essential, for the future of the rookeries, that prompt action be taken by the Department for the suppression of illegal killiug of seals in Bering Sea, and that the utmost economy be observed in taking the seals allow(!d by law. There should be no killing after July 20. After that date the cows have a tendency to haul out witli the young bulls, and the natives in making drives from the rookeries to the killing grounds find it impos- sible to separate the males from the females. Consequently many small pups and cows are driven with the herd, which necessarily results in the loss of many pups and great injury to the cows. Under the existing law or regulations the natives are allowed to kill pups just before they take their departure from the island for the winter, which is in jSTovember, for their winter's supply of meat, and under the pretense that tliey need the skins (which they get) for cloth- ing. This is without doubt a useless slaughter of young seals, amount- ing to about 5,000 annually, and should receive the lirmest condem- nation by the Department, first, because the rookeries will not admit of this wanton destruction without leaving its impress upon their now weak condition; second, the winter's supply of meat should be secured during the killing season by erecting cold storage houses and placing therein as many thousand carcasses as are needed, not only for the islands, but for the natives, if necessary, along the Aleutian Islands, or the supply secured by canning the meat, either of which would be by far cheaper for the Government than the destruction of 5,000 young seals annually, which is equivalent to $15,000 i)er annum; third, the skins are never made into clothing through necessity, and are too small to be used iu covering their boats. The natives purchase their clothing from the Alaska Commercial Company at reasonable iirices. The skins are made into blankets, coats, caps, gloves, etc., and traded to i)assing vessels for trinkets and useless articles, and are a source through which they look for intoxicants. Th.ey will refuse to sell tbeir blankets to the company for cash, preferring to run the chance of smuggling them off for whisky. Cinder these existing regulations, the natives living along the Aleutian chain have conceived the idea that they also are allowed to kill seals for food, and many thousands are killed by them as they pass through the passes to and from the islands, only for the skins, which are sold and traded for whisky to poaching vessels. The inclosed statistics* of seals killed illegally was compiled by Dr. H. II. Mclntyre, general manager of the Alaska Commercial Comi^any, and upon my request he furnished nie with a copy. I regard them as being of vital importance to the De])artment, as they are substantially correct. In conclusion, I desire to ask upon what has a Treasury agent to base his actions; are there any existing laws that give to him the authority for issuing orders and controlling the natives, as in the i^ast? This is getting to be a serious question, and sooner or later a conflict of authority will arise which will result disastrously. liespectfully submitted. Charles J. Goff, Treasury Agent. Hon. William Windom, Secretary of the Treasury. ~ Missing. 230 _ ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 1890. Special Agent Goff; Annual Report for 1890. St. Paul Island, ALAsKA,.J^w?t/ 31^ 1890. Sir: r lierewitli respectfully submit my annual report of the con- dition of the seal fisheries for the year 1800; also such tabulated statements and communications as should be in the hands of the Department: A. My annual written report, Avith. tlie following inclosurea : B. Mr. Jose])li Murray, First Assistant Treasury Agent's report, St. George Island. C. Mr. A. W. Lavender, Assistant Treasury Agent's report, St. George Island. D. Statement St. Paul Island daily Ivilling. E. Statement St. George Island daily killing. F. Statement of fur seals killed for food upon St. Paul and St. George islands, and disposition of tbe skins. G. Talde comparing daily killing of 1889 with that of 1890; also giving daily weather report for each year. H. Table showing the beginning of each sealing season on the islands from 1870 to 1890, inclusive, and number of fur seals accepted by the lessees up to July 20 of each year. I. Showing the distribution of natives' earnings for season of 1889 and 1890; also amount transferred by the Alaska Commercial Company to the North American Com- mercial Company, ami the amount to the credit of the natives in the hands of the North American Commercial Company August 1, 1890, and my instructions to the representatives of the Alaska and North American Commercial Companies. J. Account current, St. Paul Island. K. Account current, St. George Island. L. Census, St. Paul Island. M. Census, St. George Island. N. Distribution of natives' earnings, St. George Island. O. Steamer Arcujo, Capt. H. C Thomas, receipts for season's catch of fur seals, 1890. P. Mr. George R. Tingle's communication protesting against the order stopping the killing of seals, July 20, and my reply. Q. Table showing the number of seals killed by the Alaska Commercial Company yearly for the twenty yeais of their lease. The distribution of the natives' earnings for the same period, etcv, for the islands of St. Paul and St. George. Eespectfully, yours, Charles J. Goff, Treasury Agent, in Charge the Seal Fisheries. Hon. William Windom, Secretary of the Treasury. A. — Annual Report of Special Agent Goff, 1890. St. Paul Island, Alaska, July PA, 1890. Sir: Pursuant to instructions, I sailed from San Francisco on May C, on the ISTorth American Commercial Company's steamer Arago, accompanied by Mr. A. W. Lavender, assistant Treasury agent, who, after his arrival, was stationed upon St. George Island to assist jNIr. Joseph Murray in the discliiirgc of liis duties during the killing season, and who will have charge of the island during the coming winter. We arrived at Unalaska May 18, and on the 20th Mr. George I*. Chambers, Mr. liudolph ]N"ewmann,'and myself sailed on the Alaska Commercial Com])any's steamer Dora for the seal islands, to take an inventory of the property on St. George and St. Paul belonging to the Alaska Com- mercial Company, according to an agreement signed by and between ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 231 the Alaska Commercial Company and tlie North American Commercial Company, March 12, 1890. The Alaska Commercial Company was represented by Mr. ISTewmann, and the North American Commercial Company by Mr. Tingle, and I acted as umpire, as per your instructions, bearing date April 10, 1890, We arrived at St. Paul Island May 21, aud immediately com- menced to take stock. After several days' labor the business was well in hand, and we proceeded to St. George Island per steamer Dora, and made a complete inspection and inventory of all the property there belonging to the Alaska Commercial Company. After our return to St. Paul there was one difference referred to me and satisfactorily adjusted, then the entire business was settled by the representatives of their respective companies. The following property was transferred to the North American Com- mercial Company : 63 native houses on St. Paul and 19 upon St. George, and upon both islands all buildings and other property belonging to the Alaska Commercial Company. Ui)on St. Paul Island the sum of $9,213.58, belonging to the natives and deposited with tlie Alaska Commercial Company, was i)assed to the North American Commercial Company, with the consent of the natives, and credited to their pass book accounts. Also several special individual deposits amounting to $12,117.02, drawing interest at 4 per cent per annum, leaving in the hands of the Alaska Commercial Com- pany $3,404.99 to the credit of Mrs. Alexander Milevedoff, who did not wish to make a change. On St. George $5,391.17 was transferred to the North American Commercial Company, but from this amount the sum of $1,700, belonging to the priest, must be deducted, leaving a bal- ance of $3,000.87 to the credit of the natives. The transfer was made and dated May 24, 1890. Tlie past winter was unusually mild, the sanitary condition of the village was good, the people were blessed with good health, and they passed the time pleasantly. They were under the combined charge of Mr. S. E. Nettleton, assistant Treasury agent; Dr. C. A. Lutz, resident physician, and Mr. J. C. Pedpath, resident agent for the Alaska Com- mercial Company. With the spring came that dreaded disease of this l)eople, pneumonia, which caused the death of 3 sealers; other ailments prevalent among tliem carried off seven others (women and children), making a total of 10 deaths since January 1, 1890, the date of the census, leaving at present a total population of 208. The population of St. Paul Island m 1872 — as far back as the official records go — was 21S; arrivals since then, 70. Had it not been for this influx of inmiigration the native population would have been about extinct. The established rule of thoronghly cleaning the village in the spring and ftill presents a marked contrast to the condition of the place a few years ago. All along the greensward in front of the dwellings, which was then a depository for tilth and offal, the children romp and play. Gradually, too, the people are becoming more reconciled to cleaner methods in their dwellings, and many of them take great pride in their personal appearance and cleanliness. The school on this island was taught by Simon Milevedoif, a native, who was educated in San Fran- cisco. It was opened on September 1, 1889, and closed May 1, 1890. Total number of school days, 172 ; number taught, 120. Mr. Milevedoff was energetic and untiring m his efforts to advance the pupils, but there is very little interest taken by them in English-speaking schools, so that there was but little progress made. 232 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. The North American Commercial Company I'^ve commenced repair- ing tlie native dwelling liouses, and so far Lave complied with all the requirements of their lease. Tlie United States cutter Bear, Capt. M. A. Healy, anchored off this island June 20, and left on the same day. Captain Healy reported "no pirates in Bering Sea." The Bear delivered to this ishind the boat and fixtures complete asked for by me from the Department. The Eev. Sheldon Jackson was a passenger on board the Bear, a.\u\ came ashore and inspected ihe village and schoolhonse. He received a copy of th& school report, and was well pleased with the condition in which he found things. On July 31, in company with Mr. Tingle and Professor Elliott, I visited Otter Island, and found, to my surprise, that there Avere seals hauled out, as was usual in the past. The United States cutter TUcliard Rush, Capt. W. C. Coulson, arrived here July 17, and reported "no pirates in Bering Sea." Prof. H. W. Elliott, your recent appointee as Treasury agent, has spent the season here, dividing his time between the two islands, and giving his entire attention to the state of the rookeries and the methods used at present in driving and killing the seals; and his report will, no doubt, be of the utmost importance and of great value to the Department. Mr. William Palmer, a representative of the Smithsonian Institution, has, by your permission, spent the season on St. Paul collecting speci- mens of various birds and animals, and his incessant labors have been abundantly rewarded. The merchantable seal skins in the salt houses on St. Paul and St. George islands, taken from the seals killed for food for the natives during the winter of 1889-90, will be shipped, as per instructions bearing date May 5, per United States cutter Bicliard Rush, Capt. W. C. Coulson commanding, which will leave here early in September, consigned to the collector of customs, San Francisco. The matter will be reported directly to you by Mr. Joseph Murray, who has charge of St. Paul Island for the coming winter. The accompanying communica- tions from the representatives of the Alaska ( 'ommercial Company and the North American Commercial Company will fully explain my actions in the matter. The total number of fur seals killed and accepted upon this island by the lessees was 10,830, and the total amount earned by the natives and distributed to them was $0,783.30. Your instructions to me upon this subject of dividing the earnings of the natives and looking after their welfare financially 1 endeavored to follow, but was prevented from doing so by Mr. George P. Tingle, general manager for the lessees. His reasons for so doing are inclosed. I regret that I am compelled to report that the seals are rapidly diminishing in numbers, and to such an alarming extent that to check the decrease will require, in my opinion, the most careful consideration of the Department. To have a correct understanding of how the annual catch is taken it will be necessary to bear in mind the following facts: First, by the acts of Congress governing the seal fisheries, the season opens June 1 and closes July 31, unless otherwise restricted by the Secretary of the Treasury; second, the bull seals arrive at the islands between May 1 and June 10, and the cows between June 10 and July 10; third, the large young seals whose skins are merchantable commence coming about the middle of May, gradually increasing in numbers as the cows appear, and with the large young seals comes a small portion of the ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 233 pups born the summer before; but tbe greatest majority of the year- lings put in their appearance in the month of July. Now, in opening the season it is customary to secure all the two-year-olds and upward possible before the yearlings begin to fill up the hauling grounds and mix with the killable seals. By so doing it is much easier to do the work, and the yearlings are not tortured by being driven and redriven to the killing grounds. Heretofore it was seldom that more than 15 per cent of all the seals driven the latter part of June and the first few days in July were too small to be killed, but this season the case was reversed and in many instances 80 to 85 per cent were turned away. The accompanying percentage examples will show the disposition of this year's drive. The first killing of fur seals by the lessees was on June 0, and the scarcity of killable seals was apparent to all. The season closed July 20, and the drives in July show a decided increase in the percent- ages of small seals turned away and a decrease in the killables over the drives of June, demonstrating conclusively that there are but few killable seals arriving and that the large part of those returning to the islands were the pups of last year. The average daily killing for the season was -400, or a daily average of 522 including only the days worked. In 1889 the average daily killing, from June 1 to July 20, inclusive, was 1,510, or a daily average of 1,974 including only the days worked. With this undeniable decrease in merchantable seals, and knowing the impoverished conditionsof the rookeriesand hauling grounds, andbeliev- ing it to be inimical to the best interests of the Government to extend the time for killing beyond July 20, I adhered to the letter and spirit of your instructions to me and closed the killing season July 20, against the bitter protestations of Mr. George E. Tingle, general manager for the lessees. His communication to me upon the subject and my reply are inclosed. Had there been a reasonable probability of the lessees securing their quota of 60,000 seals I should have deemed it my duty to extend the time for killing to July 31. The killing of June G, the first of the season, was from the Eeef Eookery, with drive of about 700 seals; total killed, 110, 8^ per cent being turned away as too small. On June 11 the drive was from the Eeef Eookery, about 1,000; total killed, 574, 42^ percent turned away. On June 24 the drive was from the Eeef Eookery and Zoltoi hauling grounds combined and about 1,417 were driven; total killed, 200, 85| per cent turned away. This exhausted Zoltoi hauling grounds for a period of twenty-one days, and it was not available until July 18, when again, in connection with the Eeef Eookery, the last drive was made and about 3,953 seals were driven ; 556 were killed and 80 per cent turned away. The seals turned away from the several drives invaria- bly returned to the hauling grounds and rookery, from which they were driven, only to be redriven to the killing field and culled of the few killables that chanced to join them upon their return to the sea from each drive. By reference to the table marked D, showing the daily killing for this year, and also comparing the same with that of last year, you will see that from all of the drives the same percentages were turned away as from those I have cited. We opened the season by a drive from the Eeef Eookery and turned away 83^- per cent, when we should have turned away about 15 per cent of the seals driven; and we closed the season by turning away 86 per cent, a fact which proves to every impar- tial mind that we were redriving the yearlings, and, considering the 234 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. number of skins obtained, that it was impossible to secure tlie number allowed by the lease; that we were merely torturing the young- seals, injuring the future life and vitality of tlie breeding rookeries, to the detriment of the lessees, natives, and the Government. On Sunday, July 20, all the rookeries representing any male seals were driven from English Bay, Middle Hill, Tolstoi, Lukanuon, Kee tavia, and Rocky Point, and about 4,620 seals Avere brought to the kill- ing held. Seven hundred and eighty were killed, and 83 per cent were turned away. On the same day, at Northeast Point, they Icilled 4(36, which, added to those taken at the other rookeries, make a grand total of 1,246. This and the killing on the 19th are the only instances recorded dur- ing the season when the daily killing reached 1,000. Comparing the killing with those of the same dates last year, we find that on July 19, 1889, from Southwest Bay hauling ground alone, 1,987 were killed, and on July 20, 1889, from the Beef Rookery and Zoltoi hauling grounds, l,9i;3 were killed, and never were there such percentages turned away during the entire season, nor in any previous season, to my knowledge, as in that of 1890. It is true, however, that the Alaska Commercial Company could and did take smaller seals last season than the present lessees can take, because of the differences in the tax paid by them; yet there have been no 2-year olds of an average size turned away this season. They were all immediately clubbed to swell the season's catcli, which was far below the number allowed for this year— a condi- tion of affairs that will convey to the Department, in language far more convincing than mine, the fact that the seals are not here. The North American Commercial Company's agent, Mr. George R. Tingle, used every effort to have the drives made so as to have no unnecessary loss of seal life, and he would have made the season a most successful one for the company if the seals had returned to the rookeries as in the past. It is evident that the many evils preying upon seal life — the killing of the seals in the Pacific Ocean, along the Aleutian Islands, and as they come through the passes to the Bering Sea, by the pirates in these waters, and the indiscriminate slaughter upon the islands regardless of the future life of the breeding rookeries— have at last, with their combined destructive power, reduced these rookeries to their present impoverished condition, and to such an unequal distribution of ages and sex that it is but a question of a few years, unless immediately attended to, before the seal family of the Pribilof group of islands will be a thing of the past. Notwithstanding the fact that the seals were looked upon as inexhaustible and were ohicially reported to be increasing as late as 1888, the time has suddenly come when experiment and imagination must cease and the truth be told. Absolute protection is the only safe- guard for the rookeries, and the only step to be taken with safety. The seal meat necessary for the native's food is all that should be killed, under existing circumstances. Much can be written on this subject, many theories may be advanced, all of which we have had for the pa-^t twenty years, to the evident loss of seal life; but the facts presented in the accompanying tables demonstrate with mathematical certainty the fearful decrease of the seals. And here 1 will say I heartily concur with my worthy predecessor, Mr. George R. Tingle, who in his ofticial report of 1887 used the follosving language: The Department can not place too high an estimate on the valno of this seal ])rop- erty, and the Government, I am sure, will not yield to any demands which would make it possihle to accomplish the destruction of her S(!al rookeries and seal life, which under judicious management and protection by law may be perpetuated iudelinitoly. ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 235 Tliere is but one autliority upon seal life, especially tlie seals of tlie Pribilof Islands, and this is the work of Prof. Henry W. Elliott, wbo surveyed these rookeries in 1872 and 1874, and his work was veriiied by Lieutenant Maynard and, I am satisfied, was as near correct when made as was possible for man to chronicle; but to day there is a marked contrast in the conditions of now and then. On page r»l of tlie Pro- fessor's monograph you will find he places the nund:)er of seals upon Northeast Point Rookery at 1,200,000. Standing on a prominent ele- vation known as Hutchinson's Hill in the month of July, and facing the north, I had before me a sea margin of over 2 miles; turning, and facing the south, I had a sea margin of over 1 mile. I could view entire this once famous rookery, and it was simply impossible to realize that there was ever such a moving mass of living animals as Professor Elliott describes. His estimate seems incredible, yet his writings have never been refuted. To-day there is not to be seen over 250,000 seals, of all ages and sexes. To the extreme southwest of the island is the Eeef Rookery, reported to have (by Professor-Elliott) 301,000 seals in 1874. It has not over 100,000 seals to-day. On Garbotch, the adjoining rookery, where the Professor says he stood on Old John Rock and saw "10,000 fighting balls," I can stand and count every bull in sight. This rookery, with the reef, is an extended point ruiining with the sea, sloping east and west, with a large surface of table-land in the center. This was once a parading or playing ground when the seals met, as they came from the east and west side. It was the resort of over 200,000 seals; now the resting- place for a few cows and pups and now and then a worn-out sleeping bull. The number now visiting these rookeries (the Reef and Gar- botch) find ample room on the two slopes without pushing back on the plateau above. Zoltoi sands, once a favorite hauling ground for the bachelor seals, from where thousands have been driven and killed for their skins, is entirely deserted^ only, however, a short time in advance of all the hauling grounds and rookeries, if immediate steps are not taken by the Department to name and protect these rookeries. Lukannon, a rook- ery on the east side of the island, between the Reef of Polovania, the most picturesque seal grounds of them all, where the seals were wont to haul up on the cliffs, and in the interstices between the rugged rocks for over half a mile on the sea frontage, a most inviting home for this mysterious pelagic family, where, in connection with Keetavia Rookery, with the same sea range, there were 335,000 of these animals, presents ta present, by the most careful estimate, not over 75,000 seals. Polavania Rookery, with 4,000 feet of sea margin, with a seal life of 300,000 in 1874; Tolstoi Rookery, with 3,000 feet of sea margin, with 275,000 seals in 1874, and Zapadnia, with 5,880 feet of sea margin, with 441,000 seals in 1874, all present a most deplorable condition, and do not show over one-eighth of the seals as reported by Professor Elliott. With these facts in view I am convinced there will be a greater decrease in seal life next year than this; for it will not be in the power of human ingenuity to check the rapid advance toward exter- u)ination now going on in that length of time. In conclusion, I respectfully suggest that there be no killing of fur seals for their skins on these islands, nor in the waters of Bering Sea, for an indefinite number of years, to be named by the Secretary of the Treasury, and let nature take her course in replenishing the rookeries, and that the Department take the entire matter of protecting these rookeries into its immediate supervision, for I regard any other system of protection dangerous to the future of all interested. The limited 236 ALASKA INDUSTKIES. number of seals Idlled this season by lessees will imdonbtedly leave the majority of the natives in absolute want, and their condition will appeal to the Department for aid. The amount distributed to the natives upon the islands of St. Paul and St. George was $6,783.30 and $1,044.80, respectively. This will not be sufficient to provide them with the necessaries of life until the steamers return in the spring, especially so with the natives of the St. George Island. With this fact in view, I made the following arrangements with the North American Commercial Company, through their man- ager, Mr. George 11. Tingle; the North American Commercial Com- pany's resident agent, together with the Treasury agent in charge, are to adjudge what supplies are positively needed for the support and maintenance of the natives, the company receiving from the Treasury agent a certificate that such supplies have been furnished, but said cer- tificate to be merely accepted as a voucher of correctness ; the matter to be adjusted in the future with the Department by the Nortli Ameri- can Commercial Company. The Department will have to make some provision for the support and maintenance of these people, as their mode of making a living hiis been destroyed for the present, and the future is only what the charity of the Government will make it. There is utterly nothing here upon which they can depend for a livelihood until the much wished-for return of seals takes place, an event too far in the future to give even a prom- ise of better times to these unfortunate people. Respectfully, yours, Charles J. Goff, Treasury Agent, in Charge of the Seal Islands. Hon. William Windom, Secretary of the Treasury. B.—TvclosHre with Goff's Annual Report for 1890; report of Assistant Agent Joseph Murray. Office of Special Agent Treasury Department, St. George Island, Alasla, July 31, 1890. Sir: I have the honor to report that the health of the natives here has been unusually good during the past year, and is at present far better than any other time in many years. There is not a case of sick- ness on the island, excepting those of long standing due to scrofula and other chronic diseases. With one single exception all the workmen are well and hearty. We had a full term of school from September until May, aud under the care of the teacher. Dr. L. A. Noyes, it was as well conducted as any public school of its size in the country; but, after all, I find the children made next to no i)rogress in acquiring the simplest rudiments of our language. It seems incredible, but it is true, that young men aud women who have been to school here for seven years do not know how to speak or read a sentence of the English language, l.ooking over their shoulders as they write in their copy books, and observing the ease with which they follow the headlines, one would think they were making rapid progress, but ask any one of them to read what he or she has been writing and they can not do it. It was long susi^ected that the older people secretly infiuenced the children against American schools and encouraged them to learn the ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 237 Eussiau laijguage in preference to any other, but I flud tLat they are just as ignorant of Eussiau as they are of English, and as backward in learning it. There has been one day of each week devoted to the Eussian school, which, in my opinion, has a bad eliect upon the children in their attempt to master the English tongue, and I therefore respectfully suggest that the practice of teaching Eussiau to the school children be abolished. After a year's residence here I am able to say that the people as a whole have conducted themselves very w^ell indeed; not a loud, vulgar, or angry word has been spoken in my hearing or to my knowledge by a native man or woman on the island of St. George. Not one case of drunkenness or drinking, nor anything approaching to it, has come to my knowledge. A case of wrongdoing by two white men, employees of the Alaska Commercial Company, compelled me and my assistant, Mr. A. P. Loud, to complain to Mr. Sloss, the president of the com- pany, who immediately removed and discharged the offenders. Except- ing one instance, there has not been one w^ord of complaint from any quarter. The men who wintered in the service of the Alaska Commercial Com- pany are all good and worthy, especially the agent, Mr. Daniel Web- ster, and the physician. Dr. L. A. Noyes. I take pleasure in thus testifying to their worth, for I have found them to be upright and hon- orable at nil times in all their transactions with the natives, with whom they are deservedly very popular. 1 have endeavored to promote a more perfect sanitary system in the village, and I find it is not so hard, as was expected, to prevail on the people to adopt better methods, if one will be patient and treat them kindly. It will be an impossibility, however, to do much toward establishing a sanitary system of value until we have better water and a more abundant supply than is possible under existing conditions. The present supply of water for domestic purposes is obtained from a well into which the drainage of half the village finds its way, and the wonder to me is that the people are not constantly sick while they have to use such drinking water. There is a nice fresh-water lake within 2,000 feet of the village, and fully 50 feet higher, from which a constant and never-fiiiling supply of good water can be taken if you can have 2,000 feet of 2-inch pipe and the necessary hydrant and fixings sent here. A drain is the next essential to success, and one of 700 feet in length can be dug easily, and will suffice to carry all the dirt and offal of the village into the sea. It will be necessary to have 700 feet of 12-inch drainpipe. The total absence of water-closets on this island is a disgrace, and is beyond all question the cause of more immorality, disease, and death than all other things combined. That such a state of things has been allowed to exist for twenty years is a disgrace to our civilization, and I do hope you wall insist on the present lessees or on the Department to have it altered at once. The subject is so abominable I dare not write it in a public report. It is absolutely necessary, too, that at least six of the dwelling houses be enlarged, as the families now occupying them have not room to live as human beings should. It may be true, as many assert, that under Eussian rule the natives were not housed one-half so well as they are now ; but such arguments are of no avail in a country like ours. When a family of seven persons, of all ages and sexes, are packed in a sleep- 238 ALASKA INDUSTEIES. ing apartment measuring 10 by 10 feet, they are not treated right, nor does our Government intend to have such things existing where it has jurisdiction. The dwelling houses are badly in need of repairs, and the attention of the local agent, Mr. Webster, has been called to their condition, but as he is to leave the island this year it may be necessary for you to mention it to the general manager of the North American Commercial Company. Mr. A. W. Lavender arrived on May 26 and immediately entered upon his duties. On July 12 the watchman reported a schooner in sight off Zapadnie, and I armed the men and sent a squad to exposed rookeries, Mr. Lavender going to Zapadnie wath four men, the second chief and four men to East Eookery, and I went with four men to Starry Ateel. We all watched until next morning without seeing an enemy. To facilitate the guarding of the rookeries it is necessary to have some sort of shelter for the watchmen; a small hut on each of the three rookeries would be sufticient, and they need not cost over $50 each. On Sunday, May 11, the schooner AUo7i (Captain Worth), of San Francisco, touched at the island and the captain came ashore and informed us of the new lease and new company. On learning of the change the natives held several meetings, and afterwards came to the Government house to have my advice as to how they should act in case any material changes were made in their mode of working, government, or the amount of their pay. The meeting was adjourned from time to time until they had thor- oughly discussed the most important questions raised, and at the last meeting, held May 23, they unanimously declared that it was their firm belief and honest opinion that the seals had diminished and would con- tinue to diminish from year to year, because all the male seals had been slaughtered without allowing any to grow to maturity for use on the breeding ground. I made a note of the suggestion on the journal that day, and I am now fully convinced by personal observation that it is only too true, and that the natives were correct in every particular. In 1889 the full quota of 15,000 skins was obtained here, but I know now (what I did not understand then) that in order to fill the quota they lowered the standard toward the close of the season and killed hundreds of yearling seals, and took a greater number of small skins than ever before. The first seals of this season appeared upon the hauling ground on April 26, and the first killing for food was on May 13. The killing season for skins opened on June 2, and they killed 71. I inclose a full statement of all the killings of the season, from June 2 to July 20, inclusive, and you will observe that the greatest number killed at one killing— excepting those of July 19 and 20— was only 394, although the driving and killing were under the iumiediate supervision of Mr. Webster, who is admitted to be the most experienced and most careful sealer on the islands. Until July 19 an attempt was made to keep to a standard of not less than 7-pound skins, but when it was apparent beyond question that there were no large young seals on the hauling ground, the standard was lowered and skins of 5 pounds were taken wherever found. It was thus that the last two killings were swelled to their present proportions. For the whole season we obtained a total of 4,112 skins, against a total of 10,138 on the same date last year. That the seals should have disappeared so rapidly since the report ALASKA INDUSTRIES, 230 of your predecessor in 1888 is so astounding- that those who can not see the rookeries and hauhng grounds for themselves may well be par- doned for doubting what is. I am sorry to say, only painful though it be to all who are interested, the whole truth must nevertheless be told, and that is that the seals have been steadily decreasing since 1880, and the days are passed and gone when they could be counted on the rook- eries by the millions. I have carefully examined the rookeries and hauling grounds at Starry Ateel north and east, and I find somewhat less than half the ground covered when compared with former years. I accompanied the uatives when they went to make a drive irom East Kookery, and we walked along the beach from Little East to East llookery without finding one seal till we came to the breeding grounds proper. Either Mr. Lavender or I was present at every killing made; we saw the numbers that we turned away, and we counted the skins of all that were killed, and we find that what is true of one rookery is true of them all — the seals are not on them. iSTow that the seals have disappeared the natives are very much alarmed, and they anxiously inquire what will the Government do for them in their destitution. They have earned during the present season $1, fill. 90, which, I need scarcely add, will be entirely inadequate to supply food and clothing for a year for a population of 90 people. 1 never knew a people so attached to a church as these poor creatures, and now they are in great tribulation because they ha^e no means to contribute to its supi^ort, nor to the su])port of the priest and his family. At one of their many meetings they requested me to write for them to the Eussian-Greek Church Consistory at San Francisco and appeal for aid for their priest and church until such times as the seal fisheries should recover and make them self supporting. In justice to the priest, I may tell you that he was the first to say he should not have any share of the earnings of this season, and that he would not take any money from the people until times mended, and that he could aflbrd to pay; otherwise he should apply to the consistory fur a ]>osition in another locality. I have endeavored to impress upon them the fact that they are not to be abandoned to their fate; that the Government will not allow them to starve or suffer, but will take care of the people and of the rookeries until the rookeries are built up and fully replenished, M^hen prosperity and happiness will return to the island once more. All of which is most respectfully submitted. Joseph Murray, First Assistant Agent, St. George Island. Hon. Charles J. Goff, Agent in charge of Seal Islands, AlasJca. C. — Inclosure with Goff's Annual Beport for 1S90; Eejwrt of Assistant Ar/ent A. TV. Lavender. Office of Special Agent Treasury Department, St. George Island, Bering Sea, July 26, 1890. Sir: I have the honor to make you the following report of this season's sealing by the North American Commercial Company, and to oft'er such recommendations as in my judgment should be enforced by the Government for the protection of these rookeries during the next six or seven years; also to report to you the condition of the natives and their houses, and to ask that such repairs to their houses as are 240 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. absolutely required be furnished as soon as possible; also to request of you, ill your report to the Secretary of the Treasury, to ask for $350 for repairs to the Government house and such other articles as I shall mention in this report. In accordance with your letter of the 20th instant asking me to ship the 030 food skins on the United States cutter liush, I Avill state that I have complied with the same and inclose you a receipt signed by the captain ; a duplicate of the same I have in this office on file. I will also state there are 20 road skins here in the salt house. The killing of seals on this island was stopped on the 20th. A list of each number killed out of each drive I inclose also to you, and you will see that at the last drive from North and Starry Ateel rookeries, and also from Zapadnie, that there was a larger number of seals killed than from any other drive. This, I will assure you, was not owing to the greater number of large seals being driven at this time, but to the standard weight of skins being reduced on that day from 7 to 5 pounds, and even less. The writer was surprised when he first visited the rookeries to find no young bull seals upon tliem. This looked strange to him and he began to look up the cause, and it occurred to him that by the con- stant driving of young male seals and the killing of all the 2, 3, 4, and 5 year olds there were no young bulls left to go on the rookeries, and without young blood the fur-seal industry will be something of the past in a very few years. The Government should take absolute control of these islands and permit no more seals to be killed than are needed by the natives for food for the next six or seven years, and then all the male seals driven should be killed, as it is my opinion that not over one-half ever go back upon the rookeries again. In this way there would be killed upon this island about 2,500 each year. These skins, sold in the market, would pay all the expenses of the island and furnish such supplies to the natives as to keep them from want, and they would be as well satisfied as they are now under the management of the North American Commer- cial Company. . Without something of this kind being done the natives will soon have to move from these islands, for there will be nothing to keej) them here. The North American Commercial Company has landed and turned over to this office 30 gross tons of coal for the use of the natives, and 10 barrels of salt salmon, and also state that there are 10 tons of coal in the coal shed for the Government house. Most all of the native houses need repairing; some need a new floor, others a new roof, and I would recommend that at least four of these houses be made larger by the addition of one more room. The Government or company, whichever has charge of this island the next season, should send at least 10,000 feet of siding and 10,000 feet of flooring on the first steamer that comes up in the spring; also 35,000 shingles, and nails enough to do the work. The natives are in better health than they have been for the past year. I am not aware of there being a sick person on the island. Their sanitary condition is bad, and to each house there should be a small outbuilding which they could use for a closet. Such a thing seems to be unknown here. There])airs recpiired by the Government house are as follows : The front platform needs rebuilding, and part of the roof needs shingling, and the whole roof to be painted; also the house needs painting and papering on the inside, and the fence repainting. ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 241 Tlie articles required for the use of this ofQce, are as follows : One letter press and book, 1 bill lile, 1 letter file, paper and peus, 1 carpet for Government house, 1 platform scales, 1 spring balance. Eespectfully, yours, Albert W. Lavender, Assistant Treasury Agent. Charles J. Goff, Esq., Treasury Agent, in Charge of Seal Islands. Inclosure with Ooff's annual report for 1S90; request for permission to Mil seals for specimens. North American Commercial Company, iSt. Paul Island, July 1, 1890. Sir : As per request of I. Liebes, esq., president North American Commercial Company, contained in his letter to me dated at San Fran- cisco, June 9, 1890, 1 hereby ask ])ermission to kill and take for the use of said company for exhibition only, to be stufi'ed and set up, 5 speci- men seals of different ages, including 1 cow and 1 young black pup. I am, very respectfully, Geo. K. Tingle, Superintendent North American Commercial Company. Ohas. J. GoFP, Esq., ^ Treasury Agent in charge. (Note in red ink.) — Consent orally given and this letter copied in Journal, page 236, July 8, 1890. Inclosurcs tvith Goff's annual report for 1890. D. — Annual statement of fur seals killed on St, Paul Islatid, Alaska, during the year en ded J uly JO, 1S90. Rookerj'. Numbei' of seals killed for natives' food. Number of seals killed by lessees for skins. Aggregate. Date. a p . fctco a 1-1 Skins ac- cej)ted by lessees. Skins rejected. Accepted. Rejected.* Skins ac- cepted. i a 00 . ■w O a. 2 3* 3 0^ £1 o ro o cs 4.i 0 a 0 Total berof killed 1890. May 28 J line 6 Srtnt.li'Wf^*4fi li;lV ....a ... 119 115 1 115 115 539 181 315 10 107 270 7S 339 438 290 96 515 176 414 202 263 164 114 374 225 205 .... 3 4 1 35 115 115 539 182 315 16 167 270 78 339 438 290 96 518 178 414 205 263 166 116 376 230 206 4 1 35 '"2 "2 3 1 12 "'3' "i 20 119 Reef 116 11 do .... 35 574 13 Tolstoi 182 •IG Roof 1 2 317 17 N E Point 16 17 167 18 Tolstoi and Middle Hill. 4 274 ]8 N E Point 78 20 339 20 I^. E. Point 438 21 2 2 292 21 N. E. Point q'' '^^i^^- Aggregate. Date. fcJO a 3 ? tS -is Skins A„pp„t„,i rejeoted.^-^^^^P*^'- Rejected.* 0 ft m m §1 q to . S .- II -4^ 6 6 ■T3 . Ill 0 "3 0 _ 0 » 1890. Juno 28 30 N E Point 79 200 97 24G 130 240 90 181 180 472 318 524 74 400 336 257 378 160 271 373 112 624 211 C41 104 315 245 311 369 485 405 80 547 446 752 507 79 207 98 246 131 240 96 181 180 472 321 525 74 400 336 257 379 162 271 374 112 629 211 041 104 315 245 311 372 485 405 80 549 446 758 509 79 Tolstoi, E. Bay, Middle 1 1 2 2 2 ' 209 30 "M 15 I'oiiit 98 July 1 9 Keef 240 N E Point 1 131 2 2 2 : 242 2 "N E Point, 96 S. W. Bay N E Poiut .... .... 2 .... 2 2 183 ' 180 4 Tolstoi, English Bay, and Middle Hill "3' 1 19 3 22 1 22 ] 494 4 5 IJ E Point 1 321 lieef .... 1 1 1 ! 526 5 7 N E Point 74 English Bay, Middle Hill, Tcdstoi, Lukan- .... 11 - . - . 11 11 ...„ '"i" 4 "17 "i '156" 7 22 47 411 7 8 8 9 N E Point 336 Halfw;)v I'oiut . i 2 3 1 4 261 "NT Ti" r>f.W.t 4K 379 S W Bay 1 1 163 9 10 N" K Point 271 lieef 1 2 2 4 378 10 N E Poiut 112 12 English J?ay, Middle Hill, Tolsjoi, Lukan- lion find TCotfivio 5 4 4 633 13 13 14 15 211 N E Point 17 17 658 Eeef 104 English Bay, Middle Hill, Tolstoi, Lukan- 315 15 10 IST rr Point 245 do 3 1 1 312 17 Polaviii a, L ii k a n n o n , 372 17 18 18 19 IVr E Point 485 do 405 156 7 230 T?opf find Zoltoi 2 3 4 556 19 29 K Ti", Point ' 446 English Bay, Middle Hill, Tolstoi, Lukan- non, Ketavio, and 6 2 18 47 4 22 780 20 "N" "R Point, ^ ■ 556 Total 119 115 1 3 1 10,783 50 185 50 344 10, 833 391 17, 224 \ 1 1 1 -• * Rejected for other reasons, 150. Tabu ahoichuj disiiosition of the rejected skins of 1S90 which I refused to destroy. Total number of skiu.^ rejected ''^^ July 10, accepted liy lessees at K. E. Pt 22 July 20, accepted li'y lessees at K. E. Pt *| July 20, accepted by lessees at yiUage ^* Now in salt at N. E. Pt *] Now ill salt at yillago - ■ ;- ^ Keccixcd by Xoilli American Commercial Company to make suits for 3 employees who are to w inter (III' St . ]\I.ittlie\vs Island, establishing a trading station fur said company 41 Prof. William Palmer of the Smithsonian Institution * Spoiled oil the lield ^^^ Uiyen to the natives Total ;-. 391 The North American Commercial Company asked for live specimens for exhibition as per accomiiiiiiyinK letter^ and reported killing 1 cow^ 1 pnp, 1 bull, large, 3 males of diO'ereut ages; tottil, U. ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 243 E. — Annual staiemcnf of fur seals killed on St. George Island, Jla^ika, ditrmij the year ended Jiili/ 20, ISOO. Date. 1890. June 2 16 18 19 20 23 25 28 30 July 1 ' 3 5 7 8 9 11 12 14 15 16 18 20 20 Rookery. North East North East and l.ittle East Zaiiaduio Starry Atecl and North East and Little East Starry Ateel aud North Zapadnie East aud Little East Starry Ateol aud North East and Litth', East Zapaduie East aud Little East Stairy Ateel aud Norfh East Starry Ateel aud North Zapadnie East Starry Ateel aud North East '. Starry Ateel and North Zapadnie Number of seals killed by lessees for skins. ./^ccepted. Prime. 71 214 113 179 394 1U2 182 188 189 145 234 5G 57 23 183 59 102 53 131 110 71 C34 527 Second class. Rejected for other reasons; died ou the road. Total. 4,086 21 71 218 118 181 394 164 184 189 189 149 238 57 58 24 193 60 103 53 132 119 71 6tl 527 Aggregates. Skins accepted. 4,133 71 218 117 181 394 164 184 189 189 145 ?34 57 57 23 180 59 102 53 131 119 71 641 527 Skins rejected. 4,112 21 Total number of seals killed. 71 218 118 181 394 164 184 189 189 149 238 57 58 24 193 60 103 53 132 119 71 641 527 4,133 Note. — One rejected .skiu was giycu to the chief, and the remaining twenty (20) were salted down in the salt hou.'ie till further orders. Joseph Murray, Firbt Assistant Agent. [Telegram.] Inclosure with Gaff's annual report for 1S90 ; instructions concerning certain food skins. Washington, D. C, May 5, 1890. Should any doubt arise concerning pup skins claimed by Alaska Com- mercial Company under instructions to Agent Nettleton of March 11. last, you will cause all such skins, together with the merchantable skins specitied in your instructions of March 20 last, to be shipped to colle(;tor, San Francisco, and thereupon report facts to Department for determina- tion. Geo. C. Tichenoe, Assistant Secretary. Chas. J. GOFF, Treasury Agent Seal Islands, Care Collector of Customs, San Francisco, CaL, Inclosures with Goffs annual report for 1890; disposition of food skins. 36, 1890. St. George Island, Alaska, May Sir: Herewith I would ask permission to ship, per steamer Dora, 482 fur seals, at present stored at our village salt house and 109 at our salt house at Zapadnie. 244 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. These 591 fur seals were killed by the natives for food during the ■winter 1889 to 1890, and have been salted and cared for by the Alaska Commercial Company, before the transfer of its property to the North American Commercial Company, the present holders of the lease for the Seal Islands. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, EuDOLPH Neumann, General Agent Alaslca Commercial Company, Hon. ChAS. J. GrOFF, United States Treasury Agent in charge of the Seal Islands, St. Paul and St. George. St. Paul Island, Alaska, 3Iay 31, 1890. Sir: Herewith I would ask permission to shi^), per steamer Bora, 3,190 fur seals, 791 stagy skins being included in this number, and stored at present at our village salt house and 298 at our salt house at North- east Point. These 3,491 fur seals were killed by the natives for food during the winter of 1889 to 1890, and have been salted and cared for by the Alaska Commercial Company, before the transfer of its property to the North American Commercial Company, tlie present holders of the lease for the Seal Islands. I have the honor to be, very resj)ectfully, Eudolph Neumann, General Agent Alaslca Commercial Company. Hon. Chas. J. GoFF, United States Treasury Agent in charge of the Seal Islands, St. Paul and St. George. St. Paul Island, Alaska, May 31, 1890. Sir: In reply to your communications bearing dates May 26 and 31, respectively, asking permission to remove the iur seal skins now in the salt houses on St. Paul and St. George islands, I will say, in pursuance to instructions received by me from the Secretary of the Treasury, I will have to respectfully decline to allow you to remove the skins in question, and herewith inform you that all of the said skins will be shi])ped i)er United States cutter, care collector of customs, San Fran- cisco, Cal., to be disposed of by the Department as the Secretary may deem advisable. Eespectfully, yours, Chas. J. Goff, Treasury Agent. Hon. EuDOLPii Neumann, General Agent Alaska Commercial Company. St. Paul Island, July 8, 1890. Dear Sir : The North American Commercial Couipany will accept as ])art of their quota of 00,000 seal skins for 1890 such of the food skins oi" 1889 as they may find on examination to be merchantable and acceptable to them. ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 245 The skins being- now stored in our warehouses on this and St. George Island, we hereby claim the privilege of availing ourselves of the offer made us by the honorable Secretary of the Treasury at Washington, as contained in and being a part of his instructions to you, dated March 26, 1890, a copy of which, by his request, you were kind enough to furnish the company, which instructions, in our opinion, were not changed by any subsequent order made by the honorable Secretary, so far as our right to accept the food skins is concerned. If the food skins claimed by us should not be delivered to us here, so as to enable us to ship them with the company's skins taken under their lease this season, we could not get them in London in time for our fall sale were they tendered the company at Sau Francisco after the cutter's arrival from Alaska in the fall. Being thus deprived of the skins, a heavy loss to the company in prospective profits would result, which loss we would feel should be made good to us by the Government of the United States. I respectfully reqiiest you to communicate to me in writing the result of your conclusions in the matter. I am, very respectfully, Geo. R. Tingle, Superinte7i(lcnt North American Commercial Company. Chas. J. GoFF, Esq., Treasury Agent., in charge Seal Fisheries, St. Paul Island, Alasha. Office of Special Agent Treasury Department, St. Faid Island, July 8, 1890. Dear Sir : Your communication of even date, in which you ask per- mission to assort and examine the skins of the seals killed for food dur- ing the winter of 1889 and 1890 and to take such as you may adjudge acceptable to your company as part of your season's catch for this year, has been carefully considered and your request respectfully de- clined, as I have no option in the matter other than to strictly obey the orders of the Secretary of the Treasury. I avail myself of this opportunity to notify you that on and after July 20 I shall require you to conform to that clause in my instructions which prevents killing of fur seals for their skins after that date. Respectfully, yours, Charles J. Goff, Treasury Agent. Geo. R. Tingle, Esq., General Manager North American Commercial Company. 24G ALASKA INDUSTRIES. INCLOSURES WITH GOFFS ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1890. F. — Annual statement of fur seals Icilled for food on St. Paul Island, Alaska, during the year ended May 21, 1890. Rookery. Number of seals killed for natives' food. Date. Pups. Large young seals. Total. Skins accepted by lessees. Skins rejected. Under size. Stagey. Cut. 1889. July 31 Aug. 6 Zoltoi 160 163 58 131 141 179 141 110 107 120 103 132 125 224 347 192 10 240 243 175 131 ICO 163 58 131 141 179 141 110 107 120 103 132 125 224 347 192 10 240 243 175 131 156 163 58 123 139 87 4 Aug. 11 lialaiice over shij)nieut in salt house , Aug. 14 Aug;. 22 Zoltoi 3 5 do 2 Aug. 31 Sept. 9 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 5 Tolstoi 1 91 141 110 106 119 99 86 42 Zoltoi do do 1 1 4 2 3 1 do Oct. 15 do Oct. 26 Lukannou 44 80 223 347 189 10 236 240 170 131 Nov. 4 Nov. 19 Zoltoi Tolstoi 1,044 1,230 Nov. 21 Reef Nov. 27 do 3 Nov. 27 Zapadnie Nov. 30 Reef 4 Dec. 11 Zapadnie 3 5 1890. Jan. 27 Sea Lion Rock May 21 do Total 2,280 ■A. 232 301 3,232 2,396 31 j 794 11 Skins at Northeast Point killed for watchmen Grand total of food skins 3. 53;! 1 These skins will ho shipped on board U. S. cutter llichard liuah and consigned to collector of customs, San Francisco, us per your instructions bearing date May 5, 1890. The steamer will leave the seal islands early in September. Annual statement of fur seals Icilled for food on Si. George Island, Alasla, during the year ended May 31, ISDO. Rookery. Number of seals killed for natives' food. Date. Pu])8. Large young seals. Skins rejected (stagey). 1S89. Aug. 10 Aug. 19 Aug. 30 K"orth 55 56 48 04 50 33 37 32 4 6 6 61 32 37 109 do do 48 Sept. 7 Sept. 21 Sept. 30 Eas t 64 do 50 North 33 Oct. 11 do..: 37 Oct. 21 Starry- Ateel Oct. 31 North... Nov. 6 do 600 471 Nov. 12 do Nov. 25 Starry- At eel May 13 Nortl'i May 31 do For the watch mcu Total • 1,071 1 630 232 These skins (030) will bo shipped ou board I'. S. cutter IHchnrd Jttish and consigned to collector of custoiiis at San Francisco, as j)(r your instructions bearing date May 5, 1890. The steamer will leave the seal i.slands early in Septemboi". ALASKA INDUSTEIES. 247 Q.—Taile shoiving lite kiJlhig of fur seals on St. Paul Island np to July fiO, ISSO, hi/ the Alasla Commercial Compaujj, avd up to July 20, ISOO,^ Inj the North American Commer- cial Company; also daily weather report from June 1 to July 31 of each year. VILLAGE. Date. No. killed. 1880. Juue 5. 10. 12. 14. 15. 17. 18. 19. 20. 22. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. Total . July 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 8. 9. 10. 12. 13. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 201 120 947 762 340 895 1,161 1,561 253 1,353 2, 578 979 1,314 311 1,349 1,038 15, 162 1,023 834 1,841 1,710 1, 255 1,302 814 ],3!4 654 2, 004 1,006 3,085 1,911 1,931 2, 040 2,017 1,913 Date. 1800. June Total 2G,6CG 0. 11. 13. 16. 17. 18. 20. 21. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 30. Total . July 1. O 3'. 4. 5. 7. 8. 9. 10. 12. 13. 14. 15. 17. 18. 19. 20. Total . NORTHEAST POINT. June 17. 18. 19. 21. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 1,0.54 1,270 494 1, 205 754 1, 407 441 844 479 335 Total July 1.. 2., 4.. 5. 6. 8. 9. 10. 13. 15.. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 8, 283 Total 1,200 968 1,559 1,524 370 914 641 800 793 1,838 1,156 948 1,282 834 0.243 June 17. 18. 20. 21. 23. 24. 25. 27. 28. 30. Total . July 15, 076 1 2. 3. 4. 5. 7. 8. 9. 10. 13. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. Total . No. killed. 110 574 182 317 167 274 339 292 521 426 266 117 396 206 209 4, 402 246 242 183 494 526 411 261 163 378 633 211 104 315 372 236 556 780 6,111 16 78 438 96 179 205 166 230 79 98 1,585 131 90 180 321 74 336 379 271 112 G58 245 312 485 405 446 556 5,007 a Two hundred and forty-threo this day to make tbe full quota of 100,000. KEC APITUL ATION. Total number of fur seals killed by le.ssees on St. Paul Island from Juno 1 to July 20 : 1889 .' 60, 187 1890 17,105 248 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. G. — Table showing tJic killing of fur seals on St. I'aul Island, etc. — Continued. WEATHER r.EPORT. June , 1889. July, 1889. June, 1890. July, 1890. Bay of month. Mas. 42 Min. Weather. Max. Min. Weather. Max. Min. Weather. Max. Min. Weather. 1 33 Foggy 45 40 Clear 37 33 Snow 46 40 Fog. 2 40 35 Cloudy . . . 48 40 Ha/,y 34 32 Hazy 48 40 Do. 3 44 48 38 40 ...do...... ...do 48 48 42 41 ...do Clear 41 42 33 31 Clear Fine 46 47 40 39 Clear. 4 Do. 5 47 39 ...do 49 40 Hazy 42 32 Clear 50 40 Do. C 50 34 ...do 42 40 ...do 43 31 Fog 51 40 Do. 7 44 43 ...do 49 42 Thick fog. 44 38 Haz\' 51 41 Do. 8 47 36 ...do 50 40 Rain 48 39 Raiii 44 40 Do. 9 No re cord. ...do 45 42 Hazy 43 39 Thick fog. 46 41 Hazy. 10 44 38 Rain 40 42 Thick fog. 44 34 ...do 47 42 Do. r^ 43 40 ...do 51 41 Eog 43 37 ...do 48 43 Fog. 12 43 38 ...do 50 42 Clear 42 37 Fog 51 41 ■Bo. 13 38 43 37 37 ...do ...do 50 49 40 40 ...do ...do 43 43 37 38 ...do ...do 48 44 43 43 Do. 14 Rain. 15 42 37 Thiclc fog- 52 42 ...do 48 39 Raining .. 45 43 Fog. 1() 43 37 Rain 50 42 ...do 43 36 Fog 44 41 Do. 17 46 38 Cloudy . - . 47 43 Hazy 45 37 Rain 47 42 Do. 18 49 38 Rain 48 42 ...do 44 37 Clear 47 42 Do. 19 49 36 Clear 52 42 I'og 40 37 Fog 50 40 Do. 20 45 37 Cloudy ... 49 41 Clear 43 39 Fine 49 40 Do. 21 46 38 ...do 49 43 Thick fog. 45 40 Rain 54 44 Do. 22 45 38 ...do 50 44 Rain 49 40 Clear 56 43 Do. 23 40 42 38 39 Rain Thick fog. 48 46 42 42 Hazy Eog 49 42 39 38 Hazy Fog 53 52 45 46 Do. 24 Do. 25 4fi 40 ...do 50 42 Hazy 45 40 ...do 52 45 Do. 26 49 40 Cloudy ... 44 44 Thick fog. 42 38 ...do 53 43 Do. 27 51 41 Clear 49 43 Hazy 44 39 ...do 53 46 Do. 28 50 41 ...do 48 43 Rain 44 38 Hazy .49 45 Do. 29 50 40 Cloudy ... 48 42 Fog 43 40 ...do 48 44 Do. 30 50 40 ...do .'..... 50 43 Hazy 42 39 ...do 48 40 Do. 31 49 42 Fog 51 45 Do. 1 H. — Talile showing the heginning of eaeh scaling season on the islands of St. Panl and St. George, from 1870 to ISOO, inclusirc, and the number of fur seals accepted bg the lessees up to July 20 of each year. St. Paul. St. G eorge. Number of skins accepted from both i.«lands. By whom taken and year. Season began June — Number of skins accejited. Season began June — Number of skins accepted. Alaska Commercial Company : 1Q7n« ... .ill 1. ilai. 1871 1 1 3 3 1 3 4 8 2 1 6 2 4 3 3 4 1 o I 6 29, 788 05, 499 08, 035 88, 058 83, 890 69, 367 58. 732 78, 570 80, 572 80, 000 80, 000 80, 000 00, 101 83, 092 70,451 72, 120 77, 389 73, 808 08, 485 16, 833 4 3 10 3 3 9 6 4 4 1 8 9 6 4 2 12,604 21, 503 17, 362 8,554 10,000 10, 000 15, 000 16, 709 20, 509 20, 000 20, 000 20, 000 11,123 11,152 15,000 13, 335 13, 381 13, 187 10, 138 4,112 42, 392 1872 87, 002 1873 85, 397 1874 90,612 J875 93, 890 1R76 79, 307 1877 73, 732 1878 95, 279 1879 & 101, 141 1880 100,0(10 1881 loo, 000 1882 loo, 000 1883 71,224 1884 94, 244 1885 85, 451 1886 85, 455 1887 90, 770 1888 80, 095 ] 889 78, 623 North American Commercial Company: 1890 20, 945 n No record. h Accepted but not shipped in one year; balance carried oyer. ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 249 I. — Statement of Habtlities of the North American Commercial Company to the natives of St. J'aiil Jslaiid, after tlic dirision and distrihiifion of 1800, showing the amount due each individual AiKjust 1. Name. Artomoiioff, Kerrick Arkshott', Arseny Buidnkolaky, Apolloii Biitrin, Kerrick . . Bogadanotl', Nicoli Butriii, Karp Eellaglazoti', Ellen Eiiiaiiotf, George Fratis, Johu Groiiiofl', Nicoli Glotof, Jolni Galaktauoff, Alex HabtTof, Paul Haport', Johu, estateoi' Hoiiscu, Alex Kozorol', Stepau Kiishin, Aggie Kootcliuteii, Jacob Krukoff, Nicoli Krukoff, Maxim Knikofl', Peter K'lziiitzott', Jolm Kushovnikoli'. Euplieme Kootchuten, George Kootchuten, John Kootchutei), Euphenie Kozeroff, Paul, estate of KuzDitzort", Peiiiin, estate of. Knikof, Natalia Kozeloti', Parascovia Merculiti", Alex Molovidoff, Autouo Melovidott', Simeon Melovidofl', Mrs. A Mci'ciililT, Dorafay Maiidregan, Ustenia Merculiti', Aiixinia Nederazolt', Stepao Nederazolt', Martin Oustigotf, Peter Pusbiiikoft', Peter, estate of. . Prokopeef, Vladimer Paransliiii, Daniel Pankotr, Parfiri PopotV, Afanasia Mandregan, Neon Melovidoll", Alex Popofi" Nodotia Iiookavishnakoti", Zachar Eezanzofl" Anna Amount. $182. 37 \hi. 85 196. 04 207. 42 155. 22 228. 19 65.00 220. 42 172. 37 229. 04 158.85 163. 92 145. 78 67. 05 218.97 180. 04 175.24 182. 04 188. 79 106.65 259. 04 81.27 19:!. 19 217.04 148. 22 165. 42 302. 85 735. 30 37.00 7.50 79.10 415.59 714.74 203. 85 103. 00 60.00 27.74 188. 19 175.04 173.24 68.05 331.25 186. 04 1H5. 04 60. 00 178.49 271.40 28.74 189. 04 122. 00 Name. Stepotem, Terrenti, estate of Stcpeteni, Dorafay Sediek, Theodore Scdule, Vasila Shabolin, Necon Stepetim, Elarey rsliutyagau, Metrofan Shaishiiikoff, Rev. Paul Saroken, .lolm Sbapaslinikotf, Agafaj' Shal)olii, Ceaser, estate of Sliaisliuikoff, ^'al('^ian S!iai.shuikoft', Matrona Shai.slinikoff, treorge Sliane, Catherine Tarrakanotl', Kerrick Tetof, Peter Tetof, Neon Tetof, Fedosia Ten entara, Anna Volkolf, Markel Volkoti", Ellen Yetzamantf, John, estate of Zaliaraotf, Kereaka AVidow's fund Total Note. — From the North American Commercial Company 10 widows re- ceive weekly rations, and others will have to be added soon. Banlc accoitnt draiving 4 per cent. John Fratis Rev. Paul SLaishnikotT Catherine Sliutyagan Markel Volkotf Ellen \olkoff Avdot ia Sediek Elizabeth Sediek Zacliar Sediek Nedesda Shaishnikotf Kerrick Artamanoft" Kerrick Buterin Total Amount. $257. 85 437. 22 196. 04 190. 42 145.85 274. 04 155. 85 158. 19 20. 74 C4. 70 110.13 105.09 150. 10 157. 09 17.68 179. 04 192.04 132. 85 64.68 145.00 142. 37 158. 08 236. 23 66.00 179. 00 13, 378. 90 1, 438. 30 3,341. 74 224. 75 983 68 200 00 104. 17 93 61 104. 18 165.09 2, 281. 09 2, 948. 33 11, 884. 94 25, 263. 84 List of accounts transferred to the North American Commercial Company by the Alaska Commercial Company for natives of St. Paul Island, May 24, 1890. Name. Occupation or con- dition. Amount. Peter Krukotr Sealer $192. 85 80.60 Niculi Krtikolf do Maxim Krukotr . ... do. 111 73 Estate of Pemin Koznetzoft' (tor minor lieirs) 735. 30 Aggie Kushin Sealer C7. 05 John Kozuetzotf . . . - . . do 32.17 Natalia Krukoff Widow .... 57 00 Parascovia Kozeroif . . . do 43 50 Neon Mandregan Sealer 90.30 Vasili Sedule ... do 98.05 Yesteuria Mandregan .. - Widow 81.90 Antone Melevidoft' Sealer 172. 85 Sinieon Melevidoff ., ,., . .... do 601. 92 Alex MelevidofF do 223. 73 Anexenia Merculiti" "Widow 103. 00 Alexander Merculilf 20.17 Akooleua Nedarazotf : Widow 23.24 250 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. List of accounts transferred to the North American Commercial Company, etc. — Cont'd. Name. Martin Nudarnzoff Sealer . . Dauiel Paraiioliin do .. Barliara Pohonioft' Widow . Parf'aria ruiikott' Sealer . . Vassilisia Peeslmikotf Widow . Afanasia Popotf do .. Avdot ia Popoff do . . Zacliar llouliovislmikoff Sealer . . Anna P.ezanzoff Widow . Asiafy Shaposlinikofl' Minor . . Tiieoilore Sedick Sealer . . Metrot'an Shutv.agin do .. Eev. Paul Shaishnikoii' Priest . . Agraflua Sliabolin Widow . Neon Sliabolin Sealer . . Elarey Stepetin do . . Marena Stepetin | Widow . Dorafay Stepetin Sealer . Valiviau Sliaishnikotf ; Minor . Matrona Sbaiahnikotf \ do . do . Widow Sealer . Widow Sealer . do . AVidow Sealer . Occupation or con- dition. Widow do.. George Sbaisbnikott' Catberine Sbane Kerrick Tarrakanoti' Fedosia Tetoff Peter Tetotf Neon Tetoff Anna Tiiranto va Markel Volkotf Estate Jobn Yatzamanotf, beld for minor heirs Martba Saroken Mrs. Ales. Melevidoft' Ellen Volkotf l Unmarried Alex. Merculiff Sealer Eedosia Xosbrotuikoff i Kerrick Artamanoti' Sealer Arseney Arkasbofi' do Peter O'nstegoff ' do Kerrick Buterin ' do Apollon Boui-denkofsky i do Nicoli Bogodanitf do Ellen Belaglazoff Widow George Emanoff Sealer JobnEratis do Nicoli Gromotf ! do Vladimar Prokopieff i do Jobn Glotoff . PaulHaberoff Anis.sia Hopoff Alex. Hansen Jolni Kotchooten Jacob Kotchooten Eupbeme Katchooteu. . . G eorge Kotchooten Stepan Kozeroff Kewekia Zaebarofl' Karp Bnteriu Stepan Nedarazoff Eupheme Koshivenkoff. 0)1 special deposit at 4 ^ler cent per a niiuin. Kerrick vVrtamanoff Kerrick ]5uterin Jobn Prati^* Rev. Paul Sbaishnikoff . Catherine Sluityagiu ... Markel Volkotf Ellen Volkoll" Avdot i a Sedick Elizabeth Sedick Zacbar Sedick Ncdesda Shaishnikoii'. . Total . do .. ....do.. Widow . Sealer . . ....do .. ....do .. ....do .. ....do . ...do .. "W'idow . Scaler .. ....do .. ....do ., Sealer do do Priest Widow Sealer Uniuarried Minor do do do Amount. $66. 85 77.85 8.75 76.85 78.05 76.00 58.74 80.85 122. 00 79. 70 87.85 69.29 128. 40 140. 13 69.29 165. 85 252. 85 376 49 165. 09 165. 10 1.57. 09 47.68 70.85 110.68 8;i. 85 76,29 151). 00 50.05 276. 23 20.74 223. 65 25.00 45.74 10.62 77.79 68.29 65.05 121.05 81.85 89.49 85.00 128. 05 135. 55 135. 85 302. 52 82. 29 75.05 75.05 114. 40 87.49 73. 85 73.05 113. 85 77.85 93.00 113. 85 83.85 86.85 8, 870. 73 2,281.09 2, 94S. 33 1, 525. 00 3, 341. 74 227. 05 983. 68 343. 08 104. 17 93.61 104. 18 165. 09 12, 117. 02 lo7987. 75 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. Dtsiribiiiion of jyroceed-s from far seals taken on St. Paul Island, 1S90. 251 August 1, ]890: 16,777 seal skins, at 40 cents $6,710.80 53 seal skins, cut, at 20 cents 10.60 156 seal skins, rejected 62.40 40 sea-lion skins, at $1 40. 00 Less provisions at JSTortlieast Point 40. 50 Total 6,783.30 First class. 1. Rov. Paul Sliaishnikoff, priest 158. 19 2. An tone Melevidofl', first chief 158.19 3. Karp Biiterin, second chief 158. 19 4. Jacob Koochuten 158.19 5. (leorge Koochuten 158.19 6. Theo. Sedick 158.19 7. Aggie Cusliing 158.19 8. Martin Nedarazott' 158. 19 9. Stepan Kozeroff 158. 19 10. Neou Mandregau 158.19 11. Peter Krukotf. 158.19 12. Nicoli Krukotf 158. 19 13. Kerrick Tarrakanoff 158. 19 14. Daniel Parauschin 158. 19 15. Apollon Burdukort'skv 158. 19 10. Zachar Rookarislmikoff 158. 19 17. Eupheme Kushornikoff. 158.19 18. Stepan Nedarazofl' 158. 19 19. Parfiri Poukotf 158.19 20. NicoliGronioft' 158.19 21. Elarey Stepeteen 158.19 22. PeterTetott' 158.19 23. Peter Oustigoff 158.19 Total 3,638.37 Second class. 1. Simeou Mclevidoff 142.37 2. George Enienoff 142.37 3. Markel Volkolf 142.37 4. Kerrick Artemouotf 142.37 5. Kerrick Buterin 142.37 6. VasiliSedulo 142.37 7. Eupheme Koochuten 142.37 8. JohnFratia 142.37 Total 1,138.96 Third class. 1 . Metrofan Shuty ogan $12G. 56 2. Arsenev Arko.sIiotF 126.56 3. J ohn G'lototf 126. 56 4. Necon Shabolin 126.50 5. Alex Hansen 126.56 6. Neon Tetot / 126.56 Total 759.36 Fourth class. 1 . Dorofay Stepetee7i 110. 73 2. .TohnKootchuten 110.73 3. Nicoli Bogodanoif 110.73 4. VLidinier Prokopeelf 110.73 5. Paul Haberoff 110. 73 Total 553. 65 Ft;fth cla,ss. 1. Maxim Krukoff 94.92 2. Alex Golaktonoff. 9i. 92 3. Alex Melevidoff 94. 92 Total 284.70 Sixth class. 1. AlexMerculiflf 79.10 2. John Kuznitzoff 79.10 Total 1 58. 20 Special class. Antone Melevidoff, first chief 50. 00 Karp Buterin, second chief 50. 00 Mrs. Terrenti Stepeteen 50.00 Mrs. Peter Peeshnikoff 50. 00 Mrs. John Hopoff 50.00 Total 250.00 TaMe showing distrihution of earnings on St. Paul Island for taking fur seals in JSS9. First class Buterin, Karp, second chief Kotchooten, Jacob Kotchooten, George Sedick, Theodore Stepetine, Terrentis Viatkin, Yerlampy Kushiu. Aggio Nederazotf, Martine Melovidotf, Antone, first chief Kozeroff, Paul . , Kozeroff, Stepan Mandrigin, Keou Krakott, Peter Krukotf, Kicoli Tarakanoff, Kerrick Paranchin, Daniel Bourderkofsky, Apollon Rooka veshiukoft', Zachar Koshinikoif, Eupheme Nedarazolf, Stepan Fratis, John Paukoff, Parfiri Stepetin, Elary Melovidotf, Simeon Tetoff, Peter Gromoff, Nicoli $627. 627. 627. 627. 627. 627. 627. 627. 627. 627. 627. 627. 627. 627. 627. 027. 627. 627. 027. C07. 027. 027. 627. 627. 627. 627. 85- 85 85 85 85 85 85 85 85 85 85 85 85 85 85 85 85 85 85 85 85 85 85 85 85 85 252 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. Table shounnf/ distribution of earninga on St. Paid Islam!, etc. — Continued. 27 1 28 2 29 3 30 4 31 5 32 6 33 7 34 8 35 9 36 10 37 1 38 2 39 3 40 4 41 5 42 G 43 1 44 2 45 3 46 4 47 1 48 2 49 3 50 1 51 2 52 3 VolkofT, ]\rarkel Artonionofl', Kerick . . . Buteriii, Kerick Peeshnikotf, Peter Hal)ero(t; Paul Sedule, Vassiley Kotchooten, EHpheme. Hopofi', Jolm Emaiioff, George Oustigoff, Peter Second class. Slmtyagin, Metrofan. Arkasliott', Arsney ... Glotot)', Jolm Shabolii), Neeoii Hans-sen, Alexander . Tetoft.Neon Stepetin. Dorofay Kotchooten. John.... Bogdanotf. Nicoli Prokopieti", Vladimer. Knikoff, Maxim Ualakinoff, Alexander. Melovidotf, Alexander. Third class. Fourth class. Fifth class. Shaishnikoff, Alexander. Mercullitr, Alexander... Kuznitzotf, John ftixth class. $565. 05 565. 05 565. 05 565. 05 565. 05 565. 05 565. 05 565. 05 565. 05 565. 05 502. 29 502. 29 502. 29 51)2. 29 502. 29 502. 29 439. 49 439. 49 439. 49 439. 49 376. 73 376. 73 376. 73 251. 17 251. 17 251. 17 Special class. Shaishnikoff, Panl, priest 1, 000. 00 Two chiefs, eacli $100 l 200. 00 Estate of C. Shnbolin | 250.00 Estate of A . Gal kin 250. 00 Widows fund 2, 000. 00 Total 32, 330. 00 EECAPITULATIOK. 83,721 seal .skins, at 40 cents $33, 489. 60 1,276 seal skins, cnt, at 20 cents 255.20 25 sea-lion skins, at 60 cents 15. 00 Less, for provisions to Northeast Point $129. 80 Paid to St. GeoT"e men 1, 300. 00 33, 759. 80 1,429.80 Total 32,330.00 Those in the fir.st class should have received $234, leaving to tlieir credit $171.00 Those in the second class should liave received $208, leaving to their credit 152. 00 Those in tlio third class should have received $182, leaving to their credit 133. 00 Those in the fourth class should liave received $156, leaving to their credit 144. 00 Those in the fifth class should have received $143, leaving to their credit 132. 00 Those in the seventli class should have received $104, leaving to tlieir credit 96. 00 If the accompanying instructions of the Treasury agent in charge had heen complied with, the natives would have been in cii'cunistanccs financially to meet their unfortunate hut not unexpected condition, as is clearly shown by the amounts which should have been to their credit. Dl!. Account Current, Cr. J. — The North American Commercial Company in account with the United States at St. Paul Island, Alastia. 1890. May 24. To oil fund transferred by Alaska Commercial Company $124. 87 May 24. To natives' general fund 182. 55 Di{. Account Current. Cr. K. — 77/e North American Commercial Company in account uilh the United States at St. Ceorye Island, Alaska. 1800. May 24. To natives' general fund $193. 12 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. L. — Census of St. Paul Island, Alaska, July 31, 1800. 253 Name. Artamonoff, Kerrick Artamonoff, Alexandra, wife Artamonoff, Auxenia, daughter. . Ivanott', Evdoliia, visitor Arkashoff, Araeiiy Arkashoff, Eupliemia, wife Austegoff, Peter Austegoff, Parascovia, Avile Austegoff', Stepanida, mother Ivanoff, Auastasia, niece Sliaishnikott', George, adopted - . . Bogdauoft', Nicoli Bogdanoff', Fevouia, wife Bogdanott', Zachar, sou Bourdukofsky, Appolyon Bourdukofsky, Chiouia, "vvil'o Bourdukofsky, Peter, son Bourdukofsky, Ouleta, daughter. Lodoshnikofl'. Evdokia, adopted . Butarin, Karp Butariu, Parascovia, -wife Butarin, Constantine, sou Butarin, Ivan, son Mezeekin, Mary, adopted Butariu, Kerrick Butarin, Catherine, daughter Emauoft', George Enianoft', Anna, mother Koznetzotf, John, nephew Koznetzoff", Agafia, niece Fratis, John Fratis, Akoolena, wife Fratis, Susanna, daughter Fratis, Jolin, son Glotott', Jolm Glototf, Mary, mother Gromott', Nicoli Gromoff, Ouleanna, wife Sedick, Elizaheth, adopted Haberott; Paul Kotchootin, Eupheme Kotehootin, Pelogia, wife Bogdauoff, Mary, adopted Kotchootin, George Kotchootin, Maria, wife Kotchootin, Peter, son Kotchootin, Trepon, sou Kotchootin, Matrona, daughter.. Kotchootin, , daughter Kotchootin, Jacob ." Kotchootin, Fevronia, wife Kotchootin, Ouleta, daughter Kotchcotin, liUen, daughter Kotchootin, Theodore, son Kotchootin, , son Lodoshnikoff', Natalia, adopted . . Koshevinkoff, Eupheme Koshevinkoff, A\ dotia, wife Koshevinkoff', Paul, son Kozeroft", Stepan Kozeroff, Anastasia, wife Kozeroff, Trepon, son Kozeroff, Tevnaly, daughter Nozikoff', Simeon,. stepson Knikolf, Lukeria, adopted Krukolf, Peter Krukoff', Anna, wife Krukoft', Nicoli Krukoff, Catherine, wife Krukotf, Metrofan, son Krukoff, Ousteana, daughter Krukoff, Maxim Krukotij Feoctesta, wife Krukoff, John, son Krukoff' (infant), son Kushin, Aggie Kushin, Mary, wife Kushin, Lukeria, daughter Kushin, Micliael, son Shaposhinkoff, Tatiana, adopted. Age. Male. Female. 65 25 27 9 20 38 12 39 24 18 30 23 56 12 21 31 15 38 36 18 61 18 24 60 15 40 5 24 24 12 20 13 22 40 48 43 41 17 29 12 6 40 Infant. 3 Infant. ;i7 37 17 7 11 39 15 39 41 35 11 Infant . . 37 31 Place of birth. St. Paul Island St. Michaels St. Paul Island.... St. Michaels St. Paul Island.... do St. George Island . St. Paul Island.... St. George Island . St. Paul Island.... do St. George Island . St. Paul Island.... do Unalaska St. Paul Island ... do do Unalaska St. Paul Island Unalaska St. Paul Island do do do do do Unalaska St. Paul Island.... do Ladrone Islands . . Unalaska St. Paul Island.... ...-do do Unalaska Attou St. Paul Island. 40 16 35 31 26 36 14 Kadiak St. PaulLsland Unalaska St. George Island . St. Paul Island.... Unalaska St. Paullsland do do do do Unga St. Paul Island.... do do do T^^nga St. George Island . St. Paul Island.... do Unalaska do St. Paul Island... do Unalaska ....do Sitka St. Paul Island . . . At sea near Sitka. Atka St. Paul Island. .. ....do Sitka St. Paul Island... ....do ....do Kurilo Islands. . . . St. Georue Island. St. Paul" Island... St. George Island. Unalaska.... Occupation. Sealer. Do. Do. Do. Do. Do. Do. Do. Do. Do. Do. Do. Do. Do. Do. Do. Do. Do. 254 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. L. — Census of St. Paul Island, Alaska, July 31, 1890 — Continued. Name. Manrtrear, Neon Maudreaii, Mavra, wife Manilrean, Mary, daughter iramlreau, Zoy:i, daughter Seditk, Avdotia, uieco Sedick, Zachar, nephew , Melovidol}', Antone Melovidott; Agrafena, wile , Melovidott; Alexandra, daughter Melovidoltj Dlega, daughter Melovidoff, Mary, daughter Melovidott', Alexandra, mother Melovidoli', Alexander, hrother Sliaishnikott', Matrona, adopted Nederazott', Martin Nedcrazott'. .Stepau Nederazott', Alexandra, wife Nederazott', l^Iary, niece Nederazoff, Prokopy, nephew Nederazoit', Dormedont, nephew Pauliotf, Porfaria Paukotf, Olga, wife , Pauko.if, Va'lsie, son Eezanzotf, Natalia, mother-in-law Parauchin, Daniel Paraucliin, Alexandra, wife Prokopiett', Vladeniar Hookovislmikott', Zaeliar Eoolcovishnikoft', Anissia, wife Kookovishuikolf, Stejian, son Kookovishnikolf, Parascovia, daughter. Sedick, Theodore Sedick, Martha, wife Sedick, Anna, daughter Sedick, Anastasia, daughter Sedick, Mary, daughter Sediik, Innokeutie, son Sedick, Yustiiiia, daughter Sedick, Phillip, nephew Shaishnikotf, ilov. Paul Age. Male. 6 36 17 37 34 e 4 29 20 38 44 13 56 vShaishnikolf, Nadesda, niece Shaishnikotf, Valerian, nopliew Shaholiu, Js'econ Shaboliu, Ouleta, wife Shaliolin, Agrafena, daughter Shaboliu, Agrafena, motTier Shutyagin, Catlierine Sliutyagin, Metrofan Shutyagin, Ouleta, wife Shutyagin, I'arascovia, sister Sedule,"\'asely Sedule, Elizabeth, wife Sedule, Vera, daughter Ste])Ctiu, Elary Stepctiu, Anna, wife Ste])etin, Ouleacna, daughter Fratis, Kllen, niece Step(tin, Dorofay Stepetin, Avdotia, mother Tarakanotf, ivoirick Tarakanotf, Anna, wife Tetolf, Jonas Tctoir, Peter Tetoff, Mary, wife Tetof r, Zachar, brother Tetoi'f, Alexandra, sister Gh^liolf, Chii.nia, mother-in-law Glebotf, Vassa, sister-in-law Volkoff, ]\Iarkel Volkotf, Alexandra, wife Volkoff, infant boy Infant ^Vldows. 30 49 21 12 47 Arkasholf, Martha Val /.nicnotf, A uxenia, niec(; Vatzmenolf, 'I'assia., sister inlaw. Balakshin, JSIatrona P.alakshin, Agafa, nieco Female. Place of birth. 28 7 5 10 34 10 6 4 56 29 10 29 '57' 30 26 37 21 17 5 14 22 3 50 11 St. George Island. Attou St. Paul Island... do do do Kadiak Atka St. Paul Island... do do California St. Paul Island... do ...-do 24 11 51 11 21 3 7 56 34 31 14 51 18 38 31 14 25 42 13 Attou St. Paul Island... do do do St. George Island. St. Paul Island. .. St. George Island. St. Paurisland... Unalaska Attou St. Paul Island... Unalaska St. Paul Island... ....do ....do Unalaska St. Paul Island... -...do -do .do .do do .do Unalaska St. Paul Island... do do do Unalaska St. Paul Island... do St. George Island. St. Paul Island... Kadiak Unalaska St. Paul Island... do Unalaska St. Paul Island... ...do St. Paul Island.... ....do ....do Sitka St. Paul Island.... ....do St. George Island. St. Paul Island ...-do St. George Island. ....do Atka Unalaska St. Paul Island.... Unalaska St. Paul Island. ....do do do Occupation. Sealer. Do. Do. Do. Do. Do. Do. Do. Do. Do. Priest, Greek Church. Sealer. Do. Do. Do. Do. Do. Do. Do. Do. ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 255 L. — Census of St. Paul Island, Alaslcn, July SI, 1S90 — Continued. Ifiime. Shaposljinkoff, Parascovia, a,dopted... Belgiazoff, EUeu TaiakaiKitf, Mary, adopted Krukoff, iSl^atalia Krukoff, John, sou Hopott', Anissia Hopoti', Nekita, son Kozeroft", Avdotia Kozloff, Parascovia Kozlotf, Feodotia, daughter Kozloff, Michael, son Kozlotf, Nicoli, son Serebreuikoff, Olga, sister Mandregin, Yesteuia Kookovislinikotl", Anna, adopted Merculieff, Anxenia Merculieff, Alexander, son Merculieff, Martin, son Merculieff", Ellen, daughter Merculieff', Luboti', daughter Merculieff, infant son Nederazoff, Akoolena Nedei'azofl', Agrafona Nederazoff, infant son of Agrafena... Poliomolf, IJarbra Pohomoff, Salome, da lighter Merculieff, John, adopted Pushnikotf, Vassilesia Popoft", Ardotia Popoff, Evrosinia, daughter Balakshin, Anna, daughter Popoff', Avanasia Shutyagin, Daria, adojited IJcze'nza, Anna Galak teonoff, Claudia Sedick, Daria Kotchootin, John, son Kotchootin, Zenovia, daughter Kotchootin, Ellen, daughter Soroken, Martha Shane, Catherine Shane, Mary, daughter Shane, Feokla, stepdaughter Shane, Parascovia Feokla's daughter. Shane, Elevery, Feokla's son Tetoff, Fedusi'a .* Tetoft", Irene, daughter Tetoff', Sofia, daughter Tetoff", Anxenia, da ughter * Kotchergin, Avdotia Terentova, Anna Tereutova, Anna, daughter Volk off, Ellen Kushin, Mavra, niece Zacharoft", Keriacka Zacharoff, Emanuel, son Zacharofl', Feodosia, daughter Age. Male. 11 10 10 Infant . Female. 21 11 25 56 15 39 24 30 33 13 27 29 6 35 Place of birth. 12 ^4 45 23 41 16 32 32 1 8 46 11 58 12 48 23 17 21 31 12 22 4 34 7 5 2 17 72 39 36 11 45 15 St. Paul Island.... do do do do Unalaska St. Paul Island.... St. George Island . Unalaska St. Paul Island do -do -do .do .do .do Occupation. do ! Sealer do do do do do do do do do do do Attn. St. Paul Island do do do Koskoquime Unalaska do St. Paul Island do do Unalaska Sitka St. George l8lanhiiii .......... 201. 49 A vflokia Vikolill^ 0!'i)li;tn 232. 69 211.39 A v»l(»l\ia T'oDoff ......_.. 74.46 Ao-rifinea Oustigotf, or[)haii -. 18.05 Alex (iiilaktonotf -. Fedosia Kezanzoff, "widow 50.00 Kev. Innokenty LestinkofF, priest St Geor^'e Church -- Euatin Swt'tszolt' ....- .-• 3, 691. 87 1, 700. 00 1, 394. 55 Total 3, 094. 55 6, 786. 42 H. Doc. 92- 17 258 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. IHvimoti of proceeds of sealing at St. George Island for the aeason of 1890. [4,112 seal skins, at 4(1 cents, $1,644.80.] Kame. Amount. First class : Lostankofl', Demetra $85. 56 Xederazoff. Arkenty 85. 56 Onstegotf, Alexaye 85.56 Philamonott; Eofi' 85.56 Pliilamonofl', Simeon 85. 56 Gorokoff, Corneal 85. 56 Swetzofl; Eustin 85. 56 Total 598. 92 Second class : Malavanski, Nicoli 72. 72 Philamonotf, Andronic 72.72 Philamonofl', Andrean 72. 71 Lekamoli', Stepan 72. 71 Total 290. 86 Third class: Kulikoloff, Evan 64. 17 Kezanzotf, Peter 64. 17 >>ame. Amount. Third class — Continued. i Onstegotf, Simeon : $64. 1 7 Merculitt', Joseph I 64. 17 Prokopeott; Peter : 64, 17 Lestan kott', Mike 64. 17 Total I 385. 02 Special class : Leslankotr, Kev. Innokenf y 200. 00 Philaraonoft', Gregoric .' 25.00 Philanionoff, Ephraim 25.00 Merculitl', George 25.00 Galanin, Pafara 25.00 Rezanzort", Innokenty 25. 00 Nederazotf, Nicoli . .' 15. 00 Merculilf, .John 15.00 Philamonott', Innokenty 15. 00 Total 370. 00 Grand total 1,644.80 1 ist of accounts due itatires hi/ the Xorth Americnu Commercial Companji. Name. Simeon Philamonof . . Alexa Onstegof Andrean IMiilamonof Andronic Philamonof Eof. Philamonof Jos. Merculif Pet«r Rezanzof Stepan Lekhanof Peter Prokopeof Simeon Oustegof Hston Swetzof Arkenta Nedarazof.. Corneal Gorokhof . . . Nicoli Malavanski. . . Demetra Lestenkof . . Mike Lestenkof Gregory Philamonof. George Merculif Innokenty Rezanzof. Evan Kuiikolof Balance Cr. Name. $216. 56 216. 06 170. 21 170. 22 202. 21 112. 17 123.17 170. 21 64.17 166. 92 209. 56 208. 56 213. 56 233. 72 286. 25 66.67 25.00 27.00 98.50 102. 88 Ephraim Philamonof Pafara Galanin Nicoli Nederazof John Merculif Innokenty Philamonof Kev. Innokenty Lestankof. St. George Church Sebastian Merculif Nadesda Merculif Zahar Oustel^of Sarapheme Rezanzof Riese Shane Fedosia Rezanzof Okalina Galinin A vdotia Popo tt' Eflokie Vickloff Agrafina Oustikof Natalia Mercnliti' Mark Merculif Balance Cr. $25. 00 25.00 15.00 15.00 15.00 1 , 800. 00 1,294.55 115. 00 199. 49 100. 00 55. 70 45.00 39.00 27.25 64.46 228. 19 9.80 60.00 205. 89 O. — Receipts of Agents Larevdir and Murray. lsi..vxi> OF 8t. Paul, lierivg Sea, Alaska, August 9, 1S90. This is to certify that 16,874 fur-seal skins have this day hoen shipped on board the ?>teamship Arago, Captain Thomas commanding, and consigned to the North Auieri- '•an Commercial Company of San Francisco. This being the total catch on St. Paul Island for the season of 1890. .JOSKI'H MVRItAY, .Issistant Treasury Agent. Island of St. I'.vt'r., Alaska, Jugust 9, 1890 ReceiTod this day on board the steamship Arago, for the North American Com- mercial Company of San Francisco, 16,874 fnr-seal skins. H. ('. Thomas, Captain, Commanding Arago. ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 259 Island of St. George, Bering Sea, Alaska, April 11, 1890. This is to certify that 4,121 fur-seal skins have this day been shipped on board the steamship Arago, Captain Thoiuas commanding, and consigned to the North Ameri- can Commercial Company of San Francisco. This being the total catch on St. George Island for the season of 1890. Albert W. Lavender, Assistant Treasury Agent. Island of St. George, Alaska, August — , 1S90. Received this day on board the steamship Arago, for the North American Commer- cial Company of San Francisco, 4,121 fur-seal skins. H. C. Thomas, Captain, Commanding Arago. [Telegraphic instructions to Special Agent Goff.] Washington, D. C, April 39, 1890. Charles J. Goff, Treasury Agent, Seal Islands. (Care collector of customs, San Francisco, Cal.) In case absolute necessity, caused by scarcity of natives or otherwise, use best judgment and discretion in allowing killing seals for skins after July 20. W. WiNDOM, Secretary. P. — Protest of George E. Tingle. North American Commercial Company, St. Paul Island, Alasl-a, July 18, 1890. Sir : Tour communication of the 8th instant was received, in which you notify me as superintendent of the North American Commercial Company that said company must cease killing seals on the 20th instant. The delay in replying thereto was with the hope that, as a result of our several verbal discussions of the propriety or necessity of your order, you would be convinced of the untenable position you have assumed and revoke the order, thus allowing the lessees to go on with their business as the law provides. Your announcement to me this evening that you will not revoke your order, and that your decision is final, leaves me but one thing more to do, viz, file this protest against the wisdom, justice, or necessity of enforcing on the lessees what we con- sider an arbitrary abridgment of our rights under and by virtue of the law. The lease was executed by the Government of the United States in pursuance of chapter 3, title 23, Eevised Statutes. This law authorized the Secretary of the Treasury to prescribe from time to time the rules and regulations by which the Treasury agents in charge of the seal fisheries shall be governed. There is nowhere in the law any provision authorizing the Secretary of the Treasury, after he has fixed upon the number of seals the lessees shall kill in any one year, to cut down the time to such a date as to make it impossible for them to secure the numi- ber allowed to be taken. 260 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. The date you fix, 20th instant, it is true, was named by the Secretary of the Treasury on your recommendation, but you received subsequently an order to extend the time or " use your best judgment." On tlie receipt of said telegraphic order the day before our ship sailed, you told the president of the company, I. Liebes, and myself, that "it would be all right; it was as good as we wanted," etc., satisfying the president of the compauy and myself that you would extend the time, otherwise we would not have sailed until we received from the Secretary a positive revocation of that part of his instructions which cut us oft' on 20th from killing seals. You said to-day, that seeing that seals were so scarce determined you to stop the killing on the 20th, and yet you admit to haviug ordered Colonel Murray, on St. George Island, the Treasury agent in charge, to stop our agent there from killing. This order was issued to Colonel Murray at an early date, before the killing of seals had hardly commenced, and it was not known whether they would be few or many. The law says the lessees shall give the natives a maintenance out of the taking of the seal skins. How can that provision of the law be carried out when the Government steps in and stops the lessees from killing when they are taking a thousand seals a day. By the enforcement of your order as the representatives and agents of the United States you deprive the natives of a maintenance; you deprive the Government of large rev- enue; you cause the North American Commercial Company great loss; you turn over to the marauders and other natural enemies of the seals in the water many thousands of tine, killable, merchantable seals, which we could take without any detriment whatever to the rookeries. We have every reason to believe, from the marked increase of new arrivals of fine seals, that if we were allowed by you to continue our killing under the law we could fill our quota of 60,000 seals. Believing this, we will claim damages from the Government of the United States equal to the loss we sustained by your act limiting the time to the 20th instant when we shall cease killing. This limitation of time has no precedent in the past 20 years, while the quota for St. George and St. Paul islands was several times changed. The law fixed the time when the killing shall cease, but the Secretary can fix the number to be killed each year — not exceeding 100,000. In view of the foregoing facts, the North American Commercial Com- pany respectfully claim the right to be allowed to proceed with the execution of their business under and by virtue of their lease. I am, very respectfully, Geo. R. Tingle, Superintendent North American Commercial Company. C. J. GoFF, Esq., Treasury Agent, in charge of Seal Fisheries. ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 261 Table showing the numier of fur seals killed for skins on the Island of St. Paul hy the Alaska Commercial Company, and also for natives' food, from 1870 to 1889, inclusive; the amount of earnin()s received hi/ the natives of this island for taking and curing these skins, and the distribution of said earnings; the total number of fur-seal skins shipped from St. Paul Island by the Alaska Commercial Company from 1870 to 1889, inclusive. Tears. 1870. 1871. 1872. 1873. 1874. 1875. 1876. 1877. 1878. 1879. 1880. 1881. 1882. 1883. 1884. 1885. 1886. 1887. 1888. 1889. Tears. 1870. 1871. 1872. 1873. 1874. 1875. 1876. 1877. 1878. 1879. 1880. 1881. 1882. 18H3. 1884. 1885. 1886. 1887. 1888. 1889. Total fur- seal skins shipped. 6,017 76, 134 74, 941 74, 485 89, 924 89, 687 80, 000 60, 199 82, 000 80, 000 80, 000 79, 905 80, 000 60, 000 85, 000 84, 995 85, 000 85. 000 85, OI'O 85, 000 Paid to na- tive.s for taking and curing skins. Paid to natives for gener- al labor. $2, 406. 80 30, 853. 60 30,416.00 29, 597. 80 29, 849. 60 30, 098. 00 31, 848. 20 23,981.60 32, 654. 00 31, 908. 60 31, 889. 00 31, 825. 60 31, 750. 80 23, 896. 80 33, 785. 60 33, 933. 00 33,941.80 33, 839. 80 33, 834. 60 33, 744. 80 Total.... 1,523,287 596, 056. 00 $580. 40 221.97 76.80 217. 53 276. 03 113.40 146. 40 2, 218. 38 1, 910. 86 215.40 54.00 257. 50 97.00 240. 00 12.00 134. 00 203. 40 15.60 15.00 Total fur seals killed. 6,017 77, 925 76, 698 76, 488 97, 932 91,215 79, 199 62, 813 83. 034 86, 592 80, 276 81,501 81, 420 61, 987 86, 013 86. 364 85, 689 85, 629 85, 271 85, 053 Rejected stagey skins. Distribution of natives' earnings for taking and curing fur-seal skins. 7,005.67 1,557,116 431 1,536 736 596 451 1,979 1,088 981 1,977 275 1,341 1,414 1,775 941 1.182 635 590 196 Received bv St. i^aul Church. $150. 00 910. 16 902. 45 870. 62 ?59. 06 432. 07 757. 12 621.50 855. 78 822. 24 813. 10 857. 66 Received by St. Paul priest. $451. 22 435. 11 429. 53 432. 07 621. 48 855. 78 821. 50 813. 10 857. 66 1, 000. 00 750. 00 1, 000. 00 1, 000. 00 1,000.00 1, 000. 00 1, 000. 00 1, 000. 00 Received by St. Paul widows. $77. 20 614. 82 500. 00 200. 00 150. 05 18,124 a8,851.76 a 13,467.45 2, 650. 00 50.00 300. 00 200. 00 1, 500. 00 150. 00 2, 500. 00 a 8,892,07 Distribution of natives' earnings for taking and curing fur- seal skins. Received by St. Paul aged and sick. Received by St. Paul Church for trans Received by chiefs lation 01 ^« ^'^l^'-y- church service. Received by Una- laska Church. $200. 00 $1, 219. 65 428. 83 Total . . . 1, 000. 00 600. 00 a 1,800.00 $300. 00 450. 00 450. 00 225. 00 225. 00 300. 00 300. 00 200. 00 200. 00 200. 00 200. 00 $432. 07 378. 40 310. 74 450. 00 Received by Una- laska priest. $109. 30 455. 08 756. 80 855. 78 a 1,648.48 i 3,050.00 a 1,571.21 Receiyed by St. George men lor work done on St. Paul. Remarks. $6, 000. 00 5, 600. 00 a2,176.96 2, 844. 35 3. 036. 05 3, 000. 00 2, 500. 00 1,500.00 1, 300. 00 25, 780. 40 $455. 08 received by Dr. Kramer, first- class share, a 15,000 skins credited to St.Georgemenfor labor ; $680 received by men from Kodiak for labor. 14,000 .sli ins credited to St. George men for labor: $12.60 donat- ed to Antone Mele vi- dott". a $1,022.92 received by natives for making oil, under head of general labor. $1,606.06 received by natives for making oil, under head of general labor. $50 received by school- teacher, c 262 ALASIA INDUSTRIES. TaiU thowing ih$ number of fur seals killed for skins on the Inland of Si. Paul by tht Alaska Commercial Company, etc. — Continued. EEC APITULA TION. Total fur seals killed for skins on the island of St. Paul by the Alaska Commercial Com- pany, and also for natives' food, from 1870 to 1889, inclusive 1, 557, 116 Total fur seals killed for skins shipped from St. Paul by Alaska Commercial Company from 1870 to 1889 .". ], 523, 287 Total fur-seal skins from St. Paul rejected, stagey 18, 124 Destruction to seal life on St. Paul Island in securing catch from 1870 to 1889, inclusive. . . 15, 705 1, 557, 116 Note.— Total fur seals, of all clases, killed for natives' food on St. Paul Island from 1870 to 1889, inclusive 144, 801 Total fur seals (large young seals) killed for natives' food, of which the Alaska Commercial Company accepted and shipped 62,873 skins 80,907 Total fur-seal pups (5 month old) killed for natives' food from 1870 to 1889 63, 804 144, 801 Total earnings received by natives of St. Paul Island from 1870 to 1889, inclusive $603, 061. 67 Total donations received by natives of St. Paul Island a 38, 875. 61 Total paid to chiefs 3, 050. 00 Total paid to St. George men for labor on St. Paul 25, 780. 40 Total paid to Kodiak men for labor on St. Paul b 680 00 Total paid to school-teacher c 50. 00 Total with Alaska Commercial Company for Mrs. Melevidoft" 3, 404. 99 Total expended by natives from 1870 to'l889 509, 890. 07 Total balance due natives May 24, 1890, with North American (Commercial Company 21, 330. 60. 603, 061 . 67 Table showing number of fur seals killed for skiiis on tlie Island of St. George by the Alaska Commercial Company, and also for nalives' food, from 1870 to 1889, inclusive; the amount of earnings received bythe natives of this island for taking and curing these skins; also amount earned by St. George men on St. Paul Island, and the distribution of said earnings ; the total number of fur-seal skins shipped from St, George Island by the Alaska Commercial Company from 1S70 to 1889, inclusive. Total fur-seal skius shipped. Paid to na- tives for takino; and curing skins. Distribution of natives earnings for taking and curing fur-seal skins. Years. Total fur seals killed. Total rejected stagey. St. George earnings transferred from St. Paul. Received by St. George Church. Received by St. George priest. 1870 1871 19, 077 25, 000 25, 000 10, 000 10, 000 10,000 15, 000 18, 000 20, 000 20, 000 20, 000 20, 000 15, 000 15, OUO 15, 000 15, 000 15, 000 15,000 15, 000 $7, 630. 80 10. 000. 00 10, 000. 00 4, 000. 00 4, 000. 00 4, 000. no 6, 000. 00 7, 200. 00 8, 000. 00 8, 000. 00 8, 000. 00 8, 000. 00 6, 000. 00 6, 000. 00 6, 000. 00 C, 000. 00 6, 000. 00 6, 000. 00 6, 000. 00 19, 077 25, 000 25, 067 1872 1 1873 07 1874 10, 000 10,034 $6, 000. 00 5, 600. 00 1875 34' $340. 00 160. 00 250. 00 300. 00 380. 00 1, 000. 00 172. 00 100. 00 1876 10, 279 15. 143 18, 360 20, 316 20, 358 20, 233 20, 316 15, 076 15, 000 15,145 15, 083 15, 166 15, 179 15, 082 279 143 360 316 1877 1878 1879 1880 275 126 291 1881 1882 $700. 00 375 00 1883 1884 2 844 35 COO. 00 1885 120 29 76 113 40 3, 036. 05 3, 000. 00 2, 500. 00 1, 500. 00 1,300.00 800. 00 1886 800 00 1887 800 00 1888 800 00 1889 800. 00 Total 317,077 128, 830. 80 319,914 2,269 25, 780. 40 a 2, 702. 00 a 5, 675. 00 ALASKA INDUSTRIH. 263 TahJe allowing number of fur nealx killed for skins on the Inland of St. Gtorg* by the Alaska Commereial Compuny, etc. — Continued. Distributiou of natives' earnings for taking and curing fur-seal skins. Ysftis. Received by St. George widows. Received by St. George aged and sick. Received by St. George chief as salary. Received by Una- laska priest. Received by St. Paul prifst. H«H)ark«. 1870 Xo record of seals killed 1871 $130. UO 20. 00 -• . on St. George Island in 1870. 1872 1873 1874 15,000 fur-seal skin* 1875 $300. 00 160. 00 250.00 $340. 00 160. 00 250. 00 300. 50 375. 00 shipped from St. Paul to St. George, and cred- ited to St. George. 14,000 fur seal skin.i shipped from St. Paul to St. George, and cr«d- ited to St. Geerga. 1870 1877 1878 1879 1880 1881 1882 1883 $90. 00 100. 00 100. 00 80. 00 100. 00 100. 00 100. 00 1884 1885 1886 $100. 00 1887 50.00 1888. .. 1889 250. 00 Total (1450.00 a 100. 00 a 670. 00 ■ rt.710.0U a 1.425. 50 RECAPITULATION. Total fur seals killed for skins on St. George Island bv the Alaska Commercial Company, and for natives' food, from 1870 to 1889, inclusive...! ". . 319,914 Total fur-seal skins shipped by the Alaska Commercial Company from St. George Island from 1870 to 1889 317,077 Total fur-seal skins rejected and stagey 2, 269 Total destruction to seal life in securing catch on St. George from 1870 to 1889 668 319, 014 Note.— Total number of fur-seal pups killsd for nativew' food on St. George Island from 1870 to 1889, inclusive, 29,060. Total earnings received by natives for labor on St. George Island from 1870 to 1889 $126, 830. 80 Total earnings received by natives for labor on St. Paul Island from 1870 to 1889 25, 780. 40 152, 611. 20 Total donations a 11, 732. 50 Total unaccounted for 6 19. 25 Total expended by natives from 1870 to 1889 134, 07:i. 03 Total balance to natives' account on Maj[ 24, 1890, and turned over by Alaska Commercial Company to North American Commercial Company 6, 786. 42 152, 611. 20 264 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. Consolidated report showimj the total numher of fin' seals killed for sl-ins on the islands of St. Paul and St. Georye, by the Alaska Commercial Comparuj, from 1S70 to 1SS9, inclu- sive; also the number of large young seals and pups killed for natives' food on the islands of St. Paul and St. Ceorge from 1S70 to 18S9, inclusive; the total number of fur-seal skins sliipped from St. Paul and St. George Islands by the Alaska Commercial Company from 1S70 to 1SS9, inclusive ; the amount of earnings received by the natives of St. Paul and St. George for taking and curing skins, and the distribution of said earnings. Total number of fnr seals killed for skins on the islands of St. Paul and St. George, by tbe Alaska Commercial Company, and also for natives' food, from 1870 to 1889, inclusive 1, 877, 030 Total number of fur-seal skins shipped from tlie islands of St. Paul and St. George by the Alaska Commercial Company from 1870 to 1889, inclusive 1,840,364 Total number of furseal skins rejected, stagey, from the islands of St. Paul and St. George from 1870 to 1889, inclusive 20, 393 Total number of fur seals destroyed on St. Paul and St. George, in securing the catch, from 1870 to 1889, inclusive 16,273 Total earnings received by natives of St. Paul and St. George from 1870 to 1889, inclusive. $755, 672. 87 Total donations received by natives of St. Paul and St. George from 1870 to 1889, inclusive. 50, 608. 11 Total paid to chiefs ou St. Paul Island (St. George is included in donations), 1870 to 1889, iuclu.slve -• 3,050.00 Total paid to St. George men for work done on St. Paul Island 25,780.40 Total paid to Kodiak men for work done on St. Paul Island 680. 00 Total unaccounted for 19. 25 Total ]iaid to school-teacher 50.00 Total expended by the natives of St. Paul and St. George islands from 1870 to 1889, inclu- sive.... - 643,963.10 Total balance due natives May 24, 1890, now held by North American Commercial Com- pany 28,117.02 Total balance held by Alaska Commercial Company for Mrs . Melevidolf 3, 404. 99 755. 672. 87 Total number of fur-seal pups (5 months old) killed for natives' food on St. Paul and St. George from 1870 to 1889, inclusive 92, 864 Total number of fur-seal pups (5 months old) killed for natives' food on St. Paul Island from 1S70 to 1889. inclusive 63, 804 Total number of fur-seal pups (5 months old) killed for natives' food on St. George Island from 1870 to 1889, inclusive 29,060 Special Agent Goff: inclosiyig report of Assistant Agent Nettleton. Office of Special Agent Treasury Department, Clarkshiirg, W. Va., September 22, 1S90. Sir : Inclosed i)lease find report of assistant Treasury agent, Mr. S. R. XetlL'ton, who was in charge of St. Paul Island during the winter of 1889 and 1S90. liespectfully, yours, Chas. J. Goff, Treasury Agent. Hon. William Windom, Secretary of the Treasury. Inclosure with Special Agent Gaff's report of September 22, 1890; report of Assistant Agent Nettleton. St. Paul Island, Alaska, July 31, 1890. Dear Sir: I ha,ve the honor herewith to submit luy annual report of the condition of affairs on this island during tlie time in which I had charge, to wit, from September 23, 1889, the date of your departure, until June of this year; and also to comment briefly u])on the condition of the seal rookeries and hauling grounds of this island during the season which closed on the 20th instant. ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 265 I have found the natives of this island an exceedingly easy people to govern and <;ontrol. The Government agent in charge being the sole representative and executive of the law, is, as you are aware, neces- sarily brought into very close and intimate relations with these people, having to do with the minutest details of their everyday life. My comparatively brief experience in governing them convinces me that"^ a policy of kindness, with firmness and an appeal to their man- hood and womanhood, hold the best promise of good results, having in view their happiness and their advancement to a higher and a better civilization. I believe that it would be difficult to find anywhere within the juris- diction of our Government any people so easy to control, considering that they are kept in enforced idleness ten mouths of each year. I regard their readiness to comply with any and all rules and regula- tions of this office for their government as testifying to their manhood and good citizenship. In this connection it affords me great pleasure to report that during the time that I have had immediate charge there have been but three instances of violation of any rule or regulation. These were mild cases of partial intoxication during' their holiday fes- tivities. There has been no drunkenness or brawling in the village streets or in the homes of the people; not a single breach of the peace. It is a source of gratification to be able to state that the journals of this office show that in this regard the winter just closed presents an exception to those of any of the preceding twenty years. The fact is patent that but little advancement has been made by the natives of this island toward an intelligent American citizenship during the twenty years that they have been nominally citizens of the Kepublic; tliat not to exceed 10 per cent of them, who during the time mentioned have attended English schools, speak the English language. This may be explained by the well-kuown objection of the parents to their chil- dren learning to speak English, and to the further fact that the services of their church, the Greek Catholic, are conducted wholly in the Russian and Aleutian languages. The small advancement made by the pupils in the schools is attribu- table, also, in large measure to the fact that the schools have been- conducted by persons not trained to the profession of teaching. It is in my opinion to be regretted that the Department, in granting the new lease of the Seal Islands, did not reserve to itself the employ- ment of the school-teachers, who should hold certificates showing their qualification to teach, at least, the primary branches in our common schools. In relation to the condition of the seal rookeries and hauling grounds of this island, I do not feel called upon to go into details in view of the full and exhaustive manner in which the subject is treated in your report of this year; and also in view of the forthcoming report of Prof. H. W. Elliott, who was sent by the Department especially to examine and report upon the condition of seal life on this and the island of St. George. But I desire to add my testimony to that of my associates as to the deplorable condition of the seal grounds upon this island. The large grass-grown areas of these grounds, until a comparatively recent period <)ccui)ied en masse by seals to be numbered by the million, and now wholly deserted; the driving and redriving from all of the hauling grounds on this island by the lessees, during the present season, in their efforts to obtain their quota, and the meager results attained, tell 266 ALASKA INDU8TRIBS. iu strouger language than I can command the sad story of the very near approach to the entire destruction of seal lile u])on this island. It is hardly worth while for me to attempt to theorize as to the prob- able cause of the condition of affairs. I deem it sufficient for me at this time to corroborate and, if possible, to emphasize what you say in your own report as to the past, present, and the threatened future condition of seal life upon tbese islands. The present depleted condition of the seal rookeries on this island urgently calls for prompt action by the Government to save this important industry from immediate and complete destruction. I heartily concur with your views expressed iu your annual report of 1889 in regard to the killing of pup seals for natives' food. The skins of these pup seals belong to the natives, to be disposed of by them as they choose, the only restriction imposed being that they shall not be exchanged for contraband goods. I desire, through you, to call the attention of the Department to the fact that these pup-seal skins, being largely held by the natives for the purpose of barter for spirituous liquors with the seamen of any craft that may anchor in these waters, are a source of evil, and only evil, to the natives. In view of this fact, and also in view of the further fact that the seal life on this island is rapidly approaching extinction, I respectfully suggest that the best interests of the natives and the best interests of the Government will be most effectually served by prohibiting the killing in the future of any ijup seals for native food. Some more economical substitute can, in my Judgment, be readily supplied. 1 am, very respectfully, S. R. Nettleton, Assistant Treasiiry Agent. Charles J. Goff, Esq., United States Agent, in charge of Seal Islands. Reports of Special Agents WilUanis, Murray, Lavender, and J. iStanley- Brownfor 1891 and 1892, reprinted from Senate Ex. Doc. 107, Fifty - second Congress, second session. 1891. letter of instruction to 8pecial agent willtam8. May 27, 1891. Sir: Having been appointed as Treasury agent in charge at the seal islands, you are instructed to secure by personal application at the Department and from other sources, and in such manner as you may deem proper, as full information as is practicable on the subject of your duties. You are required to leave Washington in time to reach San Fran- cisco, to proceed on the United States revenue cutter Rush, which has orders to sail on the 27th of May for the islands of St. Paul and St. George. Mr. Nettleton, one of the Treasury agents for the islands, came down last fall after the season's work was over, and will return with you on the cutter. He will be accompanied by Mrs. Xettleton, who goes to teach the school upon the island where her husband may be stationed. Upon arriving at the island, you will at once assume charge of the interests and property of the Government, and see to it that your authority is respected in all quarters. You will place Mr. Murray in charge at St. George, and send one of the agents to aid him., the other remaining to assist you. In no event should either of the islands be left without a Treasury agent upon them. It will be your duty to see that the lessees of the islands are per- mitted to take the quota of skins allowed them for the present year if male seal of the proper size come upon the rookeries in sufficient num- bers to enable them to do so without causing permanent injury to the herds, and to secure to the natives all the comforts and privileges to which they are entitled under the provisions of the lease. The per- petuation of seal life is the paramount interest of the Government and of all concerned. The catch to be taken during the season of 1891 is hereby fixed at G0,000, and the standard or minimum weight of skin is placed at 5 pounds. The killing season will begin as soon after your arrival as in your judgment the rookeries are in the proper condition for driving, and the time for taking seal is left entirely to your discretion, with the exception that no seal are to be taken during the stagey period, which is under- stood to embrace the time between the 10th of August and the 30th of September. You should, however, have no difficulty in determining this, as the natives are well informed as to the peculiarities of seal life; 267 268 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. and as the skins are much less valuable when taken during the process of the shedding of the hair, the company will not wish to secure them in this conditiou. If the seal are present of proper size and in such numbers as to per- mit, without permanent injury to the herd, the company's taking the "catch" as stated, you will allow them to do so, and you are to use your best judgment in determining when the season will close. Should the maximum number for the year not be secured before the stagey period begins, and in your opinion seal of i)roper size can be taken alter it is over without harm to the rookeries, you are authorized to permit the company to resume killing with a view to filling the quota. The catch of G0,000, or such lesser number as may be taken, should be apportioned between the two islands. The original law mentioned 75,000 for St. Paul and 25,000 for St. George; later changed by order of the Secretary of the Treasury to 8">,000 for St. Paul and 15,000 for St. George, and you may follow this ratio or change it as the circum- stances may require, taking care that in any event not more than 15,000 are killed upon the Island of Sr. George. The Department desires you to make careful daily examination dur- ing the sealing season as to the habits, numbers, and conditions of the seal and seal rookeries, with a view to reporting from your observation and such knowledge on the subject as you may have whether, in your opinion, the seal are diminishing, and, if so, the causes therefor. Com- ments upon any other matters of interest pertinent in this connection which you may think proper to make will not be out of place. The care and welfare of the natives are matters which should re- ceive your careful attention, and among your most important duties is the insistence that the ISorth American Commercial Company shall fulfill all the obligations of their lease toward these people. The Government maintains a protectorate over them, and they look to its agents to see that their employers, the lessees, carry out in good faith all that they promise. It will be within your province to learn the prices charged at the company's stores and to compare them with the prices at San Francisco, and to report to the Department whether the natives are charged more than a fair sum for the articles sold them. The sup- plies provided should also be inspected as to quality and quantity, and if deficient, notice of the fact should be sent to the Department. The instructions of the agent last year were such that he felt compelled to stop the killing when the company had taken but 21,000 skins, and it is not believed that the money earned by the natives in killing this number of seal was sutticient to provide them with the amount of food required, above what is furnished by the company under its lease, and to buy the necessary clothing which they need in addition to that which they make from skins. In view of the increased market value of the skills since the lease to the present company and the large per cent of profit derived, together with the reduced "catch," which lessens the opportunity for earning enough for their subsistence, it has been deter- mined by the Department, and is hereby ordered, that the compensa- tion to be paid to the natives for killing, salting, curing, and loading the seal skins on board the !North American Commercial Company's steamer shall be 50 cents for each skin , for the year ending April 30, 1892. Before leaving the islands you will divide the total earnings of the natives for the season's "catch" among them according to their respec- tive classifications, and make a report of such division, showing the amount apportioned to each native participating in the commimity fund, ALASKA INDUSTEIES. 269 transmitting with your report to this Department copy to be furnished you by the lessees. The Department desires you to take an accounting of all the provi sions furnished by the company (other than what is specified in the lease) to the natives during the past winter and spring, for which they were unable to pay, Avith a view to making some equitable settlement of the matter. It has been rei)resented to the Department that the company has shown a disinclination to provide gratuitously for the widows and their children, the old and feeble among the inhabitants, those who by reason of age or infirmity are unable to work. The provisions of the lease in this regard are clear and explicit, and require the company to take care of this class of people, and you will impress upon the com- pany's agents the fact that this is as much a part of their contract as is the taking of seals. It is believed that the practice of killing pup seal for food for the natives should cease. The flesh of the larger seal is said to be quite palatable and equally good for food. The law gives the natives the ])rivilege of killing such young seal as may be necessary for their own food and clothing, but provides that such killing shall be limited and controlled by such regulations as may be prescribed by the Secretary of the Treasury. The skins of the pup seal are not used for clothing and are of little value. You are instructed to make investigation as to the expediency and advisability of j)rohibitiug the killing, for any purposes, of seal (except in special instances to provide clothing for the inhabitants), the skins of which will not be accepted by the com- l)any on their quota. Every little seal that the natives take, if not killed, would have the same chance as the rest to return the following year, and in time become a source of revenue to the Government. You are authorized to take any steps which your judgment may dictate to carry out in whole or in part the suggestions herein advanced. You will also use whatever endeavor is possible by making known more generally the law on the subject, to prevent the killing of seal on the shores and in the vicinity'of the Aleutian chain of islands. The natives there have petitioned the Dej)artment to permit them to take sufficient seal to furnish food and clothing for themselves and their families, but the law is imperative and limits to the Pribilof group of islands the power of the Secretary to authorize the taking of seal. The question of the depopulation of the islands of St. Paul and St. George is a serious one and demands attention. Through some false notions, said to have been inculcated among the natives by the church authorities on the islands, they are not permitted to intermarry if there is between them the remotest degree of consanguinity, and even the relation of godfather or godmother is held to be sufficient to prevent a union. As the regulations prevent any male person from going to the islands to reside permanently, there is a dearth of young men, and the young women are more apt to find husbands elsewhere. The number of natives on the islands is gradually diminished and each year laborers are taken there for the season from Unalaska and vicin- ity. It is understood that residence upon the Pribilof group of islands is considered by the Aleuts to be very desirable and to insure a com- paratively comfortable existence, which they do not always have in other parts of Alaska. You will, therefore, take into consideration the proposition to recruit the permanent inhabitants of the islands of St. Paul and St. George by placing upon them next year a small number (ten or twenty) of young men, or transferring to these islands several 270 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. families in which are a number of young men. It is thought that there will be no trouble in finding suitable persons willing to go there, and it may be well to canvass the matter among the people now living upon the islands and devise some way of making the selection. Care should of course be taken not to add to the number of sick or infirm persons already there, but the bringing of men from the Aleutian chain to remain for the season only has a demoralizing effect, both upon them and upon the permanent residents of the islands. Inclosed are copies of the lease and laws under which it was made, and you are empowered to make any additions to the regulations already in force as may be necessary for the guidance of the officers of the Department, the company's agents, and the natives, in the govern- ment of the islands. The Government's agents should be as free as possible from depend- ence in any way upon the favor of the lessees, and to this end, where possible, tliey should live in the houses provided for them. The agents, when married men, should be encouraged to take their wives with them and to provide themselves as far as possible with facilities for keeping house. This would tend to a better state of discipline on the islands and offer more wholesome examples in the way of civilization to the inhabitants. Mrs. IsTettleton will accompany her husband, and you are hereby directed to place her in charge of one of the schools, and to determine with the com]»any a fair compensation for her services, which will be paid by them in accordance with the terms of their lease. The schools will be maintained from September 1 to May 31, and be open five days in the week, Saturday being regarded as a day of rest for the teacher and recreation for the children. It will be the principal duty of the teacher to instruct the children in acquiring a knowledge of the English language. Russian is not to be taught in the schools, and the church oflicers must be restrained from interfering with the children in acquir- ing a knowledge of English, and should be advised that they will only do harm if they attempt to thwart the -purpose of the Government in having the children educated in the language of their country. The North American Commercial Company, under their lease, have the exclusive privilege to trade in seal skins on the islands of St. Paul and St. George, and it is believed that the best interests of the natives will be subserved by excluding all traders from the islands. You will, therefore, regard it a special duty to see that fair prices are paid for all fur skins disposed of by the natives to the company. You will, during tlie killing season, personally superintend on the grounds, and while the lessees will have control and direction of the native labor while driving and killing, yet it must be remembered by all on the islands that you are the officer in charge, and if you discover any faulty methods, or can suggest any changes for the better, prompted by humane or other considerations, you should not hesitate to direct such changes to be made, and the company's representatives are ex- pected to carry out your suggestions in good faith and spirit. You will endeavor to secure the good will and confidence of the native inhabitants of the islands, and advise them, whenever practicable, of their rights and duties as American citizens, and by proper means try to increase their friendship for the Government and tlie people of the United States. It is desired that you make a thorough examination of the houses of the natives, and insist that the company shall make such repairs as are needed to render them comfortable. The question of an insufificient ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 271 number of houses for the natives is one of importance and upon which information is required; suggestions are also invited as to improve- ments which can and should be made by the company to maintain and iusure the health of the inhabitants. Hygienic and sanitary condi- tions should be looked into and recommendations made. You will use every endeavor and take all necessary precaution to secure the inter- ests of the Government and of the inhabitants of the islands, and, at the same time, to protect the lessees in the enjoyment of all the rights and privileges granted to them under the lease. In case of any difl'erence or dispute between the natives and the agents of the lessees in reference to any matter whatsoever, you will adjust it in a fair and impartial manner, and both parties must abide by your decision. When the sealing season is over you will return to San Francisco on one of the United States revenue cutters, if practicable, and come at once to Washington to submit your report. Before leaving the islands you will arrange to have a Treasury agent remain on each of them dur- ing the winter. These instructions apply to both islands, and a copy should be given the agent in charge of St. George for his guidance there. Eespectfnlly, yours, Charles Foster, Secretary. Maj. W. H. Williams, Special Treasury Agent, Care of Revenue Cutter Rush. Annual Report of Special Agent Williams, for 1891. Washington, D. C, December 3, 1891. SiR: In pursuance of instructions contained in Department's tele- gram of May 27, 1891, 1 left San Francisco on that date on the revenue cutter Rush, arrived at St. Paul, Alaska, on the evening of June 10, and at once assumed the duties assigned me. I found Assistant Agent Joseph Murray in charge at St. Paul, and Assistant Agent A. W. Lavender in charge at St. George Island, and as both preferred to have their official stations remain as they were, it was so arranged. Assist- ant Agent S. E. Nettleton remained on St. Paul until the last of July and was then assigned to St. George to assist Agent Lavender and to take charge on that island about September 1, at which time Agent Lavender had jiermission to proceed to San Francisco. Treasury Inspector Milton Barnes was assigned to assist Agent Murray on St. Paul Island, and to take charge of the Government interests and relieve Agent Murray September 1, the latter having permission to return to San Francisco at that time. Agent Nettleton is accompanied by Mrs. Nettleton, who will teach school on St. George Island, her compensation to be determined at close of school year, and after consultation with the president of the Korth American Commer- cial Company, Mr. Simeon Melivedoft", a native sealer has been placed in charge of the schools on St. Paul Island by the lessees. His com- pensation, I understand, has been fixed at $50 per month. The lessees were prohibited from killing seals for the season of 1890 after July 20. The first killing for food after that date was made by 272 .ALASKA INDUSTRIES. tne natives July 28, and from that time to December 31, 1890, there were killed for food by tbe natives 2,750 seals; the skins of 106 were small and stagey and were given to the natives, and tbe remaining 2,044 (1,231 of which were stagey) were placed in the salt bouses by the Gov- ernment agents. From January 1 to May 1, 1891, no seals were on tbe islands, hence none were taken. From May 1 to June 10, 1891, the latter being tbe date of my arrival at the islands, there were 1,651 seals killed by the natives for food, making a total of 4,295 seals killed for that purpose, the skins of which were iu the salt houses on my arrival. The fore- going number includes about 50 skins, mostly rejected, from former year's catch, and 147 skins taken from cow seals killed on the island of St. George in September, 1890, by raiders, who were driven ofi' before they had secured their plunder, but does not include 3,468 small pup seals killed by the natives in November aud December of last year, the skins of which were used by them for clothing and other purposes. On the morning of June 11, 1891, I gave permission to the lessees to commence killing on a quota of 7,500, as directed iu Department tele- gram of May 27. (Exhibit A.) From June 11 to June 15, 2,920 seals were killed by the lessees as a part of their quota of 7,500, and the skins were jdaced in the salt houses. The 4,295 seals killed for food by the natives, together with the 2,920 seals above referred to, made a total of 7,215 seals killed prior to June 15, 1891. The President's proclamation of the modus vivendi, dated June 15, 1891 (Exhibit B), was received on St. Paul Island July 2 and on St. George July 8. From June 15 to these dates 4,471 seals were killed by the lessees as a ]>art of the 7,500 quota allowed them by Department instructions of May 27. After careful consideration of the modus vivendi by myself and the other agents, it was determined that the 4,471 seals killed after June 15 should be deducted from the 7,500 specified in Article II of the International Agreement, thus leaving 3,029 seals to be taken for the " subsistence and care of the natives" from July 2, 1891, to May 1, 1.^92. I found it necessary to kill 1,796 of this latter number for food prior to August 11. A portion of the meat was salted by the natives for use during the stagey season, which is usually from August 10 to about November 1, during which time the skins are uumerchant- able on account of the seals shedding their hair. Under the modus vivendi this left 1,233 seals upon which to maintain the natives until May next, a number much too small for that purpose, and I was com- pelled to ask the North American Commercial Company to bring salt beef to the islands for issue to the natives. Daily statements of the killing of fur seals on the islands of St. Paul and St. George from July 28, 1890, to August 11, 1891, are herewith inclosed. (Exhibits C and D.) The lessees by actual count removed from the islands this year 12,251 prime skins, on which they should i)ay the Government tax, also 1,231 stagey skins, which are subject to settlement hereafter as indicated in Department telegram of May 21 to me (Exhibit E), making a total of 13,482 skins. (Exhibits F and G.) The above does not include one old bull and one medium sized bull taken by tlie agent of the Smith- sonian Institution to be used as specimens at the Columbian Exposi- tion at Chicago, one large bachelor seal taken for the National Museum at Victoria, and two live specimens presented to the zoological gardens in San Francisco by the lessees. The first appearance this year of bulls on the rookeries was May 1, ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 273 COWS June 10, pups June 13. The records for the last twenty years show that the first bulls appear upon the rookeries from April 26 to May 17, first cows May 24 to June IG, and first pups May 31 to June 25. The cows this year came very slowly upon the rookeries until the evening of June 27, and from that time until July 13 they came in much greater numbers. A few arrived as late as July 20. In nearly every instance they gave birth to their young soon after arrival. The harems commenced to lose their compact form about July 18, and to break up a few days later, so that by August 1 cows, pups, and bachelors were mingling together, and it was about this time that we first noticed the young cows on the rookeries in any considerable numbers. The habits, numbers, and condition of the seals, the perpetuation of seal life, and the causes which have led to the depleted state of the rookeries and hauling grounds are subjects to which I have given par- ticular attention. The Pribilof Islands, isolated in the midst of the waters of the Ber- ing Sea, appear to be especially adapted by situation and climatic surroundings to be the natural home of the fur seals, which, with an instinct bordering on intelligence, frequent this locality where they may be free from the disturbing influences of human civilization, and it would seem that too much care can not be taken that they be not unnecessarily disturbed or driven from their breeding grounds. It was in relation to this latter point that I directed careful examinations of the rookeries and ''hauling" grounds to be made at intervals during the past season by the assistant special agents on the islands, with a view to learn, if possible, whether the seals were decreasing and, if so, the causes thereof. On comparing their notes at the end of the season I found that they all agreed that the seals were decreasing very rapidly and that the cause of the decrease was pelagic, or deep-sea, hunting. I am con- vinced that the conclusion arrived at is the correct one, and any attempt to make it appear to be due to other causes is not warranted by the facts. That the seals are not so numerous as formerly is evident to all who view the rookeries and '' hauling" grounds now vacant, and which in years past were covered by vast herds of seals. In addition to this latter evidence the unanimous testimony of the natives, com- pany and Government agents, who have been on the islands for many seasons, is so positive that this decrease has taken place in the last few years that no unprejudiced person can doubt it. For nearly twenty years prior to 1889 the lessees were able to kill 100,000 male seals, and several of the special agents during that period were of the opinion that there could often have been taken 200,000 without injury to the herds. The rapid decrease in seal life from year to year was first noticed by those best competent to judge between 1884 and 1889, which was the period when the sealing fleet increased so enormously and perfected tlie system of taking seals in the open sea. During the season of 1890 the lessees secured only 21,000 skins, and the Government agents reported that they could not have obtained many more had they been permitted to continue the killing to the end of the season. This year the lessees were limited to 7,500, and I am of the opinion that had they been i)ermitted to kill every male seal on the rookeries, other than old bulls, yearlings, and young pups, it is ques- tionable whether they could have secured over 35,000 skins, and not all of these, by any means, would have been merchantable. I have no hesitation in saying that the decrease of seal life is due to the pelagic, H. Doc. 92 18 274 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. or deep-sea, hunting, and the only remedy therefor is its immediate suppression. There are but few months in the year when seals are not pursued and killed in the sea by all the devices that the ingenuity of man has invented. Hunters follow them from the time they leave the islands in December until they return in May or June, and not content with what they destroy in the open sea, with a brutal disregard for every interest except their own, hover about the islands a few miles offshore and watch for an opportunity, under cover of night or dense fog, to raid tlie rookeries. It is useless to talk of a 3-mile limit or any other limit in the open sea. A hundred sealing schooners, restricted only by such limits, may practically destroy the seals in one season, Tlie claim that there should be a closed season on the islands during the breeding months, to wit, June and July, is the most absurd of all the propositions made. This is the time when the skins of the young male seals are the most valu- able and most easily secured, and I am of opinion that under proper restrictions prescribed by the Government no harm can come to the breeding rookeries by the practice now adopted during this period, but, on the contrary, that this great industry will be built up and perpetu- ated thereby. Even in the condition of t!ie hauling grounds this year the killing of male seals on the islands did not injure the breeding herds, and more could have been taken with the same result. The num- bers to be taken from time to time should, within certain limits, be left to the discretion of the agent in charge, who need not necessarily be a scientist, but should have a knowledge of the laws and conditions that govern the propagation of animal life. The question is often asked "Where do the seals go when they leave the islands?" and some writers have attempted to throw a chmd of mystery over the answer; but where can we find better evidenc<^ than that furnished by the pelagic hunters? They cruise about the islands and passes of the Aleutian Archipelago and follow the seals as they go out to feed along the fishing banks on our western coast as far south as Cape St. Lucas, and returning in the spring, they hunt them all tlie way along this coast and into the Bering Sea. The number of seals taken every spring by the hunters in the open sea has increased to such enormous ])roportions that the skins are known to commerce as the spring catch, and are advertised and sold accordingly. In procuring this spring catch great damage is done to seal life, for it is in the spring that the cows are so easily approached and killed, being less active and unable to travel as rapidly as the males, owing to their being heavy with young. When male seals are killed on the islands, it is a common thing to find bullets and buckshot in many of them, wliich shows that even the most active were not able to escape the rifle of the hunter. Many of the hunters admit the fact that by far the greater number of seals killed at sea are lost. Some assert that only one in fifteen is secured, while others claim that not more than six out of seven of all that are shot are lost. Although I conversed with many who were well posted on this subject, I failed to find one who would deny that the number of skins secured by the hunters was very nuich less than the number lost. Interested parties claim that the cows do not travel far from the islands in search of food; that those killed at sea are nearly all barren, and that their destruction does not affect the condition of the rookeries. lu reply to this I have to say that it is susceptible of proof that cows ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 275 shot by hunters on marauding vessels operating this season about 200 miles from the seal islands were found to be mothers giving- milk. Agent Murray also reports that on August 19, in company with the British commissioners, he visited Tolstoi rookery, on St. Paul Island, and found thousands of dead pups, the mothers of which had been killed at sea, and he further says that in his judgment 20,000 to 30,000 dead paps were lying on the rookeries of the islands starved to death because of the destruction of the cows during their journey to and from the feeding grounds. It is known that after giving birth to their young the mothers leave the rookeries and go out to sea for food, of which fact the hunters, who resort to tbe feeding grounds and slaughter the seals in great numbers, are well aware. Further testimony upon this subject, supported by photographic evidence, svill be given by Mr. J. Stanley-Brown in his report to the Department, he having visited the rookeries at a later date than that given above. It is claimed that the devastation of the rookeries is partly due to overdriving the seals from the hauling to the killing grounds; of the injury which may have been done in the i)ast from that cause I personally can not speak, but overdriving did not occur this year. The agents who have been on the islands the last two years report that the driving has been carefully done at all times. But admitting all that is asserted in this respect, and that in times past, when the lessees were taking 100,000 seals every year, some were occasionally driven farther or oftener than they should have been, the damage was to males only and not to the females. It is to be remembered that none but young male seals are ever driven or killed upon the islands, and even were a portion of them injured or destroyed by overdriving, which is denied by the agents of the company as well as by those of the Government, so long as there were enough males left to replenish the rookeries there could be no injury done to the breeding herds. This is a well-known principle in the breeding of domestic animals, and is equally true in the propaga- tion of seals. It has been reported that there was a dearth of bulls last year, and consequently a large number of barren cows. This is one of the points to which I gave particular attention, and, after a careful examination of the rookeries, found that the claim was altogether untenable, for not one-tenth of 1 per cent of the cows this year were without pup seals at their sides. A careful count of all the idle bulls (bulls with- out harems) between the dates of July 12 and 20, inclusive, revealed the fact that there were over 1,200 vigorous bulls without cows on the breeding rookeries of St. Paul Island. There were hundreds of bulls, too, with only one to four cows each, and many hundreds mixed up with the bachelors who were unable to gain a foothold upon the breed- ing rookeries. Twenty-five per cent of some of the drives were bulls, large enough to go upon the breeding grounds, and had evidently been driven off by the older and stronger ones after a hard contest, as was shown by the numerous wounds on their bodies. There were also hun- dreds of idle bulls in the shallow water in front of the rookeries lying upon rocks, but unable to secure a location on the breeding grounds. I therefore conclude that whatever may have been the condition in former years relative to an insuiScieucy of bulls, there certainly was a surplus this year. Less than 30,000 male seals have been killed on the islands by the lessees in the last two years, consequently large num- bers have grown to maturity and have attempted to establish them- 276 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. selves upon the rookeries. During a much longer period there has been a rapid decrease of cow seals, due to pelagic hunting, and there need be no fear of insufficiency of males for some years to come. The President's proclamation of the modus viveudi dated June 15, 1891, prohibited the killing of seals in Bering Sea until May next. English and American vessels of war were sent to patrolits waters and enforce the terms of the international agreement. Notwithstanding their efforts, the catch of the sealing fleet this season is estimated to be not less than 00,000 seal, or about eight times as many as were per- mitted to be taken on the islands for the " subsistence and care of the natives," and when it is taken into consideration that each one cap- tured represents at least five killed and lost, a fair idea may be obtained of the great destruction to seal life that took place this year. I left the islands August 11, and it was currently reported at that time that sealing vessels were still in the sea engaged in the unlawful pursuit of taking seals. Two of these vessels were ordered out of the sea a day or two previous with about 4,000 skins on board. Agent Nettleton reports that on October 3 two schooners were sighted a few miles off St. George Island. It is further claimed that the seal- ing schooner Otto^ of Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, was permitted to clear from Victoria, British Columbia, July 3, for the Bering Sea, and in a published interview in the Victoria Daily Times of July 10, 1891, Col- lector Milne states that he had no authority to cease clearing vessels for the Bering Sea. If this is true, it will account for the number of vessels found in these waters so late in the season. Although it was well known to hunters early in July that it was unlawful to kill seals after June 15, they were also aware that their vessels could not be seized until notified to leave the sea by some officer having authority to enforce his demand; consequently they remained in and about these waters hunting seals and avoiding the war vessels and revenue cutters, knowing that if they were spoken all they had to do was to plead ignorance, and they would be permitted to leave with their plunder. I inclose a list of 58 vessels (Exhibit H) as reported September 30, whose spring and fall catch amounted to 52,087 skins, and as there were over 100 vessels in tlie sea this year it is fair to presume that the number caught will exceed the estimate of 60,000 and means the destruc- tion of at least 400,000 seals, 80 per cent of which were undoubtedly females. Such waste of valuable animal life is without parallel in the history of civilized nations, and calls for speedy remedy, or these great breeding grounds, the largest in the world, will become depopulated and worthless. It has been the practice for many years to permit the natives on the islands, during the months of November and December, to kill such young seals as they desired, with the understanding that it was authorized by section 1900 Revised Statutes, and that such killing was necessary to furnish food and clothing. I found on inquiry that the skins of young seals are not used for clothing, but are sold for little or nothing or traded off for contraband articles that the natives would be much better without. Agent Lavender made a careful investigation of the amount of meat suitable for food on the carcass of an ordinary young seal and found it to be less than 8 pounds, so that, in quantity, as a food supply, it is of little importance, although the meat is very much relished by the natives. In view of the above facts and my instructions upon that subject, I directed that no young seals be killed this year, nor here- after until such time as the Secretary of the Treasury might direct. ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 277 The care and welfare of the natives and the obligations of the North American Commercial Company, under their lease, to these people are subjects to which I have given careful attention. The supplies jjro- vided by the company for the last year and kept on sale at the com- pany's stores were of good, substantial quality, and were sold at very reasonable prices. I note one exception to the above statement, and that is the price charged for coal — $33.60 per ton. I deem this to be exorbitant, and see no good reason why the natives should be charged any more than the price paid for coal furnished the Government house, to wit, $15 i)er ton. The question of sufficient fuel on the islands is a serious one, and demands careful consideration by the Department. The lessees are required, under their lease, to furnish 80 tons of coal, and this, with what driftwood can be secured and the blubber taken from seals during the killing season, is expected to provide fuel suffi- cient for about GO families in a climate where it is necessary to have a fire every day in the year. The driftwood is very hard to secure, of limited supply, very poor in quality, and in most cases is thrown upou the shores miles from the villages. They have no means of transport- ing it excejit on their backs or on hand sleds drawn over the crusted snow in midwinter. The blubber is stored in barrels and boxes for winter supply, and in a short time becomes rancid, the stench arising from its use permeates every part of their dwellings, and is unhealthy, sickening, and disgusting. Other fuel should be substituted, even if it has to be done at the expense of the Government. Under Department instructions of May 21 last (Exhibit 1) I increased the amount of coal from 80 to 160 tons, giving 100 tons to natives on St. Paul and 60 tons to natives on St. George Islands. Tliis, with what other fuel they have on hand, will make them fairly comfortable for the winter. 1 would recommend that hereafter arrangements be made by which the inhabitants on St. George sliall have 100 and on St. Paul 200 tons of coal. 1 his would require 220 tons to be furnished by the Government in addition to the 80 tons furnished by the company, and would give 5 tons to each family. I consider this amount actually necessary for the comfort and health of these people, and tlie cost to the Government would partly compensate the natives for months of watching, day and night, on the rookeries — a service for which the Government has paid them nothing up to the present time. The 80 tons of coal furnished the natives in excess of the 80 tons required under the terms of the lease were duly delivered in the Govern- ment coal houses, and the lessees are entitled to and should receive a reasonable compensation therefor. The Government agent on each island has been directed to make weekly issue to the natives of all coal furnished, keeping in view the necessity of its economical use, and at the same time being watchful that there is no suffering among the natives for want of sufncient fuel. Owing to the limited catch of the last two years and to the further fiict that no seals are to be killed for food during the stagy season, nor pups at any time, it will become necessary to furnish some substitute for their natural food supply, and I addressed a letter to the lessees' agent upon that subject (Exhibit J). The lease j)rovides that the natives shall be furnished with a sufficient supply of dried salmon. For some reason salt salmon has been substituted therefor. It is not relished by the natives, and thej" utterly refuse to use it, except in very limited quantities. Tbe lessees should be required to comply with the terms of their lease and either furnish a supply of good dried salmon or substitute some other meat relished by the natives. It has been the 278 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. practice for many years to prohibit the use of sugar, claiming that the natives are liable to abuse the ])rivilege and make quas. If this dan- ger has existe purchase the necessary supplies for their maintenance, and the small amount passed to their credit (except in a few cases) must necessarily soon be exhausted. It will, therefore, be necessary to supply them with a reasonable amount of food, fuel, and clothing. I find on investigation that for some reason they are unwilling to eat salt salmon, or at least only in small quantities, and I would therefore suggest that from the 15th of December to the 15th of May there be substituted or they be permitted to purchase, if they so desire, a reasonable amount of salt beef and salt pork. I make these requests, believing that you are desirous, as well as myself, that these people shall be fairly well provided for during the coming winter. Very respectfully, Wm. H. Williams, Special Treasury Agent. George R. Tingle, Esq., , General Agent Xorth American Commercial Company. 288 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. Exhibit K. of 1S89 and winter of 1890. First class: Kev. Paul Shaishnikoff $33. 40 Autone Melovedoff 33. 40 Karp Enteriu 33.40 Jacob Koochntin 33. 40 George Koochutiu 33. 40 Theo. Sedick 33. 40 Agie Kushin 33. 40 Martin Nederozoff 33. 40 Stepon Nedcrozott' 33. 40 NeoQ Mandregan 33. 40 Peter Kankoff 33. 40 Nikoloi Kaukoff 33.40 Kerrick Tarrokanoff" 33. 40 Daniel Parouchin 33. 40 Appollou Hnrdiikolsky 33.40 Zochor Rukorishuikoff 33. 40 Euphim Kusherinkoff 33.40 Stepon Kozerotf 33. 40 Parfiri Paukoff 33. 40 Nikoloi Gromofif 33.40 Ilari Stepeken 33.40 Peter Tetofif 33.40 Peter Ouste-roff 33. 40 Peter Peshnikoff 33. 40 Total 801.60 Second class : Simeon Melovedoff . George Emanotf Markel Valkoff , Kerrick Artamanott'. Kerrick Biiterin Vasseli Sedulee 30.06 30.06 30.06 30.06 30.06 30.06 Second class — Con tinned. Knpliioi Knockaten $30. 06 John Prates 30.06 Total 240. 48 Third class; Netrophon Shutyogan 26. 72 Arsenv Arkoshotf. John Glotoff . . . Neon Titoff Necon Shobolin Alex Hansen . . . 26.72 26.72 26.72 26.72 26.72 Total 160.32 Fourth class: Dorofoy Stepelem 23. 38 .John Kodihuten 23. 38 Nikoloi Bogadauoff 23.38 Vladimir Prokopief 23. 38 PaulHoberoif 23.38 Total ... . Fifth class : Maxim Krukoft'. . . Alex Galoktauotf . Alex Melovedoff.. Sixth class : Alex Merknstiif .. John Kuziutzoff.. 116. 90 20.04 20.04 20.04 16 69 16.69 Grand total 1,412.80 3,532 food salted seal skins, at 40 cents, $1,412.80. St. Paul Island, Alaska, June 30, 1891. We hereby certify that the several amounts herein named as the share due each individual y)articipating in the community funds were entered to the credit of the proper jiarties on the books of the North American Commercial Company, St. Paul Island, Alaska. Wm. H. Williams, United States Treasury Agent, in charge of Seal Islands, Alaska. KUPERT TYMOPURDE, First Chief of Natives. Nicoli Krukdff, Second Chief of Natives. ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 289 Exhibit L. Distribution of proceeds of 631 shins, food-seal skins, to the natives of St. George Island, Alaska, by Wm. H. Williams, Treasury agent, as per order of the Secretary of the Treas- ury, Department letter May 7, 1S91, killed fall and tointer of 1SS9-90, and shipped from the islands on U. S. S. Bush in August, 1S90. Rev. luokenty Lestrukof $14. 02 Demetra Lestrukof 14. 02 Aikeuty Nederozof 14. 02 Alexander Oustigof 14. 02 Eoff Philomouof 14. 02 Corneal Gorokof 14. 02 Eustin Swetzof 14. 02 Simeon Philomonof 14. 02 $112. 16 Second class : Nikolai Malovonski 11. 91 Andronic Philamonof 11. 91 Andrean Philomonof 11. 91 Stepon Lekauof 11. 91 47. 64 Third class : Evan Knlikolof 10.52 Peter Rezanzof 10. 52 Sinifon Oiistej^of 10. 52 Joseph Merkuliff' 10. 52 Peter Prokoprof 10. 52 Mike Lesteiikof 10.52 63. 12 Fourth class : Grejforia Philomanof 4. 21 Enphem Philomanof 4. 21 George Merkulif 4. 21 Pafiri Galonin 4.21 Inokenty Rezauzof 4. 21 21. 05 Fifth class: John Mirknlef 2. 81 Nikoloi Mederozof 2. 81 Inokenty Philamonof 2. 81 8. 43 Total 252.40 St. Geokge Island, Alaska, June SO, 1S91. We hereby certify that the several amounts herein named as the share due each individual participating in the community funds were entered to the credit of the proper parties on the books of the North American Commercial Company, St. George Island; Alaska. Wm. H. Williams, United States Treasury Agent, in charge of Seal Islands, Alaska. Demetri Lestenkoff, First Chief of Natives. Eustin (his x mark) Swetzoff, Second Chief of Natives. Witness to the mark of Eustin Swetzoff, attest: Milton Barnes. A. W. Lavender. H. Doc. 92 19 290 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. Exhibit M. The North American Commercial Company in account with the natives of St. Paul Island. Folio, 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 Name. First class : Austigofl', Peter. ........>•••> Buterin, Karp Burdukofaky, ApoUon Gromotf, Nicoli Kotcliooten, Jacob Krukoii', Nicoli Kushin, Aggie Mandregiu, Neon Melevidoli", An tone Nedarazotf, Martin Nedarazoflf, Stepan Paraucliin, Daniel Paukoff, Parflri Stepetin, Elary Terrakanalf, Kerrick Tetotf, Peter Sedick, Theodore Artomanoff, Kerrick Kolchootch, Euphema Sedule, Vassili Valkofl", Markel Shaishnikoff, Rev. Paul Second class : Arkashofl', Arseney Kozeraff, Stepan Melevidoii', Alexander Bogodanafl', Nicoli Enianoff, George Glotott; Jolin Haberofl', Paul Hansen, Alexander Kotchooten, John Merculiti', Alexander Prokopieff, Vladimir 1 Shutyagin, Metrofau Shabolin, Necon Stepetin, Dorafay Tetotf, Neon .....' Galaktionetf, Alexander Koznitzatf, John Special class : Kotchooten, Peter Kozekotf, Simeon Sedick, Philip Zetotr, Zachar Fratis, John Widows, orphans, and others : Melevidoff, Mrs. A. (see bank account) . Volkoft; Ellen Kotchooten, Mary Kozeroti; Mrs. Paul (nonresident) Krukoff, Anna Krukofl, Maxim Koznitzotf, Agafia Koshei vnikott', Avdotia Pushnikoff, Vassilisia 1 Popotf, Afanasia Rookovishnikoft", Annissia Kezanzott', Anna Terrentovaj Anna Stepetiu, Avdotia Sbaishnikot}', Valerian Shaishnikoff, Matrona Shaishnikott', George Pohomotf , Salome Sliutyayin, Catherine Sedick, Avdotia Sedick, Elizabetli Shaishnikoff, Nedesda Popoff, Jolm Sedick, Zachar Emanoff, Catherine Shabolin, ( )uleta Zatzmaiioff, Auxenia Yatzmanotl', Lassia Cr. $3.40 2.35 6.40 Dr. .$21. 55 56.35 73.65 20.94 20.24 5.15 35.90 .40 .40 22.85 65.94 23.15 20.60 59.40 , 199. 39 15.41 47.48 725. 85 , 452. 63 13.52 32.40 206. 34 20. 70 38.78 32.47 25.88 34.90 17.63 1.31 18.63 2.03 4.97 136. 83 1.22 2.44 293. 59 2.50 ""3.' 40 1, 574. 31 80.35 319. 03 30.15 212. 75 42.40 22. 59 293. 60 44.05 20.40 3.00 34.40 82.00 118. 75 130. 00 165. 09 116. 95 134. 59 141.80 206. 11 96.17 97. 35 171.69 29. 20 92. 44 1, 247. 03 758. 03 8.74 8.74 Division. ,$140. 00 140. 00 140. 00 14U. 00 140. 00 140. 00 140. 00 140. 00 140. 00 140. 00 140. 00 140. 00 140. 00 140. 00 140. 00 140. 00 140. 00 140. 00 140. 00 140. 00 140. 00 140. 00 122. 00 122. 00 122. 00 122. 00 122. 00 122. 00 122. 00 122. 00 122. 00 122. 00 122. 00 l'.i2. 00 122. 00 122. 00 122. 00 122. 00 122. 00 40.00 40.00 40.00 40.00 77.00 Total. $136. 60 161.55 196. 35 213.65 160. 94 160. 24 145. 15 137. 65 133. 60 175. 90 140. 40 140. 40 162. 85 205. 94 163. 15 160. 60 199. 40 2, 339. 39 155.41 187. 48 865. 85 2, 592. 03 135. 52 154. 40 328. 34 142. 70 160. 78 154. 47 147. 88 158. 90 139. 63 120. 69 140. 63 119 97 126. 97 258. 83 123. 22 124. 44 415. 59 42.50 40.00 43.40 40.00 1, 651. 31 80.35 319. 03 30.15 212. 75 42.40 22.59 293. 60 44.05 20.40 3.00 34.40 fi2.00 118.75 130. 00 165. 09 116.95 134. 59 141.80 206. 11 96.17 97.35 171.69 29.20 92.44 1,247.03 758. 03 8.74 8,74 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 291 Exhibit N. The North American Commercial Company in account loith the natives of St. George. Folio. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Name. First class : Lestiukoflf, Rev. Innokenty Lestiukoff, Demitri Nedarazotf, Arkenty Philamauoff, Eoflf Pbilanianoff, Simeon Garokofl', Corneal S\^etzotf, Eustin Second class : Oustigoff, Alexia Malaransky, Nicoli Pliilamanottj Andrean Philamanotf, Andronic Lakanoft', Stepan Kulikulirt', John Rezanzoff, Peter Oustigotf, Simeon Merculiff, Joseph Prokopieff, Peter Lestinkott', Mike Third class : Philormanoft', Gregore Mercnlitt', George Galauhi, Parfiri Rezanzott', Innokenty Special class : Nedarazoft', Nicoli Merculiff, J ohn Philamanotf, Innokenty Prokopieff, Afanasia Widows, orphans, etc. : Rezanzoff, Sere feme Merculiff", Nedesda Merculiff, Mark Merculiff, Stepan Vicoloff, Avdotia $1, Total Dr. August 1, 1881. 614. o;i 214. 27 23. 58 11.23 24. 58 30.58 11.58 31.08 63.63 7.32 12. 63 33.92 10.55 6.52 4.52 6.52 13.19 18.79 4.21 4.21 15.06 2.81 2.81 2.81 27.95 149. 34 187. 54 23.65 200. 19 Dr. Division. $66. 70 60.66 06.66 66. 66 66.66 66.66 66.66 56.66 56.66 56.66 56.66 56. 66 56.66 56.66 56.66 56.66 56.66 56.06 40.02 40. 02 40.02 40.02 25.00 25. 00 25.00 25.00 Dr. Total. .$1, 680. 72 280. 93 90.24 77.89 91.24 97.24 78.24 87.74 120. 29 63.98 69.29 90.58 67.21 63.18 61.18 63.18 69.85 75.45 44.23 44.23 40.02 55.08 27.81 27.81 27.81 25.00 27.95 149. 34 187. 54 23. 05 200. 19 2,759.09 I 1,350.00 Cr. 4, 109. 09 Exhibit O. A CIRCULAR LETTER TO THE GREEK ORTHODOX PARISHIONERS OF . Brethren: The committee of the Russiau Benevolent Society of San Francisco hereby informs yon that the funds of yonr churches, invested in shares and obliga- tions of Eussia'u railways, and intrusted to the care of the head of the bishopric, have been sold by Bishop Valdimir, and the money lavishly dissipated for purposes that have nothing in common with the interests of the church and orthodox religion. The bishop understands that he had no right to dispose in that way of your prop- erty, and therefore being asked now to account for those funds by the most holy synod, and being unable to do so, proceeds to Alaska, with the hope of obtaining fiom you or your ministers some document testifying that those funds have been donated by you to the church of San Francisco. A document of that kind issued by yourselves oir your ministers, while exculpating the bishop, would be o(]uivalent to your renunciation of any claim to that property, which otherwise Vv'ill certainly be restored to you by the most holy synod. We advise you, therefore, not to give in to any orders, summonses, or entreaties of the bishop in that respect; but draw up immediately a petition to the most holy synod, which you may forward through tiio consulate-general in San Francisco, re(iuiring the restitution of your money, with legal interest. We beg to inform you also "that Bishop Valdiuiir has no longer jurisdiction in the bishopric of Alaska, "having been recalled by tlie ukase of the most holy synod, and therefore has no more right to issue orders of any kind in the bishopric than any private citizen. Hoping you will be sufficiently enlightened by this circular to be able to act intel- ligently in the future, we remain, united in faith and Christian love, Respectfully, yours. Committee. San Francisco, May 20, 1891. 292 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. Exhibit P. Office of Special Agent, Treasury Department, St. Paul Isla7i(l, Aufjiist 6, 1891. Sir : I am informed that there is quite a si;m of money left with you hy one Bishop Valdimir, who claims authority for his actiou, to transport to San Francisco. It is alleged that he succeeded in getting this money out of the natives by false repre- sentations. I would request that you defer taking the money oft' the islands until the matter can be reported to the Secretary of the Treasury for instructions. Very respectfully, Wm. H. Williams, Special Treasury Agent. Geo. R. Tingle, Esq., General Agent North American Commercial Company. Exhibit R. REPORT OF assistant AGENT MURRAY. Office of Special Agent, Treasury Department, November 1, 1891. Sir : I have the honor to submit my annual report of the condition of affairs on St. Paul Island, Alaska, during the period of my administration there, and to suggest a few changes in the treatment of the native inhabitants of the seal islands — changes which I believe to be essential to their moral and physical advancement. Your predecessor, Mr. Charles J. Golf, sailed for San Francisco on the 10th of August, 1890, leaving me in charge of St. Paul Island, with instructions to see to it that the natives were not allowed to suffer for the necessaries of life, and to certify to the North American Commercial Company for all goods, food, and clothing fur- nished b}' them, gratuitously, to the natives. No such goods were needed, however, for those who had money were quite economical, and the compauy supplied rations to all whom they believed to be entitled to them according to the terms of the lease. The only difference between the Government and the company agents was caused by the widows' fund, which Mr. Goff" ordered to be expended only for clothing for the most needy, while the superintendent of the compauy had ordered the local agent not to issue rations to any but helpless widows until the widows' fund should be exhausted. There is a class of unfortunates here who are mothers, but neither wives nor widows, and two of them, with children, were in a destitute condition, and I ordered them rations, to be paid for from the widows' fund. In the meantime I arranged with two respectable families to take two of the children, and later with a third family to take one of the young women, where she earns her board and clothing and is kept out of evil companionship. The second woman has been work- ing out among the neighbors, but is without a permanent home, and, under the cii'cumstances, ought to be supported by the compauy. The widows' fund is now exhausted, and it will be wise policy never to call it again into existence, for it was a wroug from its first inception. It will be well, too, to definitely settle what the weekly ration of food and the yearly allowance of clothing shall be for all who are unable to provide for them- selves. On the 28th of September, 1890, the island was visited by an epidemic influenza which resulted in severe sickness to the greater part of the pciople, nine of whom died from the 18th of October to the 81st of December, inclusive. I herewith inclose the report of the resident physician. Dr. Lutz, in which, from a professional standpoint, he fully describes the malady and its ravages. His report was written at a time when I was anxions to have it reach the Secretary of the Treasury, but, owing to the lack of mail facilities, there was no opportunity to send it off' the island. That the natives are dying off" very rapidly, that the deaths exceed the birtlis every year, is only too true; and j'et, in all the references made to the prevalence of disease and sickness here by those who have written or spoken on the subject, I have yet to see or hear of one in which one of the principal causes of the trouble is named. That the germs of consumption, scrofula, and kindred diseases have a firm hold on many of the natives is not to be denied; but it is equally true that with some slight and almost inexpensive changes in the manner of their living there need not be more than one-half their present fearful death rate. To follow up the question in all its details would require more space than can be ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 293 given it in an annual report, but it will be sufficient at present for me to say that the entire sanitary arrangement here needs an overhauling. 1 do not say thrs by way of complaint against the former or present lessees, but simply as a statement of fact. Had the Treasury agents pursued a policy somewhat different to that followed for so many years, and had the people been treated as human beings should be treated, and not as beasts of burden or slaves; had they insisted on a policy of kindness to all and protection to the native's wife and daughter, then the natives of the seal islands would have been far advanced in civilization, and might have been a com- paratively healthy and happy as well as a useful people. Unfortunately the greater part of twenty years has been allowed to pass away without an effort being made to do much more for the natives than to take them out of the old sod houses of Russian times and put them in comfortable frame cottages. It is a disgrace to those who remained silent on the subject that there is not, even yet, a water supply for the natives nearer than half a mile; that there is no drain- age; that there is not a water-closet, except one for the school children, and that the filth and garbage of the entire village is left to decay in holes dug in front of or near the dwelling. During the past winter, when the snow was several feet deep on the level and from 5 to 10 feet deep in drifts, it was hard work for the strongest men to reach the well from which the natives draw their supply of water, and it was often utterly impos- sible for women to reach it, and consequently they depended for months on melted snow for water for domestic purposes. All this suffering could be easily avoided by the wise expenditure of a few thou- sand dollars to pay for the machinery necessary to pump and force the water into the village; and I respectfully refer the matter to the serious consideration of the Department. That a system of drainage properly constructed would add to the comforts of the people and prevent a great deal of sickness is a self-evident proposition to every one who has looked below the surface to investigate the subject, and it can not be estab- lished too soon if we would save the remnant of the natives from extinction. For the sake of common decency and good morals, as well as for health, it is nec- essary that a suitable water-closet be erected for every family. The fuel question is one that continues to come to the front every succeeding sea- son, and it should bo settled once and forever. The lease calls for 80 tons of coal for the natives of St. Paul and St. George — 30 tons to St. George and 50 tons to St. Paul ; and the lessees have supplied every pound of it. But 80 tons is not enough, and more coal is an absolute necessity. During October, 1890, when nearly every family on St. Paul Island had its quota of sick, I issued coal, and continued to issue it through the winter at about the rate of 10 pounds a day to the family until March, when I had to cease the further issue of coal to heads of families and giA'^e it to the widows, sick, and aged persons only. When they were killing the full quota of 85,000 seals on St. Paul, and the men were earning from $300 to $600 per annum, it was the custom to burn the fat or blubber of the seals and to buy coal from the lessees whenever it was needed. But now there is no blubber, and the earnings are very small — far too small to be spent for coal at li cents per pound, or $33.60 per ton. I am well aware that you will be informed of the existence of plenty of driftwood strewn in large quantities along the beach, and of the laziness of the men who neg- lect to gather it for liring; but when one knows that the driftwood is not so very plentiful, and that it has been water-soaked for months, and that it is next to an impossibility to dry it in this damp climate, it is easily understood what a nuisance it must be to cook by or live near a fire made from such wood, which must be smeared over with blubber before it will burn. If for no other reason than that of forever doing away with the use of blubber, the present quantity of coal ought to be inci-eased. This blubber is stripped from the seals during the killing season of .June and July, and is stored in tubs, barrels, boxes, etc., until wanted for use in cold weather, by which time it has become rancid or rotten to such a degree that it is unfit to be allowed under the roof of civilized man, much less to be used to cook his food and warm his cottage. Again, in order to obtain the firewood spoken of, it is oftentimes necessary to go across the island, a distance of 8 miles, through deep snow, for as much wood as a man can carry homo on his back. That men sometimes sit down in despair and let their families suffer with cold, or that they squander their money for coal at the enormous price of $33.60 per ton, rather than undergo such hardships for a back load of wet wood is not at all to be wondered at. They must have more coal. Two hundred tons is not too much for the natives of St. Paul Island if they are to have a fire every day, and since coming into Bering Sea I have not seen a day when a good fire was not a necessity to every family. Indeed, I find they have bought and paid for out of their scanty earnings 153,650 294 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. pounds of coal from June 1, 1890, to May 31, 1891, for which they paid 1^ cents per pound, or $33.60 per ton. Now all this was in addition to the 50 tons furnished by the lessees, under the lease, and makes in round numbers, for one year, 110 tons of coal in addition to the wood and blubber. Good health depends very largely upon comfort and cleanliness, and no people can he comfortable who liave to he constantly struggling to keep a miserable fire burn- ing, made up from wet wood and rancid fat, nor can they be healtliy long aud be without plenty of pure water; nor can their children grow up to be robust men and women where drainage is unknown, and where the very air they breathe is poisoned by the accumuhited iiltli of twenty years. "Jjut," wo are told, "the natives will not try to do anything for themselves, nor attempt to improve their surroundings." Admitting the truth of all this, if we apply it to a small minority, I deny that it ■would be just or right to leave them to their fate because of their want of knowl- edge of the true status of the case, and I insist it is our duty to teach while we assist and encourage them. Everj'- agent who has tried the experiment Avill say that the natives are docile and obedient, aud can be induced to do almost anything when approached in a kind and rational manner. For years the natives have been denied the right to buy or use sugar as an article of diet, because, forsooth, some man, long since dead, got drunk from quas made from sugar. That there have been cases of quas-making, and that, even now, a native will take a drink when he has a cliance, is undoubtedly true, but there is neither sense nor reason in punishing the whole community, young and old, men and women alike, for the sin of one or two men who know no better, and who can, very easily, be persuaded from repeating the act. There has been altogether too much said about the weakness of the natives for strong drink, so much so that it is commonly believed in the United States that they are in a constant state of intoxication, when the facts are the very opposite. I was on St. George Island fourteen months, and a little longer on St. Paul, and I have yet to find the second drunken man on the islands. Once, on board a steamer, one of the men got too much whisky, enough to keep him oft' work for two hours, and that is the only case of drunkenness I ever saw on the islands. Besides, were they the inveterate quas-makers they h.ave been represented to be, the want of sugar w ould be no bar to their business, for they can make qtias out of nearly everything they use as food or drink, sweet crackers, jelly, yeast, etc., enter- ing largely into the composition. And, lest there be objections raised, sugar can be prepared very readily so that it will not ferment, and yet be all right for ordinary use as food. Two per cent of powdered borax mixed with sugar will not injure it more than to prevent fermentation. The same is true of sulphate of calcium. I respectfully submit that it is worth trying. Whenever a person is taken sick on the islands he is allowed sugar, but what is the use of giving him, at the eleventh houi', the very thing for the want of which his sickness originated? Especial attention is called to the subject of schools on the seal islands, for if we are to succeed in teaching the English language to the rising generation there must be a radical reform, amounting indeed to a complete change, in the present system and method of teaching. That the lessees comply with the requirements of the lease in regard to schools and teachers is true enough, but the defect is iu the system itself, which, owing to many causes, is not the one adapted to the conditions existing here. One of the most serious obstacles in the way of the American school has been, and is now, the demand made by the church that all her children must learn Russian so as to under- stand the church services. Consequently a groat deal of time is wasted in teaching, or attempting to teach, the children two languages; and the result is what might be expected; they repeat their lessons from day to day in a slipshod, meaningless, mechanical sort of way without ever comprehending a word of English, either spoken or written. It is not that the average native child is unusually dull or stupid, for he is not, but it is because the child never hears English spoken except what ho hears in the school. What is really needed hero is a regular industrial school in which the pupils may live, and where they will be under tlie care of a husband aud wife who are trained and fitted for the work, and who will care for them as though they were their own children. We must have such a school if we are to succeed, for the natives are not only ignorant of books and book learning, but of all the household and domestic economies which go to make up the truly civilized community aud Christian home. I do not advocate missionary work in the sectarian sense, but I do want to see an ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 295 indnstrial school here where the children may have a truly Christian woman to guide and direct them as they grow up to maturity, oue who will direct them as their unfortunate ])arents have never been directed. I advocate the employment of teachers of long and varied experience, men and women of character, whose blameless lives shall be a guaranty of the success of the school, and who nre, withal, devoted to the work for the sake of the good to be accomplished, and who are not above stooping down to lift up the poor aud lowly ones in whose welfare so very few take an interest. There arc at present on St. Paul Island 25 boys and 37 girls, who are over 5 and under 18 years of age, who ought to be under the immediate care and control of such teachers as I have suggested. With such care and safeguards thrown around tliem they would grow up to be useful men and women, morally pure, physically healthy, and mentally improved — a credit to us all. During the mouth of September, 1890, I sent 6 orphan girls to the school at Una- laska, and in .Tune, 1891, I visited them there and found them so much changed for the better in every respect that I am sorry there is no room in the school to accom- modate a few more of the orphans on St. Paul, who have no one to care for them as children should be cared for. As w^e have so many children on the islands, and as their parents object to let them go to Unalaska to scliool, even if tluire were accommodations there for them, 1 respectfully submit that an industrial school be established here as soon as pos- sible, and that its entire management shall be under the exclusive control of the Government. I am well aware of the fact that my suggestions for so many changes in behalf of the natives may look like extravagance and be ridiculed by all who would continue the present system, but I know the people are deserving of all I am asking, and I have faith in their pledges that the confidence reposed in them will not Ifi' abused. It is true they are poor and lowly and illiterate, and ignorant of many things known to the more fortunate of mankind; but their fidelity to Government inter- ests, their love of order, and their obedience to law compels all who fairly study the situation to honor and respect them. Ignoring, for the time l)eing, the moral obligations we are under to do all in our power to save them from extinction, and coming down to the question of expense, we find that the actual cost of making the changes suggested would be so small in proportion to the good accomplished in saving and civilizing a people so worthy, that it would be a shame to allow such a consideration to retard the good work for a moment. I left St. Paul Island on August 28, and at that time the natives were in fairly good health, and, as there has been 100 tons of coal landed for their use, and as the lessees have brought a plentiful supply of food and clothing of a quality much bet- ter than usual, I expect they will be comfortable and well supplied during the winter so far as their physical wants are concerned. In accordance with your instructions, I have written up the census of June 30, 1891, and I herewith transmit a copy of the same, which shows a decrease in popula- tion of 16 persons since .Tanuary 1, 1890, a period of eighteen months. It also shows that we have 47 more females than males, and that 26 of that surplus are widows. I respectfully suggest that an effort be made to induce j'onng men to come here from any or all of the islands of the Aleutian chain. The plan should be to bring none but young, healthy men, who would come to marry and make permanent homes, and to take but a few from each island. By recruiting from all of the islands a few young men might be obtained from each without injury to any; but the idea of removing the entire population of one island is a very unwise one, because the people as a whole do not desire it, nor would it be just to the lessees to encumber them with so many who are old and helpless. The subject requires the serious consideration of the Department and deserves the attention of all who are interested in the welfare of the seal islands and of their inhabitants. A controversy, extending over the civilized world, is now being carried on as to the causes which have led to the destruction of the fur seal in so short a space of time, and many plausible theories have been advanced by men of scientific attain- ment and sound knowledge who are earnestly endeavoring to solve the problem, and also by men who have no interest in the matter beyond that of distorting facts for the sake of present gain and profit to themselves and friends at the expense of valu- able vested rights and in defiance of law and reason. Every imaginable cause is named as the one, except that of pelagic hunting, while it is a well-established fact which admits of no contradiction that the seals are being exterminated by incessant hunting in the Pacific Ocean aud Bering Sea by a fleet of vessels fitted out for that avowed purpose. The official records show that after the Alaska Commercial Company had taken 100,000 Beals every year from 1870 to 1883, a period of thirteen years, the seals had 296 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. iucreased steadily, until iu 1883-84 it was easy to take the quota of 100,000 between June 1 and July 20, or at the rate of 2,000 a day. It was about this period the sealing schoonei's bejojan to appear in Bering Sea with the regularity of the seals themselves, and as the schooners increased in numbi^r and systematized their methods of taking seal, the seals decreased so rapidly that in 1889 it was found necessary by the lessees to take 40,000 small seals in order to till uj) the quota of 100,000. Only 21,000 merchantable seals were taken by the lessees in 1890, although a great effort was made to secure a larger catch. It is a well-known fact that from the time our Government took possession of the seal islands in 1868 until 1883 there was not a sign of any diminution in the number of seals coming uj^ou the rookeries. During my residence here I have endeavored to get as much information as I possibly could from every source within reach, and I never met a person who lived here any length of time Avho ever thought of attrib- uting the destruction of seal life to any other cause than that of the sealing schooners. Nor can an unpredjudiced person show any other cause after once witnessing the destruction of seal life on the rookeries after a few days' o))erations of a schooner in the immediate vicinity. The cows are shot and killed while passing between the rookeries and the feeding hanks, and the pups, deprived of proper sustenance, die upon the breeding grounds by thousands. It needs not a scientihc training to understand this thing, nor is there a native on the islands so dull as not to understand it thoroughly in all its relations to the ques- tion at issue. An effort has been made to show a decrease of seals because of a shortage of bulls, and I was led into the belief of that theory until I investigated it for myself, and found it to be erroneous and altogether untenable. Pursuant to instructions from you I visited the rookeries at different times between July 7 and 22, and I carefully examined and noted their condition on the dates of my several visits. It has been conceded on all sides that the rookeries are at their fullest and best from the 10th to the 20th of July, and I found such to be the case in every instance. During the earlier visits made by me I observed, and actually counted, all the idle bulls on each rookery, and as the season advanced and the harems were iilled with cows, the idle bulls become fewer and fewer, and yet, on the 22d of July, after the cows were all in and had brought forth their young, I counted 1,250 vigorous bulls idle and without cows; and in hundreds of instances I saw harems or families where a bull had only 2 to 4 cows, although the luajority of the harems consisted of from 30 to 40, a fact that proves there is a surplus of bulls and not a scarcity. I discovered very few cows without pups, and they were young cows coming on to the breeding rookeries for the lirst time. V»^ere it true that bulls are scarce it would be very easy to prove it by the shortage in the crop of pups; but it is not true, 'for there is hai'dly a cow on St Paul Island that has not a pup by her side. The real and only cause of the rapid decrease in seal life is the indiscriminate slaughter of the cows at sea. It is absurd to talk of injuring the hertls by overdriving on land, because the cows are neither driven nor disturbed by any person on the islands during the period of their stay there. Nor is it true that the lessees have ever injured the seals by overdriving. I have personally witnessed the driving and killing of seals by the lessees during the seasons of 1889, 1890, and 1891, and it was all done under the immediate direction and in the presence of the Treasury agents, and not one of them has ever claimed that a seal was injured. No seals can, or ever coiild be, driven on the islands contrary to the will of the Treasury agent, and I will venture the assertio7i that not one seal in ten thousand has lieen injured by the lessees or their agents since we owned the seal islands. The natives attend to the driving, exercising the utmost care that the pace shall be so slow and steady that it is impossible to injure the seals. Overcrowding or over- driving would be more injurious to the lessees than to any one else, and for that reason alone they could not afford to permit it. Let it be borne in mind, too, that the local management of the islands has not been turned over to new or inexperienced men since the lease has been awarded to the North American Commercial Company; the two men who have superintended the killing of seals for the i)ast twenty-two years are still in charge, and I know they could not be expected to overdrive or allow it to be done. Whenever a seal is accidcntly injured on a drive, he is innnediately killed and skinned and that is the last of the matter, for the death of a male seal is no injury to the herd so long as the breeding seals are not disturbed or slaughtered. There is such a mass of evidence and from so many sources to prove the destruc- tion of the seals by pelagic or deep-sea hunting, that no honest man thinks it neces- sary to look for any other cause. ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 297 Accompanied by Agent Barnes, Mr. Fowler, of the North American Commercial Company, and by'the British commissioners, I visited Tolstoi rookery on August 19, and we i'ound thousands of dead pups, covering a space of about 5 acres, and their mothers had disappeared. Dr. Dawson, one of the commissioners, took kodak views of the place, and when he asked me what I thought was the cause of their death, I answered : "Their moth- ers have been killed at sea." Since I left St. Paul Island I have received a letter from Agent Barnes, in which he savs : " You remember the appearance of Tolstoi ? I visited Halfway Point, along with Mr. Fowler, and found the same state of affairs, or worse; and those who have been to Northeast Point say it is still worse there." Bearing in mind that the Northeast Point is the largest rookery in the world, it is no exaggeration to say that between 20,000 and 30,000 pups are lying dead at St. Paul Island whose mothers were slaughtered by sealing schooners in the open sea and the pups lelt to starve upon the rookeries. The theory of an occasional epidemic among the seals has been broached, and plausible arguments advanced to prove that the decrease in seal life can be accounted for without blaming the sealing schooners, but as the "oldest inhabitant" on the islands has no recollection of anything of the sort, and as no one ever saw a dozen dead cows on any rookery, it is safe to say there is no foundation for or truth in the epidemic theory. It is not for me to say what course shoirld be pursued in the future, but it is self- evident to all who know the present condition of the seal rookeries that the indis- criminate slaughter of seals in the open sea must be stopped at once if they are to be preserved from total extinction and the unfortunate natives of the seal islands saved Jrom starvation and pauperism. Respectfully submitted. .Joseph Murray, First Assistant Treasury Agent. Maj, W. H. Williams, Agent in Charge of the Seal Islands. Exhibit S. REPORT OF ASSISTANT AGENT LAVENDER. Office of Special Agent, Treasury Department, November 1, 1891. Sir: I have the honor to submit the following report upon the condition of the seal rookeries on the island of St. George and of the native inhabitants thereof, together with the recommendations for the better government of the island. During the seasons of 1890 and 1891 I was upon the island and noted carefully the condition of the breeding rookeries. I found a marked decrease in the number of seals upon all the rookeries, with perhaps one exception. As suggested by yon, I carefully ol)served the seals upon the breeding grounds, in order to learn whether there is a scarcity of bulls, and am convinced that the decrease in seal life can not be attributed to that cause, as there appears to be a surplus of bulls upon all the rookeries. As a result of my observations I am convinced that the diminution of seal life is largely due to the indiscriminate slaughter of the female seals when away from the rookeries, either going to or returning from the feeding grounds. While at IJnalaska, on my return from the seal islands, I had a long conversation with the captain of a hunting schooner. He informed me that he had hunted seal in Bering Sea every season for the last five years. I examined a number of seal skins he had on board the schooner which were taken during the month of August, and found that of his total catch of 178 skius, more than 90 per cent were of female seals. He also informed me that there was abundant evidence that the females killed were almost invariably mothers. He stated that, notwithstanding the fact that he was engaged in the business, he did not approve the practice of shooting seals in the waters of Bering Sea for the reason that nearly all the seal shot were either killed or wounded and not more than one in six was secured; also that tlae proportion of female seals killed this season -^vas not greater than it had been in former years, as he had known 100 seals to be killed in a single day, of which 98 were females. When the mother seal is killed before the month of October of any year, the young must starve, as it has no means of sustaining life other than the nourishment from the mother. 298 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. During the last season there were more than cue hundred schooners engaged in seal hunting around the Aleutian Islands and in the waters of Bering Sea. Some of these vessels secured over 2,000 skins, and it would seem that unless prompt meas- ures are taken for the sup]ireBsion of pelagic sealing, this once numerous and valu- able fur-bearing animal will soon be extinct. In accordance with the instructions received from your predecessor, I permitted the natives to kill in November last 1,104 young male seal pups for food smd clothing. I found by actual test the gross weight of an average seal ])np after the skin, blubber, and' entrails had been removed was only 13 pounds. Deducting the weight of the bones, which Avas a little over 5 pounds, left between 7 and 8 pounds of meat of a very poor quality. As the' natives of the islands do not use the skin for clothing, and the small amount of meat secured does not justify the killing of small pup seal, I v/ould recommend that the practice be discontinued. A larger supply of fi'.el will more than com])ensate them for the loss of blubber, which, as you know, has been used in lieu of fuel. On June 30, 1891, the native inhabitants of the island numbered 88 persons of all ages, 40 of whom were males. They live in 20 houses and are divided into 22 fami- lies. There were 7 birtbs and 11 deaths during the last year. The age of the oldest native-born person on the island is only 45 years. The death rate has been larger than that of the births for the past ten years. If something is not done to improve their ccmdition, tbe island will in time become depopulated and this race obliterated. Most of the natives are afflicted with scrofula and hereditary consumption, caused, I think, by living in small damp houses without proper sanitary conditions and with insufficient vegetable diet. In October last a general epidemic of coryza (common cold) prevailed, and it was followed by a clearly defined epidemic of la grippe; in consequence the school was closed from tlie'l3th to the 28th of October. Every man, woman, and child was afflicted, and a large majority at the same time. The result of the epidemic Avas to increase the death rate. I herewith inclose you the report of Dr. William S. Hereford, the resident physician. While i have no desire to criticise the acts of the present or former lessees, nor to find fault Avith former Treasury agents who had charge of the island, I am of the opinion that had proper care been taken to compel these poor, ignorant people to properly observe the ordinary rules of health, there would now be found many persons on the island who had lived beyond the age of 45 years. The sanitary condition of the island should be improved at once. First, by building outhouses for the use of each family. Second, by enlarging a sufficient number of dwellings to secure good sleeping apartments for those who have large families. These improvements would benefit the natives morally as well as physically. The use of more vegetables on the island would result in great benefit to them, and I Avould respectfully recommend that the lessees be instructed to send to the island, and keep on sale at all times, a large supply of canned tomatoes and other cheap varieties of vegetables. It has been demonstrated that turnips, onions, radishes, etc., can be grown successfully upon the islands of Bering Sea, and the officer in charge should be instructed to have a garden made each year for general use, taking the precaution to obtain the necessary seeds prior to leaving for the island in the spring. The fuel supply is altogether too small, notwithstanding the 30 tons of coal fur- nished by the Department this year. The very limited amount of driftwood found upon the island is too wet to burn without the assistance of blubber, Avhich can not be secured in sufficient (juantity since seals have become so scarce that they can only bo taken in limited numbers. The natives are obliged to carry on their backs fmm 2 to G miles what little driftAvood they can pick up. They have no other means of transportation . In order to make them comfortable, I would recommend that 100 tons of coal be furnished the natives of St. George Island each year. The schools have been taught by a teacher employed by the North American Commercial Company, in accordance with the terms of the lease, beginning Septem- ber 1, 1890, and ending April 30, 1891, inclusive. The total number of pupils in attendance was 20. The age of tlie oldest pupil attending school was 15 years, the youngest 7. But little progress, if any, has been made in the English language. These people are very dcA'out members of the Greek Church, the service of which is conducted in the Russian language. Heretofore it has been the custom to have the pupils taught that language that they might be able to take part in the church services. As a result, the eflforts made to teach the natives the language ot their country have been neutralized. The teaching of the Russian language upon the island should be prohibited. While I would not interfere in any manner with the religious tendencies of these ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 299 people, it is my conviction that their chnrcb services, if condncted in the English language, would be a powerful agent in improving them educationally. 1 would recommend that a competent female teacher Ite employed. A large majority of the pupils are girls, and they are in need of domestic knowledge more than any other. A uniform "system of schoolbooks, such as are in use at the Gov- ernment school at Unalaska, would be an improvement upon the l)ooks now in use. The school-teacher and the doctor should be employees of the Government and subject to the order of the officer in charge. Better government of the island would be the result. The widows, orphans, and destitute persons on the island should be supplied with all the necessaries of life by tlie North American Commercial Company in accord- ance with the conditions of the lease, and I would respectfully recommend that a weekly ration of food, an allowance of fuel, and a quarterly allowance of clothing be lixed by the Secretary of the Treasury, to be distributed by tbe officer in charge. This would be more satisfactory to the natives and relieve the company of all respon- sibility. The North American Commercial Company has delivered to the officer in charge 15 barrels of salt salmon, which, together with 10 barrels left over from last season, is more than sufficient for use during the coming winter and spring. Why the change has been made, and salt salmon substituted for dried, I do not know. They have also delivered to the officer in charge 30 tons of coal, which is a portion of the 80 tons to be furnished free for use of natives on both islands. In addition thereto, they have delivered 30 tons of coal on an order from the Secretary of the Treasury, and a receipt for the same was signed. The violations of the lease mentioned in my letter to the Department in April last have been satisfactorily adjusted. The price of wood has been reduced and is now sold as cheaply as it can be without loss to the company. The merchandise purchased this year for sale to the natives is first class in every particular, and the prices charged therefor are reasonable. All goods are marked to sell at 25 per cent above wholesale cost in San Francisco. The general agent of the company has agreed to make all necessary repairs to the dwellings asked for by me; he also agreed to attend to the hygienic and sanitary condition of the island. The Government officers and employees of the company, if married men, who are to remain on the island during the winter season, should have their families with them. This practice would have a moral influence over the native inhabitants which can be obtained in no other Avay. In the selection of school teachers I am pleased to state that the Department has acted upon the suggestion of the present Treasury agents, and Mrs. Nettleton will hereafter act as teacher iipon the island of St. George; and I am satisfied that the pu))ils will improve Aery much in domestic and other knowledge. There were more than 1,100 foxes trapped on the island last winter, which was 400 in excess of the number which should have been taken. Tlie North American Commercial Company has raised the price of fox skins over that paid by the former lessees. This encourages the natives to attend to their traps better than they have done in former years, and unless the number taken be limited each year, this valuable species of fur-bearing animal will in a short time be exter- minated. That there were too many killed during the winter of 1890-91 is plain to any person who is familiar with the island. The maximum number annually to be taken should not exceed 700. By forbidding the practice of trapping during the winter of 1891-92, I think 700 could be taken each year hereafter without danger of extermi- nation. Satisfactory arrangements have been made whereby the natives can obtain the necessaries of life during the coming winter, and I do not anticipate unusual sufi'er- ing among them. All their money will be gone before spring, with a very little pros- pect of a large number of seals being taken next season. Some arrangement should therefore be made whereby they can be supplied with food and clothing during the winter of 1892 and 1893. All of which is respectfully submitted. Albert W. Lavender, Assistant Treasury Agent. Maj. W. H. Williams, Agent in Charge of the Seal Islands, Alaska. 300 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. Special Agent Williams; Nu7nher of ideals hilled, 1891. Treasury Department, Office of the Secretary, Washington, D. C, September 7, 1891. Sir: Referring to Department's letter of the 5th instant (A. K. T.), with copy of a letter from the honorable the Secretary of State, of the 2Gth ultimo, wherein it is alleged that Her Majesty's Bering Sea com- missioners have reported to their Government that the present year's catch of seals already materially exceeds 7,500, and urging that the provisions of the agreement of June 15, 1891, shall be strictly observed, I have the honor to submit the following report: Replying to that portion of the communication which states that more than 7,500 seals were killed "this year," I have to say that if the period covered by the expression "this year" is intended by the com- missioners of Her Majesty's Government to begin July 28, 1890, the assertion is correct. As stated by said commissioners, I did, and do now, construe the proclamation of the President of the United States to forbid the killing of more than 7,500 seals from the date of said proclamation and the modus vivendi, viz, June 15, 1891, to May 1, 1892. I arrived at the islands June 10, 1**^91. The proclamation of the Presi- dent was received by me July 2, 1891. From June 15 to July 2 there were 4,471 seals killed. By my order this number was to be regarded as a portion of the 7,500 authorized to be taken to May, 1892. Since July 2 there have been 1,796 seals killed, making a total of 6,267 seals, or 1,233 seals short of the limit. It is probable that, in making their statement, the commissioners of Her Majesty's Government took cognizance of the number of seals killed subsequent to July 23, 1890, and prior to June 15, 1891. The skins of these seals, in number 7,215, were in the salt houses on the islands, awaiting shipment, on the last-named date. With reference to the comment of the commissioners on the construction placed by me on the modus vivendi and the President's proclamation, I am of theopin ion that my action, in including the seals killed from the date of both instruments above referred to as a portion of the 7,500 allowed to be killed, is evidence of my desire to comply strictly with the letter and spirit of the international agreement. It would seem to be the conten- tion of the commissioners that skins shipped from the islands after June 15, 1891, should not exceed 7,500, without reference to the time wlien taken. It is not clear by what process of reasoning skins taken prior to June 15, 1891, should be counted as a portion of the number of seals authorized to be killed by the modus vivendi and the President's procla- mation. Unless some portion of the skins of seals taken prior to June 15, last, is included, I am absolutely safe in saying that the statement of the commissioners to the effect that the number to be killed this year, as fixed by the President's proclamation, has been exceeded is erro neons. Department's instructions of June 15, 1891, and received by me at the same time of the proclamation, July 2, were as follows: "If, in any way, your instructions are inconsistent with the proclamation, be governed by the latter." I herewith inclose copy of proclamation received by me, and call especial attention to articles 1 and 2 of the modus vivendi contained therein. It may be proper to remark here that, in conversation with the com- missioners concerning the time when the provisions of article 1 of the modus vivendi took effect, it was claimed by them and admitted by me that said article became operative on the date when the modus vivendi ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 301 was signed, viz, June 15, 1891. Article 2, affecting the interests of the United States, provides that seals in excess of 7,500 shall not be killed for the same period as that stated in article 1. The articles cited are mutually binding, and I assume it will not be claimed that their pro- visions were to take eifect on one date in the interest of British sealers and on another date in the interest of the United States. Eesj)ectfully, yours, Wm. H. Williams, Treasury Agent in Charge of Seal Islands. Hon. Chaeles Foster, Secretary of the Treasury. Special Agent Williams; Number of Seals talcen, 1891. Washing-ton, October 8, 1891. Sir: Keferring to our conversation of the 6th instant relating to my report of September 7, in regard to seals killed upon the islands of St. George and St. Paul during the past year, I have the honor to submit further upon the subject the following: The lessees were prohibited from killing seals for the season of 1890 after July 20. The first killing, for food, after that date was made by the natives July 28, and from that time to December 31, 1890, there were killed, for food, by the natives 2,750 seals; the skins of 106 were small and stagey and were given to the natives, the remaining 2,644 (1,231 of which were stagey) were placed in the salt houses by the Government agents. From January 1 to May 1, 1891, no seals were on the islands, hence none were taken. From May 1 to June 10, 1891, the latter being the date of my arrival at the islands, there were 1,651 seals killed by the natives, for food, the skins of which were placed in the salt houses by the Government agents, making a total of 4,295 seals killed by the natives, for food, the skins of Avhich were in the salt houses on my arrival at the islands. The fore- going number includes about 50 skins, mostly rejected, from former years' catch,' and 147 skins taken from cow seals killed by raiders on the islands in September, 1890, who were driven oil" before they had secured their plunder, but does not include 3,468 small pup seals killed by the natives in November and December of last year, the skins of which were used by them for clothing and other purposes. On the morning of June 11, 1891, I gave permission to the lessees to commence killing on a quota of 7,500, as directed in Department tele- gram of May 27, and which is as follows : The i?tt8A will receive orders to sail to-day; yoa and the other agents will take passage on her. The Corivin will follow in a flew days. By her will be forwarded to you full iustrnctions. The memorandum copy of proposed instructions which you now have will be your guide until Convin arrives; maximum number is yet to be determined, and other modifications are probable. If 7,500 are taken before Coruin arrives you will stop killing and await instructions. See that the other agents take passage with you. From June 11 to June 15, 2,920 seals were killed by the lessees as a part of their quota of 7,500, making 4,295 seals killed for food, by the natives, and 2,920 seals killed by the lessees as a part of their quota, or a total of 7,215 seals killed prior to June 15, 1891, the skins of which 302 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. were in tlie salt houses before the signing of the modus vivendi and the President's proclamation. From Juue 15 to receipt of the President's proclamation containing the modus vivendi, to wit, July 2, on St. Paul, and July 8, on St. George, there were 4,471 seals killed by the lessees as part of their quota. After careful consideration of the modus vivendi, by myself and the other agents, it was determined that the 4,471 seals killed since June 15 should be deducted from the 7,500 named in Art. II, of the inter- national agreement, thus leaving but 3,029 to be taken for the " sub- sistence and care of the natives" from July 2, 1891, to May 1, 1892. The assertion by the British Bering Sea commissioners that the 7,500 seals to be taken for the " subsistence and care of the natives," as provided in Art. II of the modus vivendi, has been exceeded, is not warranted by the facts nor by their views expressed to me in conver- sation upon that subject. On July 28 Sir George Baden Powell and Dr., G. M. Dawson, the British commissioners, called on me at the Government house on St. Paul Island, and after an exchange of views upon seal life and the presence of sealing vessels in Bering Sea the following conversation occurred, in substance: I remarked that the President's ])roclamation states very distinctly that the international agreement closes May 1, 1892, but gives no date when it commences other than the date of signature. When do you say that your Government will commence to prevent seals being caught in Bering Sea! Sir George answered. From the signing of the agree- ment. Do I understand, then, I inquired, that your Government did not agree to prevent sealing prior to June 15? He answered. Yes; and that is not all; our Government must have reasonable time after the 15th to notify its officers and get its war vessels into the sea before it can be required to enter upon the fulfillment of its part of the con- tract. I said I was very glad to get his views as to the time covered by the modus vivendi ; that Article II, which related to that part of the agreement that my Government was to observe, permitted for the same period, to wit, June 15 to May next, 7,500 seals to be killed "for the subsistence and care of the natives." He answered, ISTo; your Govern- ment is permitted to kill only 7,500 seals for the season. I replied that the, word season was not in the agreement. He asked me to let him take the proclamation, which I held in my hand, and after care- fully reading it, said, I admit that your interpretation 1-s correct, but have you not other instructions! I answered. Yes; but if in any way my former instructions are inconsistent with the proclamation I am re- quired to be governed by the latter. He replied that it was the under- standing of his Government that only 7,500 seals should be taken this season, and that the President had no right to issue such a proclama- tion. I said to him that the agreement in the proclamation was signed by the representatives of both Governments, and that I could not do otherwise than follow the wording of the modus vivendi. He remarkeorts made by the agents the year previous, and I would respect- fully urge that the Department take action on the recommendations contained therein. Before leaving the islands in 1891 I left strict instructions that no fur seal should be killed during the stagey season, and no pup seals should be killed at any time. The stagey period for that year was determined to be between the dates of August 12 and October 25. Notwithstanding my instructions in this respect, Agent S. E. Nettleton, of St. George Island, permitted the natives to drive at various times and kill for food 282 seals. A portion of the skins was rejected by the agent of the company on account of being stagey, but were subseciuently accepted by them in San Francisco. The agent claimed that the natives demanded seal meat for food, but I am of the opinion that this did not warrant disobedience on his part of positive instructions upon this subject, especially as there was plenty of other food supplies on the island at the time. I would reiterate what was said in my former report that the fur seals should not be killed or disturbed during this eventful period of their existence. It is at this time that the seals are vshedding their hair. The liarems are broken up and the bulls, cows, holluschickie, and pups are mingling together, and it is impossible to make a drive with- out having more or less number of female seals in it. WRECKED SAILOKS. April 12 the whaling vessel Alexander^ of San Francisco, with a crew of 29 men, was wrecked on St. Paul Island. The crew were all saved, but the A^essel was a total loss. The crew were destitute and had to be cared for by the North American Commercial Company until the arrival of the revenue cutter Bear, June 2. As they were making considerable trouble on the island, I requested Captain Healy to remove them to Unalaska, which he made arrangements to do. ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 307 FUEL. lu ray report of 1891 I spoke of the dift'erence of opinion existing as to the issue of coal to widows, orphans, aged and infirm inhabitants, between the Government and company agents. It was claimed by the lessees' agent that under the terms of their lease "necessaries of life" applied only to food, and not to clothing and fuel. By mutual agree- ment the question was referred to the Department for decision, and it was further agreed that the company would furnish in sufficient quan- tities fuel and clothing to them pending the decision and in conformity therewith This agreement was only i)artly complied with, the com- pany agent on St. Paul Island refusing to issue over 100 pounds of coal per week to a family during the coldest weather in winter. This made it necessary to supplement the company issue of coal by an issue from the Government coal in order to keep this class of indigent i)ersons from suffering. In the instructions of May 2, 1892 (p. 8), appears the following: Your especial attention is called to that clause of the lease which states that the company "will also provide the necessaries of life for the widows, orphans, and aged and infirm inhabitants of said islands who are unable to provide for themselves," and you are informed that the Department understands tiiat this clause includes widows and all other persons, regardless of age, sex, or condition of parentage, who are physically unable to provide for themselves. The "necessaries of life" referred to therein includes fuel as well as clothing and subsistence. This decision of the Department is questioned by the agent of the lessees, and I infer from his letter to Mr. J. Stanley-Brown, the Gov- ernment agent in charge at the time (Brown's report), that a claim is to be presented at some future time by the North American Commer- cial Company for all coal furnished by them to the widows, orphans, and aged and infirm inhabitants. The question of weekly allowance of fuel to each family has arisen this year and should be provided for in next year's instructions. Tiie matter ought to be easily and satisfactorily adjusted, for whatever amount of fuel the Government agent may find necessary to issue weekly to the family of a native sealer, the same amount should be provided each week by the company to a family to whom, under the terms of their lease, the lessees are to furnish the "necessaries of life." It takes as much fuel to cook the food and warm the house of one fam- ily as it does that of another, and of a necessity the issue of coal must be regulated by the season of the year and the condition of the weather. GOVERNMENT AID TO THE NATIVES. Owing to the small number of seals killed by the natives in the last few years the savings of former years of most of them were exhausted at the close of the year 1891, and I set forth in my report for that year that it would be necessary to extend aid to keep them from suffering. Mneteeu thousand five hundred dollars was appropriated by Congress at its last session for that purpose, and a careful and economical ex- penditure of the same has been the desire of the Government agents. How to extend relief unto the needy and not have it appear that the Government would in the future support them in idleness was the chief object to be arttained. It was with this end in view that compen- sation for watching on the rookeries and for labor in making improve- ments on the islands was inaugurated, and the agents report that their efforts in that direction w^ere fairly successful. As to the sufficiency or insufficiency of the appropriation I am unable to report at the x)resent 308 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. time, but the indications are that an appropriation fully as large will be necessary for the coming" year. The natives have no way of sustain- ing themselves on these barren islands except by their earnings from killing seal for the North American Commercial Company, and the pro- ceeds of the sale of blue-fox skins. Since the catch of seals was limited to 7,500 and the killing of foxes prohibited (in 1891) the earnings of the natives have been small as comi^ared with former years. This prohibition against taking foxes became necessary on account of the immense slaughter (about 1,500) that took place in 1890. I am informed by Treasury Agent Brown that before leaving the islands he gave the natives i)ermission to trap foxes for two months, commencing No\eoiber 15. It is upon St. George Island that most of the foxes are taken, it being better adapted to supplying food for them by reason of the large number of birds that resort to this island to nest in the cliff's and rocks. It is also upon this island that a great number of moles are found, which constitute quite a factor in their supply of win- ter food. In a letter just received from Treasury Agent A. W. Laven- der, in charge of St. George Island, dated November 22, he says: We began to trap foxes on the 15tli, as our iustrnctious told us to, and up to date the natives have obtained 250 to 300 skins; had foxes been as plenty as they were the tirst season that I was here (1890), the first seven days they would have caught near 600 ; in fact one-half of the whole catch is made the lirst week. I have allowed the natives 12 traps each, as near as I could, although I well know that some of them have more than that number. There are about 325 trajis out altogether. How is that for an island of this size? There will not be much need to invite instructions about trapping foxes if time is the limit in which foxes are taken instead of a limit in the number taken. It will be noticed that this is the condition of affairs after a year's rest in the taking of foxes, and if the present methods are to be con- tinued extermination at an early period seems probable. Especially will this be true if the natives receive anything like a fair value for the skins, for in their straitened circumstances each native will try and secure the greatest number possible. The skin of the blue fox sells readily from $12 to $20 in the San Francisco market, but the price paid the natives is usually from $1 to $2 per skin. I had applications from outside parties for the privilege of buying fox skins of the natives, but I did not deem it advisable to grant this privilege, and would advise against it if a fair price can be obtained for the skins from the lessees and the proceeds used in a proper manner for the maintenance of the natives. So valuable has the fur of this animal become that white men have obtained the priv- ilege of stocking some of the Alaskan islands with blue foxes, at con- siderable exi)ense, and breed them for commercial purposes. The steel trap now used permits no selection of sex, and I would therefore suggest that there be substituted for it the large wooden box trap. If the latter were used the vixens could be turned away and only the mature males taken, thus providing for a sure annual increase. If this were done — a fair price being obtained for the skins and the same put into a co^mmunity fund, as is now done with the proceeds of their labor in taking the seal skins — an industry would soon be built utp that would greatly assist in making the natives self-supporting. In my instructio/ns of 1891 I was informed that the natives were con- sidered wards of the Government. In view of this and the further fact that Congress is called upon to make appropriations for their sui)port, it would seem to be well to formulate some regulations covering this question. ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 309 RUSSIAN RITUAL. I did not succeed in obtaining a copy of the Enssian Ritual at the islands, but subsequently, wliile in San Francisco, procured a copy, with several other books and papers belonging to the Greek service, and sent the same to the Department. I paid $18 for them and was reimbursed by the North American Commercial (3ompany out of the translation fund in their possession. DISTRIBUTION OF SO-CALLED CHURCH FUND TO NATIVES. In pursuance to Department instructions of May 2 my successor dis- tributed $3,344.10 among the natives on St. Paul Island and has given tlie details of the transaction in liis report. I wish to add that in any event the North American Commercial Company should not be a sufferer by the action of the Government in this matter, but before there is any restitution of this money to the Greek Church I would advise that a carefnl investigation be made of the abuses to which these people are subjected by the so-called priests under tlie cloak of teachers and spiritual advisers. It is not the desire of the Treasury agents to in any way interfere with the religious belief or mode of worship of these people, but when, through the ignorance or immorality of a priest, their religious doctrine becomes perverted and, by the influence of his example, they are kept in a state of barbarism, is it not time for the Government to inquire whether, under the j)lea of religious i^rivileges and treaty rights, this condition of affairs is to continue ? The influence of the priests over these people is something wonderful, and when wrongfully used, as it frequently is on the islands, debases them to the condition of brutes. The Treasury agents are powerless as against the influence of the priest, and no sort of punishment will cor- rect the evil of drunkenness and immorality so long as the priest is one of the chief oflenders. The Government should insist that the Greek Church send no one to the islands as priest who is not a man of char- acter and can render the service of their church in the English language. Government wards on a Government reservation and supported by Government appropriations are entitled to Government protection in their education as American citizens and the observance of the ordinary proprieties of civilization. SCHOOLS. In my report of last year I called attention to the fact that after more than twenty years of Government control there were not a half dozen natives who had learned to speak or read the English language by at- tendance at the public school, and so long as the present system is fol- lowed failure can be predicted with absolute certainty. The lessees complied with their contract and furnished teachers for the length of time required, but so far as producing favorable results is concerned it was a waste of time and money, and so it will be so long as the present condition exists. When the time arrives that these children can be placed under faithful Christian teachers who will teach them habits of industry and morality, and under these conditions the blessings of home and home life, then may we look for gratifying results, but not before. A practical demonstration of this is to be seen at the native school at Unalaska presided over by Mr. and Mrs. Tuck. 310 ' ALASKA INDUSTRIES. RAIDS. On November 17, 1891, the steam sloop Challenge (American) made a raid on St. George Island and secmred about 30 skins. The crew were arrested and vessel seized a few days thereafter at Unalaska. Tbe ves- sel was confiscated andber captain and crew sent to Sitka, where they were tried, convicted, and sent to jail. While making the raid tbe vessel narrowly escaped loss with all on board. The British Columbia schooner Borealis made a raid on St. Paul Island November 27 and took about 400 skins. The captain (Hansen) Avas afterwards arrested and is now in Sitka jail awaiting trial. He is a notorious character and boasts of having made raids for five years in succession. Every effort is being made to obtain the necessary evi- dence to convict and punish him. TREASURY REGULATIONS. I deem it important that some well-formulated Treasury regulations be adopted for the guidance of the Treasury agents and other residents on the islands. It is for the interest of good government thatthis be done at an early date. ENFORCEMENT OF LAW AND ORDER. I would suggest that Congress be invited to amend section 1959, Eevised Statutes, by striking out the word "War" and inserting that of "Treasury." The law is inoperative as it now stands, for the War Department has no forces within hundreds of miles of the islands, con- sequently the Treasury agents are compelled to call upon the revenue cutters to enforce the provisions of this act. JANITORS. As directed in Department instructions, I employed a native on each island to perform janitor's work for the Government house at a com- pensation of $20 per month. GOVERNMENT HOUSES. The Government house on each island has been painted and repaired this year, and both are in good condition. REPORTSc I inclose the report of Treasury Agent S. R. Nettleton. The reports of Treasury Agents Joseph Murray and A. W. Lavender are on file at the Department with the report of Treasury Agent J. Stanley-Brown. IN GENERAL. In my two years' service as Treasury agent in charge of the seal islands I have had the earnest support of the assistant agents, and our social and official relations have been cordial and pleasant. I have consulted with them on matters of importance and a unanimity of opinion and puri)ose has prevailed. ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 311 I wisli to testify to the uniform kindness of the company's agents, who have clone much to make my sojourn on these far-away islands pleasant and agreeable. Eespecttully, yours, Wm. H. Williams, Treasury Agent in Charge of the Seal Islands. Hon. Charles Foster, Secretary of the Treasury. Assistant Agent Neitleton; Report for 1892. St. George Island, Alaska, June 10, 1892. Sir: I respectfully submit the following report of affairs on tliis island since the date of my last report, November 23, 1891, to date : HEALTH OF THE NATIVES. Attached hereto and marked AA please find the two several reports of Dr. L. A. Noyes, resident physician. In this connection I desire to commend the vigilant and faithful manner in'which Dr. Noyes has discharged the duties of his position. SCHOOL. Attached hereto, and marked B, please find report of Mrs . Nettleton, teacher. Mrs. Nettleton found the work of teaching these native children perplexing, disappoint- ing, and somewhat discouraging. While it may be said that she did her utmost to discharge her duties faithfully and well, the results reached are not such as she or the Treasury agent in charge had hoped for. The very young pupils made much the more encouraging advancement, and the older ones made very fair progress. Per- haps, under all circumstances, as much was accomplished as could be expected. . On Friday afternoons, during nearly all of the term, Mrs. Nettleton had the girls of her school, as well as the older girls of the village not in school, at the Govern- ment house, where they were instructed in sewing, needlework, etc. There is cause for encouragement in this branch of their education. I am of the opiuiou that there is small probability of these people acquiring much knowledge of the English language so long as they hear nothing but the Aleut lan- guage out of school hours, and so long as the services of their church are conducted in the Russian or Aleut language, and their couimunications with the representa- tives of the lessees of the islands is largely in other than the English language. FUEL SUPPLY. The winter was very severe, more snow lying on the ground during the entire season than during any previous winter for several years. If the extra supply of coal had not been furnished liy the Department last fall these people must have suffered. It would have been impossible, on account of the depth of snow, to gather driftwood. If it had been possible, the wood could hardly be used as fuel in the absence of a supply of seal blubber. The supply of coal, by economy in its use, kept the natives in "comfort throughout the winter, and there are at this Avriting 7 tons remaining. SUBSISTENCE OF THE NATIVES. As you are aware, it was supposed last fall that, owing to the limited seal catch last year and the consequent small amount earued by the natives, their credit on the books of the lessees would not be sufficient to carry the people through the winter. The amount standing to the credit of the natives on the books of the lessees on August 12, 1891, was as follows : From the savings of previous years $2, 933. 27 Fnmi the division of 1891 ----- 1- 350. 00 Amount advanced by North American Commercial Company in 1891 1, 72o. 00 6, 008. 27 Less amount to credit of priest 1- 880. 70 Leaving balance to credit of natives 4, 187. 57 312 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. Upon this amoTint, together with what was earned, by them in working for the lessees and the sum of $283 donated by the resident agent of the lessees in honsehold. supplies computed at invoice prices, the natives of this island have up to this date lived comfortably and Avell, nob lacking any needed thing in tlie way of fuel, food, or clothing; and on March 13, 1891, there was due to them by the lessees, as shown by their books, the sniii of $1,078 31, not including the amount due the priest. This, I am informed by the resident agent of the lessees, is a larger amount than has stood to their credit at the same time of year for several years previous. The Treasury agent in charge did not, therefore, lind it necessary to involve the Government in any amount for natives' support during the period covered by this report. If their solicitations had been complied with and Government aid had been furnished them to procure holiday finery, etc., an indebtedness of an almost indefinite amount might have been incurred, for the amount of merchandise the average Aleut would pur- chase at the store of the lessees would be limited only by the cash in hand, their credit on the books of the company, and the amount in Government orders which they could obtain from the Treasury agent in charge. WIDOWS, ORPHANS, AND INDIGENTS. This class of the popul.ation, including those styled "unmarried widows" and their oifspring, have been well cared for by the lessees and reasonably well supplied with fuel, food, and clothing. SEALS KILLED FOR NATIVES' FOOD. The quota of this island of seals to bo killed for natives' food for the season end- ing April 30, 1892, was 400. This number was killed, the skins being all prime except the 36 killed during the stagey season, as stated in my report dated November 23, 1891, and for reasons therein set forth. The first killing after the close of the stagey season was made on October 23, and the last killing on November 27. The killings for the present year, under authority of your telegram of October 15, 1891, have been as follows: At Zapadnie, in May, 19 were driven and 17 killed ; the carcasses and skins packed by the natives to the village; skins all prime. At North Rookery, on May 20, about 50 were driven, 36 killed ; skins all prime. One seal gave out, was clubbed, and skin included in above count. At North Rookery, on June 2, 185 were driven and 103 killed ; 82 were turned back ; none ])erished by the way ; skins all prime. vU East Rookery, on June 8, 243 were driven. 111 killed, 132 turned away; skins accepted. In accoi'dance with your instructions, no foxes were killed during the winter. Three dead ones were ibund by the natives, and skins were delivered to the company, awaiting your instructions. Having availed myself of every opportunity during the winter and spring to gather data by which to make an estimate of the number of foxes on this island, I am satisfied that there are not to exceed 300. CONDUCT OF THE NATIVES. The conduct of the natives has been such as to merit words of praise. It has not been necessary to summon anyone before the Government otficer, and they have cheerfully complied with every requirement emanating from the Government house. For the reason, among others, that each native head of a family was, by your direction, allowed to purchase one pound of sugar per week, a reasonably close watch was kept for evidences of quas, and, with two minor exceptions, no evidences of intoxication or of qnas brewing have been found. If quas was manufactured, it was used f|uietly in the homes of the natives. Attached hereto, and marked E, please find census of the native population of St. George Island for the year 1891. Attached hereto, and marked F, please find tabulated statement of the arrival of seals. Respectfully submitted. S. R. Nkttleton, Assistant Special Treasury Agent. Maj. W. H. Williams, United States Treasury Agent in Charge of Seal Islands. ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 313 St. George Island, Alaska, January 1, 1892. Sir: In compliance with yonr reciuest for a statement of the health of the native inhabitauts of this island, I submit the following : Siuce my last report, made to A. W. Lavender on Augnst 3, 1891, we have had less sickness thau usual, and no deaths. At present the sick list is small, and the general condition of health of the natives is better than the average. Kespectfully, „ ^ , ^^ Dr. L. A. Notes, Physician, North American Commercial Company. S. E. Nettletox, Assistant United States Treasury Agent. St. George Island, Alaska, May S7. 1892. Sir: I again respectfully submit a report of the health of the native population of this island. Since my arrival hero, .Tune 5, 1891, there has been 1 death and 4 births. There have beeu'two light epidemics of iuliuenza, one in the fall, the other in January; otherwise no serious illness aside from their scrofulous and pulmonary troubles. Their present .slate of health is, for these people, good, iiespectfully, Dr. L. A. Notes, Physician for North American Commercial Company. S. R. Nettleton, Assistant United States Treasury Agent. B. St. George Island, Alaska, April SO, 1892. Dear Sir: I herewith submit to you the following school report for the eight months from September 1, 1891, to April 30, 1892, both inclusive: Days taught 152^ Scholars enrolled 24 Days' attendance 3, 343^ Daily average 20. 68 Scholars absent 21 Days absent 46 Excused by Government agent 8 Days excused by Government agen b 5 J Excused on account of sickness 13 Days excused on account of sickness 41+ Twenty-one scholars were enrolled the first three months; then 1 was excused by the Government agent, being past the school age. On the 7th of December 3 scholars began school, having arrived at the age of 5 years, which made 23 enrolled for the remainder of the term, and but 5 have been tardy during the term. Mrs. S. R. Nettleton, Teacher. S. R. Nettleton, Agent in charge. • 314 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. C. Arrival of seals. In 1891. Itay 4 : ' Starry Ateel E. Rookery !N. Rookery May 5: Zapadnie May 9: N. and Starry Ateel E. Kookery N. Rookery May 14 : Zapadnie L. E. Rookerjr E. Rookery .." Starry Ateel May 15 : Starry Ateel N. Rookery E. Rookery L. E. Kookery May 17 : N. Rookery May 18 : N. Rookery Zapadnie S. Ateel May 21 : N. Rookery E. Rookery May 24 : N. Kookery May 25 : Zapadnie May 28 : £. Rookery N. Rookery S. Ateel...' May 30 : Zapadnie N. R. and S. Ateel.. June 3 : Zapadnie E. Rookery Bulls. HoUucks. 14 9 5 20 10 10 22 20 42 50 10 (a) (a) 100 200 In 1892. 14 25 20 30 10 30 40 200 100 50 10 250 48 6 300 200 May 2: North Rookery . May 3: N. Rookery E. Rookery May 4 : N. Rookery Starry Ateel E. Rookery May 7 : Zapadnie May 8: N. Rookery S. Ateel E. Rookery May 12 : N. Rookery S. Ateel E. Rookery May 13 : "Zapadnie May 17 : E. Rookery L. E. Rookery . May 23 : Zapadnie May 25: E. Rookery L. E. Rookery . N. Rookery S. Ateel May 26: N. Rookery June 3 : Zapadnie Bulls. HoUucks. 1 3 3 1 4 4 1 1 4 4 3 4 4 21 6 9 16 35 10 40 6 2 2 14 20 30 50 2 20 20 6 40 c500 a Not counted. b And 1 cow. c And 107 cowa. ALASKA INDUSTRIES. Census for Si. George Island, Alaska, for 1891. 315 1^ i a O Name. Sex. Family relation. Age. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 06 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 Lestinkoff, Innokenty M. F. F. F. M. F. F. F. F. F. M. F. M. M. F. F. M. F. M. F. M. M. F. F. M. F. M. F. M. F. M. F. F. F. F. M. F. M. F. F. M. M. M. F. M. M. M. M. F. M. F. M. F. M. M. M. F. M. F. F. M. F. M. M. M. P. F. M. F. F. F. F. M. M. F. F. M. F. M. 61 Lestinkotf, Elizabet h "Wife . ... 57 Lestinkoff, Helena Daughter . . 26 Lestinkotf, Mary do 22 Lestinkoff, Michael Son 19 Lestinkoff', Sarah Daughter Granddautrliter 15 Shaisnikoff, Julia 15 Uekauoff, Anfasia Visitor ^0 Dekanoft", Katie do 3 1 Dekanoff, Helena do a Lestinkoff, Denietri 2S Lestinkoff', Anna 4 2 Merciilief, Mark 6 Philimonoft', Andronic TTim intifl 25 Philimouoff, /enovia Wife 27 3 Philimonott', Mariana Daup'htpr 1 Philimonoff', Simeon TTnshnn^ 42 Philinionoff', Evodokia Wife 19 Philimonoft', Inokenty 17 Pliilimonoft", Fedosia Dauuliter 10 4 Philimonoff', Joseph Son 1 Philimonoff, Adrain . . TTiisl^anfl 05 Pliilimonoft', Perascovia Wife 28 5 Philimonoff; Peligia Daughter .. . 4 Philimonoft', Eoft' 47 Philimonoff', Olleta Wife 30 Philimonoft", Gregoria Son 19 Philimonoft', J^ugenia 18 Philimonoft', Demetri Son 5 G Oiistigoft', Eproxia Stepdaughter Bachelor, head of house Sister 12 Malavansky, Kicoli 27 Malavansky, Ilepsemia 32 Malavansky, '^assa do Niece do 17 Malavansky, Stepneda 12 Malavansky, Kleopati-a MalavanskV, Peter 9 S 7 Oastigoft', Susan 5 Nederazoff, Arkenty 40 Nederazoft', Eugenia Wife .... 38 Nederazoft', Malina 18 Nederazoft', Kicolas Son 14 8 Nederazoft", Isadore do . .. 1 Lekanoft", Stepan 23 Lekanoft", Pelegia Wife 23 Lekanoft", Annalolia Son . 14 9 Lekanoft, Sergius do . a Prokopieff, Peter 27 Prokopieff", Afanasia 14 Rezauort', Fedoaiji Mother-in-law, wido-w 4R Rezaiioff", Innokenty : . . 15 10 Rezanoft", Serefenia Granddaughter of Fedosia. . 4 Oustigoft", Alexa 42 Oustigoft", Martha Wife .... ... 11 Oustigoft", Mike Nftl>llftW 7 12 Oustegoft", Simeon og Swetzoft', Eustin TTnaliflTid 41 S wetzofl', Catherine Wife 35 13 Swetzott', Gregori Son g Swetzoff, Polexenia 32 14 S wetzoff", Erevoiia Dauerbter 14 Gorokoff", Corneal TTiishn,Tifl 36 Gorokoff, Katerina Wife 37 Galauin, Parafaria Brother-in-law 18 15 Galaniii. Alex 6 Kulikulieff', Evan Kulikuliett', Varivaria Husband 47 Wife 46 16 Vickalofl', Evdokia 6 Rezanzofl', Peter 46 Rezanzoff", Matrona AVife 50 17 Rezanzoff, Tatianna 8 Shane, Riessa Shane, Olleta Widow 40 23 Shane, Michael 5 Merculieff", Stepan Adopted 2 'i 18 Merculieft", Nadesda 12 Galanin, Ocolena Widow 29 19 Galanin, Evan Son 10 Merculieff, Fevrona Widow Merculieff", Joseph Son 20 316 ALASKA INDUSTEIES. Census for St. George Island, Alaska, for 1891 — Continued. a 20 21 Ph 80 81 82 83 84 85 80 87 88 89 Name. Merculieff, George Merciilietr, Stepinda... Mercnliett, Helena Merculieff, John Merculieff, Wassalesa . Merculieff, Evan Merculieff", Alexandra. Merculieff', Evdokia... Merculieff, Helena. M. F. F. M. F. M. F. F. F. Merculieff', Anna | F. Sex. Family relation. Son Daughter. do Son Widow ... Son Daughter. do .... do .... .Uo Age. 18 16 7 2 40 15 13 8 5 2 Males Females 40 49 Total Beport of Agent J. Stanley-Brown for 1892. Washington, D. C, December 1, 1892. Sir : On May 10, 1S92, you did lue tlie lienor to instruct me (Exhibit A) to proceed to the Pribilof Islands to relieve Maj. W. H. Williams, whose services were needed elsewhere, and to assume the duties ot* Treasury agent in charge in addition to my more specific task of con- tinuing the investigation of seal life on the islands. Those instructions have been carried out, and permission is now asked to lay before you my administrative rei)ort for the season of 1892. REPORT ON SEAL LIFE. In course of preparation. — Before proceeding to the details of this communication, however, it should be stated that a report embodying the results of my study of seal and sea otter life during the past two seasons is in course of preparation and will be completed at as early a day as the duties assigned me since my return in connection with the Bering Sea arbitration will permit. By your direction, the dataobtained during the season of 1891 was placed at the disposal of the American Bering Sea Commissioners, while everything collected up to date will have been made available in the preparation of the case and counter case to be laid before the Paris tribunal. Character of data collected. — During the course of my investigations plans have been developed and facts and materials secured which can be utilized by the Government for determining with no little accuracy and beyond all questioning any changes that may occur in fnturc years upon the rookeries. Indeed, this jj^rpose of preparing a substantial basis for future work has been kept steadily in mind. Upon charts of a scale of 264 feet to the inch have been placed my observations as to the areas occupied by the seals during the past two seasons. These maps have been lithographed, and upon them as a base has also been placed all information obtainable I'rom other sources concerning the oscillation of the rookeries. From fixed stations indicated on the charts, photographs were also taken of the rookeries, and in order tliat the Department may be informed in the future as to changes in the rookery areas these results ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 317 can be duplicated from year to year, provided suitable arrangements are made for doing so. Recommendation. — The appropriation under whick the work is now carried on being a continuing one and made to meet an emergency, has very properly been discontinued from June 30, 1893. In view of this iact, it is earnestly urged that the attention of Congress be drawn to the matter, with the recommendation that in the appropriation bills of the U. S. Fish Commission an allotment be made for and a clause inserted requiring an annual report concerning the condition of seal life upon the Pribilof Islands. This seems to be a task that would with peculiar propriety be performed by this Bureau of the Government, as it is already equipped for such service both with vessels and trained experts, and any statements emanating from it would be beyond reproach. ITINERARY. In accordance with my instructions, the journey was made at once to San Francisco to take passage on the steamer St. Paul, which Avas sup- posed to leave this city on May 20. Arriving on the morning of that day, it was found that there was no probability of the vessel sailing before the first week in June. Knowing the imj^ortance of Major Wil- liams leaving the islands not later than June 10, and that the United States revenue steamer Coricin was still at Port Townsend, passage was secured on that vessel on May 27 and Unalaska reached on June 7. Eemaining at that port only long enough to transact some business for the State Department, our luggage was transported to the United States revenue steamer Eush^ and we proceeded by way of the native villages in the vicinity of Unalaska to the Seal Islands, arriving there on the afternoon of June 9. Major Williams was thus enabled to leave the islands on the following day. The letter of instructions given him was handed me for my guidance. (See iuclosure, Exhibit A.) During the summer my entire time was given to the study of the ])robleras connected with seal life, and to the duties incident to the administration of the islands of St. Paul and St. George. On August 14 the homeward journey was begun, and en route a short cruise was made in the Corivin to the southward of the islaiids and among the native villages of the Aleutian chain. On August 24 final passage was taken from Unalaska on the British Columbia collier Danube, bound for Victoria. This was the only conveyance at hand, as the Rush was ])revented from making the trip to the coast at this time as had been planned by the necessity of retaining her in Bering Sea to perform the duties of the disabled Albatross. Keaching Victoria on the 2d of Sep- tember, my arrival was telegraphed to the Department, and, after wait- ing forty-eight hours for instructions, I proceeded directly East. REGULATIONS. Their absence an embarrassment. — On entering upon my duties as agent in charge there was encountered the embarrassment which arose from the almost total absence of any formulated expression of the De- partment's views concerning the business management of the islands, nor were there any formulated rulings indicating the oflicial construc- tion of the terms of the lease. So far as could be found, the only guide upon which the agent could rely was the information contained in the annual letter of instructions or such traditional lore as had been handed down orally by former agents. Agents come and agents go from year to yearj the views of one Government representative to the islands 318 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. may not have been those of his predecessor, nor are they likely to be those of liis successor, so that with no direction from the central head more specific than those indicated, and in the absence of continuity of executive management or formulated business i)olicy, the interests, if not the rights, of some one of the three parties concerned — tlie Govern- ment, the natives, and the compauy — are likely to suffer. Undermost favorable conditions the just and etiicient administration of the affairs of such an office is no sinecure, but in the present chaotic state of the industry and in the absence of business regulations, which should have been gradually developed as the result of years of experience, the rela- tions between the Government and the company officers on the islands may at any tiuie become strained. This is in no way intended as a reflection upon individuals, but sim- ply an attempt to make clear to the Department a condition of affairs the existence of which is unfortunate. It should be borne in mind that two interests, in one sense mutual and in another widely diverse, and represented by two sets of officials, confront each other. On the one side are the representatives of the Government, sworn to fulfill the duties of their office to the best of their ability and human jiowers, and on the other officers who, being charged with the welfare of the cor- poration which they represent, naturally believe it to be their duty to secure at all times the best interests of their emj)loyers, and in the execution of the company's obligations to the Government to api)ly an economic rather than a generous interpretation of those obligations. They do not represent a charitable or philanthropic enterprise, but a business concern. From the facts presented it will readily be seen that radical but honest differences of opinion may frequently arise between two sets of officials which, in the absence of any direct and specific regulations or authoritative decisions on the part of the Department, may become more or less frictional, the extent of which will depend upon the per- sonal equation of the individuals representing the two interests. In the present instance, and with pleasant relations existing between the representatives of the Government and the company, the details of this report will show that such a state of affairs is embarrassing to officials cut off' as they are from all but tardy communication with their suijerior. ASSISTANT TREASURY AGENTS. Their assignments. — Just before leaving Unalaska, Captain Hooper informed me that he had instructions from the Department to detail a revenue officer to relieve Agent Murraj^, on St. Paul Island, and that he had assigned Lieut. D. J. Ains worth to that duty. Captain Lavender remains in charge of the island of St. George. In this connection I desire to make my acknowledgment as well as to express my appreciation of the hearty cooperative spirit displayed on all occasions by Agents Murray and Lavender in the management of the islands. Every request Avas cheerfully and promptly met and an effort continually made to intelligently and effectively fulfill the duties of their respective offices. THE ROOKERIES. Their condition. — While an extended statement concerning seal life on the islands is reserved for the report previously referred to, it is per- tinent here to note briefly the present condition of the rookeries and their future prospects. ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 319 Save in one direction, and this may be more apparent than real, there has been no imi)rovesueut in the rookeries. By rookeries I mean both the "breeding- groniids" and the "hauling grounds." On the "breed- ing grounds" there has been a perceptible falliug off in numbers. This decrease is the more noticeable at points where the smaller groups of breeding seals are to be found. It is the old story of the little pool showing the efl'ect of evaporation more plainly than the larger ones. There was so little driving during the season of 1892 that an excel- lent opportunity was given to observe life upon the "hauling grounds," several of which were not disturbed during the entire season. Here there seemed to be a slight increase of the youug bachelor seals, although this may have been only apparent, from the fact that being unmolested they accumulated in larger bands. Drivmg and its effects. — All killing and driving was under the direc- tion of a Treasury agent, and while the usual care was exercised, no change was made in the manner of driving, for the reason that I desired to satisfy myself as to the alleged injurious effect of driving upon the young male seals. The best illustration of such injurious effect arising from driving would be furnished by the drives on St. George, where, by reason of topographic conditions, and the greater distance of the "hauling grounds'' from the "killing grounds," the travel is more arduous than on the island of St. Paul. The weather at the islands was the sunniest and warmest known there for several seasons. By actual count the deaths resulting from driving on St. George Island was 20 in 10,000, or one-fourth of 1 ])er cent of all seals driven. As all of these "road skins," as they are called, were accepted by the lessees, absolutely no wastage resulted. Government management not responsible for decrease. — While it is rec- ognized that it is the duty of the Government to perfect in every way the management of the islands from a business stand[)oint and in its relation to seal life, still I do not hud, after two seasons' residence upon the islands themselves, and with a close acquaintance through my inves- tigation with all the details of administration from the time they came into the possession of the Government until the present day, that the methods adopted by the United States for the care and protection of the seals can in any way be justly made responsible for the present diminished state of the herd. Destructive agent note at tvorl-. — While the United States, in compli- ance with the demands of England, has cheerfully submitted to a reduc- tion of the catch upon the ishmds where our jurisdictional rights are undisputed and where careful selection of seals and cDmplete control in taking them is possible, killing upon the sea, where it is indiscriminate, deadly in its effect upon the herd, and entirely uncontrollable, has gone on with unabated zeal. For the past three years the average annual killing on the islands has not reached 15,000. During that same period not less than 150,000 skins taken in the sea have been sold in the Lon- don markets. When it is remembered that most of the seals taken at sea are females, and many are lost from sinking or escape fatally wounded, this apparent catch of 150,000 represents the actual death of something like 300,000 seals of all sizes and of both sexes. It is not difficult to realize tlie injurious effect of this u])on the seal herd as com- pared with the damage inflicted by killing on the islands during the same period about 42,000 young immature males, the taking of which in nowise disturbed the breeding grounds. It is naturall}^ the object of the pelagic sealers to increase the efficiency of their schooners by carrying as many small boats or canoes as possible. 320 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. It is evident, therefore, that the only just estimate of the increase or diminution of the seals at sea is the average number of seals taken per small boat during the same period and in the same localities. Taking these conditions as applied to the Canadian sealing fleet, a comparison of their catch per boat in 1891 with that of 1892 will show that there was no increase in the catch per boat, but, on the contrary, a trifling falling off. That it is not greater still is due to the fact that daring the past two years there has been practically no killing upon the islands. This makes good the loss at sea, temporarily diminishes the rate of decrease, and apparently proves to the satisfaction of the Canadian sealers the correctness of the position taken by them that we should abandon all killing of seals upon our own possessions and leave the Pribilof Islands as great seal preserves for their benefit. Despite the pretense of the sealers that there are more seals than ever in the water, despite the self-delusion in which they are now indulging, if indiscriminate slaugh- ter continues and not a seal were killed on land the rookeries of the Pribilof Islands are doomed. SEAL, QUOTA AND COMPENSATION OF NATIVES FOK TAKING SEALS. Seal quota. — In accordance with my iDstructions, based upon the terms of the modus vivendi, the seal quota was limited to 7,500 and the killing done under the direction of the Government officers. As the killing of seals was permitted solely for the care and mainte- nance of the natives, and as the proportion of inhabitants on St. Paul to those of St. George is as 2 to 1, an allotment of 5,000 seals was made to the former and 2,500 to the latter island. ISTo pups were permitted to be killed. SJcins shipped. — An examination of Exhibit B will show that from the island of St. Paul were shipped on September 7 4,996 skins, which included those killed during the previous fall under the terms of the modus of 1891, and that a balance of 791 seals was left to be killed for food during the present fall. An inspection of Exhibit C will show that there were shipped on September 10, from the island of St. George, 2,553 skins, including those killed during the previous fall under the terms of the modus of 1891, and that there remain to be killed for the food of the natives during the present fall 349 seals. These exhibits contain also the detailed information called for in the letter of instructions. Compensation of natives. — The compensation to be paid the natives by the North American Commercial Company for driving, kilbug, salting, and curing the seal skins and loading them on board the company's steamer was fixed, as per instructions, at 50 cents per skin, and Exhibits I> and E are statements of the amount accruing therefrom and of its distribution to the natives on each island. Stdf/ei/ and rejected sMns. — In this connection it is my duty to ask the attention of the Department to the question of stagey and rejected skins. The former are skins of seals killed for food at a time when the hair of the seal after shedding has not grown out sufficiently to render its extraction easy by the furrier, and tends to a greater or less extent to produce an inferior garment. Naturally the company are disinclined to receive such skins at their full value, urging that they can not ])ay the bonus and sell them at a profit. They farther urge that to place such i)elts among their prime skins would tend to debase the high character which the Pribilof Islands skins have always uuiin- tained in the market. The instructions are not to kill seals during the ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 321 stagey season, but it is inevitable tliat a few are taken each year. During" the course of the season there are also unavoidably killed a small number of undersized males, and in the taking of a large number of skins there are always a few, Avhich, though of good size and excel- lent fur, are more or less injured by the carelessness of the skinners. Just to what extent these injuries render these skins valueless as compared with the prime skins is a matter which the comi)any feel they have a right to decide. There are, therefore, at the end of the killing- season a varying number of these two classes of skins, the disposition of which is a matter which concerns the Department and about the disposition of which there has been some variation in the methods obtaining from year to year. In days gone by stagey and rejected skins were often cut into strips and buried. At other times they were given to the natives and became the subject of illicit traftic. Last yenr these skins were shipped to San Francisco and turned over to the company on payment of the internal-revenue tax only. The first of these methods is oi)eu to the objection that it seems a wanton waste of a ijroduct which, though not of the finest quality, still possesses much value. The second method is to be thoroughly condemned, in that it develops a tendency among the natives to carelessness or dishonesty and furnishes them a ready means of procuring small supplies of liquor. The third method lays the company liable to the criticism that it is to its interest to make this class of skins as large as possible in order that it may get them at the reduced rates. The stagey and rejected skins of the past season, with the exception of six, which were distributed to the natives by my predecessor before my arrival, were shipped to San Francisco, and all accepted by the North American Commercial Co npauy as prime skins. 1 would recommend to the Department that a definite decision be made concerning the disposition of stagey and rejected skins. As all skins taken should and do form \mrt of the quota, it is but just to the company that the killing of "stagey" seals be sedulously avoided. It would be cheaper for the Government to contract for fresh meat than to take any great number of stagey skins in the early fall. SUBSISTENCE OF NATIVES. Food supply and prices charged. — In compliance with the instructions of May 2 attention was given to the prices charged tlie natives for supplies at the company's stores and the quantity and quality of the articles furnished. There was an ample supply furnished of all the necessities of life, both in the matter of food and clothing. There is a noticeable absence of frivolous or unnecessary articles. Clothing is sold cheaper than it can be purchased at retail in San Francisco, and a glance at the accom- l>anying list of food articles, with the selling prices attached, will show that they are sold at rates that are reasonable and that will compare favorably with those of retail establishments on the coast. lUiick tea per pound.. $0. 60 Can condensed milk do .22 AVhite sugar do .10 Kentucky leaf tobacco do .25 Creole tobacco per one-eij^hth pound.. . 10 Plug cut , do .10 Candles per pound . . .20 Assorted sweet crackers do .12^ Soda crackers , , , do .10 Pilot Ijread „.,., , do ,05 H. Doc, 92^-.^2l 322 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. Flour f"r 50 pounds.. $1.50 jjice per pouud... .08 SoapV.V do ... . .05 Matches per package.- .10 Butter <^lo .30 Mustard per bottle. _ .15 Bottle pepper ^lo .10 Coffee perponud.- .30 Lard «^o . lo Beaus (lo -Oj Pease 'io .10 Washboards each.- . 2.> Lamp chimneys (lo • 10 Starch per poun d . . .10 Brooms each . . $0. 30 to . 35 Codfish line per pound.. .75 Salmon are famished free under the terms of the lease, and this year dried salmon were brought to the islands. To the general store sup- plies were added canned fresh beef and canned tomatoes, at the request of the resident agents, as it was believed these articles would contribute to the health of the natives. Obsiacles to proper suhnhience of natives. — Tlie chief difliculty in the way of properly subsisting the natives is not in the raw commodities liunished,but lies (1) in their general inefliciency as cooks; (2) the habit of quas brewing; and (3) their improvidence, the latter being due to their aboriginal natures and to their large incomes in past years. Given the same raw commodities, white ])eople would convert them into a variety of palatable, nutritious dishes. Natural food resources.— Theve is a marked difference between the general thriftiuess of the people of St. George and those of St. Paul. On the former island each family has constructed a small storehouse, and on inspecting them I found therein a good supply of dried seal meat incased in the large, cured, air-proof stomachs of the sea lion, arrie eggs preserved in seal oil, and coal-oil cans and other vessels filled with the oil itself for winter use. Such a condition of aftiiirs exists only in i)art on the island of St. Paul. It is true there is some excuse iifthe fact that the supply of eggs thereon is scant, and that the sea-lion rookeries are inconsiderable as compared with the more extensive ones on the island of St. George. Curim/ seal meat. — In view of this the attempt was made on St. Paul to cure the shoulders of the seals by a process similar to that by which pork is treated. The company kindly contributed the use of an old, abandoned boat, which was turned upside down and by a little con- struction converted into a smokehouse. Colonel Murray took hold of the matter vigorously, with the result that all the seal meat not immedi- ately needed for the consum[)tion of the natives was put through the process of smoking. It remains to be seen how readily seal meat will lend itself to this process of curing. The result may be seriously affected by the use of pine wood, the only available fuel. With the skill developed in modern times in curing meats it seems as though some method might be utilized or developed whereby wholesome seal meat in ample quantity and iu a variety of forms might be provided for winter consumption. Qiias hrcio'nui. — As previously stated, a serious obstacle to properly subsisting the'uatives is their confirmed habit of quas brewing. When it is remembered that every staple of liie can be and is em]doyed in the ])reparation of this disgusting drink, it will be better understood how difficult it is to enforce temperance and at the same time furnish the necessary lood. In the pi-eparatiou i>f quas there can be used fioiiFj ^p UJ 05 O I u o s CO iM iiai-i -ii ALASKA INDUSTRIES 323 sugar, crackers, rice, molasses, jellies, yeast, condensed milk, and dried liuits. White people would consider it a hardship to be deprived of auy one of these commodities. On the islands a spasmodic attempt is made to take away, first one commodity, then another, in the hope of l)romoting temperance. This results in the innocent suffering for the guilty and in the production of an intoxicant a little viler for the absence of the prohibited article. I am not at all certain that the condensed milk furnished for the sustenance of their babies is not diverted from its proper object and used in the manufacture of quas. Under present conditions human ingenuity seems unable to devise an effective method of breaking up this habit. These natives possess so few amusements that the use of quas is a diversion and its very illicitness renders its manufacture more enticing. The only remedy seems to be the doubtful and tedious one of elevat- ing them to a degree of intelligence above such things, in which event they would hardly remain contented seal clubbers on a remote island in tlie center of Bering Sea. In their present financial condition, sup- plied as they are by the Government with the necessities of life, the adoption of any system of fines or the employment of punitive methods is impracticable. Even suppovsing they itad the money, they would gladly pay any amount rather than forego the use of liquor, and any attempt at control by compulsory labor is ineff'ective; for under the present system the Government requires all to labor in order that there will be less disastrous results from its enforced charity. FUEL SUPPLY. Coal furnished hy the Government. — In addition to the 80 tons of coal supplied under the terms of the lease, the company has fnrnished at its contract price 2li0 tons more, making a total of 300 tons which has been distributed to the two islands, in the proportion of 200 tons to St. Paul and 100 to St. George. In my Judgment this is a satisfactory amount of fuel lor the islands, but it will be fully demonstrated by the expe- rience of the Government officers during the coming winter. Coal furnished by the company. — Besides this fuel for general distri- bution to the natives the Department has ruled that the ''necessaries of life" referred to in the lease, and which the company has bound itself to furnish to the widows, orphans, and indigents of the island, include "fuel." Upon this ([uestion I found that, in the absence of a definite statement in the instructions as to the amounts to be supplied, there existed a difference of opinion between the Government and tlie company officers as to the obligation of the latter, and that the whole matter had only been partially affected by this ruling of the Depart- ment. This difference of opinion furnishes another illustration of the embarrassments which arise from the absence of a full and clear inter- ])retation of the lease. To this ruling it was found tliat the superin- tendent of the company objected on the ground tliat when they had furnished the 80 tons of coal they had fulfilled the terms of the lease, as the widows, orphans, and indigents are sharers in the benefit of that 80 tons. The company, however, furnished a certain amount of coal last year, as will be explained later. There arose last year and again this the question. If coal is to be furnished by the company, what is the proper amount? Inquiry developed the fact that on one hand my pre- decessor claimed he had arranged with the company's superintendent (Mr. Tingle) to give to these widows, orphans, and indigents all the coal actually needed, while^ on the other hand, the superintendent wiis 324 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. quite decided that this was not the c ise, but that the understanding was that they were to have 100 pounds every ten days, and there was a further belief suggested by the records kept by Agent Barnes that 100 pounds every week playecl some jjart in the matter, in the absence of anything definite there was made (pending the final action of the Department) a ])rovisional arrangement, which is fully set forth in the following correspondence : St. Paul Island, August 8, 1892. I)EAi: Sii; : Referring to the coal to he furnished to tlie widows of the seal islands hy tlie company, I iind that in a general way the basis of last year's distribution was 100 pounds per week. While I do not wish to pass judgment upon the sufliciency or insufiicioncy of this amount, I talce the liberty of requesting tliat tlie same amount be furnished this year, and that the weekly allowance of coal be changed, so that iluring the mouths of December, .January, February, March, April, and May each widow shall receive 12.5 pounds weekly, and that during the mouths of June, July, August, September, October, and November a weekly distribution be made of 7.5 pounds. The following is a list of the families on St. Paul to whom, in our conversations, we have agreed that.coaI should be sent. This list is, of course, subject to change by death or marriage. It does not include the widows on St. George. ' Respectfully, J. Stanley-Brown, Actlvf) Treasury Afjent in Charge Seal Islands. Mr. Georgk R. Tingle, Superintendent North American Commercial Company. Dependent widows and orphans. Fam- Per- ily- sons. 1 2 1 3 4 2 5 6 3 7 4 8 9 5 10 11 12 1.3 6 14 15 7 16 17 18 8 19 9 20 Names. Balakshin, Matrona. Balaksliiu, Agalia. Shaposlinikoti', Parascovia. Bellaglazotf, Ellen. Terrakauoir, Mary. Kosliivnikoii', Avtlotia. Koshivnikotf, Paul (sou). Krukoff, Anna. Krukoll', Natalia. Krukoff, John (son). Kozloff, Parascovia. Kozlotf, Micliael (son). Kozloff, Nicoli (son). Serebrinikdft', Olga (sister). Nederazott; Agriflna. Nederazott; Alexia (son). Popoft', Avdolia. Popoft', Evrosena (daufchter). lialakshin, Anna (daughter). Peeshinkoff, Vassilisa. Fam- Per- ily- sons. 21 10 22 23 24 25 11 26 12 27 28 29 30 13 31 32 14 33 34 35 36 15 37 it) 38 17 39 Names. Popoff, Afanasia. Sbutyagin, Daiia. Rookovisbuikoff, Anniasa. Kookovishnikoff, Stc])an (son). Rookovisbnikoff, Anna (daughter). Rookovisbnikoft', Parascovia (daughter). Rezanzoff', Anna. Tetott', Feslusia. Tetott', Irene (daughter). Tetoff, Soba (daughter). Koc'bergin, George (son). Tcrrautova, Anna, 'ferrautova, Anna (daughter). Krukoff', JNlaxini (iiubecile). Krukotl', Feote.sta (wife). Krukoff, .John (son). Krukoff', Coudrat (son). Volkoff, Ellen. Sbutyagin, Uleta. Concerning this question of coal, the following reply was received from the superintendent of the company: North American' Commercial Company, St. Faiil Island, Alaska, August 10, 1S92. Dear Sir : Referring to yours of 8th instant, in whicli you request the North Ameri- can Commercial Company to distribute coal to the widows of the seal islands on a basis of 100 pounds per week each, I have to say that the distribution shall be made as you request, because the Department, through you, so orders. The company, however, by making the distribution does not acknowledge their liability or waive thtfir right to present a bill against the United States Government for the full amount of coal 'so distributed, on the ground that their lease does not require it. 1 1 had not the St. George list by me at the time of writing this letter, but the arraugemout applied to St. George as well. ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 325 Yo.'.rlist' of dependeut persons under the North Americiin Commercial Company's It'iise is correct, and the ration or supplies stated l>y you in yours of the 8th instant, as well as all yonr orders, shall Ix' faithfully carried out hy the company, as it is their wish in the fullest manner to comply with all the requirements of the lease. I am, very respectfully, Geo. R. Tingle, S II })€ rill tin dent Xortli American Commercial Company. J. Stanley-Brown, Esq.. Treasury Agent in Charge Seal Islands. In addition to the coal to be received from tlie comi^any, instructions were left with the resident agents to see that none of these families suffered for fuel, and that a record be kept of all coal so furnished. There are now upon the two islands some twenty families to whom coal would have to be furnished by the company under the decision of the Department, and at 100 pounds per week between 40 and 50 tons per year would be required, or about 2)^ tons per family. A definite decision should be made by the Department covering this case. Eeoardless of what that decision may be as to the duty of the company, it is clear to me that 2^ tons of coal per annum is not suffi- cient fuel under existing conditions of scant blubber supply. The Gov- ernment's allowance of coal is about 5 tons to the family per annum. It seemed but humane, therefore, to leave instructions with the resident agents to furnish to the families of widows whatever coal was needed in excess of the 100 pounds sui)plied by the company. SUPPLIES TO BE FURNISHED BY THE COMPANY TO WIDOWS, ORPHANS, AND INDIGENTS. Departmenf s present decision insufficient. — There is probably no fea- ture conne(;ted with administration of the island that is productive of more embarrassment than that which is furnished by the clause of the lease which states that "the company will also provide the necessaries ol life for the widows, orphans, and aged and intirm inhabitants of said island who are unable to provide for themselves." In this case, as in the matter of fuel, a partial ruling of the Department has but slightly simi)lified matters. Statement of the conditions. — In the instructions it is stated that "The Department understands that this clause includes widows and all other persons, regardless of age, sex, or condition of parentage, who are physically unable to provide for themselves." From 4:his it will be seen that only the recipients are defined in this ruling, and there still remains to be determined what is a proper fulfillment of the lease in the matter of food and clothing. What constitutes the proper care and maintenance of the natives ? What is a proper ration of food and clothing? Who shall decide upon this matter? I could not dis- cover that any business-like method had been devised to acquaint the (roverument as to the jiroper fulfillment of the lease on the part of the company, iiot only that the dependent class of natives shall be cared for, but that the conduct of both the Government and comi^any should be beyond reproach. Some method is certainly needed, for none now exists. The recital of my experience in dealing with this question will show that under existing conditions the pi oblem is a complex and not a simple one, and is further complicated by the ignorance, general thoughtlessness, and dependent character of the natives, an excellent illustration of which is given under the head of "Maintenance and employment of natives." ' This refers to letter of August 8, 1892, p. 59. 326 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. Existing arrangement. — On inquiring of the superintendent of the North American Commercial Company as to the custom of the company in regard to the sui)plies furnislied the widows and orphans, he handed me a memorandum, u])on which, as a basis, the following letter was jnepared and sent to him: St. Paul Island, Augusts, 1892. Dear Sir: The following is my uuderstandiug of the purpose of the North Amer- ican Commercial ('om])any iu regard to the food and clothing to be supplied hy the comiiany under the terms of their lease to the "widows and orphans and aged and inlirm inhabitants of the seal islands who arc unable to provide for themselves:" A weekly ration to each adult of 4 ]>ounds of soda crackers ; one-half pound of tea ; 3 caudles (iu winter 6) ; 1 bar soap; 2 pounds sweet crackers; 1 pound sugar; 1 can condensed milk; matches. Each dependent child to receive a -weekly half ration of the above, with the excep- tion of matches and candles. In addition to the al)ove all are to receive flour and yeast as required, salt beef as needed, pease, tomatoes, beans, rice when called f(U', canned fruits and jellies occa- sionally ; also stoves and stovepipe when necessary ; the distribution of butter to be left, by your request, to the company's local agent. In tiie matter of clothing, shoes, stockings, dresses, and other articles of wearing apparel, to be furnished when re(]uired, provided they are found to be necessary by the North American Company's local agent. Any c'omplaints for nonfulfillment of the above are to be made to the Treasury agent, who will then confer with the company's agent and adjust the same. The following is a list of persons on St. Paul Island, whom in your judgment properly come under the terms of the lease. Very respectfully, J. Stanley-Bkown, Acting Treasury Agent in Charge Heal Islands. Mr. George R. Tingle, Superintendent North American Commercial Company. Dependent widows (tnd orphans. Fam- Per- ily- son. 1 2 1 3 4 2 5 6 3 7 4 8 9- S 10 11 12 13 6 14 15 / 16 17 18 8 19 9 20 Name. Ba]akshin, Matrona. Balalishiu, Aj^atia. Shapo.sliiiikoti', Pari.scovia. Kellaglazot}', Klleu. Terrakaiioit', Mary. Ko.shievnikotf, Avdotia. Kosliievuikdti', I'aul (son). Krukoft', Anna. Krukott', Ivatalia. Kruk(/fl', John (son). Koslolf, l^arascovia. KoslotT, Michael (.son). Kosloff, Kicoli. Serebrinikotl. ()g\a (sister). Nederaziit)' Agrifuia. Nedeiazotr', Alexia (son). Popoir, Avdotia. Popott'. Kvrosena (daughter). Balakshin, Anna. Poeshinkott', Vassilisa. Fam- Per- ily- son. 21 10 22 23 24 25 11 26 •12 27 28 29 30 13 31 32 U 33 34 35 30 15 37 16 38 17 39 Name. Popoff, Afanasia. Shntyajiin, Daiia. Kookovishinkolf, Annissa. Ilookovi.shinkolV. Stc])au (son). Kookovishinkotl', Anna (daughter), liookovishinkotf, Parascovia (daugh- ter). Rezanzott', Anna. Tetoflf, Feilusia. Tetoli', Irene (daughter). Tetott', Sofia (daughter). Kochergin, Geo. (son). Terrantova, Anna. Terrantova Anna (daughter). Krukott', Jlaxim. Krukott'. Feotesta (wife). Krukott', John (son). Krukott', Condrat (son). Volkott', Ellen. Shutyagin, Uleta. The following orphans who liave homes Avith other natives are to have a supply of clothing furnished them by tho coiupany : No. Name. 40 Hogodanoff, Mary 41 Mi-i'/.ci'kan, Mary.. .. 42 i Vatni.-inott', Aii/.enia . 43 1 Ziikaiott, Kmnianuel 44 1 Zacharoll', Fedosia. . . ResidciKO with- N. liogodanofl'. V. Sedulus. A. (! alaktionetl'. J.C.lotott. N. Gromoli'. PhotoGRafm uF St. Paul Village, showing Relation of Village to Well. r^ .^i-NHMHfli^^^i ^^^^^^^■^"T^^^^^ ^^^ ^^^B Photoghapm of St. George Village, showing Relation of Lake to Village. ALASKA II^DUSTRIES, 327 These five orphans are destitute, and the majority of them have been heretofore supported by the comjiany. They have only chant'ed residence since hist year. IMaxini is an imbecile who is quite helpless. Ellen Volkotfhas a rooui in her brother's house, and she wants for nothing except coal. The answer of the superintendent to this communication is embodied in the reply to my letter of August 8, 1892, concerning the coal supply, and has already been quoted. On the island of St. George there are but three widows who come under this arrangement. Suggested arrangement. — In conversation with the superintendent of the company upon this subject, I called attention to the fact that ib wonld tend to produce harmony and be advantageous to all parties con- cerned if some arrangement could be made by which the amonnt of subsistence stores and general supplies furnished to the widows and dependents by the company each year could be made a matter of record before the Department, and expressed a willingness to cooperate in any possible way in bringing about what seemed a desirable condition of aiiairs. I ])ointed out to the superintendent that there were oijly two ways by which the Government could be informed as to the carrying out of this portion of the lease. First, by the unsupported statement of the Treasury officer, who would have to acquaint himself with the facts by continual investigation and inquiry, a method distressing to a self-respecting man and one which would ultimately become exceed- ingly offensive to the company's agent and be productive of endless friction and irritation; second, by the simple and effective method of an annual accounting. To this latter the superintendent strongly objected, feeling that the Government had no right to make such a demand, but should trust to the honor of the company, and further that the company could not be expected to make a long itemized account of things furnished the natives, but that it should be sufficient to have the Government officers state that no complaints were made by the natives. UmvmJom of indefinite arrangements. — It is certainly unfortunate that no practical business like method has been put in operation by which it can be clearly shown at a moment's notice and beyond question that this class of dependents is cared for. It may be that the company is doing all in this direction that can reasonably bo expected of it^but in the absence of such a method as that indicated it is not plain that such is the case. This is not intended as criticism, but is here presented (1) as an evidence of the unwisdom of not having a careful definition of the«duties of each jjarty to the lease, and (2) in support of views that I shall advance later as the necessity for a change in the general methods of administration. SANITARY IMPROVEMENTS. Improvements should he ynade. — The sanitary improvement of the vil- lages of St. Paul and St. George was a subject of frequent conferences between the sui)erintendent of the company and myself. From our own observations and from conversations with others of long residence on the island it is evident that while the present sanitary condition of the villages in no wise jeopardizes health, nevertheless certain improve- ments can be profitably introduced. Natives are chief obstacle to improvement. — It should be borne in mind, however, that the most important factor in the execution of sanitary improvements is the characteristics of the people most interested. The native villagers have absolutely no conception of any danger wliich may attend unsanitary conditions; it is therefore extremely diflicult to 328 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. secure tlieir cooperation in any contemplated imi)rovements, even tliough they be of the simplest nature. Two methods necessary. — It is desirable by reason of existing condi- tions to adopt two different methods for disposing of the excrenieiiti- tious and refuse material of the villages. The village of St. (xcorge stands on a hillside which slopes gently down to a bold sea cliff but a few hundred feet distant. The method adopted there is to keep a wheel- barrow alongside of each house into which ashes and all refuse material is dumped, and this at intervals is carried to the cliff' and emptied into the sea. If the receptacles were covered, ashes plentifully useroper care of their houses, and the preservation of their health without fear of its being overtaken by the hrst-named danger. Everyone familiar with the Pribilof Islands knows that the career of the English st-hool there has been a total failure. Recommendations.— T\\Q settlement of this vexed school question should be vigorously taken up by the Government. Ii is believed by me that the" characteristics of these ishmders, due in considerable measure to their insular life, will be advantageously moditied if some arrangement can be made by which they can secure the benehts of such a school as that of Unalaska. If the girls of the islands can be placed tliere between the ages of 9 or 10 and 15 or 10, and the boys from In to 13, we would very soon have growing up a body of English speaking young natives who, with awakened minds, increased skill, and a more wholesome idea of life and its responsibilities, would make a far better and more useful class than now exist upon the islands. ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 335 If such a sclieme can not be carried out, then an effort shoukl be made at once to establish siuiihir schools on the islands, the basis of which should be the entire care and maintenance of the children in order that they may secure the good effects of isolation from their undesirable home surroundings. FOX KILLING. Present arrangement tentative. — The Department is already fully aware that the taking of fox skins on the part of the natives makes a substantial contribution to their annual income, and in the instructions of last season permission was given them to take foxes during this winter. Several conferences were held with the natives with a view to arrang- ing such a modification of the practices heretofore obtaining as would enable all the villagers to secure an equal proportion of what may be fairly considered common property. It was suggested to them that all money obtained from the fox skins should be pooled and equally divided among the famdies after each man who had actually taken the foxes should have deducted a small bonus therefor. To this communal prop- osition, however, they all so promptly and so strongly objected that the old method was adhered to, except in one particular. As the natives are receiving their maintenance largely from tlie Government, it was insisted that all money due them by the company for taking fox skins should not be paid in cash, but should be jdaced to their credit on their pass books, thus insuring its more prudent expenditure. The relation of the conii)any to the question of fox skins is fully set forth in the following communication to the superintendent of the company: St. Paul Island, August 11, 1S9.2. Dear Sir: I have to inform you that in accordance with the instructions from the Department under date of May 2, 1892, the natives of St. Paul and St. George islands are permitted, under direction of tlu'- Government officers in charge, to take iox sicius during the coming winter. I have informed the resident agents that the "foxing season" will extend from November 15 to January 20. j\Iy understanding of the arrangement made between us in our conference is: (1) That the company will, upon the re(iuest of the Government officers in charge, loan such traps to the natives as nuxy be necessary in trapping, a native borrowing traps being reciuired to pay for all he does not return in good order; (2) that all skins taken are to be turned over to the company after having been duly credited both by the Government officer and the local agent of the company, to the native bringing them in; (3) that the sum of $2 per skin for all skins taken is to be advanced by the company, pending the action of the Department ; and (4) that all sums due the natives at the end of the foxing season is to be placed to their credit on their pass hooks, no cash behig paid them at any time for the skins brought in. Very respectfully, J. Stanlky-Brown, Acting Treasury Agent in Charge Seal Islands. Mr. George R. Tingle, SuperintemUnt North American Commercial Company, GUARDING THE ROOKERIES. The method used. — After the experience of two seasons, I am convinced that the only esffective method of guarding the rookeries from raids is from the shore and not from the sea. While but few such assaults have been made in years gone by, and their effect upon rookery life has been trivial, coming as it does at a season when the rookeries are entirely disorganized, many of the seals absent from the island, and the weather so inclement as to make landing difBcult and dangerous, nevertheless it is desirable to discourage such attacks by summarily dealing with 336 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. the thieves. The present method of protectin,i>- the rookeries, and tlie proper one, is by establishing- watchhouses at localities not so close to tlie rookeries as to prove an annoyance to the seals, but near enough thereto to command a view of them and of the adjacent ocean. Further iierfection of the method recommended. — Each one of these watchhouses should be connected by tele])bone with the Governnnent house at the village. An important factor in the proper supervision of this watching is the construction of roads and the furnishing of con- veyances by means of which tlie resident agent can pass rapidly from watchhouse to watchhouse on a daily inspection, or in time of emer- gency. It should be borne in mind that the distances to be traveled are often great and over areas which, by reason of the volcanic charac- ter of the island and the dense vegetation, make walking difticult, ardu- ous, and extremely slow. The most distant rookery on St. Paul is ISTortheast Point, V2 miles away, and the watchhouse there is connected Avith the village by telephone. This telephonic communication should be extended to Polivena, a rookeiy midway between Northeast Point and the village, and with Zapadnie, a rookery G miles to the westward. At Polivena and Zapadnie watchhouses have been erected this year, and a guard is kept there day and night. There has always been one at Zapadnie, but a new one was erected this year on a more desirable site. On St. George, Zapadnie rookery is some 5 or G miles from the vil- lage. Here a watch lias always been kept, and this year the watch- house has been imi)roved, and the company have turned over to the United States, free of cost, all tlie parapherimlia in their possession for the construction of a telephone line connecting Zapadnie with the vil- lage. Great East rookery lies to the eastward of the village about 3 miles. Here a watchhouse has been built and a guard stationed. Telephonic communication should connect this post with the village. Captain Lavender, the resident agent at St. George, has begun the construction of a narrow road from the village to Great East rookery. There is between the village and Zapadnie a narrow path constructed by the Alaska Commercial Company and used for the transportation of skins on the backs of donkeys from the killing grounds there to the village. This should be converted into a road suitable for vehicles and connected with Starry Arteel rookery. Natives as watchmen. — The natives on the islands make excellent watchmen, and with a little training and proper supervision on the part of the resident agents, and the development of a little military spirit, they would not only be entirely satistactory, but it would furnish them occupation and entertainment. As stated before, the vital point in the successful employment of these natives as watchmen is the construc- tion of roads and the furnishing of conveyances, by means of which the resident agents will be enabled to maintain a continual supervision. The employment of white soldiers has been suggested, but I cannot too strongly object to placing marines upon the islands. This is a matter which should be vigorously taken up by the Govern- ment and carried to a successfnl termination. The lievised Statutes (section ID.IO) places the protection of the islands in the hands of the Secretary of War. This should be amended to read "Secretary of Treasury." RAIDS. The details of two raids upon the islands in the fall of 1802 are given iu Major Williams's report. These raids >vero made by the vessels ALASKA INDUSTKIES. 337 Challenge and BorcaJis, and their history shows how difficult it is to successtiilly secure seals by this kiud of thievery. REVENUE CUTTERS. Period of patrolling. — I have frequently expressed an opinion verbally as to the undesirability of keeping revenue vessels in these northern Avaters during the month of November, and I now earnestly i)rotest against the intiiction of what seems to be unnecessary hardship upon these officers of the Governmerit. By reason of the weather at this reason it is extremely difficult for the cutters to accomplish much in the nuitter of policing the sea. The continuous rough water ijrohibits the taking of seals by pelagic hunters, and, as previously stated, it is possible by means of land parties to effectively and entirely protect the rookeries from laids. Such raids have been infrequent; the conditions of coast and weather make them ineffective, and they have played but an insignificant part in the destruction of the rookeries. Yalne of their services. — 1 would beg leave also to record here the high regard in which I hold the officers of the revenue service for the unsurpassed industry and zealous vigilance exercised by them during the past summer. Not only have they performed the regular duties of their office with the utmost fidelity and efficiency, but their researches concerning aquatic seal life have made a most substantial contribution to natural history, and have been of esjjecial value to those represent- atives of the Government who are engaged in the consideration of the international <|uestious now pending. The better equipment of this service in the matter of vessels is imperatively demanded, not only by the growing interests of the entire west coast, but by the exceedingly hazardous duties they are called upon to perform at all seasons of the year. CENSUS AND HEALTH OF THE NATIVES. Census. — There is appended to this report (exhibits G and H) a census of the natives of St. Paul and St. George, from which it will be seen that there has been a marked mortality among the inhabitants of the former, while on the latter the population has remained stationary. The condition on St. George may be a hopeful sign of a general im- provement in health, or it may be merely temporary. Health and causes affecting it. — The physical weakness of this people is apparent to everyone who visits the islands. Scrofulous and pul- monary disorders are common, and the natives' methods of life promote both these classes of diseases. They seem to be totally ignorant of the simplest laAvs of health. They are inferior cooks, and irregularity as to the time of taking their meals is the rule. The humidity of the cli- nmte is against them. Physical exertion causes profuse perspiration, while the temperature is so cold that cessation from labor is accom- l)anied by chilling. Against this the natives do not seem to guard by proper dressing. Tea and tobacco are used to excess by both men and women. Quas brev\ing plays its part in injuring health. Attention has already been called to the fact that the immature, developing young girls are required to carry water through the wet grass for a distance of half a mile. They also, with tlie older women, go back and forth to the killing grounds, regardless of weather, for the purpose of transport- ing to their homes, in leather bags slung over their backs, the seal meat and blubber. Again, their little wooden houses are heated in winter to such a temperature that they lay aside their outer clothing H. Doc. 92 22 338 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. and then often step from the heated room into the chilly air without taking the precaution to properly protect themselves against the cold. A habit of sleeping on the floor still persists, in the face of all attempts to correct it; and though the temperature is satisfactory on first lying down, the fire goes out before morning and the sleeper is subjected to the risks incident to the lowered temperature and the drafts which circulate across the floor, to say nothing of the disastrous efl:ects of breathing this lower strata of contaminated air. The mortality among the infants is very great. Tins is due to inherited lack of vitality, the inabdity of the mothers to nurse them, and the employment of condensed milk in lieu of maternal care. Introduction of reindeer. — It is believed the introduction of reindeer upon these islands would be advantageous to the health of the commu- nity, in that it would furnish them with another article of diet, espe- cially during the portion of the year in whi(;h no seals were killed. A number of reindeer were brought to Unalaska by Captain Healy, of the United States revenue steamer Bear^ last year, and experience has shown that during the past twelve months they have thrived. The conditions on St. Paul and St. George are favorable to their propaga- tion. Experience will determine what eflect their i:)resence would have upon the seals. It is not believed that it would be injurious. BRITISH AGENTS. During the summer Mr. J. M. Macoun, accomjjanied by his photog- rapher, Mr. Maynard, was present upon the island, and evei-y eflbrt was made on the part of the Government and company officers to assist them in the prosecution of their work. IN GENERAL. Aiypointment of agents. — 1 beg leave to call the attention of the Department to a defect in the i)resent method of appointing agents to the seal islands. It is of prime importance in carrying out any Gov- ernment policy in regard to these valuable possessions that there be as little change of individuals from year to year as is possible. It is recognized that the continuance of any one individual is undesirable, but it is urged as an eflective arrangement that in the appropriation bills providing for the appointment of ofticers a clause be inserted requiring that two agents shall be selected from each of the dominant political parties, each pair serving alternate years. There would thus be vsecured continuity of administration, each officer would act as a check upon the other, and there would be freedom from incompetency which might arise from long retention of office. It should be remem- bered that these positions are of no small degree of responsibility, and calt for men of high character, of good intelligence, possessing a keen sense of justice, atid bodily arentage, Avho are i)hysically unable to provide for themselves. The " necessaries of life" referred to therein include fuel as well as clothing and subsistence. SANITARY IMPROVEMENTS, ETC. Under that clause of the lease by which the company binds itself to exercise " all reasonable efforts to secure the comfort, health - * * and promote the morals and civilization of said inhabitants," the company have been asked to instruct their superintendent upon the islands to cooperate with the Government agent in determin- ing the most efi'ective method of improving the villages from a sanitary standpoint, both in the matter of furnishing a better water supply and in the removal from the immediate vicinity of the villages from time to time all excrementitious matter, the same, if possible, to be the subject of a joint report to the Department at an early date. 344 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. MAINTENANCE AND EMPLOYMENT OF NATIVES. As yon are aware, there is an item in the pending sundry civil bill providing for tho iiiaiutenauce of the natives during the coming year. At the earliest ]!Ossible niom<-'nt you will bo informed of the final action of Congress. The Department recognizes the iujurious ettect which tbe bestowal of this money as a charity would Lave upon the natives, and desires that the natives be employed as far as possii)le in return for the money received by them. The North American Conmiercial Company have therefore been requested to instruct their superintendent to join with you in preparing a report; lirst, as to a more effective method of guarding the islands, including a compensation to the natives ior watchman service; nud, second, what internal improvements of a simple nature can be undertaken that will furnish employment to the natives and prove advantageous to tiie administration of the island. Should yon as the agent in charge find it expedient to ]>ut in operati(Ui during the coming year any of the suggestions to be presented in the contemplated report, you are authorized to do so and to decide upon an amount per diem to be paid to the natives for any service rendered. natives' supplies. In view of the limited catch upon the islands there will undoubtedly be many ior whom provision must be made during the year. In anticipation of this there is sent you herewith by the ]imr two books of blank orders consecutively numbered, and all supplies which the company in the future furnish to natives wliose accounts are exhausted must be upon such an order nnide out and signed by the Treasury agent, and this order appended to the company's gen.eral account as a subvoncher and evi- dence of indebtedness. This will impose no extra clerical work upon the company's agents as their general account will contain but one item, that is, the total amount represented by the accompanying subvouchers. The stub of the order must be re- tained by the agent to be ultimately transmitted with his report to the Department. TKANSLATION OF RUSSIAN RITUAL. This Department is informed that there is in the hands of the North American Commercial Company the sum of $1,500 which vi^as contributed by the natives twelve years ago for the purpcjse of having their church service translated into English. it is the pur]iose of the Department to have this translation made and to this end you will procure and transmit to the Department at your earliest convenience a copy of the service of the Gneco-Russian Church. REDISTRIBUTION OF CHURCH SUBSCRIPTION. The Department is also informed that there is now deposited with the North Amer- ican Commercial Company on St. Paul Island the sum of $3,325, raised by the vol- untary subscription of the natives for the benefit of their church. It is believed that the interests of the natives will be best subserved by redistributing this money to the original donors or returning it to the natives in such manner as your judg- ment, aided by a conference with the chief men of the village, will suggest. A full report concerning your action should be made to the Department. SUBSISTENCE OF GOVERNMENT OFFICERS. You are informed that arrangements have l)een made with the North American Connnercial Company by which Government officers will be transported to or from the seal islands for $100, and that subsistence, washing, etc., will be furnished them at the rate of $5 per week while on the islands. JANITOR. Permission is given to employ a janitor for the Government house on each island at a compensation of $20 per month. SCHOOL TEACHER. As Mrs. Nettleton, the present school teacher on St. George, returns to the States this si)ring, the company have boon advised of that fact and rec] nested to furnish a Bchoid teacher for the coming year. School will be nniiiitainedfrom Sc])tember 1 to ^Nlay 1. and be opened daily, with the exceptiyu of Saturday and Sunday. It will be the particular y to the Secretary of the Treasury. If all of this information has not been recorded, as much of it should be sent as ap])ears upon the record, and if entirely lacking for any given year, that fact should be so indicated. This material will be useful both in the preparation of the arbitration case and in the perfecting of the Treasury files. You will also secure any and all information concerning seal life which, in your judgment, can be made useful in considering the international question now pending. A census of the islands should accompany your report, and a statement concerning the general health of the natives. EXCLUSION OF IMPROPER PERSONS. Under the authority conferred upon the Secretary of the Treasury by section 1959 of the Revised Statutes, you are authorized and directed to exclude from landing on or to remove from the Prihilof Islands any person or persons who, in your judg- ment, come within the terms of this statute, and you are further directed to call upon any United States revenue cutter or other Government vessel to assist you in executing these instructions. OFFICERS VISITING THE ISLANDS. Should any officer or officers of vessels performing service in Bering Sea desire to visit the islands, you will extend to them any courtesies in your power. These gen- tlemen will readily appreciate the necessity of the departmental restrictions con- cerning such matters as disturbing the rookeries, general trading with the natives, giving them li(|uor, visiting their houses except in the company of a Treasury offi- cer, etc., as well as the requirement that seamen must be accompanied by an officer who by reason of his position is responsible for their conduct while on the islands. IN GENERAL. You will endeavor to secure the good will and confidence of the native inhabitants of the islands, and advise them whenever practicable of their rights and duties as American citizens, and by proper means try to increase their friendship for the (iov- ernraent and for the people of the United States and to encourage them in all ways & 346 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. of uprightness, morality, and good living; but you will on no account seek to exert any intlaence which is subversive of their particular religious views. In case of any difference or dispute among the natives or between them aud the ageuts of the lessees in reference to any matter whatever you will adjust it in a fair and Impartial manner, and both parties must abide by your decision. In any differ- ences of opinion that may arise between yourself and the agents of the lessees upon questions pertaining to the administration of the islands your decision must be final until the matter can be laid before the Department. Inclosed are copies of the lease and laws under which it was made. You are em- powered to make any addition to the regulations already in force that may be nec- essary for the guidance of the officers of the Department, the company's agents, and the natives, in the government of the islands. You will use every endeavor aud take all necessary precaution to secure the interests of the Government and of the inhabitants of the islands, at the same time to protect the lessees in the enjoyment of all the rights and privileges granted to them under the lease. These instructions apply to both islands, and a copy should be given the agent in charge of St. George for his guidance. Respectfully, yours, Charles Foster, Secretary of Treasury. Maj. W. H. Williams, United States Treasury Agent. ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 347 S Si 5 rii 10 1.* S S I.* 00 8 1 Cloudy. Snow aud Cloudy. Do. Hail. Snow. Do. Rain. Do. . Do. Drizzle. Clear. Do. Fair. Rain. (,'loudy. Fog. Do. •J9'j9nioiuJ9r[x 00 -«< o ITD CO -^ to o w '=«' c3 •w 4J © w ^ - o a--i '« s •^ ^ to S a. s CD tea '=.'*< ^ go c ^ a o O ^ ^ O O " ® « 1 '»-=^ S 0) +^ g - a '° H *i *■- > ''lag ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 349 Island of St. Paul, Bering Sea, Alaska, September 7, 1892. This is to certify that four thoiraand nine hundred and ninety-six (4,996) fur-seal skins have this day been shipped on board the North American Commercial Com- pany's steamer Bertha, Capt. Anderson, consigned to the North American Commer- cial Company, San Francisco, Cal. C. H. Anderson, Master. Joseph Murray, Assistant Treasury Agent. Exhibit C. Annual statement of fur seals killed on St. Geor Cl t- CM 00 CJ rH CO O i-H 'ft ,-1 OO i-H 1— 1 1— 1 CO 1— t =■ C] -.*< CI 00 Cfl CO O CJ 33 O to O -1 CO ^ rH ^ CI in Cl Cl r-H rH cT S o o a 13 0 -■3 a -^ a «j o ai 'S ■Kprmoclst ■ 1 1 (— 1 • g : ; : CO • ^ ca • 1-H i r-t •Kpniioil xt , CO . .CO . . 00 > . . 00 . .CO 1 . . in . . in . . rH •BpimocI OX ■ CO ■ CC '^ . CI . >n ■ 1— 1 . . .J1 1 1 . OS . \ '. 00 ... . . f-1 1 i CO •spnnod 6 . 00 . . 1 1 -1)1 '. . . r-H . I I CO I . C4 . 't CQ Cl Cl 1 ■gparod 8 t^?DMC^lC005(M05(NtO unoo •jn^uunia O no p8:HBS I 1 CO '• in ; I I d CO ■ CO \ i~t ... . d JO jc 9 q ui u jsj; 1 Ico 1 in I I IcQco I to 1-H f 1 . • M : i i ; ' ■pa|(l900B eniJis JO jaqnin^ t*eDCOC . t- . O . CO . 00 . O .00 . 05 • t- 1 00 .CI . in . 1 in '■ OS . OS . o . Cl 1 rH IrH 1 00 a 3 t-OCOiM^OKMtXMOO ClOW^ MCO CflCOC^C' (H CO O .-1 'S' t-H CC OS O CD O ji-< cq t- N Cl rH rH cf • uaAup jaqran^ (M' cf ilOSCl o rH CO H> _ Cl rn" O (0 'I c e , ^ • • • * , CIS ■ ■ . • . 0) . . . . ;:^ : : :t; •-d ; • :-S Jo • .2 • " ; : : * 111 e« . ; ; f^ : ; ; La ^ )Hq o ® , o 3, '^-p 'p : ^ S ci -w ca^ 3CC NiZiN '•A '• • -*^ • • U • • o • ;;^ : : p a ^ 2 P< , CO « •ja^omoJBa ". 1 o i o o . CO . 00 C-1 . r-t . CD VO • • O ■ 05 OS • 'CO 1 (M CI • o • o .00 -00 . »0 * Oi is is o • o -l< • CI OS ■ CO OS • OS o ; ci • o . o • ■ CD . lO . ■1-H . CI < • d • o • • CO ; CO ; :§ : ■ CO • ■ OS • . ca 1 •ja^amonuaqx i^ :g lO |-* . o • o • "in . CO • • o ■ • CO ■ 1 i i i^ : §? ; ** o -:; I'd '• >, • • : '. 'H III i'« : : : : a ... , a • b • ._ . bX) . ■o • be • : o :,° : ! >> '. . M . . bC ■ • 'CO • r-t T-H ;a :a .1-1 * r^ : : :f« :aii ■a ;2 i I r-l . iH . i=a : >• c + o CI lo 00 »n -1 CI f— 00 c^i >o o c 1-H CI CI CO . 3 1> ns -*i t I-H r S I-H CO CI CI ■^ CI C) bb JO o in r^ — ' S «■ Z OS > = 6s >s s IS t§ ALASKA INDUSTKIES. 351 Island of St. Geokge, Bering Sea, Alaska, September 10, 1892. This is to certify that 2,553 fur-seal skins have this day beeu shipped on board the North Americnn Commercial Company's steamer iieriAa, Anderson commanding, and consigned to the North American Commercial Company, San Francisco, Cal. A. W. Lavender, Assistant Treasury Agent. C. H. Anderson, Captain. Exhibit D. Division of proceeds of natives' earnings on St. Paul Island for the season of IS 92. FIRST CLASS. 1. BourdTikoflfsky, ApoUon $65. 31 2. Buterin, Kar]i 65.30 3. Grouioff, Nicoli 65.31 4. Kotchooteu, Jacob ■ 65.31 5. Kotchooten, .John 65. 31 6. Krukoff, Nicoli 65. 31 7. Kushin, Aggie 65.31 8. Kozeroff, Stepan 65. 31 9. Mandregan, Neon - 65. 31 10. Melovidov, Antone 65. 31 11. Melovidov, Alex 65.31 12. Nederazoff, Stepan 65. 31 13. Nederazoff, Martin 65. 31 14. Oustigoff, Peter 65. 31 15. Paukoff, Partiri 65. 31 16. Paranchin, Daniel 65.31 17. Shaishnikott', Rev. Paul 65.31 18. Sedic, Theodore 65.31 19. Stepetin, Elary 65.31 20. Terrakanoff, Kerrick 65. 31 21. Tetofl", Peter 65.31 $1,371.50 SECOND CLASS. 1. Artomanoff, Kerrick 52. 26 2. Arkashoff, Arseney 52. 26 3. Bogodauoff, Nicoli 52.26 4. Emanoff, George 52. 26 5. Fratis, .John 52. 26 6. Glotoff, John 52. 26 7. Galaktioneff, Alex 52. 26 8. Hansen, Alex 52. 26 9. Kotchooteu, Eupheme 52. 26 10. Melovidov, Simeon 52. 26 11. Prokopieff, \' ladimir 52. 26 12. Sbabolin, Necon 52.26 13. Sedulee, Yassily 52.26 14. Stepetin, Dorolay 52.26 15. Tetoff, Neon 52. 26 16. Yolkotf, Markel 52. 26 836. 16 THIRD CLASS. 1. Koznitzoff, John 45. 71 2. Haberoff, Paul -15.71 3. Nozikoff, Simeon , 45.71 4. Merculiff, Alex 4.5.71 182. 84 FOURTH CLASS (BOYS). 1. Sedick, Philip 15.00 2. Tetotf, Zachar 15.00 30. 00 352 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. SPECIAL CLASS (CHIEFS). 1. First chief $50.00 2. Second chief 50.00 2, 520. 50 $100. 00 2, 520. 50 Eecapitulation — Dr. Prime skins accepted, 4,647, at 50 cents 2, 323. 50 Prime skins, cut, accepted, 20. at 25 cents 5. 00 Stagey skins rejected, 216, at 50 cents 108. 00 Small skins rejected, 112, at 50 cents .56. 00 28 sea- lion skins, at $1 28. 00 Amount jtaid to natives — Cr. 21 first-class men, at $65.31 1, 371. 50 16 second-class men, at $52.26 836. 16 4 third-class men, at $45.71 182. 84 2 fourth-class, boys, at $15 30. 00 2 special class, chiefs, at $50 100. 00 2, 520. .50 We do hereby certify that the above is correct and that the money has been placed to the credit of the natives on the books of the North American Commercial Company. NiCKOi.i Krukoff, Native chief. Geo. R. Tingle, Suiyerintendeni North American Commercial Company. Joseph Murray, First Assistant Treasury Agent, in Charge of St. i'aul Island August 30, 1892. Exhibit E. Division of $1,270.50 earned hy the natives of St. George Island, Alaska, for taking ;.',554 seal skins during the seasons of 1891 and 1892. 362 ]irime skins taken in 1891, at 50 cents $181. 00 41 stagey skins taken in 1891, at .50 cents 20. .50 2,125 pr'inie skins taken in 1892, at 50 cents 1, 062. .50 26 small skins rejected in 1892, at 25 cents 6. 50 First class: Rev. Innokenty Lestenkoft" $59. 71 Demetri Lestenkoff 59. 21 Arkenty Nederazoft' 59. 21 Eoff Philimonoir 59. 21 Simeon Philimonoff 59. 21 Cornell Gorokoff H9. 21 Eustin Swetzoff 59. 21 Alexia Oustegoff 59. 21 Second class : Nicoli Malavansky 50. 40 Andrean Philimonoff .'^O. 40 Andronic Philimonoff 50. 40 Stepau Lekanoff .50. 40 Peter Prokopoff 50.40 Peter Rezanzott' 50. 40 Simeon Oustegoff" .50. 40 .Joseph Meculilf 50. 40 Mike I.estenkotf 50. 40 Evan Knlikoloff" 50.40 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. ' 353 Third class : Gregory Philimonoff $35. 58 George Meculiff 35. 58 Paifir Galaniu 35.58 Innokenty Rezanzoff 35. 58 Special class : Demetri Lestenkoff 50. 00 Nicoli Nederazoff 25. 00 Innokenty Philiiuonoft' 25. 00 Anfanisa Prokopoff 25. 00 John Merculiff 25.00 $1, 270. 50 St. George Island, Alaska, Amjust 20, 1S92. I certify that the attache* statement of )f;l, 270.50, earned by the natives of this island for taking 2,554 seal skins during the seasons of 1891 and 1892, was divided among them as shown, and that the same has been placed to their credit on the books of the North American Commercial Company. A. W. Lavender, United States Treasury Agent, in Charge of St. George Island. St. George Island, Alaska, September 11, 1892. I certify that the attached statement is correct, and that the amount earned by each person has been placed to his credit on the books of the North American Com- mercial Company. Geo. R. Tingle, Superintendent. m St. George Island, Alaska, August 20, 1S92. We are satisfied with the division made to the natives of this island, and we think it is a just division of their earnings for taking 2,554 seal skins during the seasons of 1891 and 1892. Demetri Lestinkoff, First Chief. EuSTiN (his X mark) Swetziff, Second Chief. Exhibit F. Statement of moneys in the hands of the North American Commercial Company to the credit of the natives on St. George Island, Alaska, August 10, 1S92. Lestenkoff, Demetri (chief) $180. 93 Lestenkoff, Mike 80. 00 Swetzoff', Eustin (second chief) . 15.59 Gorokoff, Cornell 30. 24 Lekanoff", Stepau 9. 93 Oustegoft; Alexia 16. 09 Prokopoff', Peter Prokopoff", Anfanisa 5. 11 Nederazoff, Arkenty 50. 54 Nederazoff, Nicoli Philimonoff, Eoft' 4. 84 Philimonoff", Andronic Philimonoff", Andreau Philimonoff", Simeon 40. 50 Pliilimonoff", Gregory 8. 28 Philimonoff, Innokenty Oustegoff, Simeon 23. 23 2, 625. 48 Malavansky, Nicoli Note. — Government orders issued to destitute persons up to date amount to $56.55. A. W. Lavexdkk, United States Treasury Agent, in Charge, H. Doc. 92- 2a Merciliff", Joseph $23. 23 Merciliff, John 2. 26 Merciliff, George Rezanzoff, Peter Galanin, Perfei 9. 33 Kukilaloff, Evan 62. 71 Rezanzoff", Innokenty Lestenkoff, Rev. Innokenty 148. 00 Orphans : Rezanzoff, Serefena . $26. 45 Merculiff", Nesda .... 147. 84 Mercuiiff, Natalia. . . 20. 65 Vickoloff, Evdokia . 200. 19 Merculiff", Mark 187 . 54 582. 67 354 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. Exhibit G. Census of St. Paul Island, Alasla, for the year ending June 30, 1S93, and statement of native funds to their credit on the books of the Xorth American Commercial Cornpani/. Family. Person. 10 11 12 13 U 15 16 18 19 20 1 2 3 4 5 G 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 Names. A rtomauotf, Kenick Aitdmauott', Alexaudiia (wife; Ivanott', Evilokea (orpliaii) Arkasliotf, Arseney Bogodaiioff, Nicoli Bogoiluiiotf, Aiiua fwile) Bourdukotfsky, Appolluu Bourdukotlsky, Cliioua (wife) Bourdukoffaky, Peter (.sun) Bourdukotisky, Uleta (daughter) . . . Lodosbnikoti', Kvdoka (orphan) Butorin, Karp Buterin, Parascovia (wife) Buteriu, Coustantine (sou) Sediek, Zachar (orphan) Emanoff, George Euiauotf, Catherine (wile) Emanoti', Mary (daughter) KosnitzofF, John (orphan) Kosnitzoft', Agatia (orphan) Fratis, John Fratis, Aiikoolena (wife) Fratis, Susanna (daughter) Fratis, Ellen (daughter) Fratis, John (son) Fratis, Agrifina (daughter) Glotott', John - Glototf, Avdotia (wife) Glototf, Mary (mother) Zacharotf, Emanuel Gromofl', Nicoli Gromoff, Ouleanna (wife) Sediek, Elizabeth (orphan) Zacharoff, Fedosia (orphan) Galaktineff, Alex Galaktineft', Martha (wife) Galaktineff, Clavida (sister) Zatznianeff, Aiixenia : . . Hansen, Alex Haberoff, Paul Haherotf, Agrifinia (wife) Kotchooten, Eupherao Kotchooten, Pelogie (wife) Kotchooten, Jacob Kotchooten, Fevronia (wife) Kotchooten, Uleta (daughter) Kotchooten, Ellen (daughter) Kotchooten, Theodore (son) Lodoshinkotf, Natalia (stepchild). . Kozeroff, Stepan Kozeroff, Anastasia (wife) Kozeroff, Yavenally (son) Kozeroff, Suendule (daugliter) Nozikoff, Simeon (stepson) Krukoff, Nicoli Krukoff, Catherine ( w ife) Krukoff, Metrofan (son) Krukoff, Oustenia (daughter) Krukoff", Droseda (daughter) Krukoff', Maxim Krukoff', Feotesta (wife) Krukoff, John (son) Krukoff, Coudrat (son) Kushin, Aggie Kushin, Mary (wife) Kusliiu, Luk'era (daughter) Kushin, Michael (son) Mandregan, Neon Mandregan, Mary (daughter) Mandregau, Zoya (daugliter) Mandregan, Iniiokenty (son) Shutyagin, Uleta (widow) Merculitf. Ale;: (unmarried) Merculiff, Martin (brother) Merculiff, Luboff (sister) Merculiff, Ellen (sister) Melovido V, Autone Melovidov, Alexandria (daughter) Age. Males. Females. 67 27 22 40 14 40 7 8 26 17 26 12 20 22 35 42 50 42 41 48 17 43 10 37 13 2 39 9 36 18 12 38 41 20 23 33 9 17 38 20 1 Book account credit. $2, 148. 33 6.00 is. 00 97.61 895. 33 137. 00 14 253. 25 1, 345. 00 90 15 9 •- Infant. 19.00 19 65 42.00 24 6 17 '""'ioi.'25 9.00 33 14 16 28.00 52 43 8.66 39 19 9 14 61.00 42 2 33 Infant. ''8 38 16 7.00 9 c 26 26.06 16 14 12 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 355 Census of St. Paul Island, Alaska, for the year endin(j June SO, 1892, etc. — Continued. Family. Person. 20 79 80 81 82 21 83 84 85 22 86 87 88 89 23 90 91 92 93 24 94 95 96 97 98 99 25 100 101 102 26 103 104 105 106 107 27 108 1U9 28 110 111 29 112 113 114 115 116 117 118 119 30 120 121 122 31 123 124 125 1 126 127 32 128 129 130 131 33 132 133 34 134 135 136 35 137 138 139 140 36 141 142 143 37 144 145 146 147 148 38 149 150 151 39 152 153 40 154 155 156 41 157 158 Names. Melovidov, Olga (daughter) Melovidov, Mary (daughter) Melovidov, Alexandra (mother) Meloi'idov, Alexander (brother) Shaishnikotf, Matrona (orphan) Melovidov, Simeon Melovidov, Alexandra (v?ife) Afelovidov, Lydmelia (daughter) Nederazofl', Ste])han TS'ederazoff, Alexandra (wife) Nederazofl', Mary (niece) Hopott', Nekita (orphan) ■ Nederazofl', Martin Nederazofl', Catherine ( wife) Shane, Mary (stepchild) Shane, Parascovia (orphan) Oustigofl, Peter Oustigoft', Parascovia (wife) : Oustigofl', Stepeueda (mother) Oustigofl', Neil (son) I vanott', Auastasia (orphan) Sliaislmikoft', George (ori)han) Prockopiefl^, Yladimr Prokopiett', A hxenia (wife) Merculitt', Paul (orphan) Paukofl', Partiri Paukofl', Olga (wife) Paukofl" Vlasia (son) Paukofl', Varvara (daughter) Rezanzofl', Natalia (wife's motlier) Parauchin, Daniel Parauchin, Alexandra (wife) Shaishnikofl', Rev. Paul Shaishnikofi, Valerian ^orphan) Sedick, Theodore Sedick, Martha (wife) Sedick, Anastasia (daughter) Sedick, Mary (d.aughter) Sedick, Yustenia (daughter) Sedick, Matrona (daughter) Sedick, Innokeuty (son) Sedick, Philip (nephew) Shaholin, Necon Shabolin, Agrifinia (daughter) Shutyagin, Catherine (orphan) Seduiin, Vassily Sedulin, Elizabeth (wife) Seduiin, Vera (daughter) Meezeekan, Mary (orphan) Meezeekan, Ivan (Marj''s son) , Stepetin, Elary Stepetin, Anna (wife) Stepetin, Ouleanna (daughter) Stepetin, Paola (daughter) Stepetin, Dorofay Stepetin, Vassa (wife) Terrakanofl', Kerrick Terrakanofl', Anna (wife) , Shane, Elevary (orphan^ Tetoff', Peter Tetott; Mary (wife) Tetofl', Alexandra (si.ster) Gleboft', Chionia ( wife'.s mother) Tetofl", Neon Tetofi", Agrifinia (wife) Tetofl', Zaohar (brother) Volkofl', Markel Volkofl", Alaxandria (wife) Tolkoff, Ellen (sister) Kushin, Mavra (orphan) Merculiff, John (orphan) Widows who are heads of families, and indigent and helpless ones. Balakshin, Matrona Balakshin, Agafla (orphan) Shaposhnikofl', Parascovia Bellaglazofl; Ellen Terrakanofl, Mary Kotchooten, Mary Kotchooten, Trefon (son) Shane, Feocla (orphan) Koshievinikotf, Avdotia Age. Males. Females. 19 25 36 4 39 29 11 22 2 31 35 58 14 46 9 15 27 51 3 30 40 5 29 24 14 49 10 8 6 58 26 Infant. 33 12 33 14 6 25 58 14 26 31 2 59 32 39 19 7 5 2 o 13 53 13 20 23 5 Infant. 20 Book account credit. 36 33 16 53 17 40 38 13 44 15 27 58 17 31 24 33 $43. 00 lOU. 00 19.00 23.95 19.00 93.19 14.00 32.00 1,830.07 165. 09 38.00 453. 67 195. 77 27.00 78.00 39.00 28.00 21.00 20.00 624. 00 .00 356 ALASKA INDUSTRIES, Census of St. Paul Island, Alaska, for the year endiny June 30, 1892, etc. — Continued. Family. Person. 42 159 43 160 161 44 162 163 164 165 166 45 167 108 169 46 170 171 172 47 173 48 174 175 49 176 177 178 179 50 180 51 181 182 188 184 52 185 18.' 187 53 188 . 189 54 190 191 192 193 194 195 196 Names. Balakshin, Agafia (orphan)— Continued. Ko.shievinlkolf, Paul (son) Krukofi", Anna Krukoff', Natalia (son) Krukoff, John Kozloff, Parascovia Kozlotf, Michael (son) Kozlotf, Nicoli (son) Serebrinikott', Olga (sister) Bogodanotf, Mary (orphan) Nederazoff, Ankoolena Nederazoff, Agrifina (daugliter) Nederazoff, Alexia (grandson) Popoff, Avdotia ■ Popoff, Evroaenia (daughter) Balakshin, A.nna (daughter) Peeshnikofl', Vassilisa Popoff, Afanasia • Shutyagin, Baria (orphan) Rookovishnikoff, Annissa Kookovishnikoff, Stepan (son) Rookovishnikoff, Anna (daughter) Rookovishnikoff', Parascovia (daughter) Rezanzoff', Anna Sedick, Daria Kotchooten, John Kotchooten, Zenobia (daughter) Kotchooten, Ellen (daughter) Tetott; Feclusia Tetort', Irene (daughter) Tetoff, Soha (daughter) Terrantova, Anna Terrantova, Anna (daughter) Orphan childreu, natives of St. Paul Island, who are now at school in Unalaska : Pohomoft' Salome Shutyagin Parascovia Shaposlmikoff' Tatianna Shaishnikoft' Nedesda Sedick Avdotia Krukoff Lukeria Age. Males. 10 13 12 23 18 21 19 16 12 18 Females. 27 41 Book account credit. 35 29 19 47 25 34 2 10 34 48 13 28 9 4 60 50 25 19 36 U 7 74 41 $12. 00 7.00 75.75 141.80 178. 56 100. 02 ' 9, 885. 64 * This stim does not include the money passed to their credit on account of the distribution of the church fund. , _ Recapitulation of census, 1892. 18 years and over -10 5 years to 18 27 Under 5 years 7 Total males 74 Females : 18 years and over 69 5 years to 18 42 Under 5 years 1 1 Total females 122 Total native population 196 Total native population June 30, 1891 203 Gaiu by births during- the year endiuj;- June 30, 1892 5 Gain by arrival of natives from Uualaska 3 Loss by death during the year ending June 30, 1892 19 Loss by natives leaving St. Paul 2 Total native population ou St. Paul Island June 30, 1892. 211 21 190 Number of women without husbands 30 Number of men without wives - 7 Jos. MUKRAY, First Assistant Speoial Agent, ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 357 Exhibit H. Census of Sf. (ieorge Island, Alasla, AiKjust ], 1S92. a Name. Ph 10 II 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 63 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 Philimonoff Phillmonoif, Philimonoff, Philimonoft', Sex. Lestenkoff, Kev. Innokent y M . Leatenkott', Elizabeth " F. Lestenkoff, Helena F. Lestenkoff, Mary F. Lestenkoff', Michael M . Lestenkoff', Sarah F. Lestenkoff', Demertria M. Lestenkoff', xVnua F. Mercnliff, Mark M. PhilomoDoff, Androuio M. Philomonofl', Lenovia F. Philimonoff', Mariana F. Mary F. Simeon M. Eodokia F. Innokenty M. Philimonoff", Fedosia F. Philimonoff', Joseph | M. Philimonoff', Lea F. Philimonoff', Andronic M. Philimonoff", Paraseovia F. Philimonoff', Pelegia F. Philimonoff, Simeon M. Oustegoff' Alexia ■ M. Oustegoff, Martha F. Oustegoff, Mike M. » - , „ „ M. F. M. F. M. F. M. F. F. F. F. M. F. M. F. F. M. M. M. F. M. M. M. F. M. M. M. M. F. M. F. F. F. M. M. F. M. M. M. F. F. M. F. F. F. F. M. M. F. F. Philimonoff", Eoff. Philimonoff", Olletta Philimonoff", Gregoria . . . Philimonoff, Eoegenia. . . Philimonoff', Demetri Oustegoff", Eproxia Malavansky, Nicoli Malavansk'y, Repsemia . Malavansky, Wassa Malavansky, Stepueda . . Malavansky, Kleopatra . Malavansksy, Peter Oustegoff, Susan Nederazoff", Arkenty Evgenia. M.-uina. Nicoli. . Isidore. Ncderazoff, Nederazoff", Nederazoff, Nederazoff, Lekanoff', Stepan Lekanott", Pelegia Lekanoff", Annolia Lekanoff", Sergus Swetzoff", Eustin Swetzott", Catherina Swetzoff, Gregoria Oustegoff, Simeon Prokopoff", Peter Prokopott", Anfanasia Rezanzoff", Fedosla Rezanzort", Innokenty ... Rezanzoff", Serefenia Swetzoff, Palexina SwetzotY, Fervoiia Swetzoff', Paul Gorokoff", Cornile Gorokoff", Katerina Galanin, Parflsi Galanin, Alexander Kulikolott', Evan Kulikoloff", Varoarivina . Vickoloff", Evdokia Rezanzoff, Peter Rezanzoff", Matrona Rezanzoff", Fatima Shane, Riessa Shane, Olletta Shane, Michael Merculiff, Sta))an Merculifl", Nedesda Galarinj, Occoliua Family relation. Husband . Wife Daugliter ....do .... Son Daughter "Widower Daughter Adopted son Husband "Wife Daunhter (To Husband Wife Son Daughter Son , Daughter - Husband Wife Daughter Son Husband Wife Nephew Husband Wife Son Daughter Son Stepdaughter Bachelor, head of house Sister do Niece do Nephew Adopted daughter Husband Wife Daughter Son do Husband Wife Son do Husband Wife Son Bachelor Widower, head of house Brother Widow, mother-in-law Son of Fedoaia Granddaughter of Fedosia. Unmarried Daughter Son Husband Wife Brother-in-law Adopted son ". Husband Wife Adojited daughter Husband Wife Daughter Widow Daughter Son Adopted son Adopted daughter Widow Ago. 61 57 26 22 19 15 28 4 6 25 27 2 a46 12 19 17 0 a2 26 25 8 4 a6 42 23 7 47 30 19 18 5 12 27 32 17 12 9 3 5 40 38 18 14 1 23 23 2 1 41 35 6 28 27 14 48 15 5 32 14 a3 36 37 18 6 45 45 6 46 50 8 40 23 2 5 12 29 a Months. 358 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. Census of St. George Island, Alaska, August 1, 1892 — Continued. g . cc O Name. Sex. Family relation. Age. 19 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 Galarim, Evan M. r. M. M. r. F. M. F. M. F. F. F. M. Son 10 MercuUff', JTervona Widow 38 Merculiff, Joseph Son 20 Merculiff. George do 18 Merculiff, Stepeuida 16 Merculiff, Helena do 7 20 Merculiff, John Son 2 40 Merculiff", Evan Son - 15 Merculiff, Alexander Daughter 13 Merculiff. Evdokia do 8 Merculiff*, Helena do 2 21 Merculiff". Nicoli Son 15 Kame. Age. Remarks. A., TV^. Lavender ...- 49 42 9 3 61 52 64 29 49 United States Treasury agent. Wife. JVIary E. Lavender, H, W. Lavender Son. Harrison M. Lavender .. Do. Agent North American Commercial Company. Physician. Employee North American Commercial Company. Do". Paul Mitchell F. C. Tichenor Cook. • SUMMARY. Native population 89 Males 44 Females ■••• 45 Males between the ages of 30 and 50 9 Females between the ages of 30 and 50 13 Males between the ages of 15 and 30 15 Females between the ages of 15 and 3U 14 Males between the ages of 5 and 15 10 Females between the ages of 5 and 15 14 Males under 5 years old 9 Females under 5 years old 5 Total population (native) 89 A. W. Lavender, United States Treasury Agent in Clianje of St. George Island. Exhibit I. Washington, D. C, December 1, 1892. Sir : In reply to your request I have to say that I li.ivo read your recommendations to tlie Department concerning the subjects of sanitary improvements on the Pribilof Islands and on the furnishing employment to the natives thereon dnring- the period of small killings of seals; the suggestions embody the conclusions reached by us in our discussions of these questions during the past summer, and I concur in the same. A^ery respectfully, Geo. E. Tingle, Superiniendent North American Commercial Company. Mr. J. Stanley-Brown, Acting United States Treasury Agent in Charge Seal Islands. ALASKA INDUSTRIES, 359 Bepori of Assistant Agent Joseph Murray. Fort Collins, Colo., December 1, 1892. Sir: I have the honor to report that in pursuance of instructions dated March 19, 1892, I reported for duty to the Department of State, and was ordered to "proceed to the Pacific Coast to assist in the preparation of matter pertaining to the 15ering- Sea controversy." I left Washiiiytou. D. C, on March 20, and after visiting several cities on the coast. I sailed from I'ort Towusend. per steamer Albatross, on Marcli 31, and steered for Port Alexander, in Cooks Inlet, where I landed on April 8. After touching land at Saldovia and Coal Point, I went to Kadiak Island, where 1 spent three days taking testimony, and then went to Port Etches, in Prince William Sound, where 1 landed on the 16th day of April. Alter calling at several stations along the coast of Alaska, I returned to Port Townsend and forwarded to the Department the information 1 had obtained. While at Port Townsend I received instructions from the Secretary of the Treas- . ury to proceed without delay to my station on the seal islands. i sailed per steamer Albatross oii the 10th of May, arriving at Unalaskaou the 19th, whence 1 sailed, on board the U. S. S. Yorktoitm, on the 23d for St. Paul Island, where I landed on the 24th of May, and immediately relieved Agent Barnes, who had leave to return to the States. SEAL KILLING. Beginning on May 19 and ending on August 9 there was killed on St. Paul Island 4,225 seals, 16 of which were taken by order of the Secretary of the Treasury for the use of the Department of State. These were prepared so as to be used for museum specimens, and have been deposited in the National IVIuseum. There were 800 seals killed in November, 1891 (of which 216 were rejected as stagey), which, added to those of the present season, make a total of 5,02.5 seals. The seals killed in November, 1891, belong to the 7,500 apportionment to that year, but their skins Avere not taken from the island until September, 1892. I inclose a record of the daily killings. (See Exhibit B.) PRESERVATION OF THE MEAT KILLED. As there are no seals taken on the islands now, excepting those taken for natives' food, and as the annual catch of 7,500 allowed by law is not enough, under existing conditions, it becomes necessary for the Department to devise and establish methods for preserving all the seal carcasses killed, for every pound of them will be needed for food. That the meat can be preserved by canning I have no doubt; and that a part of it may be preserved by smoking has been demonstrated, I think, during the past sea- son, when, with the most primitive contrivances, several thousand shoulders were dried and smoked very nicely. CANNING TO BE I'REFERKED. The canning process, if successful, is to be preferred, because it is cheaper and more convenient, and because the whole carcass can be utilized and the meat kept, almost, in its natural state, which will make it much more palatable for the natives. % WHEN TO XILL. All killing ought to be done in .June and -Inly, because at that time the skins are in prime condition, and the tlesh is at its best for canning. As the stage \^ season begins about August 10, and continues till December, during which time the tlesh is poor and the skin almost valueless, the position taken by the Department that no seals shall be; killed for any purpose during that period is a good one. natives' church SUBSCRIPTION. In the summer of 1891 one Bishop Yaldimir, of San Francisco, came to St. Paul Island to collect money, and the resident priest gave him three sacks of coin, said to contain $3,325, which the bishop turned over to the North American Commercial Company for transportation to San Francisco. At the same time there were many of the natives (who had originally contributed this money) without means, and a majority of them were paupers in fact, and de- pendent oil the Government for subsistence. -Under such circumstances the agent in charge forbid the removal of the funds until he communicated with the Depart- ment. 360 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. In pursaauce of iustnictiou.s dated May 2, 1892, the tnoney was taken and counted, and the three sacks were found to contain $3,344.10, and it was divided among the natives as follows : To the priest ' $200.00 To 188 persons, $16. 12 each 3, 030. .56 To 7 orphans, $16.22 each : 113. .54 To 196 persons 3, 344. 10 The money was immediately spent for clothing, of which most of the people were very much in need. natives' earnings. The natives' earnings amounted to $2,520.50, which was divided among them according to the usual classitication, as per instructions dated May 2, 1892; and I herewith inclose a detailed statement. (See Exhibit D.) ORDERS. Previous to tho division of earnings I found it necessary to issue weekly orders to the natives for food and clothing, which at the end of two months amounted in the aggregate to $1,925.78. The stubs of these orders have already been handed you. As soon as the division of earnings was made I stopped the issuing of orders and told the men that so long as they had money of their own the Government would not pay their bills. In ail my intercourse with the natives I have endeavored to impress upon them a sense of the value of time and money, and to make them understand the difference between the energetic man, who takes pride in working for what he receives, and the lazy, shiftless fellow, who prefers to be a pauper. When it became necessary to feed them at Government expense and to issue orders for supplies, I opened an account with each sealer and made him debtor for tho orders given him, and I gave him credit at the rate of 15 cents per hour for every hour's work done. natives' work. At the close of the killing season I set the men to work on the streets, which they cleaned and graded and graveled. They painted the (Tovernment house and graded the grounds around it; and then I began the building of a main road from the cen- ter of the village to the west landing, which was badly needed for a long time, and which, when completed, will be a benefit to all on the island. Once the men understood what was expected of them they entered into the spirit of the thing with pleasure, and they worked willingly and well. It ought to be borne in mind, though, that they are neither hardy nor physically strong, and that they are not fitted for hard manual labor, such as is necessary in road making. A day of not to exceed five hours is quite long enough for any of them to swing a pick or wheel a loaded barrow. decrease of seals. I visited the rookeries occasionally during the killing season, and I found a marked decrease in the seals of all ages and sexes since 1891. DEAD PUPS. I walked over every rookery on the island during the week beginning with Sep- tember 1 and ending September 7 in search of dead pups, and excepting on Tolstoi there were only a normal nnmber to be seen. On Tolstoi I found a number of dead pups, but not any more than can be accounted for from natural and well-known causes. RETURN TO WASHINGTON. On the 17th of August I received instructions from the Department, dated July 8, to report at Port Townsend, and on tlie 21st of August Mr. Aiusworth arrived at the island to relieve me. I sailed from St. Paul Island on September 7 on the North American Commercial Company's steamer Bertha and arrived in San Francisco on tiie 28th. « ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 361 WATCHHOUSES. Before leaving the island I gave Mr. Ainsworth fnll instructions as to his duties during my absence, and especially of the necessity of building the watchhonses and guarding the rookeries against raids. The lumber for the watchhonses was landed from the Berth a before I sailed, and Mr Ainsworth has since informed me by letter that the watchhonses were completed and garrisoned by the native men. HOW" TO GUARD THE ROOKERIES. It has been said that to thoroughly guard the rookeries will require a force of sol- diers or marines on each of the islands, but the advocates of such a scheme do not understand or appreciate the real situation. The natives are able and willing to guard the rookeries, and under competent direction are found to perform the service efficiently and thoroughly. It is recommended that th(dr present breech-loading rifles be superseded by Win- chester rifles of the caliber .45-.70. TRANSLATING THE RITUAL. Before I left the island the natives assembled at my house and told me that the money set aside to pay for translating the ritual was not intended for an English translation, but for a translation from the Russian into the Aleut, their own native tongue. They expressed themselves as having no antipathy to having their church ritual in English if they could have it in Aleut too; and they suggested that the school should be kept open every day in the year, except necessary holidays, of which they named twelve that they wished to be allowed to observe and keep as sacredly as the Sabbath. HABITS, CUSTOMS, ETC. It should be kept in view while considering the present status and low condition of the inhabitants of the seal islands that they are in some respects not more than two removes from childish simplicity and in other respects not more than one re- move from barbarism, and that they need a guardian and a conscientious guide, as well as an overseer and a ruler. They know but very little, if anything, about domestic economy or thrift, and the word ambition has no place in their vocabulary. Give him his year's earnings all at one time and the average sealer will s]>end the whole sum on the spot, and he will purchase articles which he not only does not need, but of which he knows not the use. Give him an opportunity to get liquor or the ingredients to make it and he will get drunk in s]dte of pledge or promise given to the contrary. He has no idea of a moral responsibility, courts rather than vshuns death, and feels sure of eternal bliss in a future state. He is an enthusiastic believer in the "church," and could be wonderfully imjiroved thereby if the church would attempt anything for his improvement morally or physically while living in this world. But the "church'' as it is known on the seal islands is nothing more than idle ceremony and the mumbling of a priest who is a native of St. Paul Island and is fully as ignorant as any of his unfortunate congregation. To expect one brought up in such surroundings to appreciate thrift or to practice economy is to expect the impossible, and to treat him as a criminal because of his ignorance or to attempt to reform him by fining or imprisonment or starvation is to attempt to surpass him in imbecility. During a four years' residence on the seal islands I learned by experience that after all the neglect and bad treatment he formerly received, and in spite of his sur- roundings and lack of opportunity, the native Aleut has within him the germs of many good traits which need but the kindness and charity due from those above him to one of his helpless condition to make a fairly good and useful citizen. Prominent among others of his many good traits are honesty, docility, obedience, and a love of law and order equal to that of any people in the Union. I respectfully suggest, therefore, that we do him simple justice before we condemn him or leave him to his fate. Let us give him an education before we blame him for not having it. Let ns give him a school in which his children can not only learn to read and write the English language, but where they will be under the care of Christian men and women, who will teach them, by precept and example, to be pure and dean in all things, both morally and physically. 362 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. INDUSTRIAL SCHOOLS. Thore is one sure remedy for the present intellectual condition of the natives, and that is the immediate establishment on both islands of industrial boarding schools under the entire control of the Government. In my report of 1891 I advocated this thing, and all my subsequent experience has strengthened my belief in the necessity for such a school and in its absolute success if once attempted. There is a skeleton of such a school at Unalaska that has been made sucessful by the energy and indomitable perseverance of the teachers in charge, and in September, 1890, I sent six girls there from St. Paul Island, four of whom could not speak English, and after a stay of two years they had improved so much in every way — morally, physically, and iutellectuaily— that they have been the wonder of all who have visited the school and who remember their condition before entering it. Their rapid improvement shows what may be accomplished for this people by putting their children in charge of truly Christian teachers, who will guard them from evil while awakening and enlightening the mind. Four other orphan girls were sent to the Unalaska school this year, but since then I have learned that the church society which supported the school has withdrawn all I'urther supplies from it, which means the closing of the school at an early date and the return of the St. Paul girls to the island and to misery and vice. CENSUS. I inclose a copy of the census (Exhibit G) of St. Paul Island for the year ended June 30, 1892, which shows a native population at that time of 196 persons. Nine- teen had died during the year and 5 were born. So mucb has been said and so often about the fearful death rate on the seal islands that it is not necessary for me to add more. A great deal of sickness and many deaths might be prevented by the natives themselves if they had average common sense, but I do know that many lives might be saved by the adoption of a few very simple precautionary measures, of which a full supply of good water, ventilation, good beds, and proper sanitary conditions would be the most essential, and these things should be forced on the people if necessary, rather than leave them to intro- duce such improvements themselves. A visit in company with the agent in charge to the natives' houses last summer revealed the fact that there were forty beds of all sorts accommodating a population of 196 persons. From this it will be seen how universal is the habit of sleeping on the floor. MARRIAGE. The attention of the Department is respectfully called to the difference in num- ber of the sexes on St. Paul Island. Females of all ages 122 Males of all ages 74 Excess of females , 48 Females of 18 years and over 69 Males of 18 years and over 40 Excess of marriageable women 29 That this excess is the cause of much of the immorality complained of is only too true, and an earnest effort should be made- to find a I'cmtMly. There is jinother cause for existing immorality, however, of far more power and importance than any other, and that is the peculiar construction put iipou the church's law of marriage by the resident priest, who refuses to marry anyone within the fifth degree of blood relatioushij); and he makes blood relations of all whose relatives marry relatives of the intended husband or wife. The result is that marriages must of necessity cease on St. Paul Island, for, accord- ing to that ruling, the present ]wpulation are all of one blood. The priest told me that he dare not jierform the marriage ceremony for any couple so lomniercial Co 1,200 1,200 473 6,786 473 6,786 473 TTntchinfion Kohl &. Oo fi. 78fi Total 1 1,200 7,259 7,259 ! 8. 459 TOTALS FOR ST. PAUL AND ST. GEORGE ISLANDS. Island. Seals killed for natives' food. ^^^^^f^^^'^Ji^el.'^'"' Total of bachelors killed, accepted, and rejected. Grand total killed Pups. Bache- lors. Skins ac- cepted. Skins re- jected. Bache- S|[>"^ 1°''«' cepted. Skins re- jected. Bache- lors. 12,514 7,259 Skins ac- cepted. Skins re- jected. for all pur- poses. St. Paul St. George 2,800 1,200 6, 449 6,449 6,065 7,259 6,017 7. 259 48 6,017 7,259 6,497 15, 314 8,459 Totals 4,000 6,449 , ! 6,449 13,324 13,276 48 19, 773 13,276 6,497 23,773 1 366 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. Tables showing in detail all killing of fur seals, etc. — Coutinued. isri. ST. PAUL ISLAJSTD. Eookery. Seals killed for natives' food. Seals killed for skins for lessees. Tutal killed Date. Pups. Bache- lors. Skins ac- cepted. Skins re- jected. Bache- lors. Skins ac- cepted. Skins re- jected. for all pur- poses. May 16 24 Tolstoi 186 246 175 243 11 3 186 Reef ' 246 June 1 Tolstoi ' 579 222 917 1,682 2,701 874 1 167 578 220 904 1,670 2,699 868 1,130 1,387 1,970 1,283 495 791 2,653 1,006 2,388 1,118 2,038 1,187 3,623 751 1,029 1,922 778 3,352 1,172 1,788 1,388 3,836 650 1 2 13 12 2 6 37 12 1 579 2 Reef 222 6 do 917 8 English Bay 1 682 10 Southwest Bay 2, 701 874 14 Zoltoi -" 15 Zoltoi and English Bay . . 1 167 16 Zoltoi 1 399 1 399 20 Southwest Bay 1,971 1.283 518 796 2,654 1,014 2,401 1,133 2,038 1,189 3,623 750 1, 1140 1, 940 801 3,404 1,179 1,807 1,418 3,845 657 1,971 22 Lukannon -. 1 os^ 23 Zoltoi •'3 i 518 24 Reef 5 7Qfi • 24 Northeast Point 1 8 13 15 2 654 29 Zoltoi and Reef 1,014 28 Tolstoi and English Bay. Lukannon 2 401 July 1 3 1 133 Northeast Point 9 OMS 7 Reef 2 1 18Q 6 Lukannon and Zoltoi h' 11 18 23 52 7 19 30 9 7 3' 623 8 Lukannon ' 756 18 Zoltoi 1 040 21 English Bay 1 940 22 Ketova 801 22 Northeast Point 3,404 1,179 24 Zoltoi 26 Zoltoi and Lukannon 1 807 28 Tolstoi 1,418 28 Northeast Point 3 845 31 Lukannon 657 Aug. 11 18 Zoltoi 205 150 118 60 205 150 112 53 205 do 150 24 do 6 7 118 29 Ketova 60 Sept. 4 Lukannon 193 178 105 77 130 1,250 1,308 5, 083 896 506 633 189 159 12 2 ""i.'iif 1,300 5,080 825 501 4 19 93 75 130 133 8 3 71 5 8" 8 io' 10 9 5 30 193 11 Zoltoi 178 18 Ketova 105 26 do 77 29 Tolstoi 130 Oct. 2 Ketova 1,250 9 Halfway Point . 1, 308 10 Ketova 5, 083 13 Tolstoi 896 14 Reef 506 16 Northeast Point 633 17 Ketova . 683 fiR-'l 683 17 Reef 1,158 3,150 3,666 2,181 2,142 3,042 679 495 2,99E 30 1,158 3,142 3,658 2,181 2,132 3,032 679 486 2,987 1 158 19 Tolstoi 3 150 21 English Bay 3 666 21 Nortlieast Point 2 181 25 do 2,142 27 do 3,042 28 do 679 28 do 495 30 Tolstoi 2,992 31 English Bay 30 Nov. 7 Reef 729 647 708 644 21 3 729 Dec. 19 do 647 do 3,877 3,877 Total 3,877 2,341 2,290 51 75, 585 74, 628 957 81 803 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. TaMes showing i7i detail all killing of fur seals, etc. — Continued. 1871. ST. GEORGE ISLAND. 367 Kookery. Seals killed for natives' food. Seals killed for skins for lessees. Total killed Date. Rache ^^^°^ ^^"^^ Pups. if.^.''® ac- re- 1 ^"^^' 1 cepted. 1 jected. 1 Bache- lors. Skins ac- cepted. Skins re- jected. for all pur- poses. 123 98 69 277 322 301 434 172 518 594 298 462 571 875 303 518 612 1,769 1,021 481 1,038 1,264 484 945 542 792 1,054 730 1,270 893 123 98 69 277 322 301 434 172 518 594 298 462 571 875 303 518 612 1,769 1,021 481 1, 038 1,264 484 945 542 792 1,054 730 1,270 893 123 0 Northeast ■ 98 8 69 9 1 277 13 322 15 Southwest Bav ' 301 17 1 434 20 1 172 22 Northeast 518 24 J 594 20 Southwest Bay 298 27 Northeast 462 28 571 July 1 Northern ■ 875 3 Southwest Bay 303 5 518 8 Soutliwest Bay 612 10 1 769 12 do i ! 1 021 14 Southwest Bay 481 15 Northern 1,038 18 do 1 264 20 484 21 945 23 Southwest Bay 542 25 Northern 1 792 27 do 1 054 28 Starry Ateel 730 30 Southwest Bay 1 270 31 Northern 893 Taken iu October 237 237 237 Pups for food 2,090 2, 090 Total 2,090 237 237 1« HM^ 18, 830 21 157 TOTALS rOK ST. PAUL AND ST. GEORGE ISLANDS. Island. Seals killed for natives' food. Seals killed for skins for lessees. Total of bachelors killed, accepted,and rejected. Grand total killed Pups. Bache- lors. Skins ac- cepted. Skins re- jected. Bache- lors. Skins ac- cepted. Skins re- jected. Bache- lors. Skins ac- cepted. Skins re- jected. for all pur- poses. St. Paul St. George 3,877 2,090 2,341 237 2,290 237 51 75, 585 18, 830 74, 628 18, 830 957 77, 926 19, 067 76, 918 19, 067 1,008 81, 803 21, 157 Total 5,967 2,578 ! 2,527 1 51 94, 415 93, 458 957 96, 993 95,985 1,008 102, 960 368 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. Tables showing in detail all killing of fur seals, etc. — Continued. isra. ST. PAUL ISLAND. Kookery. Seals killed for natives ' food. Seals killed for skins for lessees. Total killed Date. Pups. Bache- lors. Skins ac- cepted. Skins re- jected. Bache- lors. Skins ac- cepted. Skins re- jected. for all pur- poses. May H 14 Northeast Poin t 5 227 455 5 227 455 1 5 Reef 1 227 24 . do 455 June 1 do 759 278 293 209 1,616 662 1,057 1,730 4,714 395 2,828 1,169 1,705 5,547 910 4,618 6,427 1,151 1,841 3,265 6,765 3,139 2,071 2,329 1,116 1,664 7,388 1,384 2,080 638 34 759 278 293 209 1,607 662 1,048 1,730 4,705 388 2,826 1,166 1,702 5,538 910 4,615 6,424 1,116 1,839 3,259 6,757 3,135 2, 060 2, 319 1,113 1,658 7,383 1,369 2, 070 628 10 9 9' 9' 7 2 3 3 9 3 3 35 2 6 8 4 11 10 3 6 5 15 10 10 24 759 3 Tolstoi -- 278 5 Reef 293 10 Tolstoi Jind English Bay . Southwest Bay ^ 209 11 1,616 12 Zoltoi and Reef 662 13 Tolstoi and English Bay. do ". . 1,057 14 1,730 15 Reef andNortheast Point Zoltoi 4,714 17 395 19 En erlish Bav 2,828 20 Reef 1,169 21 Lukannon 1 1,705 22 Northeast Point and Ke- tova -- 1 5,547 24 Reef and Zoltoi 1 910 27 Eni'lishBay 4,618 28 Tolstoi and Northeast Point 6,427 29 1,151 July 1 5 Zoltoi 1,841 English Bay 3,265 6 Zoltoi and Northeast Point 6,765 9 3, 139 12 1 2,071 13 :::;:::.!;■"::::: 2, 329 16 Zoltoi 1,116 17 Halfway Point 1,664 19 English Bay, Lukannon, 7,388 22 Zoltoi ... 1,384 24 English Bay 2,080 25 Zoltoi 638 30 do 34 Aug. 1 6 Nortlieast Point 10 119 7 90 3 114 161 99 122 118 93 490 127 91 1,284 753 724 1, 286 112 426 10 119 7 87 3 112 151 77 23 11 "io' 17 1,255 395 664 1,280 66 391 10 Zoltoi 119 9 Northeast Point . . 7 13 Tolstoi 3 90 17 3 20 2 10 22 99 107 93 490 117 74 29 358 00 6 46 35 114 29 161 Sept. 7 12 Zoltoi 99 do 122 20 do 118 Oct. 'A 93 3 490 10 do 127 21 91 29 Zoltoi, Reef, and Lukan- non 1,284 Nov 29 Tolstoi 753 30 NortliefliSt Point 724 30 do 1,286 Dec. 5 Reef 112 () Zoltoi • 426 Nov . . - . 5,121 5, 121 ...... Total 5,121 6,916 5,365 1,551 69, 782 69, 576 206 81,819 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 369 Tables showing in detail all killing of fur seals, etc. — Continued. isra. ST. GEOEGE ISLAND. Date. Jiine 3 5 8 10 11 11 12 12 15 15 17 19 19 19 22 22 22 24 24 25 25 27 28 29 29 1 July 2 3 4 5 6 6 7 9 9 10 11 12 14 15 15 17 18 19 20 22 22 23 25 25 25 27 27 27 27 Rookery. Southwest Bay North East Southwest Bay North Starry Ateel Southwest Bay East Starry Ateel North East North Starry Ateel Southwest Bay East North Starry Ateel Southwest Bay East Starry Ateel Nortii Starry Ateel North Starry Ateel Soutliwest Bay East / North Starry Ateel Southwest Bay East Starry Ateel Southwest Bay North . . East Starry Ateel N orth East Southwest Bay North East Starry Ateel North East Starry Ateel Southwest Bay East Starry Ateel North East Starry Ateel East North East North Starry Ateel Soutliwest Bay Killed for natives' food. Total Seals killed for natives' food. Pups. 2,000 2,000 Bache- lors. Skins ac- cepted. Skins re- jected. Seals killed for skins for lessees. Bache- lors. 140 26 49 162 81 175 98 61 140 188 405 300 212 261 860 349 701 261 629 500 337 805 400 560 643 981 454 431 245 641 300 574 274 718 367 300 610 1,412 482 1,332 600 583 770 575 1, 171 400 COO 320 703 300 400 252 35U 85 200 227 Skins ac- cepted. 140 26 49 162 81 175 98 61 140 188 405 300 212 261 860 349 701 261 629 500 337 805 400 560 643 981 454 431 245 641 300 574 274 718 367 300 610 1,412 482 1, 332 600 583 770 575 1,171 400 600 320 703 300 400 252 350 85 200 227 Skins re- jected. 25, 000 I 25. 000 Total killed for all pur- poses. 140 26 49 162 81 175 98 61 140 188 405 300 212 261 860 349 701 261 629 500 337 805 400 560 643 981 454 431 245 641 300 574 274 718 367 300 010 1,412 482 1, 332 600 583 770 575 1,171 400 600 320 703 300 400 252 350 85 200 227 2,000 27, 000 TOTALS FOE ST. PAUL AND ST. GEORGE ISLANDS. Island. Seals killed for natives' food. Seals killed for skins for lessees. Total of bachelors killed, accepted, and rejected. Grand total killed Pups. Bache- lors. Skins ac- cepted. Skins re- jected. Bache- lors. Skins ac- cepted. Skins re- jected' Bache- lors. Skins ac- cepted. Skins re- jected. for all pur- poses. St. Paul St. Georiie . . 5,121 2,000 6,916 5,365 1, 551 69, 782 25, 000 69, 576 206 76, 698 25,000 25,000 74, 941 25, 000 1,757 ! 81,819 i 27,000 Total 7, J 21 6,916 5,365 1,551 94,782 94,576 j 206 : 101, 698 99, 941 j 1, 757 j 108, 819 H. Doc. 92- -24 370 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. Tables sliowing in detail all TcilUng of fur seals, etc, — Continued. 1873. ST. PAUL ISLAND. - Kookery. Seals killed for natives' food. Seals killed for skins for lessees. Total killed Date. Pups. Bache- lors. Skins ac- cepted. Skins re- jected. Bache- lors. Skins ac- cepted. Skins re- jected. for all pur- poses. May 23 Reef 193 188 5 103 23 Sontlivrest Bay 104 96 8 104 June 3 Reef and ToLstoi 803 703 920 2,597 1,666 2,029 3, 243 1,770 677 465 3,946 652 3,412 1,803 3,159 2,210 1,147 5,020 1,848 2,337 1,938 2,212 710 1,510 2,494 6,278 925 1,248 1,547 1, 561 929 1,047 5,696 754 796 700 916 2,445 1,656 2, 016 3,242 1,758 663 4.55 3,910 650 3,410 1,787 3,137 2,191 1, 142 5,020 1,838 2,322 1,927 2,194 694 1,502 2,485 6,276 917 1,228 1,540 1,553 925 1,044 5,696 7 3 4 152 10 13 803 703 920 2,597 1.666 0 090 4 Southwest Bay - - - 6 Reef and Tolstoi 10 Southwest Bay and Eng- lisli Bay 11 Reef and Zoltoi 13 Tolstoi and English Bay 13 Northeast Point 1 -.. 1 ; 3,243 12 ! 1, 770 14 677 1»> Tolstoi i 16 Lukannon 1 16 Reef I 10 465 18 SouthwestBayand Eng- lish Bay 36 3 946 21 Zoltoi . . .. 2 '• 652 21 Northeast Point 2 . S 119 23 Tokstoi and English Bay. English Bay 16 22 19 1 803 24 '"" 3 159 26 Reef and T^jlstoi 9' 910 27 Zoltoi and Lukannon. 1 5 ■ 1147 27 Northeast Point 1 i 5' 020 30 Tolstoi 10 ' 1 848 July 1 2 Lukannon and Zoltoi 15 ' 2' 337 Tolstoi 11 1 938 3 Zoltoi 18 2 ''12 5 do 16 710 8 Zoltoi and Tolstoi i 8 1 1 510 9 do 9 2 494 g Northeast Point ... - - 2 6 278 14 Tolstoi 8 • 925 15 Zoltoi 20 1 248 16 do ...... ..I........ 7 ! l'.547 17 English Bay 1 8 4 3 1 561 18 Zoltoi 929 19 Lukannon, Ki-tova, and Zoltoi 1 fli? 19 Northeast Point i V^ fiflfi 21 English Bay T.'iS 1 2 7.54 22 Lukannon and Ketova.. 1,979 1.9'>fi • .5H ; 1 979 23 do 446 2,727 446 2, 725 446 24 Northeast Point 2 2 727 Aug. 4 13 Zoltoi 179 168 95 173 144 fin 6 24 30 83 72 84 122 10 104 78 145 179 . . do 168 20 do .... 95 20 Lukannon . 155 72 119 47 109 25 122 10 104 , 80 2 154 : 9 155 Sept. 1 9 Zoltoi • 119 do 109 29 .. . do 122 :i0 Southwest Bav ::::::::::::: 10 Oct. 8 Jvetova. 104 16 do 80 21 Zoltoi 15t Nov. For natives' food Reef 5, 489 5,489 Doc. 9 231 135 267 242 96 25 231 30 Garbotch----,- . .. 267 Total 5, 489 j 2, 090 1, 198 892 74, 408 73, 884 524 81, 987 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 371 Tables shounng in detail all killing of fur seals, etc. — Continued. 1873. ST. GEORGE ISLAND. Date. June July Rookery. North Starry Ateel Southwest Bay East and Starry Ateel. . Southwest Bay North ', Southwest Bay ; North and Starry Ateel. • Southwest Bay East '- ' Starry Ateel and North . Southwest Bay East ■- Southwest Bay Starry Ateel and North . East Southwest Bay Starry Ateel and North. Southwest Bay East Starry Ateel Southwest Bay East Starry Ateel Sou tli west Bay East Starry Ateel and North. East Southwest Bay Starry Ateel and Nortli . East Southwest Bay Starry Ateel and North. East Southwest Bay Starry Ateel and North. East '. Southwest Bay Starry Ateel East ■ Southwest Bay Starry Ateel East Pups killed for food Total. Seals killed for natives' food. Pups. Bache- lors. Skins ac- cepted. 2,190 ,190 Skins re- jected. Seals killed for skins for lessees. Bache- lors. 198 240 285 190 275 300 521 378 174 313 596 870 180 499 195 241 301 493 310 168 332 564 592 517 743 616 690 974 602 474 345 337 480 1,097 913 1,359 1,810 513 889 1,710 600 588 1,528 25, 000 Skins ac- cepted. 198 240 285 190 275 300 521 378 174 313 596 870 180 499 195 241 301 493 310 168 332 564 592 517 743 616 690 974 602 474 345 337 480 1,097 913 1,359 1,810 513 889 1,710 600 588 1,528 25, 000 Skins re- jected. Total killed for all pur- poses. 198 240 285 190 275 300 521 378 174 313 596 870 180 499 195 241 301 493 310 168 332 564 592 517 743 616 690 974 602 474 345 337 480 097 913 359 810 513 889 710 600 588 528 190 27, 190 TOTAL FOR ST. PAUL AND ST. GEORGE ISLANDS. Island. Seals killed for natives' food. Seals killed for skins for lessees. Total of hachelors killed, accepted, and rejected. Grand total killed Pups. Bache- lors. Skins ac- cepted. Skins re- jected. Bache- lors. Skins ac- cepted. Skins re- jected. Bache- lors. Skins ac- cepted. Skins re- jected. for all pur- poses. St. Paul St. George 5,489 2,190 2,090 1,198 892 74, 408 25, 000 73, 884 25, 000 524 76, 498 25, 000 75, 082 25, 000 1,416 81, 987 27, 190 Total 7,679 2,090 1,198 892 99, 408 98, 884 524 101, 498 100, 082 1,416 109, 177 372 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. Tables showinf/ in detail all killing of fur seals, etc. — Continued. 1874. ST. PAUL ISLAND. Kookery. Seals killed for natives' food. Seals killed for skins for lessees. Total killed Date. Pups. Bache- lors. Skins ac- cepted. Skins re- jected. Bache- lors. Skins ac- cepted. Skins re- jected. for all pur- poses. Apr. 27 May 6 Northea.st Point 14 400 340 aoi 217 "'"'466' 333 300 216 14 10 Southwest Bay 404 ■ 19 Reef 7 1 1 340 25 do 301 30 do 217 June 3 Southwest Bay 2,395 538 556 4,062 639 1,898 634 540 1, 982 622 4,737 891 2,689 474 3,419 3,033 7,217 3, 982 3,270 1,921 1,321 8.172 1,212 2,209 2, 621 1,538 538 3,014 1,564 2,702 1,987 1,580 432 3,367 1,664 2,169 475 1,099 668 533 4,004 2,391 538 556 4, 062 638 1,897 634 540 1,982 620 4,724 889 4 i 1 2 13 9 2 395 3 Reef .' 538 4 Tolstoi and English Bay. Northeast Point 556 6 4 062 8 Reef and Zoltoi 639 9 Southwest Bay and Kng- liah Bay 1 898 10 Tolstoi 634 11 Reef and Garbotch 540 13 Southwest Bay and Eng- lish Bay 1 982 13 Tolstoi..' 622 13 Northeast Point 4 737 15 Reef and Zoltoi ' aoi 17 English Bay and Tolstoi. Zoltoi 2 689 i 1 "> fi80 17 474 3,415 3,033 7,212 3,977 3,268 1,913 1,321 8,129 1,212 2,208 2,616 1,537 536 ........ .., V.V... 474 19 Southwest and English bays 4 a 41Q 20 Zoltoi and Lukannon 5' 5 2 8 43 i' 5 1 9 3 033 20 Northeast Point 7 217 23 Zoltoi and Lukannon ! 3 9*2 25 English Bay 3 270 26 Reef and Zoltoi 1 1 921 27 Ketova and Lukannon . . 1 3''1 27 Northeast Point 8 172 30 Zoltoi and Tolstoi 1 212 July 1 English Bay and Tolstoi. Reef, Zoltoi, and Lukan- non 2,209 3 1 2 621 3 Tolstoi I 1 538 4 538 4 Zoltoi ' ... ! 3 014 1 3 014 6 English Bay '. . - : 1,564 2,702 1,987 1,580 432 3,367 1,664 1 564 8 English BaV and Tolstoi. 2,702 9 Zoltoi ' 1 987 9 Tolstoi and Lukannon. . . 1, 580 10 Zoltoi 432 10 Northeast Point 3 367 13 Tolstoi and Lukannon . . . ::::::;:i:::::: 1,664 14 English Bay 2 169 ' 2 169 15 Zoltoi 475 1.094 668 527 4,004 'dT.'i 16 Lukannon and Ketova . . 5 1 099 16 Zoltoi 6 668 17 Lukannon < . . 533 17 Northeast Point 4,004 23 Tolstoi 1 . . . . 130 167 112 107 131 89 201 197 163 174 179 175 236 127 165 112 104 124 74 122 91 108 117 44 118 196 3 2 130 28 Zoltoi 1 167 Aug. 3 do ! 112 10 do 3 7 15 79 106 55 57 135 57 40 107 17 do 131 26 do 89 201 197 31 do 1 Sept. 7 do 16 do 163 25 do 174 Oct. 1 do ........ 179 19 Reef 175 29 do 236 Nov. — Pups for natives Reef 4, 897 4,897 Dec. 17 i,54i 1,474 67 1 541 Total 4,897 4,874 4,225 649 88, 368 88, 258 110 98 139 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 373 Date. June 1 8 11 12 14 16 18 22 23 27 29 July 1 8 9 14 15 16 18 20 22 24 24 Tables showing in detail all Ulling of fur seals, (;8 do 517 405 405 405 July 1 2 East 644 930 1,433 793 1,333 328 1.025 1,892 1,290 1,577 1,291 644 930 1,433 793 1,333 328 1,025 1,892 1,290 1,577 1,291 614 930 4 1,433 g East 793 10 North and Starry AteeL Soutliwest Bav 1,333 12 328 13 1,025 15 East • ... 1,892 17 1, 290 19 North and Starry Ateel. East ' 1,577 21 1,291 21 Killed for food to Mav 19 1879 1,127 811 316 1,127 do ... 1 500. 1,500 Total 1,500 1, 532 1, 216 316 i 17.772 17, 772 20, 804 380 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. Tables shoiving in detail all killing of fur seals, etc. — Continued. TOTAL FOE. ST. PAUL AND ST. GEORGE ISLANDS. Seals killed for natives' food. Seals killed for skins for lessees. Total of bachelors killed, accepted, and rejected. Total killed Island. Pups. Bache- lors. Skins ac- cepted. Skins re- jected. Bache- lors. Skins ac- cepted. Skins re- jected. Bache- lors. Total skins ac- cepted. Total skins re- jected. for all pur- poses. St. Paul St. George 5,206 1,500 4,718 1,532 3,632 1,216 1,086 316 78, 595 17, 772 78, 570 17,772 25 83, 313 19, 304 82, 202 18, 988 1,111 316 88, 519 20, 804 Total 6,706 6,250 4,848 1,402 96, 367 96, 342 25 102, 617 101, 190 1,427 109, 323 1879. ST. PAUL ISLAND. Date. May 19 26 June 2 7 9 10 11 12 13 14 16 17 18 19 20 21 16 17 18 19 20 23 24 25 26 27 28 23 24 25 26 27 30 1 2 3 4 5 June 30 1 2 3 July Rookery. Southwest and English bays Reef do English, Southwest Bay, and Tolstoi , Reef. Halfway Point Southwest and English bays Tolstoi Reef, Zoltoi, and Ketova. Southwest Bay and Mid- dle HiU.....' Halfway Point Southwest Bay and Mid- dle Hill. ... .■ , Reef, Ketova, and Zoltoi. Southwest Bay and Eng- lish Bay....' Tolstoi and Middle Hill. Reef, Ketova, Lukannon Northeast Point ....do do do do Tolstoi and Middle HiU. Southwest Bay and Eng- glish Bay Reef, Zoltoi, Ketova Tolstoi, Middle Hill, English Bay, and Zoltoi Halfway Point Ketova, Reef, Lukannon, Zoltoi Northeast Point do do do do Tolstoi and Middle Hill. English Bay Lukannon and Zoltoi Zoltoi and Middle Hill.. English Bay Lukannon and Ketova.. Northeast Point do do do Seals killed for natives' food. Pups. Bache- lors. Skins ac- cepted. Skins re- jected. 278 525 274 .518 Seals killed for .skius for lessees. Bache- lors. 162 1,627 434 1,188 1,462 498 730 997 522 1,331 914 1,110 1,176 1,053 1,528 966 1,860 1,745 1,289 2, 300 1,822 1,995 1,542 1,940 1,206 1,550 1,414 1,339 1,074 1,665 2,617 2,148 1,885 1,932 2,106 1,168 2,524 1,628 866 1,998 Skins Skins re- cepted. jected. 162 1,627 434 1,188 1,462 498 730 997 522 1.331 914 110 176 053 528 966 860 745 289 300 822 995 542 940 206 550 414 339 074 665 617 148 885 932 106 168 524 628 866 1,988 Total killed for all pur- poses. 278 525 162 1,627 434 1,188 1, 462 498 730 997 522 1,331 914 1,110 1,176 1,053 1,528 966 1,860 1,745 1,289 2, 300 1,822 1,995 1,542 1,940 1,206 1,550 1,414 1,339 1,074 1, 665 2,617 2,148 1,885 1,932 2,106 1,168 2, 524 1,628 866 1,988 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. Tables showing in detail all killing of fur seals, ek.— Continued. 1879. ST. PAUL ISLAND— Continued. 381 Date. July 4 7 9 10 7 8 9 10 14 15 16 16 25 Aug. 2 2 11 20 27 28 Sept. 5 8 9 18 18 18 18 29 29 29 Oct. 7 20 29 30 31 31 Nov. 3 3 5 5 10 13 27 Dec. 6 10 26 26 Rookery. Northeast Point Zoltoi and Middle Hill. . . Zoltoi, Ketova, and Lii- kannon Zoltoi and Ketova ....do Northeast Point do do ....do Zoltoi Zoltoi and Ketova Middle Hill, Lukannon, and Tolstoi ....do Zoltoi Northeast Point Zoltoi do do Specimens Zoltoi Southwest Bay Zoltoi Northeast Point , Zoltoi Halfway Point Southwest Bay Northeast Point Zoltoi Southwest Bay Northeast Point Ketova Lukannon do do Ketova do Lukannon do Garbotch do do Reef do Garbotch Eeef Northeast Point Southwest Bay Total. Seals killed for natives' food. Pups. 544 335 999 107 1,153 31 1,466 79 356 Bache- lors. 278 13 273 195 206 18 203 184 16 174 2 5 4 198 6 7 109 263 260 172 1,206 1,308 62 5 5,071 5,970 Skins ac- cepted. 278 13 237 171 121 70 162 845 1,144 62 3,898 Skins re- jected. Seals killed for skins for lessees. Bache- lors. 2,077 1,528 1,920 983 948 2,418 1,264 1,519 398 2, 652 1,233 2,882 157 36 24 85 18 200 184 16 174 2 5 4 198 6 7 109 263 190 10 361 164 2,072 77, 280 Skins ac- cepted. 2,077 1,528 1,920 983 948 2,418 1,264 1,519 398 2,652 1,233 2,882 1.57 Skins re- jected. Total killed for all pur- poses. 77,280 88,221 2,077 1,528 1,920 983 948 2,418 1,264 1,519 398 2, 652 1,233 2,882 157 278 13 273 195 206 18 203 1 184 16 174 2 5 4 198 6 7 109 263 544 335 999 107 1,153 31 1,466 79 356 260 172 1,206 1,308 62 5 ST. GEORGE ISLAND. June 3 10 11 12 13 16 17 19 20 20 23 23 25 25 27 North East Southwest Bay Starry Ateel Southwest Bay East Southwest Bay Starry Ateel and North. East" Southwest Bay North and Starry Ateel . Southwest Bay East Southwest Bay do 69 450 105 413 372 445 502 755 473 434 515 576 888 524 287 445 105 413 372 445 498 755 473 430 515 574 882 522 286 69 450 105 413 372 445 502 755 473 434 515 576 888 524 287 382 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. Tables showing in detail all killing of fur seals, etc. — Continued. 1879. ST. GEOEGE ISLAND— Continued. Date. June 27 30 July 3 3 4 5 7 8 14 16 16 24 28 Aug. 6 19 Sept. 1 23 Oct. 2 15 Nov. 3 8 8 Dec. 6 Eookery. North and Starry Ateel. East North and Starry Ateel. Southwest Bay do North Seals killed for natives' food. Pups. Bache- lors. East North and Starry Ateel -j East ! North South vrest Bay do Skins ac- cepted. North . do. do do do do do do do Killed for food Southwest Bay and Star- ry Ateel Total. 1,506 1,506 8 63 48 68 54 47 58 48 18 318 113 843 Skins re- jected. 8 62 48 18 315 113 564 68 54 47 58 48 279 Seals killed for skins for lessees. Bache- lors. 1,179 1,595 1,414 849 351 535 1,775 1,263 1,840 863 1,369 Skins ac- cepted. 1,176 1,584 1.412 849 351 535 1,738 1,261 1,836 863 1,369 19, 841 Skins re- jected. 19, 758 3 11 2 37 2 4 83 Total killed for all pur- poses. 1,179 1,595 1,414 849 351 535 1,775 1,263 1; 840 863 1,369 8 63 48 68 54 47 58 48 18 318 1,506 113 22, 190 TOTAL FOR ST. PAUL AND ST. GEORGE ISLANDS. Seals killed for natives' food. Seals kUled for skins for lessees. Total of bachelors killed, accepted, and rejected. Total killed Island. Pups. Bach- elors. Skins ac- cepted. Skins re- jected. Bache- lors. Skins ac- cepted. Skins re- jected. Bache- lors. Total skins ac- cepted. Total skins re- jected. for all pur- poses. St. Paul St. George 5,071 1,506 5,970 843 3,898 564 2,072 279 77, 280 19,841 77, 280 19, 75S '""83" 83, 250 20, 684 81, 178 20, 322 2,072 362 88, 321 22, 190 Total 6,577 ■6,813 4,462 2,351 97, 721 97,038 83 103,934 101, 500 2,434 110,511 1880. ST. PAUL ISLAND. Rookery. Seals killed for natives' food. Seals killed for skins for lessees. Total killed Date. Pups. Bache- lors. Skins ac- cepted. Skins re- jected. Bache- lors. Skins ac- cepted. Skins re- jected. for all pur- poses. May 14 22 22 June 1 g fiftntliTTfiQt. Rav 209 225 19 206 225 19 3 209 Keef 225 19 iieef 216 1,497 926 889 763 1,204 216 1,496 926 884 762 1.204 i 5' 1 216 1,497 g Reef 926 11 12 English Bay and Tolstoi . Southwest Bay and Eng- 889 763 14 Halfway Point ,. 1,204 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. Table showing in detail all Jcilling of fur seals, etc. — Coutiuueil. 1880. ST. PAUL ISLAND-Continued. 383 Rookery. Seals killed for natives ' food. Seals kiUed for skins for lessees. Total killed Date. Pups. Bache- lors. Skins ac- cepted . Skins re- jected. Bache- lors. Skins ac- cepted. Skins re- jected. for all pvir- poses. June 15 Reef and Zoltoi 765 990 703 1,619 802 5,279 1,459 1,035 1,702 1,437 2,582 1,062 6,202 1,516 1,743 2,297 1,622 2,374 1,386 7,167 789 651 1,577 1,654 2,221 1,428 1,221 7,073 817 1,763 2,640 1,834 2,461 534 763 990 703 1,618 801 5,277 1,459 1,035 1,701 1,437 2,580 1,062 6,201 1,514 1,743 2,297 1, 621 2,373 1,386 7,167 789 651 1,577 1,654 2,218 1,426 1,221 7,073 817 1, 763 2,638 1,834 2,461 534 2 i' 1 2 i 2 1 2 i' 1 3 2 2 765 16 Zapadnie and English Bay I 090 17 Ketova, Zoltoi, and Reef. 703 18 Tolstoi and English P.ay. Engli.sh Bay and Middle Hill 1,619 19 802 39/ 21 jSTorthcast Point 5,279 Halfway Point 1 4.'i9 22 KetovaC Zoltoi, and Reef. Tolstoi and Middle Hill. Reef, Zoltoi, and Ketova . English Bay and Middle Hill ' 1 035 23 1,702 24 1,437 25 2,582 26 Ketova, Zoltoi, and Reef. Northeast Point 1,062 21 \ 6 202 26; 28 Halfway Point 1,516 29 Ketova, Lukannon, and Zoltoi 1,743 30 Tolstoi and Middle Hill. do 2, 297 July 1 1 622 2 English Bay and Middle Hill 2,374 3 Ketova, Zoltoi, and Reef. Kortheast Point 1,386 3 7 167 5 Halfway Point 789 5 Lukannon and Ketova . . 651 6 Tolstoi 1,577 7 Tolstoi and Lukannon . . . 1,654 8 Zoltoi, Reef, Lukannon, and Ketova 2,221 9 Tolstoi. Lukannon, and Middle Hill 1,428 10 Zoltoi, Ketova, and Lu- kannon 1,221 ton Xortheast Point 7,073 10) 12 Zoltoi, Ketova, and Lu- kannon 817 13 Tolstoi and English Bay. 1,763 14 Reef, Zoltoi, Lukannon, and Ketova 2,640 15 English Bay 1,834 16 Middle Hill and Lukan- non 2,461 17 Zoltoi 534 28 Northeast Point . .. 43 228 218 253 160 189 195 239 227 260 193 43 228 218 235 116 60 43 30 Halfway Point 228 31 Zoltoi 218 Aug. ] 1 19 do 18 44 189 195 239 227 260 133 253 do 160 28 do 189 Sept. 8 18 do 1 195 do ,.!..__.. 239 30 do 227 Oct. 12 Lukannon 1 -..-....'- 260 25 English Bay 193 Nov.2, 3/ 5,6\ Lukannon, Reef, and Ke- tova 4,410 3 / 4 410 Dec. 6, 8 Reef 1,173 13 82 270 270 1,123 13 82 217 263 50 1,176 9 South w'est Bay 13 24 l^ortheast Point . 82 Kov. ]1 Middle Hill 53 7 270 29 English Bay 270 Total 1 4,413 4. 4fifi i 3,048 1.418 75, 900 75, 872 28 84, 779 1 384 ALASKA INDUSTEIES. Table showing in detail all hilling of fur seals, c/c.— Continued. ISSO. ST. GEORGE ISLAND. Eookery. Seals killed for natives" food. Seals 1 1( Bache- lors. filled for skins )r lessees. Skins Skins ac- re- cepted. jected. Total kUled Date. Pui)S. Bache- lors. Skins ac- cepted. Skins re- jected. for all pur- poses. May 18 26 jjorth 14 23 14 23 14 StaiTv Ateel . . 23 Xortn . 82 338 504 352 738 254 559 599 223 1,183 518 814 839 1,322 1,770 846 808 392 956 961 515 1,483 1,814 949 28 81 333 562 351 734 254 557 596 223 1,182 518 811 833 1, 320 1, 764 843 808 392 954 961 515 1, 481 1,810 947 1 5 2 1 4 2 3 i s' 6 2 6 3 82 g East . --- 338 12 564 14 East . ;:::::::::::;:;; 352 15 Southwest Bav .... 738 17 do 254 17 North and Starry Ateel. East 559 19 599 19 Soil til wftst Rav 223 21 TJorth and Starrv Ateel 1 1,183 22 Southwest 15a v ' 518 23 East 814 25 Southwest Bav 839 25 North and Starry Ateel . Ea.st 1,322 28 1,770 29 846 30 808 July 1 North 392 East 1 2 2 4 2 28 956 2 961 5 North and Starry Ateel. East ' 515 6 1,483 7 . - - . 1,814 9 East 949 During thesea.son there 28 16 North 72 7 8 60 51 226 40 35 47 62 1 72 7 72 17 2apadnie do 7 90 8 8 28 North 60 51 215 27 31 i' 60 Aug. 6 11 do 51 11 13 4 47 62 226 Sept. 1 2 North 40 35 27 Korth 47 Oct. 5 28 do 62 do 500 765 30 501 Nov 1 do 765 9 30 18 10 30 16 10 30 16 10 Dec 1 East 35 65 3 1 16 Total 1,330 702 565 137 18, 907 18, 830 77 20, 939 TOTAL FOR ST. PAUL AND ST. GEORGE ISLANDS. Island. Seals kiUed fornatives' food. Seals killed for skins for lessees. Total of bachelors killed, accepted, and rejected. Total killed for all pur- poses. Pups. Bache- lors. Skins ac- cepted Skins re- jected. Bache- lors. Skins ac- cepted. Skins re- jected. Bache- lors. Skins ac- cepted. Skins re- jected. St. Paul.. St. George 4,413 1, 330 4,466 702 3,048 565 1,418 137 75, 900 18, 907 75, 872 18, 830 28 77 80, 366 19,609 78, 920 19, 395 1,446 214 84, 779 20, 939 Total 5,743 5,168 3, 613 1,555 95, 807 94, 702 105 99, 975 98, 315 1,660 105,718 u... ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 385 Tables shotving in detail all Ulling of fur seals, etc. — Continued. 1881. ST. PAUL ISLAND. Date. Jan. 1-3 May 4 14 29 June 6 7 9 10 14 15 16 17 18 20 21 22 23 24 25 27 28 29 30 July 1 2 4 5 6 7 8 9 12 13 14 15 16 18 19 20 27 18-29 Aug. 5 Kookery. Tolstoi and Reef Additional skins found on recount Additional skins found in salt Keef Reef and Zoltoi Southwest and English Bay and Tolstoi Zoltoi Seals killed for natives' food. Pups. Halfway Point Zoltoi." Southwest and English Bay and Tolstoi Zoltoi, Reef, andLukan- non Halfway Point Tolstoi Zoltoi and Lukannon Tolstoi, Middle Hill, Northeast Point English Bay, Middle Hill, Tolstoi, North- east Point Reef and Zoltoi Halfway Point, Middle Hill, English Bay, Tolstoi Middle Hill, Lukannon, Zoltoi, and Reef Middle Hill, English Bay, Tolstoi, North- east Point English Bay, Southwest Bay, and Northeast Point Lukannon, Zoltoi, and Northeast Point English Bay, Middle Hill, Northeast Point. . Tolstoi and Lukannon., Halfway Point English Bay, Middle Hill, Tolstoi, North- east Point Zoltoi, Ketova, North- east Point Southwest Bay, English Bay, Northeast '''oint. Zoltoi, Tolstoi, Middle Hill, Northeast Point. Halfway Point, North- east Point English Bav, Middle Hill, and Tolstoi Zoltoi, Tolstoi, Lukannon English Bay, Middle Hill English Bay and South- west Bay English Bay, Middle Hill, Tolstoi, Zoltoi, Ketova, and Lukannon Zoltoi,Ketova(711), North east Point; food (16)... Middle HiU, Tolstoi, Zol- toi, Ketova, and Lukan- non English Bay, Middle Hill, Tolstoi Tolstoi, Zoltoi, Ketova, and Lukannon Zoltoi Northeast Point Zoltoi Bache- lors. 1,058 3 165 Skins ac- cepted. 1,041 3 160 Skins re- jected. 16 202 38 224 16 202 38 224 17 Seals killed for skins for lessees. Bache- lors. 423 1,250 127 474 196 2, 887 724 539 1,229 1,614 4,103 3,649 1,164 3,082 1,275 2,043 3,318 2,967 4,596 3,358 943 3,758 1,949 4,853 3,421 2,269 2,631 3,075 1,782 1,473 3,561 711 2,455 2,301 2,536 Skins ac- cepted. 421 1,247 127 474 195 2,386 723 539 1,225 1,614 4,102 3,643 1,163 3,076 1,275 2,043 3,316 2,967 4,594 3,358 943 3,757 1,949 4, 851 3,414 2,269 2,630 3,073 1,778 1,471 3,558 709 2,449 2,300 2,530 Skins re- jected. Total killed for all pur- poses. 1,058 8 3 165 423 1,250 127 474 196 2,387 724 539 1,229 1,614 4,103 3,649 1,164 3,082 1,275 2,043 3,318 2,967 4,596 3,358 943 3,758 1,949 4,853 3,421 2,269 2,631 3,075 1,782 1,473 3,561 727 2,455 2,301 2,536 202 38 224 H. Doc. 92- -25 386 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. Tables showing in detail all killing of fur seals, etc. — Continued. 1881. ST. PAUL ISLAND— Continued. Kookery. Seals killed for natives' food. Seals killed for skins for leasees. Total killed Date. Pups. Bache- lors. Skins ac- cepted. Skins re- jected. Bache- lors. Skins ac- cepted. Skins re- jected. for all pur- poses. Aug. 16 17 Zoltoi 276 10 6 240 7 249 11 205 213 216 227 209 683 494 562 1,022 1,294 247 10 6 """iso' 679 490 461 1,018 1,285 29 276 Northeast Point. . . . 10 20 do 6 26 Zoltoi 240 7 249 11 205 213 216 227 29 4 4 1 4 9 240 29 Northeast Point.- - 7 Sept. 6 17 Zoltoi 249 Northeast Point 11 19 Zoltoi 205 28 Zoltoi (208), Northeast Point (5) 213 Oct. 10 Zoltoi (211), Northeast Point (5) 216 25 Zoltoi, Northeast Point- . 227 Nov. 5 Tolstoi 209 16 Middle Hill 683 17 Tolstoi 494 21 Middle Hill 462 Dec. 7 Southwest Bay 1,022 9 Keef ! 1,294 Total 1 7, 538 fi 068 1,470 76, 236 76, 169 67 83, 774 ST. GEOEGE ISLAND. May 21 31 North 32 55 32 55 32 do 55 June 9 Starry Ateel, East, and North 612 920 498 622 445 1,030 518 553 815 1,119 1,034 1,378 1,182 476 1,356 363 1,310 498 771 1,715 592 1,639 611 916 494 615 445 1,022 515 553 814 1,117 1,031 1,371 1,179 476 1,350 362 1,300 498 769 1,705 590 1,627 1 4 4 7 8 3 i 2 3 7 3 e' 1 10 2 10 2 12 612 13 do 920 15 Zapadnie 498 16 Starrv Ateel,North,East do 622 20 445 21 East and Zapadnie 1,030 23 Starry Ateel, North, Zapadnie 518 24 East 553 27 Starry Ateel and North 815 28 East and Zapadnie 1 119 30 Zapadnie, Starry Ateel, and North -.... 1,034 July 1 4 East 1,378 Starry Ateel and North. 1,182 6 Zapadnie 476 7 East 1,356 8 Starry Ateel and North. 363 11 East 1,310 12 Starry Ateel 498 12 Zapadnie. 771 14, 15 East 1,715 14 Zapadnie 592 16 East, North, and Starry Ateel 1,639 26 IJorth 43 45 57 92 52 52 65 88 68 50 43 45 57 91 46 32 43 30 do 45 Aug. 9 15 do 57 do 1 6 20 65 88 68 50 92 26 do 52 Sept. 3 13 do 52 do 65 24 East 88 Oct. 3 North 68 22 East 50 Nov. 2 North 559 472 559 10 do 472 30 Starry Ateel 113 108 5 303 113 Total 1,031 812 509 19, 446 19, 360 86 21, 289 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 387 Tables showing in detail all killing of fur seals, etc. — Continued. 1881. TOTAL FOE ST. PAUL AND ST. GEOKGE ISLANDS. Seals killed for natives' food. Seals killed for skins for lessees. Total of bachelors killed, accepted, and rejected. Total killed Island. Pups. Bache- lors. Skins ac- cepted. Skins re- jected. Bache- lors. Skins ac- cepted. Skins re- jected. Bache- lors. Total skins ac- cepted. Total skins re- jected. for all pur- poses. St. Paul 7,538 812 6,068 509 1,470 303 76, 236 19, 446 76, 169 19, 360 67 86 83, 774 20, 258 82, 226 19, 869 1,537 389 83, 774 St. George 1,031 21, 289 Total 1,031 8,350 6,577 1,773 95, 682 95, 529 153 104, 032 102, 095 1,926 105, 063 1883. ST. PAUL ISLAND. Date. Jan. 12 Feb. 8 10 May 22 31 June 2 7 8 10 12 13 13 14 16 17 19 20 21 22 23 24 26 27 28 29 30 July 1 3 Rookery. Eeef ...do ....do Tolstoi Reef Southwest Bay, Middle Hill, and Tolstoi Sojithwest Bay Zoltoi and Reef Tolstoi and Reef Southwest Bay and Northeast Point Halfway Point Northeast Point Southwest Bay and Tol- stoi Halfway Point, Reef, and Tolstoi Southwest Bay and Tol- stoi Ketova, Reef, Zoltoi, and Northeast Point Southwest Bay and Northeast Point English Bay, Tolstoi, Northeast Point Ketova, Reef, Zoltoi, Northeast Point Halfway Point, North- east Point Middle Hill, Tolstoi, Northeast Point Southwest Bay and Northeast Point English Bay, Middle Hill, Northeast Point. Eeef, Tolstoi, Northeast Point Middle Hill, Tolstoi, Northeast Point Halfway Point, Lukan- non. Northeast Point. Reef, Northeast Point . Southwest Bay and Northeast Point English Bay, Middle Hill, Northeast Point. Zoltoi, Northeast Point. Middle Hill, Zoltoi, Northeast Point English Bay, Middle Hill, Northeast Point. Halfway Point, North- east Point Seals killed for natives' food. Pups. Bache- lors. 80 103 8 126 246 Skins ac- cepted. 77 103 8 124 246 Skins re- jected. Seals killed for skins for lessees. Bache- lors. 400 849 428 488 2,223 217 366 803 1,458 1,070 1,829 3,069 1,617 2,811 2,528 1,560 3,164 3,226 4, 270 2,239 2,469 1,601 ■3, 805 2,575 3,034 1,540 2,673 2,454 Skins ac- cepted. 400 847 428 488 2,223 217 366 803 1,458 1,070 1,829 3,066 1,617 2,809 2,525 1,559 3,162 3,224 4,252 2,239 2,469 1,601 3,782 2,575 3,034 1,537 2,673 2,453 Skins re- jected. 2 3 1 2 2 18 23 Total killed for all pur- poses. 80 103 8 126 246 400 849 428 488 2,223 217 366 803 1,458 1,070 1,829 3,069 1,617 2,811 2,528 1,560 3,164 3,226 4,270 2,239 2,469 1,601 3,805 2,575 3,034 1,540 2,673 2,454 388 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. Table shoiving in detail all killing of fur seals, etc. — Continued. 1S82. ST. PAUL ISLAND— Continaed. Rookery. Seals killed for natives' food. Seals killed for skins for lessees. Total killed Date. Pups. Bache- lors. Skins ac- cepted. Skins re- jected. Bache- lors. Skins Skins ac- re- cepted. jected. for all pur- poses. July 10 Eeef, Ketova, Lukannon, Northeast Point 3,291 2,833 3,420 3,087 1,654 2,593 1,012 1,276 727 3,291 2,831 3,418 3,084 1,645 2,593 1,010 1,276 797 2 2 3 9 2 3,291 2,833 3,420 3 087 12 do 13 Southwest Bay and Northeast Point 14 English Bay, Middle Hill, Tolstoi, North- east Point 15 Lukannon, Kotova, Northeast Point 1 654. 17 English Bay, Middle Hill, Northeast Point. . 2 593 18 Zoltoi 1,012 1 276 19 Zoltoi, Lukannon, Ketova Southwest Bay 20 797 25 Zoltoi 204 19 252 226 234 191 237 227 25 201 261 166 204 19 251 103 ""iei" 377 426 481 384 398 204 27 Northeast Point 19 Aug. 4 Zoltoi 1 123 234 191 237 227 25 201 261 166 23 87 6 3 17 4 252 14 do 226 26 do 234 Sept. 4 do do 191 15 237 27 do 227 25 30 Northeast Point 1 Oct. 6 Zoltoi 201 17 do ■■■ 261 30 Reef 166 30 Northeast Point 23 248 23 Nov. 17 Middle Hill and Tolstoi. Reef 248 28 383 429 498 383 30 Tolstoi 429 Dec. 4 Reef " 498 6 do 388 j 388 12 do 400 2 ] 400 Total 5,175 3.362 1,813 74, 659 74, 581 78 79, 834 ST. GEORGE ISLAND. May 22 North 12 48 26 12 48 26 . 1 12 48 29 do 1 ........ June 6 do 26 12 Starry Ateel, North, and East 509 890 927 847 1,195 1,044 1,273 1,065 911 1,384 1,955 1,371 1,115 1,070 527 649 1,022 1,080 655 508 887 926 847 1,192 1,040 1,273 1,063 910 1,382 1,946 1,368 1,113 1,065 524 643 1,015 1,083 655 1 3 1 3' 4 2" 1 2 9 3 2 5 3 6 7 3 509 890 16 do 19 do Q97 22 do Rd.7 24 do 1 IQ"! 27 do 1,044 1 97^? 29 do July 1 do 1 065 ^ 3 do in 5 do 1 ^S4. 8 do 1 955 10 East 1 371 11 Starry Ateel and North. t 1 115 12 East 1 070 14 Starry Ateel and North . East 527 15 ;::;:::::::: 649 17 Starry Ateel and North. 1 0'''' 18 East 1 086 19 Starry Ateel and North. 655 29 North 50 40 45 34 44 46 119 19 50 31 13 28 25 " iii) 19 50 Aug. ^5 East :... 9 32 6 19 46 40 Starry Ateel 45 17 East 34 25 do 44 Sept. 15 do 46 Nov. 22 Starry Ateel 119 28 do 19 Total 483 371 112 19, 495 19, 440 55 19 978 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 389 Tables showing in detail all killing of fur seals, etc. — Continued. 1883. TOTAI, FOR ST. PAUL AND ST. GEORGE ISLANDS. Seals killed for natives' food. Seals killed for skins for lessees. Total of bachelors killed, accepted, and rejected. Total killed Island. Pups. Bache- lors. Skins ac- cepted Skins re- jected. Bache- lors. Skins ac- cepted. Skins re jected. Bache- lors. Total skins ac- cepted. Total skins re- jected. for all pur- poses. St Paul 5,175 483 3,362 371 1,813 112 74, 659 19, 495 74, 581 19, 440 78 55 79, 834 19, 978 77, 943 19,811 1,891 167 79, 834 St (reorffe 19, 978 Total None . 5,658 3,733 1,925 94, 154 94,021 1 133 \ 99, 812 97, 754 2,058 99, 812 1883. ST. PAUL ISLAND. Date. May June 26 4 6 9 11 12 13 14 15 16 18 19 20 21 22 23 18-23 25 26 27 28 29 30 25-30 July 2 4 5 6 2-9 10 12 13 14 16 17 18 Rookery. Southwest Bay Soiithwest Bay, English Bay, and Tolstoi Halfway Point Reef Southwest Bay, Middle Hill, Tolstoi Reef and Zoltoi Halfway P, int Southwest Bay and Eng- lish Bay English Bay and Tolstoi Reef and Zoltoi Southwest Bay English Bay, Middle Hill, Tolstoi , Halfway Point and Lu- kannon Reef and Tolstoi English Bay, Middle Hill, Tolstoi Reef, Zoltoi, Lukannon.. Northeast Point English Bay, Middle Hill, Tolstoi Zoltoi and Lukannon Southwest Bay and Eng- lish Bay Zoltoi, Tolstoi, Reef, Lu- kannon , English Bay, Middle Hill, Zoltoi Lukannon, Reef, Zoltoi. , Northeast Point Halfway Poi ut Southwest Bay Middle Hill and Tolstoi Zoltoi and Lukannon. . . Zoltoi, Middle Hill, Tol- stoi Zoltoi, Reef, Lukannon. MiddleHill Northeast Point English Bay, Middle Hill,Tolstoi,and Zoltoi Halfway Point, Lukan- non, Zoltoi Southwest Bay English Bay, Middle Hill, Zoltoi' do Halfway Point, Zoltoi.. Southwest Bay Seals killed for natives' food. Pups. Bache- lors. 2S0 Skins ac- cepted, 227 Skins re- jected. Seak killed for skins for lessees. Bache- lors. 592 354 177 405 352 252 490 440 341 417 735 908 972 1,401 1,078 3,279 1,428 838 1,640 1,612 1,519 1,191 5,012 1,700 2,151 1,494 2,346 1,755 939 1,164 5,066 1,923 1,659 2,444 2,136 2,060 1,116 1,876 Skins ac- cepted. 590 352 175 405 351 252 490 440 341 417 734 904 955 1,401 1,078 3,279 1,428 838 1,638 1,607 1,515 1,191 5,012 1,699 2,151 1,494 2,346 1,755 933 1,163 5,066 1,923 1,657 2,440 2,126 2,059 1,115 1,873 Skins re- jected. 4 17 2 4 10 1 1 3 Total killed for all pur- poses. 230 592 354 177 405 352 252 490 440 341 417 735 908 972 1,401 1,078 3,279 1,428 838 1,640 1,612 1,519 1,191 5,012 1,700 2,151 1,494 2,346 1,755 939 1,164 5,066 1,923 1,659 2,444 2,136 2,060 1,116 1,876 390 ALASKA INDUSTEIES. Tables showing in detail all killing of fur seals, etc, — Continued. 1883. ST. PAUL ISLAND— Continued. Kookery. Seals killed for natives' food. Seals killed for skins for lessees. Total killed Date. Pups. Bache- lors. Skins Skins ac- re- cepted. jected. Bache- lors. Skins ac- cepted. Skins re- jected. for all pur- poses. July 19 Middle Hill, Lukannon, Zoltoi 1,883 1,883 1 883 Aug. 1 10 Zoltoi 191 159 202 178 223 186 200 200 190 154 197 112 53 1 5 5 60 170 186 200 200 191 do 259 20 do 202 Sept. 1 12 do 278 do 123 24 do 286 Oct 6 do 200 20 do 200 29 Keef 1,562 536 884 1, 562 Nov 1 Ketova - - . - 536 2 Keef 884 5 do 119 134 155 84 66 420 421 66 108 155 53 26 119 15 do 134 26 do 155 27 Tolstoi 83 1 84 27 Northeast Point (to date) Reef 26 40 402 ' 18 66 Dec 12 420 19 do 421 421 Total 2,982 3,168 2,194 1 974 57, 145 57, 070 75 63, 295 ST. GEORGE ISLAND. May 26 North , 40 40 40 do 78 136 287 61 380 684 443 611 340 290 647 1,336 307 507 263 546 321 775 1,017 130 467 1,216 281 1,150 766 78 606 505 473 38 78 135 287 61 379 684 442 608 340 287 645 1,333 306 507 260 546 321 775 1,015 130 467 1,216 280 1,150 766 77 606 501 473 i' i i" 3 3' 2 3 1 3 2 i' i' 4 38 78 12 136 15 (\o .... 287 19 Starrv Ateel . 61 22 East and Starry Ateel 380 25 East, North, aiid Starry Ateel 684 28 do 443 30 do ......... ..,-.. 611 July 2 340 do 290 7 do 647 g ZaDadnie . .... 1,336 10 Liittle Kaflt and ICast . . . 307 10 ZaDaflnifi . . . . 507 11 North aud Starry Ateel . 263 12 546 13 North and Starry Ateel . Little East and East 321 16 775 17 y^anadnie 1,017 ' 17 Starry Ateel and North . Little Eaat and Eaat 130 i 18 467 19 Zanadnie .... 1,216 20 Little East and East 281 21 1,150 23 North, East, Starry Ateel...... 766 25 East ........ 78 27 Starry Ateel, North and East 606 30 do 505 31 do 473 Duriu^ the season — per- ish od OH drives 38 Aug. 13 21 East 100 50 60 54 98 45 60 54 2 5 100 50 31 Little East . 60 Sept. 14 Oct. 19 East 1 54 ..... 120 540 340 i 120 29 540 Nov. 2 North 340 19 North and Starry Ateel . Total 171 171 171 1,000 475 468 7 14, 739 14, 675 64 16,214 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 391 Tables showing in detail all hilling of fur seals, etc. — Continued. 1S83. TOTAL FOR ST. PAUL AND ST. GEOEGE ISLANDS. Island. Seals killed for natives' food. Seals killed for skins for lessees. Total of bachelors killed, accepted, and rejected. Total killed for all pur- poses. Pups. Bache- lors. Skins Skins ac- re- cepted.Jected. Bache- lors. Skins Skins ac- re- cepted. jected. Bache- lors. Skins ac- cepted. Skins re- jected. St. Paul St. George 2,982 1,000 3,168 475 2, 194 974 468 7 57, 145 14, 739 57, 070 14, 675 75 64 60, 313 15,214 59, 264 15, 143 1,049 71 63, 295 16, 214 Total 3,982 3,643 2,662 981 71, 884 71, 745 139 75, 527 74, 407 1,120 79, 509 18S4. ST. PAUL ISLAND. Date. Jan. 2 May 15 21 24 27 June 3 5 9 10 11 12 13 14 16 17 18 19 20 21 21 23 24 25 26 27 27 28 30 July 1 4 1-4 5 7 8 9 10 Rookery. Seals killed for natives' food. Pups. Reef Northeast Point (to date) do Halfway Point and Reef. Northeast Point (to date) Southwest Bay and Reef. Reef Southwest Bay, English Baj', and Zoltoi Reef'and Halfway Point. Ketova and Tolstoi Southwest Bay and Half- way Point Zoltoi, Ketova, and En- glish Bay Zoltoi and Reef Halfway Point Southwest Bay English Bay, Tolstoi, \ Reef, and Zoltoi Halfway Point English Bay and Tolstoi. Southwest Bay Zoltoi and Reef Northeast Point Halfway Point and Zoltoi Zoltoi, Reef, Lukannon, and Ketova Southwest Bay English Bay, Middle Hill, and Tolstoi Zoltoi, Reef, and Ketova. Nortlieast Point Tolstoi, Middle Hill, and Lukannon Zoltoi and Halfway Point Zoltoi, Reef, Tolstoi, and Lukannon English Bay and Middle Hill Southwest Bay, Zoltoi, Middle Hill, and Lu- kannon English Bay and Tolstoi. Northeast Point Zoltoi, Reef, and Ketova . Halfway Point Reef, Zoltoi, and Lukan- non Southwest Bay English Bay, Middle Hill, and Tolstoi Bache- lors. 177 36 20 187 15 427 Skins ac- cepted. 161 36 20 187 15 427 Skins re- jected. 16 Seals killed for skins for lessees. Bache- lors. 318 767 1,239 426 1,364 865 771 838 1,424 1,266 912 487 1,793 1,117 3,992 2,163 1,729 1,197 2,546 1,830 5,134 1,500 1,662 1,826 1,888 1,340 1,522 5,799 1,251 1,935 2,071 1,966 Skins ac- cepted. Skins re- jected. 317 767 1,238 426 1,356 864 771 837 1,421 1,266 912 486 1,786 1,115 3,977 2,163 1,724 1,194 2,528 1,827 5,134 1,500 1,662 1,824 1,884 1,336 1,512 5,799 1,249 1,934 2,067 1,966 1,920 1,915 1 7 2 15 5 3 18 3 4 10 Total killed for all pur- poses. 177 36 20 187 15 427 318 767 1,239 426 1,364 865 771 838 1,424 1,266 912 487 1,793 1,117 3,992 2,163 1,729 1,197 2,546 1,830 5,134 1,500 1,662 1,826 1,888 1,340 1,522 5,799 1,251 1,935 2,071 1,966 1,920 392 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. Tables showing in detail all killing of fur seals, etc. — Continued. 1884. ST. PAUL ISLAND— Continaed. Rookery. Seals killed for natives' food. Seals killed for skins for lessees. Total killed Date. Pups. Bache- lors. Skins ac- cepted. Skins re- jected. Bache- lors. Skins ac- cepted. Skins re- jected. for all pur- poses. July7-10 Northeast Point 3,003 3,075 2,516 2,052 1,526 1,782 1,872 5,089 2,529 1,911 3,003 3 072 .q 3,003 3,067 2,515 2,052 1 526 12 Middle HiU, Tolstoi, Lu- kannon, Zoltoi, Keef . . . 14 Halfway Pointand Zoltoi Southwest Bay 2 515 1 15 2,049 1,523 1,777 1,866 5,089 2,527 1,908 3 3 5 6 2 3 16 English Bay, Middle Sill, and Ketova 17 Zoltoi and Lukannon 1 782 18 English Bay, Tolstoi, and Middle Hill 1 872 14-18 Northeast Point 5 089 19 Middle HiU, Tolstoi, Lu- kannon, Ketova, Zol- toi, Reef 2 529 21 Middle Hill, Zoltoi, Tol- stoi, Ketova 1 911 Aug. 1 Zoltoi 198 92 80 90 78 160 147 131 189 89 65 84 57 9 3 15 6 21 160 147 131 150 142 144 115 126 14R ^ 5 do 92 12 do 80 19 do QO 26 do 78 Sept. 2 do 160 12 do 147 19 do... 131 27 do 150 ! 142 150 Oct. 6 do 142 14 Lukannon 144 115 179 53 141 22 Reef 115 30 English Bay 179 Nov. 3 Relf 1,956 785 1 956 5 do 785 10 Tolstoi 182 153 495 265 244 115 108 487 257 232 67 45 8 8 12 182 24 Reef 153 Dec. 5 do 495 6 English Bay 265 24 Relf 244 Total 2,741 3,907 2,582 1,325 82, 213 82,086 127 88, 861 ST. GEORGE ISLAND. May 21 East 15 52 15 51 15 ^ 26 North 1 52 June 4 East 119 1,222 694 585 572 592 603 578 489 289 11 71 90 1,269 973 302 465 726 996 506 111 1,222 690 581 552 582 598 556 486 287 11 71 87 1,260 971 298 465 726 990 506 8 4 4 20 10 5 22 3 2 3' 9 2 4 e 119 10 Zapadnie 1 222 12 Starry Ateel, North and East 694 16 Zapadnie 585 18 Starry Ateel, North and East 572 21 Zapadnie 592 23 Starry Ateel, North and East 603 26 Zapadnie 578 28 Starry Ateel, North and East 489 July 1 Zapadnie 289 1 ....do 11 3 Starry Ateel, North and East 71 7 Zapadnie 90 10 Starry Ateel, North and East 1, 269 12 Zapadnie 973 14 East and Little East 302 15 Starry Ateel and North. 465 16 Zapa(\nie 726 18 East and Little East 996 19 Starry Ateel and North. 506 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 393 Tables shotving in detail all killing of fur seals, etc. — Continued. 1884. ST. GEORGE ISLAND— Continued. Rookery. Seals killed for natives' fQod. Seals killed for skins for lessees. Total killed Date. PuB^. Bache- lors. Skins ac- cepted. Skins re- jected. Bache- lors. Skins ac- cepted. Skins re- jected. for all pur- poses. Julv 23 797 744 597 573 640 225 795 744 595 572 640 224 2 2" 1 l' 797 ''4 Starrv Atcel and North. 744 25 East and Little East 597 26 573 30 starry Ateel, North and East 640 Aug. 4 East 225 do 19 48 64 60 60 19 48 63 19 14 North 48 21 East 1 60 60 64 Sept. 2 15 Near 60 60 Nov. 3 do 515 482 503 515 5 ... do 482 12 do 503 26 27 27 27 Total 1,500 345 223 122 14, 728 14, 620 108 16. 573 TOTAL FOR ST. PAUL AND ST. GEORGE ISLANDS. Island. Seals killed for natives' food. Seals killed for skins for lessees. Total of bachelors killed, accepted, and rejected. Total killed for all pur- poses. Pups. Bache- lors. Skins ac- cepted. Skins re- jected. Bache- lors. Skins ac- cepted. Skins re- jected. Bache- lors. Skins ac- cepted. Skins re- jected. St. Paul St. George 2,741 1,500 3,907 345 2,582 223 1,325 122 82, 213 14, 728 82, 086 14, 620 127 108 86, 120 15, 073 84, 668 14, 843 1,452 230 88, 861 16, 573 Total 4,241 4,252 2,805 1,447 96, 941 96, 706 235 101, 193 99, 511 1,682 105, 434 1883. ST. PAUL ISLAND. Rookery. Seals killed for natives' food. Seals killed for skina for lessees. Total killed Date. Pups. Bache- lors. Skins ac- cepted. Skins re- jected. Bache- lors. Skins ac- cepted. Skins re- jected. for all pur- poses. May 19 27 Sea Lion Rock 181 141 168 136 13 5 181 Reef 141 Zoltoi 49 73 125 587 741 973 1,700 617 1,309 986 789 1,532 48 73 125 587 741 971 1,700 617 1,307 986 789 1,531 1 2" 2 i 49 6 Zoltoi and Reef 73 11 do 125 13 Tolstoi and English Bay Halfway Point ^ 587 15 741 16 Zoltoi and Reef 973 17 Southwest Bay 1,700 18 English Bay.MiddleHill, and Zoltoi 617 19 Lukannon and Halfway Point 1,309 20 Zoltoi and Reef j 986 22 Zoltoi, Reef, and Lu- kannon 789 22 Northeast Point 1,532 394 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. Tables showing in detail all killing of fur seals, etc. — Continued. 1883. ST. PAUL ISLAND— Contiuued. Rookery. .Seals killed for natives' food. Seals killed for skins for lessees. Total killed Date. Pups. Bache- lors. Skins ac- , cepted. Skins re- jected. Bache- lors. Skins ac. cepted. Skins re- jected. for all pur- poses. June 23 Halfway Point and Zol- toi 1,143 847 1,733 286 1,681 1,051 1,373 667 1,328 539 1,602 553 2, 681 1,053 1,777 1,096 1,465 631 2,134 058 976 161 1, 271 522 2,664 1,184 2,550 746 1,294 793 2,304 671 2,134 822 2,692 955 2,139 363 2,137 757 2,203 647 1,552 616 1,591 828 2,723 474 2,743 687 1, 603 631 2,498 2,215 983 1,142 847 1,733 286 1,679 1,051 1,372 667 1,328 539 1,602 553 2,681 1,053 1,773 1,096 1,465 631 2,132 658 976 161 1,271 522 2,663 1,184 2,548 746 1,292 793 2,302 671 2,132 822 2,692 955 2,138 363 2,137 757 2,201 647 1,552 616 1,590 828 2, 720 474 2,739 687 1,603 631 2,495 2,212 983 1 .....I. i" 4 2 1 2 2 2 2 i' 2 i' 3 4' 3 3 1,143 23 Northeast Point 847 24 English Bay, Southwest Bav Middle Hill . . . 1,733 24 ^Northeast Point 286 25 Reef and Lnkannon 1,681 25 1,051 26 1,373 26 ' 667 27 Lukannon, Zoltoi, and Keef i 1,328 27 539 29 Southwest Ray 1,602 29 Nort'heast Point 553 30 English Bay and Middle Hill. . 2, 681 30 Northeast Point 1,053 July 1 Keef, Lukannon, Zoltoi, and Ketova 1,777 1 ^Northeast Point 1,096 2 Tolstoi, Middle Hill, and English Bay 1,465 2 631 3 Halfway Point and Zoltoi Northeast Point 2,134 3 658 4 Lukannon and Zoltoi. . . . 1 976 4 Northeast Point i 161 6 Southwest Bay "■■| 1,271 G Northeast Point 522 7 Middle Hill, Southwest Bay and Tolstoi 2,664 Northeas' Point 1,184 8 Zoltoi, Lukannon, and Ketova 2,550 8 Northeast Point 746 9 Middle Hill and Tolstoi. 1 1,294 9 793 10 Halfway Point 2,304 10 Northeast Point 671 13 Southwest Bay 2,184 13 Northeast Point 822 14 English Bay and Tolstoi Northeast Point 2,692 14 955 15 Zoltoi 2,139 15 Northeast Point 363 16 Halfway Point and L u- kannon 2,137 16 Northeast Point 757 17 Zoltoi 2,203 17 Northeast Point 647 18 Reef, Tolstoi, and Mid- dle Hill 1,552 18 Northeast Point 616 20 Southwest Bay 1,591 20 Northeast Point 828 21 Middle Hill and English Bay 2, 723 21 Northeast Point 474 22 Zoltoi and Lukannon ' 2,743 22 Northeast Point 1 687 23 Middle Hill, English Bay, and Zoltoi 1,603 23 Northea St Poin t i 631 24 Halfway Point, Middle Hill, and Ketoya 2,498 25 English Bay, Zoltoi, Ke- toya, Middle Hill, and Lukannon Keef 2,215 27 Zoltoi, Reef, and Middle Hill 983 Aug. 3 ZoltQi 147 147 147 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. Table shoiving in detail all killing of fur seals, ea,dnie 701 12 Starry, Ateel, Near, and North 1,296 14 East 1,509 18 Zanadnit^ 1,077 19 Near, North, and Starry Ateel ...... 894 21 East .... 1,130 22 Starry Ateel and North . Near 489 Aug. 3 53 41 87 23 61 44 24 45 126 24 53 41 86 23 61 ""126 24 53 41 12 do 1 87 20 do 23 22 do 61 Sept. 5 10 44 24 45 44 24 19 do 45 Orf 9i East 126 Nov 1 742 614 766 7 do 614 Total 1,356 585 471 114 14, 727 14, 725 2 16, 668 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 401 Table showing in detail all hilling of fur seals, etc. — Continued. 1887. TOTAL FOK ST. PAUL AND ST. GEORGE ISLANDS. Island. Seals killed for natives' food. Seals killed for skins for lessees. Total of bachelors killed, accepted, and rejected. Total killed for all pur- poses. Pups. Bache- lors. Skins ac- cepted. Skins- re- jected. Bache- lors. Skins ac- cepted. Skins re- jected. Bache- lors. Skins ac- cepted. Skins re- jected. St. Paul St. George 2,177 1,356 4,207 585 3,975 471 232 114 82, 708 14, 727 82, 679 14, 725 29 2 86, 915 15, 312 86, 654 15, 196 261 116 89, 092 16, 668 Total 3,533 4,792 4,446 346 97, 435 97, 404 31 102, 227 101,850 377 105, 760 1888. ST. PAUL ISLAND. Rookery. Seals killed for natives' food. Seals killed for skins for lessees. Total killed Date. Pups. Bache- lors. Skins ac- cepted. Skins re- jected. Bache- lors. Skins ac- cepted. Skins re- jected. for all pur- poses. Jan. 25 Northeast Point 545 131 113 82 82 532 121 113 82 82 13 10 545 May 19 Tolstoi, Reef, and Sea Lion Rock 131 24 Reef 113 28 do 82 31 Northeast Point 82 June 2 Reef 121 175 342 543 587 428 789 764 1,490 490 930 1,400 1,604 801 702 565 973 1,440 870 1,158 1,509 2,005 850 911 1,180 1,098 625 1,025 964 2,071 1,413 1,188 1,439 822 1,241 1,942 446 1,491 1,609 490 121 175 342 543 584 428 788 764 1,490 490 930 1,398 1,604 799 700 565 973 1,440 870 1,158 1,509 2,005 850 911 1,180 1,098 625 1,625 964 2,071 1,413 1,188 1,439 822 1,241 1,942 446 1,491 1,609 490 3' i' 2 2' 2 121 7 Reef and Zoltoi 175 9 Tolstoi 342 11 South "we.st Bay .. 543 12 English Bay fi9n 15 Halfway Point 428 789 16 Reef and Zoltoi 18 Southwest Bay 764 1,490 490 18 Northeast Point 19 Tolstoi 19 Northeast Point 930 21 Reef and Zoltoi 1 400 21 Northeast Point 1*604 22 Halfway Point 801 23 English Bav, Tolstoi, Middle Hill 702 23 Northeast Point 565 22 do . . 1 973 25 Southwest Bay .- 1 440 25 Northeast Point 870 26 English Bay, Middle Hill, and Tolstoi 1 158 26 Northeast Point 1 .'iOQ 27 Reef, Zoltoi, Ketova, and Lukannon 2,005 850 27 Northeast Point 28 Halfway Point 911 28 Northeast Point 1 180 29 Southwest Bay 1 098 29 Northeast Point 635 1 625 30 Middle Hill,English Bay, and Tolstoi 30 Northeast Point 964 July 2 Reef and Zoltoi 2 071 2 Northeast Point 1 413 3 Halfway Point 1 188 3 Northeast Point 1 439 4 Southwest Bay 822 4 Northeast Point 1 241 5 English Bay.Tolstoi, and Lukannon 1 942 5 Northeast Point 446 6 Reef and Zoltoi 1 491 6 Northeast Point 1 609 7 Halfway Point 490 H. Doc. 92- -26 402 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. Table showing in detail all killing of fur seals, etc. — Continued. 1888. ST. PATJL ISLAND— Continued. Date. July 7 9 9 10 10 12 12 13 13 14 14 15 Ifi 16 17 17 18 18 19 19 20 20 21 21 21 23 23 24 24 25 25 26 26 27 Aug. 2 8 16 23 24 24 Sept. 6 15 22 29 Oct. 10 18 27 Nov. 3 5 7 8 9 15 26 30 Dec. 17 26 Rookery. Seals killed for natives' food. Pups. Northeast Point English Bay, Tolstoi, Lukannon,'and Middle Hill. Northeast Point Reef andZoltoi Northeast Point English Bay, Middle Hill, and Tolstoi Northeast Point Southwest Bay Northeast Point Halfway Point Northeast Point West Point Reef and Zoltoi Northeast Point English Bay and Tolstoi. Northeast Point Southwest Bay Northeast Point Halfway Point Northeast Point Reef and Zoltoi Northeast Point English Bay and Tolstoi Lagoon Northeast Point Reel, Lukannon, and Zol- toi Northeast Point Halfway Point Northeast Point English Bay, Tolstoi, and Middle Hill Northeast Point Reef, Zoltoi, andLukan- Northeast Point. .- ... Southwest Bay and Zol- toi Zoltoi do do Middle Hill and Lukan- non Zoltoi do ....do ....do ....do ....do Lukannon Middle Hill ....do Middle Hill and Zoltoi Reef do do do .-. MiddleHill Reef do Tolstoi Sea Lion Rock Bache- lors. Skins ac- cepted Total. 701 5-17 71G 154 177 140 159 364 321 19 114 100 98 98 83 98 111 126 2,178 277 111 129 206 78 3,762 Skins re- jected. 177 140 159 362 321 19 98 97 98 98 83 98 HI 126 Seals killed for skins for lessees. Bache- lors. 16 3 277 111 127 190 78 3,700 2 16 62 906 2,398 1,740 1,083 959 1,557 927 1, 337 912 773 550 481 2,004 1,038 2,055 1,328 2,216 1,004 1,410 705 2,018 646 1,157 190 742 1,269 917 347 970 1,619 1,028 1,353 650 950 Skins ac- cepted. 80, 330 906 2,398 1,740 1,082 959 1,554 927 1,337 912 773 550 480 2,004 1,038 2,054 1.328 2,216 1,004 1,410 705 2,018 646 1,157 190 742 Skins re- jected. 1,269 917 347 970 1,619 1,028 1,353 650 950 80, 314 Total killed for all pur- poses. 16 86, 270 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 403 Tables nhoichig in detail all killing of fur seals, etc. — Coutiuued. 1888. ST. GEORGE ISLAND. Kookery. Seals killed for natives' food. Seals killed for skins for lessees. Total killed Date. Pups. Bache- lors. Skins ac- cepted. Skins re- jected. Bache- lors. Skins ac- cepted. Skins re- jected. for all pur- poses. North 121 272 455 227 427 324 764 911 895 438 343 343 532 503 650 389 1,170 820 518 705 410 692 366 554 179 405 159 521 144 410 121 272 455 227 427 324 764 908 894 438 341 341 530 503 648 389 1,169 810 508 094 407 683 366 550 179 405 159 520 142 408 3' 1 2' 2 2 2' i' 10 10 11 3 9 4 1 2 121 11 Zapadnie 272 12 Starry Ateel, North, and East 455 16 do 227 18 Zapadnie 427 19 Starry Ateel, North, and East 324 22 do 764 25 Zapadnie 9U 26 Starry Ateel and North. 895 27 East 438 29 Starry Ateel and North. 343 July 2 3 Zapadnie 343 East 532 4 Starry Ateel and North. 503 6 East 650 9 Zapadnie 389 10 Starry Ateel and North. 1, 170 12 East 820 13 Starry Ateel and North. 518 16 Zapadnie 705 17 North 410 18 Starry Ateel and East.. 692 19 Zapadnie 366 20 Starry Ateel, North, and East 554 23 Zapadnie 179 24 Starry Ateel, North, and East 405 2.5 Zapadnie 159 26 Starry Ateel, North, and East 521 27 Zapadnie j 144 27 Starry Ateel, North, and East 410 Aug. 9 9 Near 39 39 37 191 494 428 40 73 32 32 35 191 494 396 73' 7 7 2 39 North 39 15 do 37 20 East 191 28 East and Starry Ateel. . . 1 494 Sept. 5 32 40 428 27 North 40 Oct. 20 North and East 73 Nov. 1 North 610 368 610 5 do 368 Aug. 20 to Zapadnie (for watch- men) 68 68 68 Oct. 30. Total 978 1,409 1, 321 R8 14,647 14, 582 65 17 034 TOTAL FOR ST. PAUL AND ST. GEORGE ISLANDS. Island. Seals killed for natives' food. Seals killed for skins for lessees. Total of bachelors killed, accepted, and rejected. Total killed for all pur- poses. Pups. Bache- lors. Skins ac- cepted. Skins re- jected. Bache- lors. Skins ac- cepted. Skins re- jected. Bache- lors. Skins ac- cepted. Skins re- jected. St. Paul St. George 2,178 978 3,762 1,409 3,700 1,321 62 88 80, 330 14, 647 80, 314 14, 582 16 65 84, 092 16, 056 84, 014 15, 903 78 153 80, 370 17, o:!4 Total 3,156. 5,171 5,021 150 94, 977 94, 896 81 100, 148 99, 917 231 103, 304 404 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. Tables showing in detail all killing of fur seals, etc. — Continued. 1889. ST. PAUL ISLAND. !Rookery. Seals killed for natives' food. Seals killed for skins for lessees. Total killed Date. Pups. Bache- lors. Skins ac- cepted. Skins re- jected. Bache- lors. Skins ac- cepted. Skins re- jected. for all pur- poses. May 22 25 Sea Lion Rock 124 41 234 133 124 41 234 133 124 Eeef 41 28 do 234 31 Northeast Point 133 Reef 201 120 947 762 340 895 1,054 1,161 1,270 494 1,561 253 1, 205 1,355 754 2,578 979 1,407 1,314 441 311 844 1, 349 479 335 1,038 1,200 1,023 834 968 1,841 1,716 1,559 1,255 1,524 1,302 376 814 914 1,314 641 654 800 2,004 1,006 793 3,085 1,838 1.911 1,156 1,931 948 2,046 1,282 2,017 834 201 120 947 762 340 895 1,054 1,160 1,270 494 1,561 253 1,205 1,355 754 2,578 979 1,407 1,314 441 311 844 1,349 479 335 1,038 1,200 1,023 834 968 1,841 1,716 1,559 1,255 1,524 1,302 376 813 914 1,314 641 654 800 2,004 1,006 793 3,083 1,838 1,911 1,156 1,931 948 2,045 1 1 2 1 201 10 do 120 12 Tolstoi 947 14 Zoltoi and Reef 762 15 Southwest Bay 340 17 Halfway Point 895 17 Northeast Point 1,054 18 • English Bay, Tolstoi, and Middle Hill 1 101 18 Northeast Point 1 270 19 do 494 19 Reef, Zoltoi, and Lukan- non 1,561 253 20 Southwest Bay 21 Northeast Point 1,205 22 English Bay, Tolstoi, and Middle Hill 1,355 24 Northeast Point .-- . 754 24 Reef and Zoltoi 2,578 25 Halfw.iy Point and Lu- kannon 979 25 Northeast Point 1,407 1,314 26 English Bay and Middle Hill 26 Northeast Point 441 27 Southwest Bay 311 27 Northeast Point - . . 844 28 Reef, Zoltoi, andKetova. 1 349 28 Northeast Point 479 29 do 335 29 English Bay and Tolstoi. 1,038 July 1 Northeast Point 1,200 Reef, Zoltoi, and Lukan- non - 1,023 9 834 2 968 3 English Bay, Tolstoi, and Middle Hill 1,841 4 Reef, Zoltoi, and Lukan- non 1,716 4 Northeast Point 1,559 5 Southwest Bay 1.255 5 Northeast Point 1,524 6 English Bay, Tolstoi, and Middle Hill 1,302 6 Northeast Point 376 8 Reef, Zoltoi, and Lukan- non - 814 8 Northeast Point. 914 9 English Bay and Tolstoi. 1,314 g 641 10 6.54 10 800 12 Reef and Zoltoi 2,004 13 1,006 13 Northeast Point 793 15 English Bay and Middle Hill 3,085 15 Northeast Point 1,838 16 Reef, Zoltoi, and Lnkan- 1,911 16 Northeast Point 1,156 17 Halfway Point and Lu- kannon 1, 931 17 Northeast Point 948 18 Lagoon, English Bay, and Middle Hill 2,046 18 1,282 2,016 1 834 1,282 19 Southwest Bav 2, 017 19 Northeast Point 1 834 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 405 Tables showing in detail all killing of fur seals, etc. — Continued. 1889. ST. PAUL ISLAND-Continued. Rookery. Seals killed for natives' food. Seals killed for skins for lessees. Total killed Date. Pups. Bache- lors. Skins ac- cepted. Skins re- jected. Bache- lors. Skins ac- cepted. Skins re- jected. for all pur- poses. July 20 20 Keef and Zoltoi 1,913 243 1,943 350 1,122 740 1,384 616 1,756 1 680 1,433 1,105 1,643 1,624 973 615 538 1,913 243 1,943 350 1,122 743 1,384 616 1,752 1 679 1,433 1,105 1,640 1,624 973 615 538 4 i 3 1,913 Northeast Point 243 22 English Bay , Middle Hill, and Lukaunon 1 943 22 Northeast Point 350 23 Reef, Zoltoi, and Ketova. 1,122 23 Northeast Point 740 24 Halfway Point 1,384 24 Northeast Point 616 25 English Bay and Middle Hill 1 756 25 Northeast Point 1 26 Southwest Bay 680 26 Northeast Point 1,483 27 Zoltoi and Lukannou 1 105 29 English Bay and Middle Hill ". 1,643 29 Northeast Point 1 624 30 Halfway Point 973 30 Southwest Bay 615 31 Northeast Point 538 31 Zoltoi 160 163 131 141 179 141 156 163 123 139 88 4 160 Aug. 6 14 Lukannon -163 Zoltoi 8 2 91 141 110 107 120 103 88 45 1 131 22 do 141 31 Tolstoi 179 Sept. 9 18 Zoltoi 141 do 110 110 25 do 107 120 103 132 125 224 347 192 10 240 243 ........ 44' 80 223 347 189 10 236 240 107 Oct. 5 do 120 15 do 103 26 Lukannon 132 Nov. 4 Zoltoi 1,044 1,236 1 169 19 Tolstoi 1 460 21 Reef 347 27 do 3 192 27 Zapadnio 10 30 Reef 4 3 240 Dec. 11 Zapadnie. . . 1 243 Total 2,280 3,400 2,570 830 81,712 81, 698 14 7'! ')82 ST. GEORGE ISLAND. May 22 North and East 60 60 60 June 4 East 156 207 244 773 176 284 596 496 223 429 167 275 418 229 270 192 667 371 1,028 ,156 207 244 773 176 284 596 496 223 429 167 275 418 229 269 192 667 371 1,028 ........ 1 156 10 Zapadnie 207 17 do 244 18 Starry Ateel, North, and East 773 21 East 176 22 North and Starry Ateel. 284 24 Zapadnie 596 25 Eastand North 496 27 Zapadnie 223 29 Starry Ateel and East. . . 429 July 1 Zapadnie 167 ^ 2 North, East, and Starry Ateel 275 5 do 418 8 Zapadnie 229 10 North, East, and Starry Ateel 270 12 Zapadnie 192 13 North, East, and Starry Ateel 667 15 Zapadnie 371 16 North, East, and Starry Ateel 1,028 406 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. Tables showing in detail all killing of fur seals, etc. — Continued. 1889. ST. GEORGE ISLAl^D— Continued. Rookery. Seals killed for natives' food. Seals killed for skins for lessees. Total killed Date. Pups. Bache- lors. Skins ac- cepted. Skins re- jected. Bache- lors. Skins ac- cepted. Skins re- jected. for all pur- poses. July 18 19 439 1,140 500 628 279 1,430 942 568 515 439 1,140 500 628 279 1,430 942 508 515 439 Nortb, East, and Starry Ateel 1,140 22 Zapadnie 500 23 North. East, and Starry Ateel 628 24 Zapadnie 279 25 North, East, and Starry Ateel 1,430 27 do 942 28 Zapadnie 568 29 North, East, and Starry Ateel ! 515 Aug. 10 19 Nortb 55 56 48 55 56 55 do 56 30 do 48 64 50 33 37 48 Sept. 7 21 East 64 1 50 33 1 37 1 32 ' 32 4 4 6 6 6 i n 64 do 50 30 North 33 Oct 11 . do .. .. 37 21 Starrv Ateel ... 32 31 North 4 Nov. 6 do 600 471 606 12 do 477 25 Starrv Ateel . . 61 61 01 Total 1,071 512 280 232 13,641 13, 642 1 15, 225 TOTAL FOR ST. PAUL AND ST. GEORGE ISLANDS. Island. Seals killed for natives' food. Seals killed for skins for lessees. Totals of bachelors killed, accepted, and rejected. Total killed foraU pur- poses. Pups. Bache- lors. Skins ac- cepted. Skins re- jected. Bache- lors. Skins ac- cepted. Skins re- jected. 14 1 Bache- lors. Skins ac- cepted. Skins re- jected. St. Paul St. George 2,280 1,071 3,400 512 2,570 280 830 232 81,712 ' 81,698 13,642 ; 13,641 85, 112 14, 154 84, 268 13, 921 844 233 87, 392 15, 225 Total 3, 351 3, 912 2,850 1, 062 95, 354 95, 339 15 99,266 98,189 1,077 102,617 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 407 Fur seals IciUed on the island of St, Paul, for all ^purposes, from 1870 to 1889, hoth inclu- sive. [Compiled from tables on file in the Treasury Department.] Tear. Seals killed for natives' food. Seals killed for skins for lessees. Totals of bachelors killed, accepted, and rejected. Grand totals of seals killed for all pur- poses. Pups. Bach- elors. Skins ac- cepted. Skins re- jected. Bache- lors. Skins ac- cepted. Skins re- jected. Bache- lors. Skins ac- cepted. Skins re- jected. 1870 1871 1872 1873 1874 1875 1876 1877 1878 1879 1880 1881 2,800 2,877 5,121 5,489 4,897 3,745 3,958 5,007 5,206 5,071 4,413 6,449 2,341 6,916 2,090 4,874 6,282 5,061 4,041 4,718 5,970 4,466 7,538 5.175 3,907 3,184 3,081 4,207 3,762 3,400 "2," 290 5,365 1,198 4,225 5,784 3,064 2,853 3,632 3,898 3,408 6,068 3,362 2,] 94 2,582 2,508 2,480 3,975 3,700 2,570 6,449 51 1, .551 892 649 498 1,997 1,188 1,086 2,072 1,418 1,470 1,813 974 1,325 676 601 232 62 830 6,065 75, 585 69, 782 74, 408 88, 368 84, 933 74, 138 58, 762 78, 595 77, 280 75, 900 76, 236 74, 659 57, 145 82, 213 82, 908 82, 180 82, 708 80, 330 81,712 6,017 74, 628 69, 576 73, 884 88, 258 84, 860 71, 137 58, 732 78, 570 77, 280 75, 872 76, 169 74, 581 57, 070 82, 086 82, 866 82, 150 82, 679 80, 314 81, 698 48 957 206 524 110 73 1 30 25 28 67 78 75 127 42 30 29 16 14 12, 514 77, 926 76, 698 76, 498 93, 242 91,215 79, 199 62, 803 83, 313 83, 250 80, 366 83, 774 79, 834 60, 313 86, 120 86, 092 85, 261 86, 915 84, 092 85, 112 6,017 76, 918 74, 941 75, 082 92, 483 90, 644 77, 201 61, 585 82, 202 81. 178 78, 920 82, 226 77, 943 59, 264 84, 668 85, 374 84, 630 86, 654 84, 014 84, 268 6,497 1,008 1,757 1,416 759 571 1,998 1,218 1,111 2,072 1,446 1,537 1,891 1,049 1,452 718 631 261 78 844 15,314 81,803 81,819 81, 987 98, 139 94, 960 83, 157 67, 810 88, 519 88, 321 84, 779 83, 774 1882 79, 834 1883 1884 1885....:.. 1886 1887 1888 1889 2,982 2,741 2,788 2,824 2,177 2,178 2,280 63, 295 88, 861 88, 880 88, 085 89, 092 86, 270 87, 392 Total.. 67, 554 90,630 64, 796 2r,, 834 1, 463, 907 1, 461, 427 2,480 1, 554, 537 1, 526, 212 28, 314 1, 622, 091 Note. — The above statement includes all seals killed from all causes, either intentional or accidental, incident to the taking of seal skins on the island ot St. Paul. Fur seals killed on the island of St. George, for all purposes, from 1S70 to 18S9, hoth inclu- sive. [Compiled from tables on file in the Treasury Department.] Tear. Seals killed for natives' food. Seals killed for skins for lessees. Totals of bachelors killed, accepted, and rejected. Grand totals of seals killed for all pur- poses. Pups. Bach- elors. Skins ' Skins ac- ! re- cepted. jected. Bache- lors. Skins ac- cepted. Skins re- jected. Bache- lors. Skins ac- cepted. Skins re- jected. 1870 1,200 2,090 2,000 2,190 7,259 18, 830 25, 000 25, 000 10, 000 10, 000 10, 000 14, 744 17, 772 19, 841 18, 907 19,446 19, 495 14, 739 14, 728 14, 745 14, 606 14. 727 14, 647 13, 642 7,259 18, 830 25, 000 25, 000 10, 000 10, 000 10, 000 14, 744 17, 772 19, 758 18, 830 19, 360 19, 440 14, 675 14, 620 14, 686 14, 578 14, 725 14, 582 13,641 83 77 86 55 64 108 59 28 2 65 1 7,259 19, 067 25. 000 7, 259 8 459 1871 1872 237 237 19,0671 ^5 t)(U)' 21, 157 27 000 1873 25, OOo! '>r>. 000 316 362 214 389 167 71 230 74 159 116 153 233 27 190 1874 2,446 10, 000 10, 000 10, 000 15, 000 19, 304 20, 684 19, 609 20, 258 19, 978 15, 214 15, 073 15, 064 15, 150 15,312 16, ('56 14, 154 10, 000 10, 000 10, 000 15, 000 18,988 20, 322 19, 395 19, 869 19,811 15, 143 14, 843 14, 990 14, 991 15, 196 15, 903 13, 921 12,446 1875 1,500 1,500 1,500 1,500 1,506 1,330 1.031 11, 500 1876 11,500 1877 1878 1879 1880 1881 1882 256 1,532 843 702 812 483 475 345 319 .'>44 585 1,409 512 256 1,216 564 565 509 371 468 223 304 413 471 1,321 280 316 279 137 303 112 7 122 15 131 114 88 232 16, 500 20, 804 22, 190 20, 939 21, 289 19, 978 1883 1884 1885 1886 1887 1838 1889 1,000 1,500 1,080 1,286 1,356 978 1,071 16,214 16, 573 16, 144 16, 436 16, 668 17, 034 15,225 Total.. 28, 064 9,054 7,198 1,856 318, 128 317, 500 628 327, 182 324, 698 2,484 355, 246 Note. — The above statement includes all seals killed from all causes, either intentional or accidental, incident to the taking of seal skins on the island of St, George, REPORT OF SPECIAL AGENT CROWLEY. Office of Special Agent, Treasury Department^ November 20^ 1893. Sir: In pursuance of instructions given me at Department April 26, 1893, I proceeded to San Francisco, Cal., arriving there May 10, and on May 13 I sailed on the North American Commercial Company's steamer Farallon for the seal islands, accompanied by Assistant Spe- cial Agents Joseph Murray, E. T. Hall, and Thomas E. Adams. We arrived at St. George Island June 1, finding Agent A. W. Lav- ender in charge. I at once assumed the duties assigned me by placing Agent E. T. Hall in charge, relieving Agent Lavender as directed. I arrived at St. Paul Island June 3, finding Lieut. D. J. Ainsworth in charge, whom I relieved by placing Agent Joseph Murray in charge until July 1, at which time he was relieved by Thomas E. Adams, whose appointment took effect on that day. Agents Lavender and Murray returned to their homes by the first available vessel leaving the islands after they had been relieved. Lieutenant Ainsworth went aboard the cutter Gorwin upon her arrival. Upon my arrival at San Francisco I found a box addressed to me, in care of the North American Commercial Company, containing nine volumes of seal-island records, which I distributed on the islands St. Paul and St. George, respectively, as they belonged, according to direc- tions in your letter of Ajjril 29, 1893. From Agent Ainsworth I learned there were no seals killed on St. Paul between the dates December 16, 1892, and May 19, 1893. Agent Lavender informed me that there were none taken on St. George Island between the dates November 19, 1892, and May 20, 1893. There were none killed between these dates from the fact that the quota was filled. When I arrived at the islands, the agents reported that there were 1,133 seal skins salted to the Government credit, 784 of which were taken on St. Paul and 349 on St. George, these being skins taken from seals killed for native food during the fall of 1892. Considering this number of skins to be on hand, I ordered that 6,367 seals T^e killed prior to the 10th day of August, 1893, thus furnishing the lessees the full quota, 7,500 skins, ready for shipment at the usual time, the last of August or 1st of September. This leaves to be killed for native food during the months of October, November, and Decem- ber the same number that was killed last fall, 1,133, this number being- necessary to fill the quota, 7,500, directed to be taken in 1893. After visiting St. George Island as early in July as was possible for me to obtain passage between the islands, and observing the condition of the rookeries and the number of seals thereon, in comparison with those of St. Paul, ] directed that only 2,000 seals be taken on the island of St. George and that 5,500 be taken on the island of St. Paul during 1893. While I have no question in ray mind but that the actual number, 7,500, were taken and salted to the Government credit from the 20th 408 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 409 day of October, 1892, up to the 12th day of August, 1893, yet the num- ber of skins counted out of the salt house by myself and Agent Adams, August 24, 1893, on St. Paul Island was 5,418, and as counted out by myself and Agent Hall on St. George Island, August 26, 1893, was 2,007, making a total of 7,425 skins, leaving a shortage of 75 skins. Out of this shortage only 7 can be accounted for, which were small road skins killed in the several drives during the season, and the com- pany rejected them and refused to take them from the island, so I gave them to the natives. This left an unaccountable shortage of 68 skins. A very remarkable coincidence is that this shortage all seems to occur on St. Paul Island, and, from the best possible information to be ob- tained, I find on this island an equal or greater shortage to have been an annual occurrence for years past. As to the taking of seals upon the islands from the 20th day of October, 1892, to the 12th day of August, 1893, a daily journal or regis- ter was kept, showing the number of seals taken, the date of taking, the rookery from which they were taken, and the skins accepted and rejected by the lessees. (See Exhibits A and B.) A reference to Exhibit A will show that 5,313 ijrime skins were accepted, 52 under size rejected, 121 stagey rejected, and 14 cut rejected. But the fact is that on the 24th of August, the day of shipment from St. Paul, George E. Tingle, superintendent of the lessee's company, and myself over- hauled the rejected undersized and cut skins, and out of the number formerly rejected by the local agent 23 were accepted as prime skins, leaving the actual number of undersized and cut skins rejected 36. By reference to Exhibits A and B it will be seen that the killing of seals for food in the fall of 1892 on the island of St. George began October 20 and ended November 19, while on St. Paul it began Novem- ber 11 and ended December 16. During this period out of 349 seals killed on St. George there was not a stagey skin found, while on St. Paul, although the killing began a month later and continued almost a mouth longer, out of 784 skins taken 121 were found to be stagey, some of these as late as December 16. I was unable to obtain a reasonable explanation for this state of affairs from any natural cause from the oldest and best informed residents of the island. There were a few seals seen at Northeast Point rookery on St. Paul Island as late as January 7, 1893. The first seals seen in the spring were a few bachelors swimming in the water close ofl' Keef rookery on April 12. At Zapadne, on St. Paul, the 27th day of April, the first bulls hauled up. Bachelor seals began hauling up May 1, and cows were first noticed during the first days of June. The first puj) discov- ered was on Reef rookery on St. Paul Island June 12, by which time the cows were coming in pretty fast. It was observed that the pup was born a few days after their arrival. It was plain to be seen that there was an ample number of bulls upon each island to serve all the cows that hauled up on the rookeries. Quite a number of bulls were observed on the several rookeries during the entire season unable to secure a single cow. It was not infrequent to see harems formed of from 3 to 7 cows. The largest number observed in any one harem dur- ing the season that could be counted to a certainty was 37. As to the increase or decrease of the seal herd, I can only arrive at a conclusion from information obtained from Agent Murray, who has been on these islands the past four years, and from the native inhabitants, and from the condition and appearance of the rookeries and grounds covered by the seals this year as compared with former years. I think there is little change as to the increase or decrease of the seal herd from last 410 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. year. As to tlie mortality of tlie seal herd daring the season, there were but few grown seals found dead upon the rookeries. These were bulls, whose death could be easily accounted for from the cuts and scars upon their carcasses. They had no doubt perished from the wounds received from encounters with other bulls while trying to establish their harems. On the 12th of July a terrific gale blew from the north and west, coming with such force that the waves dashed to unusual heights against the rookeries. After the surf had subsided, several dead pups were found, presumably killed by the surf beating and dashing them against the rocks before they were old enough to breast the tide. The greater number were found dead on Tolstoi rookery. In taking the number, 5,500 seals, on St. Paul Island this season no drives were made from either Zapadnie rookery or Northeast Point, as the required number was easily obtained where short drives could be made; and as these are two of the largest breeding rookeries on the island, I thought it advisable to give them absolute rest. The care and welfare of the native inhabitants of the islands, the obligations of the North American Commercial Company under their lease, was a matter to whicli I gave special attention. The widows and orphan children who lived with them I found well provided for as to food and clothing by the lessees. But another class of orphans, who had neither father nor mother, had been placed among other families on the islands, who were not supported by the lessees. Tliey were sub- jects for Government support, and these orphans in this way were being- furnished food and clothing at Government expense, too. I at once obtained a list of the widows and orphans, showing just who they were supporting as company charges. It is marked Exhibit C. I then prepared a list of the widows and orphans whom I deemed proper sub- jects for their support under their lease, and presented the same to Mr. George R. Tingle, superintendent of the company, which he accepted, agreeing to care for all those named, though under protest. A copy of the list and Mr. Tingle's protest are hereto attached and marked Exhibits I) and E. The only occasion for protest upon the part of the lessees being that of furnishing support to the few widows and orphans having to their credit small sums of money left them, I insist, from the reading of the lease, that the lessees are compelled to support all the widows and orphans upon the islands, regardless of whether they may have personal means of support or not, while the lessees contend that they are only liable for the support of absolute pauper widows and orphans. Upon this question I respectfully request a ruling of the Department, that future trouble may not arise in this respect. After becoming sufficiently acquainted with the natives on the island to be able to associate the proper names with the proper faces, I observed that one Maxim Krukoff, an imbecile, John Krukoff, John N. Krukoff, George Kochergin, and Valerian Shaisnakoff", minors of tender years, had been placed upon the sealers' list and permitted to draw rations as such at Government expense. I thought this a mistake, so I served notice on the lessees' superintendent that these parties would be dis- continued from the sealers' list and would revert to the company for their support. A copy of the notice is marked Exhibit F. DIVISION OP COMMUNITY FUND ON ST. PAUL AND ST. GEORGE ISLANDS. Notwithstanding the fact that there was a shortage fund in the skins taken and salted on St. Paul Island as compared with the count on the ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 411 day of slii])ment, yet the division of the community fund was made upon the basis of the number as counted into the salt house, 5,500. This count, at 50 cents each, made a total of $2,750, and was divided among the natives in first, second, third, and fourth classes, as shown by report of division hereto attached and marked Exhibit G. The division on the island of St. George was made upon the basis of the count of skins taken by the lessees from the islands. The number of skins, 2,007, at 50 cents each, amounted to 11,003.50, which was divided into four classes, as shown by report marked Exhibit H. These divi- sions were made by the superintendent of the lessees' company, the chiefs of the respective islands, and myself. BLUE FOX SKINS— CATCH OF 1892 AND 1893. On the island of St. George during the winter of 1892 and 1893 there was caught by the natives 928 blue foxes, 7 of which were rejected by the lessees, leaving 921 prime skins, which were disposed of by the agent in charge to the lessees for $2 apiece, making a total of $1,842, to be distributed among the natives making the catch, as shown by report marked Exhibit I. On St. Paul Island there were 374 foxes taken by the natives, 337 of whicli were blue and 37 white. These were disposed of by Lieutenant Ainsworth for the natives to the lessees for $2 each for the 337 blue foxes and $1 each for the white ones, making a total of $711, which was credited to the parties making the catch in the same manner as is shown by the report of fox-fund distribution on St. George Island. (See Exhibit I.) I have ordered that the catch of blue foxes be limited to the month of December, 1893, and that the price fixed for the skins taken be $5 apiece. The cause for limiting the time for one month for trapping was, in my judgment, necessary for the preservation of the foxes. It is suggested in my instructions in connection with the blue fox trapping that if a trap could be contrived in such a way as to prevent injury to the fox, and all females so caught turned loose, such a course would tend to increase the supply of these valuable animals. Such a method would certainly be an advantage if it were possible to carry it into effect; but at least two obstacles will be in the way of making this method a success. First, to invent a trap sufficiently large to hold a fox without doing him some bodily injury, and devising a plan to induce the wary fox into it; second, to take chances on the native trapper, who has probably tramped across the island from five to seven times a week through cold and snow knee deep, having convictions of honesty and courage enough, when he comes to his trap and finds the only fox he has caught that week to be a female, to turn it loose. I advised, how- ever, that this sort of a box trap be tried as an experiment. To avoid the wholesale slaughter of foxes, the better plan would be to adopt the rule of only trapping foxes every alternate winter until they have increased sufficiently to warrant a more frequent limited catch. As to the mortality among the natives on the islands, I herewith submit copies of reports made by the physicians employed by the North American Commercial Company under their lease. It is marked Exhibit J. During the months June, July, and August, while I was upon the islands, the health of the native inhabitants was good. The native sealers were ever ready and able to perform any and all such labors as they were called upon to perform, whether it was to drive and kill seals, work upon streets and roads, or to stand guard upon the rook- 412 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. eries day and night. No complaint was ever made by them. In the month of June they were provided with ample clothing to keep them comfortable in that cold, damp climate until the coming June. Beds and bedding were furnished families who had been sleeping on the floors so far as it was possible to obtain them. It is a patent fact to all those who have noticed the condition of health and appearance of the natives the past few years since the Government has taken the matter in hand and furnished them with beds and compelled them to sleep upon them instead of on the floor, where they were subject to cold draughts and damj^ness and noxious vapors arising from the cesspools which served in lieu of privies, that this improvement of condition has had more to do with their present healthy condition than anything else. During the fall of 1892 there were 4 privies of 4 rooms each built for native families on the island St. Paul, thus furnishing privies for IC families. These families soon became accustomed to the use of them and took great pride in keeping them clean. For the bettering of the sanitary condition of the village, I would recommend that a privy be built for each native family on the islands. The island of St. George is wholly unprovided for in this respect. The natives are compelled to use a vessel in the house and dump the excrement in a wheelbarrow, which stands by the door until it is loaded ready to wheel away. It is either this or the practice of stepping out doors and being exposed to the gaze of the rest of the villagers, which is worse. This state of aflairs does not tend toward civilization, nor to decency or morality. I do, therefore, urge the early correction of this evil by furnishing them privies. SCHOOLS UPON THE ISLAND. Much has been reported by Treasury agents upon the subject of schools during the past twenty years. Many suggestions for their improvement have been made, yet the same system stands to-day as at the beginning. If it is the purpose of the Government to educate, enlighten, and civilize these people, some change in the school system will have to be made. I have no especial reason to censure the teach- ers employed on the islands for their apparent failure to teach the Eng- lish to these children; neither is it the fault of the children on account of their dullness that they do not learn. It is, in my opinion, far more the fault of the parents, who get their incentive from the priest and church upon the islands, than either teachers or children. If these children were removed from this home influence and instructed by the same teachers, I am inclined to the belief that there would be more advancement in one year than there is under the present system in a whole school lifetime. I would therefore recommend a boarding school, in charge of a husband and wife who have had a successful experience in this line, or an industrial school for both boys and girls, teaching domestic industries. If, however, the present system must be continued, I most earnestly request that the school year begin on April 1 and con- tinue eight months, thus giving the children the benefit of the long days and best season of the year instead of the short, dark, cold days of midwinter. August 24 the information came to me from the superintendent of the lessee's company that a sum of money, between $400 and $500, had been handed him by Father Kezoff, priest on St. Paul Island, with a request that he transfer the same to the authorities of the Greek Cath- olic Church at San Francisco, Cal. This money had been gathered from the natives on the island during the past two years. I requested the ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 413 superintendeut to return this money to tbe priest, wMcli he did, declin- ing to remove the money from the island. Upon my arrival at St. George I was confronted by the same proposition. There was about $300 on St. George Island. This sum was likewise refused to be taken from the island by the lessees. When I arrived at Dutch Harbor I requested Capt. Nicoll Ludlow, commander of the fleet, to instruct the captains of the several vessels doing patrol work about the islands not to convey said church funds from the islands. A copy of the letter is inclosed, marked Exhibit K. Were these natives earning in their own right a sufficient sum of money to support themselves and not deijendent upon the Government for their maintenance, one might see some justice in their contributing a respectable iiortion of their earnings to their church on the islands ; but in no instance should priests be allowed to send from the islands the money contributed for the support of the churches thereon. But inasmuch as the Government is furnishing the greater part of their support, the only money they handle being a possible $4 to $6 per week given them for each week's subsistence during the time the community sealing fund lasts, it seems to me an outrage and an injustice that what- ever part of this small pittance the priest may demand is forthcoming, though the family starve. Under the present condition of affairs on the islands every dollar that is taken from the native's portion of the community sealing fund is virtually taken from the United States Treasury, for so soon as this fund is exhausted the Government fur- nishes the native the means of subsistence. For this reason I directed that the money should remain on the islands until instructions could be obtained from your Department as to the proper disposition to be made of the same. COAL SUPPLY. In addition to the 80 tons of coal provided under the terms of the lease the company furnished under their special contract with the Gov- ernment 290 additional tons, making a total of 370 tons delivered at the islands. This was distributed as follows : On St. Paul Island — for Gov- ernment house, 10. tons; for use of natives, 250 tons. On St. George Island — for Government house, 10 tons; for use of natives, 100 tons. It was found at the time of delivering coal at St. George Island there was on hand about 15 tons of coal left from the supply of 1892. Con- sidering this amount, I thought 100 additional tons for the natives sufficient, and made the delivery accordingly. While the quantity of coal was delivered by the company in accord- ance with their contract the quality was anything but first class, there being among it a large proportion of soft slack coal, which burns very rapidly and gives but little heat in return. At present there is no coal house upon either of the islands sufficient to hold the amount of coal delivered for the natives. The North American Commercial Company this season furnished buildings on the islands to shelter the greater part of the coal delivered. The remainder of the coal on St. Paul was put in a small building arranged last season by the Treasury agents for the purpose of smoking seal meat, which proved to cure well, but was a failure in the way of getting the natives to use the meat, so the building was converted into a coal house. The building furnished by the company on St. Paul, though the best they could do, was so open that it subjects the coal to about the same fall of rain and snow as if left out of doors. I most earnestly urge the necessity of building a coal house on each 414 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. of the islands; the one on St. George with a capacity of storing 150 tons, and one on St. Paul of 250 tons. The issue of coal to the widows was a question on the islands again this season, it being contended by the lessees that the purpose of send- ing an additional amount of coal to the islands this year over former years was that the issue might be made by the Government to the Avidows the same as to other native families. This opinion was like- wise concurred in by Agent Murray, who made the requisition for the 50 additional tons of coal. After ascertaining that there was a sufli- cient amount delivered to warrant this issue to the widows I ordered that the same be done, first obtaining an agreement from the lessees that should the Department not sustain the act of such issue, but on the contrary hold that the lessees should furnish the widows fuel, the amount of coal so issued should be returned next season to the islands free of charge. A copy of the agreement is hereto attached and marked Exhibit M. I therefore submit the matter for permanent settlement by the Dex^artment. INTOXICATING LIQUORS AND QUAS. Soon after our arrival at St. Paul Island, and about the time the cargo of the Farallon was unloaded, some three or four of the natives were discovered to be under the intiuence of liquor. Agent Murray investigated as to where the liquor was obtained, and learned from the natives by their own confession that they got it from the assistant engi- neer of the company's steamer. As soon as this fact was learned by the captain of the Farallon this assistant engineer was discharged, and though the vessel returned to the island two trips afterwards no intoxi- cants were obtained from it by the natives. As to quas brewing on the islands during the past winter and summer, there was but little of it indulged in. Agent Ainsworth informed me that the natives acted remarkably well in this respect during the winter while he was in charge. During my stay on the islands this summer there was but one notable evidence of a brew. This was on July 11, St. Paul's Day, the great holiday among the natives, as it is their island's name day. Dur- ing that evening some of them became unusually good natured, none were otherwise, and all retired at a respectable hour that night, and were ready to resume labor early in the morning. In this respect the natives have certainly imjiroved, from what I can learn of their former life. On the 29th day of June the Gorwin arrived at St. Paul Island, ready to do patrol duty. Captain Munger called at the Government House, and being informed that a vessel of no kind, so far, had been sighted from the islands, returned the second day following to Dutch Harbor for coal. On the 4th of July a brig-rigged vessel was sighted a few miles to the westward of Northeast Point rookery. The watchman there telephoned its appearance to the village about noon. At 2 o'clock that afternoon some natives fishing discovered two sailboats near shore, not far from Southwest Bay rookery, and claimed to have heard shots fired from these boats. Accompanied by additional armed watchmen. Agent Adams and myself proceeded to Northeast Point and Southwest Bay, where we remained all night upon the rookeries. About sunset in the evening the two sailboats that had been discovered near shore were seen returning to the schooner then lying about 4 miles off" to the westward, between Zapadnie and Northeast Point rookeries, where it lay until about 10 o'clock the following day, when it made a detour of tiiie island, leaving in a southeasterly direction about 4 o'clock in the ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 415 eveuing. On the 9th of July auotlier schooner was sighted close inshore to the westward of the village of St. Paul. At this time there was au exceedingly heavy fog. When the vessel was tirst discovered, she was heading toward Southwest Bay rookery. Additional guards, accompa- nied by myself, again went to the rookery. The watchmen at Southwest Bay reported to me when I arrived there that the schooner came almost within gunshot reach from the rookery. It changed its course to the northwest and soon disappeared in the dense fog. These were the only evidences of attempted raid or seal poaching on the seal islands during the season, notwithstanding newspaper reports to the contrary. In a few days after the api^earance of the second schooner, Commander !Nicoll Ludlow, of the war shij) Mohican^ arrived at the islands. He was informed of tlie appearance of the schooners, and from that time to the time of my departure from the islands there was no time but what there was one or more vessels of the fleet doing active patrol duty around the islands. There was not a request made by a Treasury agent of the commander or captain of any vessel of the fleet but what was granted with promptness and dispatch. Captain Hooper, of the Rush, informed me that an order had been given that an armed boat's crew of marines in charge of an officer should be landed upon each of the islands, to remain in the villages as a "reserve guard." I do not consider a guard stationed thus in the villages of any value whatever toward protecting the rookeries. The native guard stands watch upon the rookeries from 4 to 12 miles from the village. They make faithful watchmen and are perfectly willing to perform this service. If a raid is attempted on the rookeries it is either during a dense fog or the darkness of night. Before the watchmen on the rookeries could go to the village and alarm the officer of the marines and they march to the scene of the raid, the poachers would have their boats loaded with seals and pulled away from the rookery, ready to be picked uj) by the schooner. If we are to keep a sufficient number of native watchmen on the rookeries that a part of them can hold the raiders off' while the "reserve guard" is being sent for, the same number of watchmen can hold them off for all time to come. Under competent direction the natives are able and willing to guard the rookeries, and are found to perform the service efficiently and thoroughly. If a telephone line were constructed from ISortheast Point and South- west Bay rookeries on St. Paul and Zapadnie, and East rookeries on St. George, to the Government House on each of the islands, so the native watchmen on the rookeries could notify the Government agent of the appearance of a vessel when first sighted, that he might be in close communication with the watchmen, instructing them how and when to act, I have no fear of a successful raid ever being made again on the islands. The cost of the construction and maintenance of these lines would be nominal, as the natives could perform the greater part, if not all, the work of erecting and keeping them up after the material is once furnished. In July Commander Ludlow delivered to the agent on each of the islands 500 cartridges, Nos. 45 to 70, for use of native watchmen. STAGEY EEJECTED SKINS. During the fall killing of 1892 there were 121 stagey skins taken on St. Paul Island. They were all rejected by the lessees. Having no instructions from the Department as to what disposition should be made of this class of skins, I permitted the lessees to take them, as 416 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. well as the undersized skins rejected, from the island, under promise that they would settle for same at the Department. I respectfully ask a ruling on this point: What shall be done with the stagey and under- sized rejected skins in the future? During the winter of 189-5-93 a disagreement arose between Agent Aiusworth and the company's local agent on St. Paul Island, which was carried to the extent that the Government "agent was refused the privilege of the mess at the company house, comj)elling him to have his meals cooked and carried to him at the Government House by a native woman during the remainder of his stay on the islands. As to who was to blame in the matter will more fully appear in the report of Lieutenant Ainsworth to me, herewith submitted, to which I call atten- tion for particulars. During the month Agent Ainsworth remained at the Government House after being relieved from duty, he impressed me as being a pleasant, courteous gentleman. As a GovernmcDt agent he certainly knew but one course; that was strictly in the line of his duty as laid down for him to perform. I herewith submit a revised census of the seal islands up to date, June 30, 1893, marked Exhibit L. I have information from Agents Adams and Hall, on the seal islands, of date October 28, 1893, stating that no attempted raids had been made upon the islands, and that the guard had been reinforced on all the rookeries, preparatory to the withdrawal of the fleet from Bering Sea November 1. The health of natives on the islands remains good; the existing rela- tions between the Government and the company agents being most amicable. EespectfuUy submitted. Joseph B. Crowley, Chief, Treasury Agents. The Secretary of the Treasury, Washington, D. G. Report of Acting Special Agent I). J. Ainsworth. Office of Special Agent Treasury Department, St. Paul Island, Alaska, June 3, 1893. Dear Sir : I have the honor to make the following report of affairs on the island of St. Paul while acting United Stiites Treasury agent from September 7, 1892, until June 3, 1893. I landed on the island from the United States Eevenue Steamer Gor- iHn, August 21, 1892, and on the departure of Assistant Agent Joseph Murray on the lessees' steamer Bertha, 1 began to discharge my duties as acting United States Treasury agent in charge of the island. On September 11 H. M. S. Melpomone arrived and British commis- sioner Macoun came ashore and I accomi^anied him on a visit to Beef Eookery. Later in the day the executive officer. Lieutenant Stoddard, came on shore and accompanied Commissioner Macoun and myself on a visit to the rookeries at Zapadnie, English Bay, Middle Hill, and Tol- stoi. In the evening they returned to the vessel, intending to laud and visit the other rookeries at Halfway and Northeast Points on the follow- ing day, but a heavy sea prevented them from landing, and the Mel- ponione left for Unalaska, after which no British vessels visited the island. September 13, 500 cartridges were landed from the United States Eev- enue Steamer Bush for use of the Government. The same day I wrote ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 417 to the commanding officer requesting that 500 additional cartridges and 6 Springfield rifles be sent. No additional cartridges could be sent, as Assistant Agent Lavender, at St. George Island, would probably require some, but the C Springfield rifles were brought ashore. There are now 12 Springfield rifles and 540 cartridges on the island belonging to the Government. After the lessees' steamer sailed, the natives were allowed to drive sea- lion i)ups for food at Northeast Point. This gave them some fresh meat, which they required, as no seals had been killed since the stagey season began, August 10. About the same time a whale drifted ashore at Northeast Point and the natives saved considerable blubber. With this exception, Saturdays for delivering coal and an occasional day for fishing, weather permitting, the natives were kept busy during the autumn at various jobs. Two new watch houses were erected at Halfway Point and Zapadnie, privies constructed at the village, and roads and paths improved; also dug slop holes and sodded up around the natives' houses. Besides this work, men had to watch rookeries. Several days were spent at the wreck of the brig Alexander, lost April 12, 1892. Considerable Avood was saved for fuel and later in the season can be brought to the village by boat. The sails, cordage, etc., were headed up in casks ready for removal. The two anchors would have been saved, but the heavy surf prevented the natives from approaching them. It was my intention not to kill seals before November 15, so as to take as few stagey ones as possible, but November 10 a fresh gale from the northwest with frequent squalls of snow and hail threatened to drive tlie seals from the island, and there being a possibility of its continu- ing several days, seals were driven and killed the following day. Toward night of the following day the weather, however, moderated. Besides killing seals near the village during the months of November and December, the watchmen at the different stations killed some for food. Pursuant to instructions from the Department, the company was allowed to choose the skins it desired. In case of those killed for food of the watchmen, the men, before leaving the village for the watchhouses, were informed by the company's agent of the kind to kill. The last seals were taken at Northeast Point, and for watchmen's food, on the 16th of December. Altogether 780 fur seals were killed, of which number there died on the killing field 1 pup, and on the road from the rookeries 3 seals. I weighed 707 of the above number at the salt house, used Fairbanks scales, and put 20 on at a time when possible. The following are the weights of the 767 fur seals, all of which were killed in November and December, 1892: Large prime. Medium prime. Large stagey. Medium stagey. Niiniber of skins. Potmds. Number of skins. Pounds. If umber of skins. Pounds. ""Tw"' p°-ds. 65 80 83 27 81 11 52 621 797 877 281 737 106 478 25 74 24 42 55 16 59 8 178 324 468 125 452 69 259 6 13 19 12 10 13 13 133 216 113 100 119 120 8 7 4 3 5 3 8 62 57 33 24 36 21 68 3 8 ; ■110 Average . . 3.99G qnor. 239 Average.. 1, 881 80 75gf Average.. 801 1 38 301 10,'„ ! Average. 7B| H. Doc. 92- -27 418 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. November 15 the foxing season began, and closed January 20. Altogether 374 skius were taken, viz, 337 blue and 37 white. The great- est number taken by any native was 25, which were caught by Kerrick Artomonaf, the oldest man on the island. ISIovember 22 the United States revenue steamer Bear arrived and lauded Rev. Yassily Shishkiu, who came on business connected with the Greek Church. He landed at 10 a. m. and was to return to the vessel at 4 p. m., but at that time there was too much sea for communication by boat, and the Bear left. She again returned November 26, but the sea being too rough to send a boat, she sailed and was not seeu again. This was the last time a vessel was seen until April 25, 1893. Thanksgiving Day and Christmas passed pleasantly and special services were held at the Greek church in honor of those days. During the Christmas holidays, which lasted several weeks, I gave the natives the usual supply of sugar, canned milk, jeUies, sweet crackers, etc., and noticed and heard of no drunkenness and its attend- ant wife beating. The winter was mild and the lowest temperature was 9° below zero, which was during the first week in January. The following week the weather was much milder. On the 13th of March one of the native women broke into the com- pany's store and stole considerable goods. The key of the store was left hanging in the company's ofQce, where the woman procured it. She had two accomplices, all three of whom were punished by impris- onment. On searching several houses of people suspected goods were recovered to the value of $208. With the exception of this crime and a few petty offenses, the natives have behaved well. On April 25, at 10 a. m., a whaling steamer, bark rigged, was sighted to the southward of this island. Agent Redpath, of the North American Commercial Company, had a flag hoisted at the East Landing without consulting me. Hauled the flag down and wrote the following letter: Office of Special Agent Treasury Department, St. Paid Island, Alaska, April 25, 1S93. Sir: You are informed that the law prohibits anyoue from lauding on this island except by authority of the Secretary of the Treasury, aud you had no authority to set a Hag at the East Lauding inviting a whaling vessel in sight to come here. The Hag, which was set without my permission, has been seized, and will be held until the matter can l)o laid before the Department. You are hereby prohibited from setting auy flag to invite anyone to come to the island of St. Paul. Respectfully, yours, D. J. Ainswoktii, Second IJeulenniit, ( . S. li. M., AcliiKj United States Treasury Agent, in charge St. Paul Island, Alasla. J. C. Redpath, Esq., Local Agent North American Commercial Compann, St. Paul Island, Alaska. The following day (A])ril 20), after dinner at the company's house, Local Agent J. C. Redpath, of the company, handed me the following letter : North American Commercial Company, St. Paul Island, Alaska, April 26, 1S93. Sir: Owing to your peculiarly obnoxious actions and manner, and especially after your outrage of yesterday in hauling down and seizing tbo UnitiMl States flag belong- ing lo the North American Commercial Company (the right of hoisting same having never been questioned during the twenty-three years of the leases of the old and new companies), and the insulting letter following the act, you are hereby informed that your presence at the company's house can not l)e tolerated except on business. Voii will therefore, at your earliest convenitmce, make other arrangements for board and washing, as you have facilities for doing so. If you wish to have your ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 419 cooking done at the Government house the company will furnish you free of cost with an outfit, viz, stove, cooking utensils, tableware, etc., which are to he returned when you are done with them. Also will sell you such supplies of food as are on hand and you may require. This arrangement, being entirely a personal matter, will not interfere with the transaction of the legitimate business between the Government and North American Commercial Company. Eespectfully, J. C. Ekdpath, Agent North American Commercial Company. Lieut. D. J. AixswoRTH, Acting Treasury Agent, St. Paul Island, Alaska. After receiving this letter I took sup]:>er at the Government house, the same being prepared for me by the janitor and his wife, and have dined in this manner since. I afterwards had a portable flagstaff made for use of the Govern- ment, and wrote this letter to the company's agent: Office of Special Agent Treasury Department, St. Paul Island, Alaska, May 29, 1803. Sir: I would inform you that the Government now having a portable flagstaff, I reserve the exclusive right of setting a flag at either of the landings for vessels com- ing to the island. There now being no necessity for using the old flagstafl's the halliards have been unrove and will be retained with the flag seized on the 25th ultimo until the Depart- ment renders a decision in regard to the matter. The flagstaffs remain intact. Respectfully, yours, D. J. AiN8 worth, Second Lieutenant, U. S. li. M., Acting United States Treasury Agent, in charge St. Paul Island, Alaska. J. C. Redpatii, Esq., Local Agent North American Commercial Company, St. Paul Island, Alaska. On May 19 drove seals for natives' food from Eeef Kookery and killed 192, of which number 190 were prime and 2 skins cut. June 1 made another drive from Reef Rookery for natives' food and killed 147, all of which were prime with the exception of 1 small and 1 cut. Besides those mentioned, 14 seals have been killed at the watch- houses for watchmen's food. This makes the total to date (June 3) taken this year 353. Of this number I weighed 348 at the salt house, put 20 on at a time when possible, with the following result : Large prime — 252 skins, weight 2,619 pounds; average, 10 #5%. Medium prime— 92 skins, weight 734 pounds; average, 7|f. Small— 1 skin, weight 7 pounds. Cut — 3 skins, weight 27 pounds; average, 9. Total number, 348; total weight, 3,387 pounds; average, 9ff|. Pursuant to instructions from the Department, the company Avere allowed to choose the skins they desired, and the watchmen before leaving for their watch stations were informed by the company's agent of the kind of seal to kill for food. Comparing the number killed this year with the number mentioned in a previous part of this report, the total number killed by me while acting United States Treasury agent is seen to be 1,133. On the 3d instant the lessees' steamer Farallon arrived with yourself and Assistant Agents Murray and Adams and 1 was relieved from duty. I have used my best endeavors to serve coal so no one should sutter, and at the same'time not waste it. The Avidows were given a supply whenever I did not consider the quantity issued them by the North American Commercial Company sufficient. Also extra coal was issued in case of sickness. An account was kept of all the coal issued to widows as well as others. Referring to the issue of coal, I would state that 1 have been informed 420 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. that in former days wheu natives used less coal, seal blubber was very plentiful, since 85,000 seals were killed here every year. This blubber placed on the fuel added greatly to its durability, being greatly like a lamp wick fed by oil. Seventy-five pounds of coal in those days went as far as 300 or more now. As last winter was mild the expenditure of coal was less than will occur during ordinary winters. Two hundred and fifty tons will not ordinarily be too much. I would reque^st your attention to the coal house in which ]>art of the Government coal is stored, the remainder being stored in the company's coal house. It was erected by the natives and has a small shed attached, built by the company. It is too small, the house and shed both holding about 140 tons. The weather here is at times very severe, and it is necessary, until considerable coal has been removed, to stand out for considerable time exposed to the weather while coal is being issued. This is very severe for people who are inclined to be consumptive. I would recommend a coal house which will hold 350 tons, where, if that amount will not probably be stored, a shelter will be aftbrded from the weather. Any extra room can be utilized for storage of wheel- barrows, picks, rakes, axes, spades, and shovels for village work, should the Department decide to furnish such. Also water buckets for use in case of fire. The first native came for assistance on the 29th of October, and the number gradually increased until on your arrival 28 families were being supported by the Government. I endeavored to serve these destitute people with what was necessary, and not be extravagant, and I am con- fident that no one suffered. I found on my visits to the widows and other dependents of the com- pany that they were reasonably well supplied with the necessaries of life, and I have no cause for complaint against the company. The company's last issue of dried salmon to the natives was Septem- ber 10, when 2,000 pounds were issued. This exhausted their supply of dried salmon. About March 1 the natives stopped using the salt salmon, claiming that it was not good. The cook at the company's house cooked me some which was said to be taken from a barrel the natives had been using. On eating it at the table with the others I noticed nothing the matter with it. On telling some of the natives of the fact they said that was true for two or three times, but after that the fish would taste bitter. At any rate the natives stopped using it, and the company issued canned salmon to those whom they were sup- porting. In May the natives were employed at village work when the weather permitted. At first the ground was found frozen, and work was delayed until it had partially thawed out. Some of the men were required to guard rookeries. I have mentioned in the first part of this report how the men were employed last autumn. Three new privies were erected last fall for use of the natives. It was the intention to build 0 new ones as an experiment, the material being furnished by the company free of cost, but to be coiistructed by the natives at no expense to the company. The company's agent could only fu»nish niateiial for 3, as the lumber was scarce. He, however, gave an old privy which stood near the billiard hall, and another which was near the north end of the village, on the first street. The new ones were each divided into 4 comi)artmeuts and one of the old ones divided ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 421 into 2, wliicli furuisli accommodations for 14 families. The old one near the end of the village was moved farther np the street near which it stood, so as to be near the inhabited houses. It was very hard to move, as it required 26 men to lift it. To put it in place will require the removal of considerable earth, which can be done when Avorking- on the new road. The privy sinks are each 10 feet deep, and with the other dimensions give to each about 80 feet of cubical contents. As yet they have not been used much, which is probably due to the cold weather preventing them from visiting places they were not accustomed to. I am confident, however, Avith the warm weather they will learn to use them and continue tlseir use during all seasons. The school opened September 5 and closed April 28, the last two days being Saturday and Sunday. The number of pupils then on the rolls was 38, namely, 21 boys and 17 girls. During the term I noticed no attempt by anyone to interfere with the children acquiring a knowl- edge of the English language. The teacher asked me to allow him to explain things to the scholars in their own language, as they could more readily understand, and the priest wanted permission to hang a holy picture up in the school, as he thought the scholars would behave better. I informed them that it would be necessary to refer the matter to you before granting their requests. As the winter was mild the attendance was excellent. There was no difficulty in having the scholars attend, as the school is popular with them, being comfortable, and no studying done at home. A number of the pupils' parents have expressed a wish to have the school open throughout the year. I think it would be beneficial. If this is not done school could be continued during May, June, and July, and the months of December, January, and February given as holi- days. As the lease ju-ovides for eight months' school, but does not state which months, it would entail no expense to the (Tovernment. In case of school being continued throughout the year the Treasury agent should be authorized to close the school during severe weather. The school is as good as can be expected from the manner in which it is conducted, but I am confident that the amount of English which the scholars learn is very snuill. The only way to have them learn to any extent is to send them to live at some school similar to the Jesse Lee Home at Unalaska, kept by Mr. and Mrs. Tuck, where they will talk English and be with people who only speak that language. As it is now, except during school hours, while reciting or speaking to the teacher, they rarely hear the language spoken. At church they hear no English spoken, as the service is conducted in Eussian and Aleut. Last summer when seal meat was plentiful, as an experiment a con- siderable quantity was salted and smoked for the use of the natives during the winter months and the stagey season. It was not successful, liowever, as only live or six of them asked for it, and after one trial they asked for no more, saying that it was no good. The population of St. Paul Island to day (June 3) is 19G, of which number 9 are in the school at Unalaska. The population of St. Paul Island June 30, 1892, was also 196. The following statement will give you an idea of the changes which have taken place: On the island June 30, 1892, 190; births, 7; gain by arrivals of former residents, 3; returned from school at Unalaska, 1; total, 201. Deaths on St. Paul Island, 7; decrease by removals, 2; left for school at Unalaska, in September, 1; in November, 4; now residing on St. Paul, 187. At school in Unalaska, 6; death, 1 ; returned 422 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. to St. Paul, 1; joined school from St. Paul iu September, 1; iu Novem- ber, 4 ; total scholars from St. Paul in scliool, 9. Population of St. Paul Island, 196. Of the 7 deaths mentioned, 2 were of consumption, 1 of pneumonia, 1 of cancer, 1 Bright's disease, 1 epilepsy, and 1 infants' complaint. Of the 7 births, 3 were illegitimate. The health of the people has been and continues good. On my arrival here last August there were a large number of car- casses of dead pups at the rookeries, there having been a heavy mor- tality among them. August 22 I visited the rookeries around South- west Bay with British Commissioner Macoun, and he counted 190 dead pups on the sandy spit at the eastern end of Zapadnie Eookery, they having been washed up by the sea. I visited the place a number of times after and did not see any. Also noticed on my visits to the dif- ferent rookeries the very slight mortality among the pups and other seals. The pups which were dead were probably killed by the larger seals crawling over them. The great difl'erence between the mortality last summer and in the autumn was probably due to the pups being older, could take better care of themselves in the water, and were not killed by the sea break- ing on the shore. The rookeries have been well guarded and no raids or attempted raids have been made on them. No sealing schooners have been seen. The last vessel seen in 1892 was the United States revenue steamer Bear^ which left November 26. Since then the only vessels sighted were a whaling bark on the 25th of April and the lessees' steamer Farallon, on which you arrived June 3. The rookeries' watchmen were all withdrawn by the 16th of Decem- ber; the few seals remaining were at the edge of the water, and the cold and stormy weather acted as a natural protection. Seals were seen as late as the 7th of January by natives hunting foxes at Northeast Point. There were 7 of them which had been caught by the arctic ice closing in on the north side of the Point and forcing them up on the land. They were afterwards seen in the neighborhood of the wreck of the brig Alexander iiitQ,x the ice had separated from the shore far enough to admit of their swimming. As usual, the old bulls hauled up before the bachelor seals. The first bachelors seen were in the water off the Eeef Rookery on the 12th of April; and it was at Zapadnie Eookery on the 27th of April the first old bull was seen to be hauled up. On the 5th of May the second chief, returning from Northeast Point, reported seeing 9 old bulls and about 100 bachelor seals hauled up. Stationed watchmen there on the 7th of May. On the 27th of the same month I saw numerous old bulls and about 1,800 bachelor seals hauled up at the Eeef Eookery. The same day watchmen were so stationed that all the rookeries on the island were guarded. I deemed this nec- essary, as no Government vessel had been seen. Up to the time of my being relieved no cows had been reported as hauling up. I would recommend that a good pair of night glasses be provided for the use of the Government House. Those here belong to the janitor and are no better for use at night than the naked eye. From the west blufi" near the flagstaff a fine view can be had, and at night, in clear weather, a good lookout can be kept without walking down on the reef, as is now necessary, thus avoiding the possibility of disturbing the seals. Pairs of glasses for use of the watchmen at Zapadnie, Halfway Point, and Northeast Point would also be useful. ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 423 I never visited tlie rookeries before last August, so cau not compare them with past years. Kespectfully, yours, D. J. Ainsworth, Second Lieutenant, U. 8. R. M. J. B. Crowley, Esq., United States Treasury Agent in Charge Seal Fisheries, St. Paul Island, Alaska. Office of Special Agent Treasury Department, St. Paul Island, Alaska, June 12, 1893. Dear Sir: Referring to the seizure of a flag and halyards belonging to the North American Commercial Company while I was acting United States Treasury Agent, of which I have informed you, I would say that, as the vessel never came to the island, it appears the Alaska Com- mercial Company had, and the North American Commercial Company have, during the two leases, set flags at the landings whenever they desired, until they probably thought it was a right of theirs ; and as I have been relieved from duty on this island and the matter no longer concerns me, I desire to drop the matter, and request that the flag and halyards be returned to the company. KespectfuUy, yours, D. J. Ainsworth, Second Lieutenant, U. S. B. M. J. B. Crowley, Esq., United States Treasury Agent in Charge Seal Fisheries, St. Paul Island, Alaska. Asaiatant Agent Murray ; Report for 189S. Fort Collins, Colo., November 1, 1893. Sir: I have the honor to report that in pursuance of Department instructions, dated April 27, 1893, I sailed from San Francisco May 13 on board tlie company's steamer FaraUon, and landed on St. Paul Island, Alaska, on Saturday, June 3. I had sailed from St. Paul Island in September, 1892, and left the office in temporary charge of Lieut. D. J. Ainsworth, of the revenue marine, who was detailed to relieve me, and in whom I have found a very superior man and officer, one in whose charge the best interests of the Grovernment and of the native people were well and diligently cared for. COAL SUPPLY. On March 10, 1893, 1 reported to the Department that in my opinion the Government ought to send to the islands annually 290 tons of coal in addition to the 80 tons supplied by the lessees under their lease; and that after deducting 20 tons for the two (lovernnient houses on the islands (10 tons each), the remaining 350 tons should be divided among the native inhabitants of the two islands. Kow, I meant to include all the natives on both islands, "widows, orphans, aged and indigent persons," as well as sealers and those who are able to work for themselves ; but after the coal arrived at the islands there was a question raised as to who was entitled to a share of coal in accordance with law. It will be well, therefore, to call the attention of 424 ALA.SKA INDUSTRIES. the Department to this point and to have it settled beyond quesaon, if possible. My own experience on the islands teaches me that so long as such questions are allowed to remain open the natives are wronged and left to suffer while agents wrangle over precedents and points of law; and it is my belief that it would be better for all concerned if the Government would take care of all the natives, without distinction of age, sex, or condition. The present supply of 370 tons of coal — 20 tons to the Government houses and 350 to the natives — gives about 5 tons to every family, and so long as the quality is good there will not be any suffering for fuel; but it will be necessary to have the coal brought direct from the mine to the islands, for whenever it is left outdoors for a year or more at Unalaska it slakes out so much that it becomes little better than dust, and is entirely unfit for use in a stove. - "HEIRS AND SAVINGS." When the modus vivendi went into effect, and not to exceed 7,500 seals were allowed to be killed. Congress made an appropriation of $19,500 for the purpose of supporting the natives, and the agent in charge at that time decided that sealers should "spend and exhaust" their current earnings before they could draw rations or supplies from the Government. Afterwards it was discovered that a few of the natives, who had been more thrifty and economical tlian their fellows, had, in times of prosperity, hoarded some of their earnings, so that now they have small sums to their credit, or, being dead, the money has been given to their lieirs. Therefore, the question has confronted the Treas- ury agents: Shall Government rations be issued to natives who have money to their credit, or shall Ave compel them to spend and exhaust their savings and bring them down to the common level of pauperism? My own o])inion is that it would be unjust, as well as unwise and impol- itic, to compel the thrifty and careful ones to come down to the level of the reckless and improvident creatures, who have not sense enough to make any provision for to-morrow. In all my dealings with the natives I aimed to teach them the value and use of time and money; and I encouraged them to save a part of their earnings, and to hoard it as long as possible for use in old age, or for their children's use after they themselves had passed away; and when issuing food or clothing, 1 made no distinction between the person who had money saved to his credit and the one who never hoarded a cent. I have held, and still hold, that so long as the natives are not to blame for the present depression in the sealing industry they should not be reduced to pauperism before receiving aid from the Government. And I most respectfully add that it would be a great improvement if the Government would i)rovide all the necessaries of life, as well as fuel for, "widows, orphans, aged, and indigent persons," as well as for sealers and others. The present arrangementfor providing for "widows, orphans, aged and indigent persons" is not satisfactory to anyone concerned in the matter, and it ought to be altered, even though the terms of the lease may have to be modified accordingly. SEALS. I made my fifth annual inspection of the rookeries (beginning in 1889 and ending in August, 1893), and I am convinced that the seals are ALASKA INDUSTRIES. - 425 steadily decreasing- every year, and tliat it will require the utmost care on the part of the Government to save them from total extinction. Among other precautious, it will be necessary for the preservation of the herd to prohibit the killing of the large young males whose skins Aveigh more than 9 pounds, and care should be taken that no seals are killed whose skins are so small that the lessees refuse to accept them and pay the necessary tax. So far as my information goes, the Depart- ment has never ruled upon the maximum and minimum weight of skins to be taken, and the consequence has been that every agent in charge of the islands established his own whim, without any two of them being alike; and this has led to a demoralization of the whole system of permanent rules for the guidance of Treasury agents, lessees, and luitive sealers. A good plan would be to prohibit the killing of seals whose skins weigh over 9 pounds, and to hold tlie lessees responsible for all under- sized seals killed, excepting accidents. All rejected skins, whether cut, stagey, or small, should be salted separately and sold on Government account in San Francisco at the end of the sealing season. Seal skins and fox skins given to the natives are used exclusively for trading in liquor and other illicit articles which do not and can not benefit them in any manner, and therefore ought to be discontinued. GI'AEDING THE ROOKEEIES. It will be necessary, too, to keep armed vessels in Bering Sea from June 1 to December 1 of each year, and not less than two swift cutters or cruisers shonld be employed in the immediate vicinity of the islands during the period named. It is not necessary, nor is it just or wise, to land armed crews of white men, soldiers or sailors, on the islands to guard the rookeries, for if the cutters are kept iu the sea till the seals leave the islands in December tliere will not be any danger of maraud- ers landing there. I most earnestly call the attention of the Department to the fact that the fewer strangers, whether guards, visitors, or others, allowed to land or dwell upon the seal islands, the better it is for the native peo- ple, who are rarely benefited by contact Avith white men. Until the Treasury agents in charge of the islands a^^k for additional guards it will be well for the Department to leave the care of the rookeries to the Treasury agents and the natives, well armed. Put a Winchester rifle into the hands of every adult male on the islands (they prefer 45-70) and then put agents in charge who are physi- cally able to walk over the rough ground when it becomes necessary to do so, and it will be found that no outsiders are needed there to do guard duty. Houses were built near the more exposed rookeries in 1892 for the comfort and convenience of the watchmen on guard duty, and 1 respect- fully suggest that telephone lines be erected from such houses to the Government house on each island. A line from Southwest Bay and another from Northeast Point on St. Paul, and from Zapadnie and east rookeries on St. George would be all sufficient. It does appear strange, in the light of recent events, that so very lit- tle has been done for the proper protection of the rookeries, and, stran- ger still, that there should be so little known of the real situation. The truth is this, the natives are able and willing to guard the seals on the rookeries, and they can do it easily and well if the Government will only provide the means to do it as it ought to be done. 426 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. To send white men, as a reserve guard, to remaiu in the vilhiges while the natives go out from 6 to 12 miles to guard the seals, is to insult and injure every native man on the islands, and, if persisted in, will eventually end in blood. For the sake of peace — for the good of the native people — I suggest that no more white men, soldiers or sailors, be landed on the islands to do guard duty. FOXES. As the time has come when the Government must feed and cloihe the natives of the seal islands, and as there is no immediate pros- pect of an increase of seals for years to come, I think it would be wise on the part of the Department to attempt to make the islands self- supporting, if it is possible to do so without meddling with the rights or privileges of others. The most valuable animal on the islands, next to the fur seal, is the blue fox, whose skin sells readily for $10 to $15, and which, under proper management, could be made to bring in a revenue sufticieut to make the native inhabitants not only self-supporting, but far more comfortable than ever before. There is not a word in the lease about foxes, nor has the Department ever made a rule or regulation that is ever heard of on the subject; but the natives have been allowed to hunt and trap and slaughter them indiscriminately, until they are nearly exterminated. The skins were sold by the natives for a few cents each, or, occasionally, a drink of bad whisky. I think it is safe to say that 20,000 blue foxes were killed on the islands in the twenty years beginning with 1870 and ending with 1889, for which the natives received not to exceed 50 cents each, or $10,000, although the same skins actually sold for $200,000 in San Francisco. Now, I maintain that that sum of money should have been secured and saved for the natives, to be drawn upon in seasons of distress, like the present. I crave the serious attention of the Department to the question of foxes, and 1 respectfully suggest that regulations be made by which box traps shall be used exclusively, so that every vixen caught may be turned away uninjured and none but the males killed. The present barbarous method of taking foxes in the common steel trap, which maims everything caught, will eventually, ifi)ersisted in, exterminate the foxes on the Pribilof islands. By the use of the box trap, as suggested, and the establishment of a shorter hunting season for a year or two until the animals increase to their original number and splendor, there may soon be taken annually on the two islands 1,500 to 2,000 prime fox skins, that will sell for $20,000, a sum, I repeat it, amply sufficient to support, if j'udiciously expended, every man, woman, and child on the islands in afar better manner than they were supported in their best and most prosperous days. Simple justice requires that I should say the present lessees raised the price of fox skins, and are now paying $2 per skin. SCHOOLS, WATER, AND DRAINAGE. I have said so much about schools, water, and drainage in former reports that I do not deem it expedient to repeat the story here; yet the subject is so very important to the unfortunate people, who have ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 427 no other way of reaching the Goveruraent, that I deem it my duty to ask you to endeavor to impress upon the Department the necessity of establishing Government schools on the seal islands, if the children are ever to be lifted out of the present degraded and degrading con- ditions. It is absolutely necessary, too, that water in abundance be brought into the villages on each island, and that a thorough system of drainage be established. I respectfully refer you to the plans drawn by J. Stanley-Brown, and accompanying his report to the Secretary of the Treasury for 1892. ORPHANS AT SCHOOL AT UNALASKA. In September, 1890, 1 sent 6 orphan girls from St. Paul Island to the American school at (Jnalaska and subsequently 4 others have been sent there. I could and should have sent 30 orphan girls when I sent the G had there been room for them in the school, for I was anxious to put them into the hands of a Christian woman, whose heart is in the work of saving such children from a fate that is worse than death, and the result has more than satisfied me and justified the experiment. The majority of the children sent to this school were the poorest, lowest, dirtiest, and most ignorant on the islands, and they could not speak a word of the English language; and yet, after a term of two years, every one of them was able to write English as well as the aver- age white school child of similar age. Three of the oldest have mar- ried, and 2 of them are housekeepers on St. Paul Island, where for morality, cleanliness, and good housekeeping they are models of excel- lence. It is for such a school I plead. Now I have been informed that the school at Unalaska has been abandoned by the good people whose charity kept it going, and the teacher asked me to issue some food and some clothing out of the Gov- ernment appropriation to the orphans from the seal islands. I asked the general superintendent of the lessees to assist the orphans, and he told me the lessees would keep them as long as they remained on the islands and no longer. I felt that I could not issue food or clothing to orphans dependent on the lessees. Now the question, stripped of all disguise, is simply this : Are these girls to be sent back to the islands where nothing better awaits them than a life of shame, or will the Government allow its agents to issue food and clothing to them while they are at school at Unalaska, where they are being educated and civilized and cleaned physically and morally? A long residence on the islands has given me an intimate knowledge of the people, their virtues, vices, wickedness, and wants, and my advice is, give the widows and orphans, aged, sick, and indigent the kindly protection of the Government, and if you can not establish good schools on the islands, where a Christian woman can care for the girls, send them to schools where they can have such care, and support them while at school. All of which is very respectfully submitted to the Department. Joseph Mttrray, Assistant Treasury Agent at the Seal Islands. Joseph B. Crowley, Agent in Charge of the Seal Islands. 428 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. Assistant Aycnt 'Laiender; Report for 1S9S. St. GEORCfE Island, May 1, 1893. Sir: I liave the lioiior to make you this synopsis of my report on the general condition of everything on this island that comes under the supervision of the officer in charge. My report made September 7, 1892, doubtless you have seen. First. 1 inclose you a statement of seals killed from the end of the stagey season, October 20, to November 19, 1892, inclusive, showing that there were 11 drives of seals made, out of which 349 were killed and their skins accepted by the agent of the lessees. These 349 skins taken are now in the salt house, and completed our quota of 2,500 allowed to be killed on this island out of the 7,500 allowed to be killed on both islands under the modus vivendi. Killable seals were very scarce on the rookeries and I had considerable difficulty in obtaining the number required, and was.obliged to go upon the rookeries and select the killable seals from among the cows after driving both together a short distance. This I thought preferable to driving a large number of cows to the killing grounds before making the selection. Prior to 1890 but one-fifth as many seals were taken yearly on this island as were taken on St. Paul, and it is my opinion that the condition of the rookeries at the present time will not admit of a larger proportion being taken out of the yearly catch without injury to the breeding grounds. No hulluschicke hauled out by themselves after October 28; the pups had most all gone, and there were but a few cows left upon the rookeries on that date. There has been a marked dimunition of seals upon tnis island since 1890. A few fur seals have been reported seen by the natives around the island all winter. The first bull seal hauled out on East rookery this year was on April 29. TRAPPING OF FOXES. Second. I inclose you a statement of the number of foxes taken by traps and in other ways during the past winter between November 15, 1892, and January 20, 1893. This statement will show you that there were 928 foxes killed, of which the skins of 921 were accepted and 7 rejected, they being worthless. The amount of money advanced by the North American Commercial Company, pending a decision from the Department, was $2 per skin, or il,842, all of which has been judiciously used for the maintenance of the natives, with the exception of $431 still in the handsof the company, on which orders will be issued weekly lor the maintenance of the persons to whom the credit belongs. No Government orders have been issued to any i^erson having a credit on their fox-skin account. There were 25 persons engaged in trapping and they have in use about 300 traps. Besides the number trapped, there was a large number of foxes taken from their burrows with a long j)iece of whale- bone, which prior to 1891 they did not use. No foxes were taken on this island during the winter of 1891-92. The catch the past winter, in my opinion, was altogether too large; about 250 more than should have been caught. This industry, from which the Government derives a large revenue, if properly protected would go a long way toward maintaining the natives, now that the money paid them for taking seals is not enough for their support. The number of foxes trapped should be the guide to go by, instead of the dates between which they may be trapped. I do not think that any could be taken on the island during the coming ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 429 winter without danger of extermination. With one year's rest 700 could be killed annually. UNITED STATES IN ACCOUNT WITH THE ADULT NATIVES. Third. I inclose you a statement showing the financial standing of each male adult ou the island with the United States. The debit and credit of each person is shown up to date. There has been labor per- formed to the amount of $1,117, divided as follows: For watching on the rookeries, $134.50; for making roads and other work under the direction of the officer in charge, $682.50. There have been 217 Govern- ment orders issued, amounting to $1,133.61, divided as follows: 210 orders to the natives for food, clothing, etc., $1,053.32; orders Nos. 28 and 29, for potatoes, divided by the chief, $6.68; orders Nos. 31 and 32, for wheelbarrows, shovels, and other tools, $26.26; order No. 33, for 1 can of oil for use of lantern at Zapadnie, $1.50; order No. 12, for sup- plies to natives on watch prior to July, 1892, $16; wder No. 213, for building and repairing watchhouses, $29.85. All the articles men- tioned in orders Nos. 28, 29, 31, 32, 33, 42, and 213 were purchased for the use and comfort of the natives, and should come out of the appro- priation. I thought it advisable to draw orders for the same. You will note that some of the accounts are largely overdrawn, while others have quite a sum to their credit. This was caused by some of the people having had money to their cledit in the hands of the North American Commercial Company, while others had their accounts almost exhausted when I arrived on the island in June last. No orders for supplies were given to any person until his credit with the comi)any was used up. This community has been well supplied with food, cloth- ing, and other necessaries of life the past year. Fresh beef (canned) and tomatoes have been furnished to them once a week most all winter. I consider their condition at the present time as regards clothing better than it ever has been since I have known them. No complaints have been made during the year. If some arrangements could be made whereby they could be paid in cash at the end of each week for labor performed, more work would be done for less money than we are paying them now. They say tliat the company pays them in cash, while the work they do for the Govern- ment must be paid for in orders on the store of the North American Commercial Company. The officer in charge could take into consider- ation the amount of cash paid them when issuing orders for their supplies. MONEY TO THE CREDIT OF THE NATIVES. Fourth. I inclose you a statement showing the amount of money in the hands of the North American Commercial Company to the credit of the natives of this island. You will see that the total amount is $1,983.65, of which there is belonging to the priest $1,240.43; to the orphans, $334.07. Amount available for maintenance of natives, $409.15. The money due the orphans can only be used in the purchase of clothing on an order from the officer in charge. The $1.46 due Anfansia Prokopoff, $4.90 due Nicoli Nederazoft", $37.34 due Gregory Swetzoft", and $36.35 due Evdokia Philimonofl" can be used in the purchase of clothing on an order from the Government officer. Nedesda Muculiff, one of the orphans, has a credit of $121.28; is attend- ing school in Unalaska, where clothing and other necessaries are fur- nished free. She will not require any money for a long time. The 430 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. $120.14 due Demetri Lestenkoff, $90.40 due Michael Lestenkoff, and $118.56 due Evan Kulikoloff is the only money in the hands of the company that can be paid out in moderation without consulting the officer in charge. FREE-COAL ACCOUNT. Fifth. I inclose you,a statement of the native free-coal account, by which you will see that on July 31, 1892, there was weighed aud receipted for 224,000 pounds. Since the 11th day of August, 1892, I have made 72 deliveries of 1,900 pounds each, 136,800 pounds; leaving a balance on hand of 87,200 pounds. From May 1 until August 11 the number of times that coal will be delivered will not exceed 20, or 38,000 pounds, which will leave a balance still on hand on the latter date of 39,200 pounds. I would recommend that 80 tons of coal be landed here this year for the free use of the natives, and I know that quantity will be sufficient for next year's use. SALT AND DRIED SALMON. Sixth. We have left over 8 barrels of salt salmon. If salt fish is to be lauded this season instead of dried, 7 barrels will be sufficient; 15 barrels is all that is required. There is no use in having salt fish left over for future use. Fish when salted does not improve with age. There were 363 dried salmon landed here last September; the weight of each fish is about half a pound. I consider salt fish preferable to dried. Should the Department order dried salmon landed in the place of salt, I would recommend that 1,000 dried fish be put on shore for the free use of these people. CENSUS OF ST. GEORGE ISLAND. Seventh. I inclose you a census report of this island made May 1, 1893, by which you will see that the total number of native inhabitants is 86, of which 42 are males. The ages of the oldest and youngest native persons, outside of the priest and his wife, are as follows: The oldest male, 47 years; the oldest female, 51 years; the youngest male, 10 months; the youngest female, 1 year. The general health of the community has been good, but 2 deaths having occurred the past year, both children — one a boy of 2^ years aud the other a girl of 8 years. For further particulars I refer you to a copy of a report made by Dr. L. A. Noyes, the resident physician. (See copy of report inclosed.) SCHOOLS. Eighth. I inclose you a copy of the school report made by Mr. Paul Mitchell, teacher for the North American Commercial Company, who has been very faithful in the jierformance of his duties, and I have no doubt has done as well as any teacher could under the circumstances. 1 do not think that much progress has been made in the way of edu- cation, nor do I believe that any can be made while the service of the Greek Church is conducted in the Russian language. The church serv- ice has a tendency to neutralize all they learn in English while at school. Until some change takes place we can not look for more prog- ress in the way of educating these people. It is astonishing to see both young men and women 20 years old and upward, who have attended scliool for ten years or more, that can not ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 431 read or write. There is not one of them that can read a Government order when they receive it. I would advise in future that nothing but English be allowed spoken by the scholars when in and around the schoolhouse during school hours. CONDUCT OF THE NATIVES. IsTinth. The natives have always been respectful in their demeanor toward the officer in charge and others in authority ; have always been ready and willing to work whenever called on. They have made good roads all through the village and have almost completed a 4-foot trail from the village lake to East rookery. It was my intention to have good roads, which are badly needed, from the village to all the rookeries, - in order that a person could go upon the rookeries after dark without danger. QUAS BREwma. It has always been the custom for these people to brew quas (beer) whenever they can. I can not see any way to prevent it. If they can not get jelly, sugar, sweet crackers, or some other kind of sweets, they will make a mixture from flour. I have not seen or heard of any disturbance caused by the use of quas during the past winter, and I have endeavored to impress upoL their minds^that the Government was desirous of having them become good, sober, and industrious citizens. While I know they have made quas, I do think that it has been made in less quantities than in former years. THE NORTH AMERICAN COMMERCIAL COMPANY. Tenth. The North American Commercial Company, through its gen- eral and local ageuts, have complied with the requirements of the lease ou this island. They have painted, papered, and repaired in other ways, as far as their material would go, most of the native dwellings, have furnished new desks for the schoolhouse, and repaired the build- ing in other ways to make it comfortable. They have furnished the widows and orphans food and clothing in sufficient quantities. Salt and barrels for the curing of meat and fish have been furnished when asked for, as required by the lease. All goods sold have been sold at a reasonable price, and the goods have been first-class in every particular. School has been taught for the full term of eight months. There has been a competent physician on the island, and good medical atte ndance and medicines have been furnished the sick. Very respectfully, A. W. Lavender, United States Treasury Agent^ in charge of St. George Island. United States Treasury Agent, In charge of Seal Islands. 432 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. ENCLOSURES WITH SPECIAL AGENT CROWLEY'S ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1893. Exhibit A. Annual statement of fur seals killed on St. Paul Island, Alaska, during the year ended Au 2 90 89 o 2 92 92 4 4 171 169 4 4 65 59 4 4 2, 000 1,979 Pelts rejected— under weight. 1 !0 21 Office of Special Agent Treasury Department, St. George Island, Alaska, Augustus, 1893. I certify the foregoing to be in exact accordance with the records of this office. But in the count preparatory to shipment the number of skins tallied 2,004. E. T. Hall, Assistant United States Treasury Agent. Exhibit 0. list of widows and orphans supported bi/ the North American Commercial Company on St. Paul Island, Alaska, August 23, 1803. 1. Bellaglazof, Ellen. Terrakauof, Mary. 2. Bolakshiu, Matrona. Bolakshin, Agafia. Shaposhnikof, Parascovia. Kookavishuikof, Stepan. 3. Kozlof, Parascovia. Kozlof Michael. Kozlof, Nikolai. Serebrenikof, Olga. Serebrenikof, Kipsemia. 4. Knikof, Anua. 5. Koshevnikof, Avdotia. Koshevnikof, Paul. 6. 8. 9. 10. II. 12. Popof, Afanasia. Shutyagin, Daria. Popof, Avdotia. Popof, Anna. Popof, Evrosina. Peeshnikof, Vasilisa. Rezanzof, Anna. Rookavishnikof, Anissia. Rookavishnikof, Parascovia. Rookavishnikof, Anna. Shutyagin, Oiileta. Tarantova, Anua. Tarantova, Anna. Exhibit D. Office of Special Agent Treasury Department, August 33, 1893. Sir: I herewith submit a list of widows, orphans, and other dependents whom I regard as proper subjects to be supported by the company under their contract with t lie Government, and respectfully request that you furnish them with such sustenance in the future as their comfort nuiy require, etc. Respectfully, vours, Joseph B. Crowley, Treasury Agent, Mr. George R. Tingle, Superintendent Xorth American Commercial Company, H. Doc. 92 -28 434 ALASKA INDUSTRIES, Lisf of widoics, orphans, and others ivho are to be furnished food and clothimj hy the lessees. Name. Kr ukoff, Maxim, imbecile Krukott', Feotesta, wife KrukofF, Jokn, son KrukolF, Condrat, eon Balakshin, Matrona Balaksliin, Agrafina, orphan Shaixissbinkotf, Parascovia, orphan Kookovishuikoif, Stepan, orphan IJellaglazoff, Ellen Tei-rakanoff, Mar_y,. orphan Kosheonikoff, Avodii it Koshoonikoflf, 'Paul, son MercuHtf, Martin, orphan Kriikoff, Anna Krukoft', Natalie Krukott', John, son Kozloti', Parascovia Kozloff, Michael, son Kozlott", Nieoli, son Serebrinkoif, Olga Serebriukoff, Kepseiuee, sou Popoff, Avodotia Popotf, E vrosinia, daughter Balakshin, Anna, daughter Pushnikoff, Vassilica Popotf, Afanasia Shutyagin, Daria, orphan Eookovishnikoft', Auniasa Kookovislinikott', Anna, daughter Eookovi.shnikott', Parascovia, daughter. Kezanzotf, Anna Shutyagin. TJleta Terrantova, Anna Terrantova, Anna, daughter Age. Male. Female. 38 14 3 13 11 13 14 a 10 29 16 23 59 18 34 28 42 35 30 35 3 11 35 49 14 29 10 5 61 26 75 42 a Months. List of ividows, orphans, and others who are to receive clothing from the lessees. Eesidence. Name. A. ArksholF K.Buterin J.Glototr N. Gromoff A. GalaktioneU'. . J. Kocbooten Do Do S. Nederazoft" P. Oustogofif V. Sedulf K. Terrakauoft' . . Do Do Peter Totoff' M.A'olkofl' Do Do Feclusia Tetoff, widow Irene Tetotf, daughter Soti a Tetott', daughter Oxenia Prokopiefl", widow Paul Merculifl" orphan Claudia GalaktionefF, orphan Zacliar Sedick, orphan Mary Glotoff, widow Elizabeth Sedick, orphan Oxenia Yatzmanoff, orphan Daria Sedick, widow Ellon Kochoten, daughter Zenobia Kochoten, daughter John Hopoff, orphan George Shaisnikoff, orphan Mary Muzeekan, orphan Agriflnia Nederazoft', orphan Alexia Nederazoft'. son Maria Nederazotf, infant daughter . Alexandria Tetolf, orv^han Ellen Volkoft', orjjhan Maora Ku.'ihin, orphan John Merculiti', orphan Age. Male. Female. 11 37 9 7 27 12 66 7 17 43 21 26 20 26 17 39 14 Exhibit E. North Amehican Commercial Company, St. Paul Island, August 2,i, 1S9S. Sir: Yours of this date received, inclosiug' a list of widows, orphans, aud other de]iend<'iits, whom yon reiinest the Nortli American Commercial Company to support as proper subjects of their care under the lease. ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 435 I respectfully protest against the company's liability to support those haAing con- siderable cash credits named by yon in your list. Certainly such persons can not be regarded as dependents, therefore would not be a charge on the company. All others shall be provided as the company's contract requires and as you request, as also those having the credits, until such time as the difference in our construction of the lease between the Government and the North American Commercial Company can be adjusted by the Secretary of the Treasury at Washington. I am, respectfully, Gko. R. Tingle, Superiniendent North American Commercial Vowpavy. Hon. J. B. Crowley, United States Treasury Agent, St. Paxil Island. Exhibit F. Office of Special Agent Treasury Department, St. Paul Island, Alaska, August 12, 1893. Sir: Since becoming personally acquainted with aflairs on the island, I find that Maxim Krukofif; John Krukoff, aged 14 years, son of Maxim; John N. Krukotf, aged 14 years, son of Natalie Krukofi", a widow; George Kochergin, aged 1.5 years, son of Feclusia Tetoff, a widow, and Valerian Shaisnakol!', aged 1.5 years, an orphan, were this season placed on the list as sealers and permitted to draw rations and clothing from the Government. On account of the mental and physical condition of Maxim Krukoft", the immature age of John and John N. Krukoff, 1 deem it a mistake to have placed either of them on the sealers' list. Since they have perforuied such labor as they were able dur- ing the season, they will be permittecl to draw each a boy's share in the community fund upon division, after the expenditure of which you Avill be expected to support them, as i)rovided for under the contract between the Government and lessees. As to George Kochergin and Valerian Shaisnakoff, orders for clothing will be issued to them in the future only for their personal needs. Respectfully, yours, Jos. B. Crowley, Treasury Agent. Mr. Geo. R. Tingle, Superintendent of North American Commercial Company. Exhibit G. Dirision No. 4 — St. Paul Island. [August 22, 1893.] Name. Amount. — Name. Amount. Earnings of natives, 5,500 seal skins. $2, 750. 00 Second clasa — continued. 6. Alex Glacktonoff 7 Alt^x TT;i,nsoii $55. 94 119.91 119.91 69.91 69.91 69.91 69.91 69.91 69.91 69.91 69.91 69.91 69.91 69.91 69.91 69.91 69.91 69.91 69.91 69.91 69.91 55.94 55.94 55.94 55.94 55.94 55 94 8. Euphene Kochuten 55 94 1 TCirnlni TCriikoff 9. Simeon Melovedolf 55.94 10. Necon Sliabolin 1 1. Va.s8ili Sednli 12. Dorofav Stepoten 55.94 4. Ai>olloii Boardukofski 55. 94 55.94 13. Neon Tetoff 55. 94 14 Markel Volkotf 15 Alex Melt)ve(loff 16. Paul Haberotf 1 17. John Fratis Q ^pon TVIaiiflriiTon ...... ...... 55. 94 10 Anl.onA TVIftlovfidoft . .......... i Third class. 1. John Kuzniekzoft' 48. 95 M Parfari Piinkof 2. Simeon Nozekoft' 3. Alex Merculofi' 48.95 48.95 Ifi T?pv Pfliil Shaiahnikoff 4. Maxime Krukotf Special class. 1. Pliilip Sedick 48.97 17 Theo Sedick 15.00 90 VfsifKV Tftfnff 2. Zachar Tetoff 15.00 Second class. 3. Geo. Kochigan 4. Jolin Krukoff, No. 1 5. Jno. Krukoff, No. 2 15.00 15.00 15.00 6. Man veil Zackaroff 15. 00 7. Yerlerian Sliaisnekoff 15.00 4. Geo. Enianott' Total 2, 750. 00 436 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. Exhibit H. Division No. 4 — Earnings of Natives. By 2,007 seal skins, at 50 cents $1, 003. 50 To Merculiff, Joseph ! Merculiti'. George ' Prokopotf, Peter Lestenkotf, Mike To Ijestenkoff, Dmitri 45.40 45.40 45.40 45.40 45.40 45.40 45.40 45.40 ' 38.59 ' 38.60 38.60 38.60 38.60 38.60 Lesteukotf, Kev. Inuokenty Swetzoff, Eustin Philimauotf Gregory Nederazoff, Arkenty Kulikuloft', Evan Philimanoft; Eoff Galanin Parifini Pliilimauoif, Simeon ( )ustegoff , Alexia Kederozoff, Xiroli Gorokoflf, Corneil Malavan.'ik V Nicoli Prokopoff, Aiifanassa Philimanott", Andronic TVfpirciiliff", T^^y,lTl . . Philimanott', Andrean » LestenkofF Dmitri, cliief Lekanoff, Stepan Total Rezanzoft', Peter Oustigoff, Simeon $38. 60 38. 60 38.60 38.60 38. 60 29.51 29.51 29.51 29.51 15.89 15.89 15.89 50.00 1, 003. 50 Geo. R. Tingle, Superintendent North American Commercial Company. Joseph B. Crowley. Treasury agent. Exhibit I. statement showing the number of foxes killed on-St. George Island and the amount of money earned by the natives for trapping during the ivinters of 1892 and 1893. Date. 1893. Jan. 26 26 26 26 20 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 •36 26 26 26 26 20 26 20 20 26 20 Name. Le8tenkoff, Demetri Lestenkoff, Michael Swetzoff, Eustin Gorokofl', Corneil , Lekanotf, Stepan Philimanoli; Eoflf Philimanoft', Gregory Philimanott', Andrean... Philinianoff, Andronic . , Philiniauott', Simeon Prokoport', Peter , Rezanzoft', Peter Nederazoiif, Arkenty — Malavansky, Nicoli Merculift', .Joeeph Merculiff, George Oustegoff, Alexia OiiHtegoft', Simeon Kulikolott", Evan Galanin, Parfir Rezanzoft', Inuokenty... Prokopoff, Aufansia . . . . Philimonoff, lunokenty Merculift'. Evan Nicoli, Nedarazoft' Merculift', Nicoli Shane, Jliesa Total Num- ber killed. 64 67 52 50 71 52 26 36 30 54 53 37 55 52 40 20 32 36 31 11 17 6 4 18 6 4 4 Num- ber re- jected. 928 Price per skin. 1 ' $2.00 1 2.00 . . 2. 00 ..! 2.00 2. 00 1 2.00 2. 00 2 ; 2.00 2. 00 1 2. 00 2. 00 2. 00 2. 00 2. 00 2. 00 2. 00 1 2.00 2. 00 ..I 2.00 2. 00 2. 00 . . ' 2. 00 2. 00 ..: 2.00 .. 2.00 . . I 2. 00 . . I 2. 00 j Money earneii. $126. 00 132. 00 104. 00 100. 00 142. 00 102. 00 52. 00 68.00 60.00 lOR. 00 106. 00 74.00 110. 00 104. 00 80.00 40.00 62. 00 72.00 62.00 22.00 34.00 12.00 8.00 36.00 12.00 8.00 8.00 Money on hand. 1, 842. 00 $49. 91 96.10 12.43 23.40 44.60 9.57 10.85 16.48 37.96 18.44 40. 47 41.78 4.53 !>.76 13.39 1.46 5.70 .83 NoTK. — This statcinont i.s made up to May 1, 1893. Tlie money earned by the natives for taking fox skins can only be paid in merchandise from tlie store of tliC North Aiiiencau Commercial Com. pauy on an order frotu tlie oliirer iu charge. No cash is to be paid lor fox skins at any time. ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 437 Exhibit J. St. Paul Island, Alaska, June 1, 1S93. Dear Sir: In compliance with your request, I respectfully submit the followiug medical report for the Island of St. Paul for the year beginning June 1, 1892, and ending May 31, 1893. The total number of cases treated amounts to 202, of which 95 were simple acute bronchitis, being 47 per cent of the sum total for the year. Aside from the hereditary predisposition of the natives to pulmonary affections, the large percentage of bronchitis, while uuavoidalile in some cases, is Irequently due to carelessness or indifference in others, such as dcliciency in dress, lounging on the ground during the Avarmer months, walking out in open air immediately follow- ing a steam bath, etc. Persuasion and even sickness itself appears to have no effect upon this peculiar characteristic indifference. At times treatment is followed faithfully, and again it will be neglected until tlie patient fears a fatal termination, when overauxiety and overdosing are the result. No epidemic has visited the island during the year, and contagious diseases have been comparatively rare. There has been one case of erysipelas, two of ringworm, two of chicken pox, and two of scabies. Tlie former cases were spontaneous in their origin, but the scabies (itch) was directly traceable to importation from Unalaska by visitors from said place. The remains of scrofulous ulcers are prominent iu the parents of nearly every native family, yet the manifestations in the children have been rather scarce and have always yielded well to treatment. A chemical test of the drinking water proves it to be of excellent quality. Last fall an additional number of water-closets were erected, sufficient to meet the comforts of every native family, thus improving the sanitary condition of the vil- lage, which is in very good order at present and has been for the past year. The record of births and deaths for the year is, respectively, as follows: Births. — Anna Stepetin, a daughter, .lune 12, 1892; Akolina Fratis, a daughter, June 13, 1892; Alexandra Volkof, a son, August 2.5, 1892; Olga Serebrenikof, a daughter, October 12, 1892; Lukeria Kushin, a son, November 7, 1892; Evdotia Stepetin, a son, February 8, 1893; Anastasia Kozerof, a daughter, February 19, 1893; Fevronia Kotchnten, a son, March 24, 1893; Agrafina Nederozof, a son, April 4, 1893. Total, 9; males, 5; females, 4. Deaths. — Marina Kotchnten, 2 years, June 3, 1892, scrofula; Mauvra Mandrigen, 26 years, June 6, 1892, phthisis; Peter Kotchnten, 13 years, June 25, 1892, scrofula phthisis; Rose Keonia Glebof, 52 years, July 9, 1892, epilepsy; Akolma Nederazof, 45 years, July 16, 1892, chronic Bright's disease; Droseda Krukof, 2i^ years, July 24, 1892, diarrhfea; Anna Bogodanof, 23 years, December 3, 1892, pneumonia; Natalia Rezanzof, 59 years, December 9, 1892, cancer; Vladimir Prokopief, 22 years, Februarj^ 26, 1893, phthisis; Susanna Fratis, 17 years, February 24, 1893, phthisis. Total, 10; males, 2; females, 8. I remain, yours, faithfully. Otto Voss, M. D. The North American Commercial Company, George B. Tinf/le, General Manager. St. Georor Island, May 2, 1893. Sir; In compliance with your request, I respectfully submit the following report of the health of the natives, inhabitants of this island, for the past year : There have been no deaths since your arrival in June last until March of this year, since which time two deaths have occurred. March 25, Joseph Philimauoff, from dysentery, and April 6 Evdokia Tickoloff, consumption. We have had two or three light epidemics of influenza during the winter, but nothing of a serious character. The health of this community has been good (unusually so) for the past two years, having been but three deaths during that time — all children. The sick list is small at present. Respectfully, Dr. L. A. Noyes, North American Commercial Company Physician, Capt. A. W. Lavender, United States Treasury Agent. 438 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. Exhibit K. "iO, 1S9S. Dutch Harbor, August Dear Sir: I am informed that Father Metroplianes, of Unahiska, desires passage on one of the vessels of your fleet going to the islands of St. Paul and St. George for the purpose of taking from those islands funds collected by the church from the natives during the past eighteen months. This money, contributed by the natives to their church on the islands, should either remain there, in my judgment, for the beneiit of their churches, or be redistributed among them, as in a former instance. Each island is provided with a priest. I therefore regard the visiting of Father Metrophanes as unnecessary in the way of furthering the right of worship. Hence I request that you direct each of the commanding officers of your fleet neither to convey Father Metrophanes to the seal islands nor to convej^ any moneys from the islands, belonging to the church, unless under orders direct from the Treasury Department. Most respectfully, J. B. Crowley, Special Treasury Af/enf. Commander NiCOLL Ludloav. Exhibit L. Census of the Seal Islands to June SO, 189S. Name. 1. Artomanoff, Herrick Artoiuanofl', Alexandria. Ivaiioff, Evdakea 2. Arkashott', Arseney Arkashofl", Mareua Stopetin, John Volkoff, Claudia 3. Bogodanoff, Nicoli Bogodanotf, Mary 4. Bourdukoffaky, ApoUou. Bourdukoffsky, Chioiva. BourdiikolTsky, Peter . . . Bourdukoffsky, Ulita 5. Buterin, Karp Buterin, Parascovia Buterin, Constantine Sedick, Zachar 6. Emanoff, George Emanoff, Catharine Emanoff, Mary Koznitzoff, John 7. Fratis, John Fratis, Aukoolena Fratis, Agrifena Fratis, John 8. Glotoff", John Glotoft', An deta Glotoff, Mary 9. Gromoff, Nicoli Gronioft', Culena Sedick, Elizabeth 10. Galaktioneff], Alex Galaktioneft", Martha Yatzmanoft', Auxenia. ... Hansen, Alex Kochootf'ii, Jolin Kochootcn, Daria Kochooteii, Ellen Kochooten, Zenovia 13. Haberoff, Paul Haberotf, Agrifena 14. Kochooten, Euplieme Kochooten, Pelogia Kochooten, Trepan 15. Kochooten, Jacob Kochooten, Fcrronia Kochooten, Uleta Kochooten, Ellen . 11 12 Relationship. Wife.... Orphan . Wife Stepson. Orphan . Sister. Wife Son Daughter . Wife... Son Orphan Wife Daughter , Orphan . . . Wife Daughter . Son Wife... Mother . Wife. . . Orphan . Wife.... Orphan . Mother . Sister... do . Wife.... Nephew- Wife Daughter . do .... Kochooten, Tlieodore ' Sou . Age. 67 51 Male. Female. 25 13 23 41 15 41 18 49 8 •27 27 23 36 26 43 7 43 .42 2i) 30 12 19 34 10 39 20 2 23 2 20 66 25 7 34 17 43 21 26 53 44 40 20 10 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 439 Census of the Seal Islands to June 30, 1893—Coutim\ea. Name. Age. Relationship. Male. Fern ale. 15. LodasLinkoff, Natalie Stepdaugliter. Kocliooten, Larion ^"u Zacharotf, Emanuel Orpnan 10. Kozeroff, Stepan ' w-'c Kozerotf. Anastasia | ^"® Kozeioii', Taroually i Son Kozeroff, Siiendulee Danghter Stepson. Wife Son Daughter Son Grandson. Wife Daughter . Wife... Niece... Orphan . Nozikofl', Simeon 17. Krukoff.Nicoli.... Krukoff, Catharine Krukotf, Metrofan Krukoff, Oustenia . 18. Krukoff; Maxim . . ^ Krukoff, Feotesta I A\ ife Krukoff, John j >50n Krukoff, Coudrat i "o • - ■ 10. Kushin, Aggie ; ------ Kushin, Mary Wife ... Kushin, Lukera Daughter Kushin, Michael. Kushin, Nestor. . 20. Mandregin, Neon Mandregin, Mary ; Wife. Do I Daughter Mandregin, Zoya - - - --do . .. Mandregin, Innokenty I Son 21 . Merculiff, Alex ! 22. Melevedov, Anton j Melevedov, Alexandra Daughter Melevedov, Olga do . . . Melevedov, Mary f'o ■ - • Melevedov, Alexandra | Mother . . 23. Melevedov, Alex | Melevedov, Salome Wife 24. Melevedov, Simeon Melevedov, Alexandria . . Melevedov, Margarite . . . 2.'). Nedarazoft', iStepan Nedarazoff, Alexandria. . Nedarazoft", Marv Hopoff.Nikita 26. Nedarazoff, Martin Nedarazoff, Catharine. . . Shane, Mary Shane, Pascovia 27. Oustegoff, Peter Oustegoff, Parascovia . . Oustegoff, Stepanda Oustegoff, Neil Shaisnikoff, George . — 28. Paukoff, Parfiri Paukoff, Olga Paukoff', Vlasia Paukoff, Varoara 29. Parauchin, Daniel Parauchin, Alexandria . 30. Shaisnikolf, Paul (Kev.) -I. Sliaisnikotf, Valerian ... y2. Sodick, Theodore Sedick, Martha Sedick, Anastasia Sedick, Mary Sedick, Yustenia Sedick, Matrona Sedick, Innokenty S"!. Sedick. Pliilip '■'■•i. Shabolin, Necon Shaholin, Agrifeua Shabolin, Facia '^''. Sedulee, Vassily Sedulee, Elizabeth Sedulee, Vera ^ ,- Mezeekan, Marv ' Orphan Mozeekan.Ivan ! Son ot Mary 36. Stepetin, Elary "-.■- Stepetin, Anna | ^ife. Stepetin, Ouleana I Daughter... Stepetin, Parla ' do 37. Stepetin, Daiofay Wife Stepdaughter. Orphan Wife.... Mother . Son Orphan . Wife Son Daughter. AVife. Wife Daughter . do .... do .... do .... Son Daughter. Wife Wife Daughter . fi6 13 42 18 44 n 38 14 40 10 rt9 37 19 39 26 26 37 5 40 30 2 12 32 36 59 15 47 10 16 28 4 31 24 14 43 "i '34 5 "29 38 17 35 10 13 9 7 59 "is '"'27 a 17 "u 13 30 15 7 '26 59 32 3 '33 40 20 8 6 3 6 23 "53 13 20 24 6 2 a Months. 440 ALASKA INDUSTRIES, Census of the Seal Islands to June 30, 1893 — Continued. Name. Eelationship. Age. 37. 38 39, Stepetin , Vassa StepetJD, Vassily Terrakanoff, Kerrick . Torrakanoff, Anna Shane, Elerary Nadarazoff, Agriflna. . N adarazoft". Alexia Nadarazoif, Maria — Tetoir, Peter Tetoff, Mary Tetofif, Alexander 40. Tetotr. Neon Tetofif, Agrifeiiia Tetoff, Zacliar Tetoff Simeon 41. Volkoff, Markel Volkoft', Alexandria . . Volkoff, Ellen , Kushin. Moara Merculiff, John Volkoff, Teron 43. Kochei'gin, George — Wife. Son .. Wife.... Orphan do .. do . Infant . . Wife.. Sister. Widoivs and orphanB. 1. Wife.... Brother . Son Wife.... Sister... Orphan do . Son Orphan do ., do.. Orphan . Son. Balakshin, Matrona .n ... . Balakshin, Agrifenia Shapasshinkoff, Parascovia Rookavishnikoff 2. Bellaglazott; Ellen Terrakanoff, Mary 3. Ko-slieonikotf, Aodita Kosheonikoff, Paul Merculiff, Martin Orphan 4. Krukoff, Anna 5. Krukofi", Natalie \ Krukoff, John N 1 Son 6. Kozloff, Parascovia ' Kozloff, Michael j Son Kozloff, Nicoli ! do ... 7. Serekinkoff, Olga ! Serekinkoff, Ttepseniie 1 Son 8. Popoff, Avdotia ' Popoff, Evrosiuia [ Daughter Balakshin, Anna ! do ... 9. Peeshinkoft', Vassilioa 10. Popofl', Afanasia Shutyngin, Daria Kookovisliiiikoff, Annissa Rookovishnikoff, Anna Eookovislni ikofif', Parascovia Rezanzoff, Anna Shutyagin, Uleta Tetoff, Feclusia | Tetoff, Irene I Tetoff, Sofia \ Terrantova, Anna | Terrantova, Anna I Daughter IG. Prokapiof, Auxcnia I Merculiff, Paul j Orphan .. 11 15 Orphan Daughter . ....(to.... Male. Female. a6 41 30 25 15 al 50 11 all 15 13 11 13 14 olO 21 31 26 34 17 18 41 39 14 45 16 28 59 18 31 28 42 35 30 35 3 11 35 49 14 29 10 5 61 26 37 9 7 75 42 27 a Months. Female orphan children at school at Unalaska. Age. Shutyagin, Parascovia 19 !>hop'oshnikoff, Tatiana 20 Sedick, Avdota 13 Krukoff, Lukeria 19 Kozuitzkoff', Agafia 16 Age Fratis.Ellen K! Merculiff, Luhoff 18 Granotf, Anastasia 16 Shutyagin 13 Zacharoff, Teodosia 15 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. Census of St, George Island, Alasla, June SO, 1S9S. 441 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 Galanin, Okalina Galaniii, Evan Gorakort', Cornell Gorakoff, Catharine Galanin, Parfiri Galanin, Alexander Kulikuloli', Evan Kulikuloff, Barbara I/ekanotf, Stepan Lekanoft', Pelegia Lekauoff Anatoli Lekanoff, Sergins Lestenkott", Demetri Lestenkoff, Anna MerculofF, Mark Lestenkoff, Rev. Innokenty. Lestenkott', Elizabeth ... Lestenkoff Helena Lestenkott', Mary Lestenkoff Michael Lestenkott', Sarah Malavausky, Nicoli Malavansky, Repsemia Malavansky, 'Wassa — Malavansky. Hlepineda , Malavansky Peter Merculoff, Evan Merculoff, 'Wasalesa Mercnloff, Alexandra Merculoff', Nicoli Merculoff, Evdokia ... Merculott, Helena Merculoff" Joseph Merculoff, Fevronia. Merculoff, George Merculoff', Stepineda. . Merculott', Helena Mercnlott', John JSederazoff, Arkonty.. Nederazott', Engeiiia.. Nederazoff, Malinia .. Nederazoff', Nicoli Nederazoff, Isador Oustegotf, Alexia Onstegort', Martha Oustegott', Alexandra. Oustegort'. Michael . . . Oustegoff, Simeon Philimonofl', Andrian.... Philinionoff, Parascovia . PhilimonoH', Pelegia Philimonott', Simeon Philinionoff', Andronic Philinionoff, Zenovia — Philimonoff', Marina Philimonott', Mary Philimonott', Eofl' Philimonott', Oleta Philimonott', Gregory Philimonoff, Eugenia ... Philimonott', Demetri Oustegoff, Eproxia Oustegotf, Susanna Philimonott', Simeon Philimonott', Evdokia . . . Philimonoff, Innokenty . Philimonoff, Fedosia . . . . Philimonott', Zoia Prokopoft', Peter Prokopoff, Anfanasia Kezauaott', Fedoaia . . . F. M. M. F. M. M. M. F. M. F. M. M. M. F. M. M. F. F. F. M. F. M. F. F. F. M. M. F. M. F. F. M. M. F. F. M. M. F. F. M. M. M. F. F. M. M. M. F. F. M. M. F. F. F. M. F. M. .F. M. F. F. M. F. M. F. F. M. M. F. 30 11 36 38 19 7 47 48 24 24 3 1 30 6 7 63 59 28 24 21 17 28 33 18 14 5 16 41 15 12 9 6 21 39 19 16 8 3 41 39 19 15 2 43 23 (i2 8 29 26 29 5 2 26 27 3 1 51 31 20 19 7 13 6 43 20 18 12 1 28 15 49 Widow. Son. Husband. ■Wife. Brother-in-law. Adopted. Husband. Wife. Husband. Wife. Son. Do. Widower. Chief. Daughter. Adopted. Husband. Priest. Wife. Daughter. Do. Son. Daughter. Bachelor, and head of family. Sister. Do. Niece. Nephew. Son of Wasalesa (next) and head of family. Mother of Evan; widow. Sister of Evan. Brother of Evan. Sister of Evan. Do. Sou of Fevronia (next) and liead of family. Widow, and mother of Joseph, et al. Brother of Joseph. Sister of Joseph. Do. Brother of Joseph. Husband. Wife. Daughter. Son. Do. Husband. Wife. Daughter. Nephew. Bachelor; keeps house alone. Husband. Wife. Daughter. Son. Husband. Wife. Daughter. Do. Husband. Wife. Son. Daughter. Son Stepdaughter. Do. Husband. , AVife. Son. Daughter. Do. Widower, and head of family. Protbei- of Peter. Widow, and mother-in- law of Peter. a Months. 442 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. Census of St. George Island, Alaska, June SO, 1893 — Continued. No. 72 73 74 75 76 77 7H 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 Name. Sex. 1 Age. Remarks. Rezanzolf, Innokenty ' M. Rezaiizoflf, Serefema ! F. RezanzoiF, Peter Rezanzoff, Matrona.. Rezanzoft', Tatiana . . Shane, Raiesa Shane, Oleta Shane, Michael Merculoff, Stepan... Merculoff, Nadeada . Swetzotf, Eustin Swetzoff, Christiana. Swetzoft', Gregory. . . Swetzoff, Polexiriia. . Swetzoff", Fevrouia. . Swetzofl" Paul M. F. ■ F. F. F. M. M. F. M. F. M. F. F. M. 15 6 47 51 9 41 24 6 3 13 42 36 7 34 16 1 Son of Fedosia. Granddaugliter of Fo- doaia. Husband. Wife. Daughter. Widow. Daugliter. Son. Adopted. Do. Husband. Wife. Son. Widow. Daughter. Son. I certify that the foregoing is correct. E. T. Hall, Assistant United States Treasury Agent. Exhibit M. St. Paul Island, August S3, 1S93. Sir: In the matter of widows' coal supply now being furnished by the Govern- ment (as I understand by their order), I respectfully agree and bind the company to reimburse the Government for such distribution next year, should the Secretary decide the company to be lial)le for same under their lease with the United States. ' ^ I am, respectfully, George E. Tingle, Superintendent North American Commercial Company. Hon. J. B. Crowley, United States Treasury Agent. Treasury Department, Washington, T>. C, September 28, 1893. Sir: Find inclosed receipts showing the number of seal skius taken from the seal islands by the lessees for the year 1893, as counted by Agents Adams and Hall, in charge on the islands. Respectfully submitted. Jos. B. Crowley, Special Treasury Agent. Hon. Secretary Treasury, Washington, D, C. Island of St. Paul, August 24, 1S93. This is to certify that 5,418 fur-seal skins have this day been shipped on board the North American Coinmercial Company's steamer Farallon, J. F. Drisko, master, consigned to the North American Commercial Company, San Francisco. Tho."mas E. Adams, -Issistant Treasury Agent, This is to certify that North American Conuner consigned to the North A Island of St. George, August 26, lS9i 2,007 fur-seal skins have this day been shipped on board th^ ercial Company's steamer Farallon, J. F. Drisko, master, (\.merican Commercial Company, San Francisco, Cal. Enos T. Hall, Jusixtaiit Treasury Agent. ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 443 Office of Special Agent, Treasury Department, August 15, 1893. Sir : We, tlie uudersigued Treasury agents, have the honor of sub- mitting to you a question of vital importance to some of the most worthy natives of the seal islands, and of recommending the adoption, by the Department, of the ruling we have already given in the premises. Congress having appropriated $19,500 for the support of the natives of the seal islands, the question has arisen: Sliall a pro rata share of the appropriation be expended for those natives who have money saved by economy from the earnings of years past? Agents in charge of the islands, at different times, have held contrary opinions on "the subject, one man insisting that the native must exhaust his last dollar and become a pauper, al3Solutely, before Government aid should be given him, while others held tbat it would be both unjust and impolitic to bring the thrifty and saving to the degrading level of the pauper. Our own opinion is that all sealers should be treated as equals in the distribution of the necessaries of life by the Government, and that the few who have had the forethought to save a little money should be allowed to hold and hoard it for future emergencies. Under existing rulings the native men guard the rookeries, build and repair roads, and do all the work that is done for the comfort and clean- liness of the whole community. Were we to refuse rations to those who can aftbrd to purchase them it would hardly be fair to compel them to work on the road, and were we to permit idleness on their part, we could hardly induce the pauper element to perform labor with any degree of satisfaction. A temporary ruling has therefore been made to the effect that Gov- ernment aid shall be given to all alike, and we very respectfully submit the matter for your decision. Joseph B. Crowley. Thos. E. Adams. Joseph Murray. Enos T. Hall. Hon. John G. Carlisle, Secretary of the Treasury. Senate Document No. 137, Part I, 54tii Congress, 1st Session. REPORTS OF AGENTS, OFFICERS, AND PERSONS, ACTING UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF THE SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY, IN RELATION TO THE CONDITION OF SEAL LIFE ON THE ROOKERIES OF THE PRIBILOF ISLANDS, AND TO PELAGIC SEALING IN BERING SEA AND THE NORTH PACIFIC OCEAN, IN the; years 1893-1895. Part I. [Part n (witli maps and illuatrations) contains results of investigations under the direction of the U. S. Commissioner of Pish and Fisherioa. CONDITION OF SEAL LIFE ON THE ROOKERIES OF THE PRIBILOF ISLANDS, 1893-1895. The Vice-President presented the following LETTER FROM THE ACTING SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY, TRANSMITTING, IN RESPONSE TO A RESOLUTION OF THE SEN- ATE OF FEBRUARY 17, 1896, THE REPORTS MADE BY THE AGENTS, OFFICERS, OR PERSONS ACTING UNDER THE AUTHOR- ITY OF THE SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY IN THE YEARS 1894 AND 1895, IN RELATION TO THE CONDITION OF THE FUR SEALS ON THE PRIBILOF ISLANDS, OR TO THE HUNTING OF SUCH ANIMALS IN BERING SEA OR IN THE NORTH PACIFIC OCEAN, AND THE EFFECT OF SUCH HUNTING UPON THE FUR SEALS THAT RESORT TO THE BERING SEA. February 27, 1896. — Kefened to the Coninuttee on Foreign Relations and ordered to be printed. Treasury Department, Office of the Secretary, Washington, D. C, February 26, 1896. Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of a resolution of the Senate, dated the 17th instant, wherein I am directed to furnish copies of the rei)orts made by the agents, officers, or persons acting under the authority of the Secretary of the Treasury in the years 1894 and 1895, in relation to the condition of the fur seals on the Pribilof Islands, or to the hunting of such animals in Bering Sea or in thelSTorth Pacific Ocean, and the effect of such hunting upon the fur seals thai resort to Bering Sea, and, in reply, to state that the preparation of the copies of such papers will involve great labor, and require con- siderable time, owing to the voluminous character of the documents. I therefore transmit the originals, with the request that they be re- turned to the files of the Department without mutilation in case the Senate should order them printed. Respectfully, yours, . S. Wike, Acting Secretary. The President of the Senate. 447 CONDITION OF THE FUR SEALS OF THE PRIBILOF ISLANDS. Treasury Department, Office of the Secretary, Washington, B. C, March 1, 1895. Sir: Agreeably to your directions contained in Department letter, June 9, 1894, hereto annexed, I left Victoria, British Columbia, July 23 last on the United States revenue steamer Bush for the Pribilof Islands in Bering Sea and other points in the Territory of Alaska. I was accompanied by Mr. Joseph Murray, inspector of salmon fisheries, and Mr. John W. McGrath, secretary and stenographer. 1 now have the honor to transmit a report, together with reports of Mr. Murray and other official documents, bearing upon the subject. Our itinerary was as follows : July 23, sailed from Victoria, British Columbia; July 31, arrived at Unalaska; August 1, at Unalaska; August 3 to 8, St. Paul Island (Pribilof) ; August 8, St. George Island; August 9, Unalaska; August 11, Akutan; August 12, Belkofski ; August 13, Sand Point; August 14, Unga; August 16, 17, Karluk (Kadiak Island); August 18, St, Paul Island; August 21, Yakutat Bay; August 25, Sitka; August 26, 27, Juneau; August 28, Wraiigell; August 29, Kasan, Loring, and Metlak- hatla ; August 30, Fort Simpson ; September 3, Nanaimo and Vancouver. The area of Alaska Territory has been estimated at 531,000 square miles — almost one-sixth of the total area of the United States. The population, according to the Eleventh Census, is 32,052; of which total 4,298 are whites, 2,288 Mongolians, 23,531 Indians, and 1,823 mixed. The length of the coast line of Alaska, including the mainland and islands, is 26,364 miles, as compared with 3,690 for the Pacific Coast, 2,043 miles for the Atlantic Coast, and 1,810 miles for the Gulf Coast, including all islands. Some conception of the distances between the various points in the Territory may be obtained fiom the following table : statute miles. From United States boundary on Portland Canal, Alaska, west to the island of Attn, approximately 2, 374 From Sitka, Alaska, to the Pribilof Islands (seal islands) as a vessel sails 1,565 From Port Townsend, Wash., to Unalaska 1, 949 From Port Townsend, Wash., to the Pribilof Islands 2, 189 From San Francisco to Unalaska 2, 374 From San Francisco to Pribilof Islands 2, 614 From San Francisco to island of Attn 3, 282 From San Francisco due west to meridian of Attn 3, 513 From San Francisco due east to Washington 2, 456 Between the Pribilof Islands and the city of Washington there is a difference of time of six and one fourth hours; between the Pribilof Islands and San Francisco, three hours* 448 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 449 The report of luspector Murray, hereto annexed, and the other docu- ments made a part of this report so completely set forth the present condition and needs of the Territory of Alaska, as well as its past his- tory, that little more is left to me than generalization. The subject matter naturally divides itself into several broad groups, viz: (1) The fur seal, (2) the salmon fisheries, (3) other fur-bearing ani- mals, (4) the land question, (5) the liquor question, (6) the Indians. I shall briefly consider these questions in order. It will be apparent that many details do not fall within the jurisdiction of the Treasury Department ; nevertheless I deem it expedient to state what I saw and certain general conclusions thereon. 1. THE FUR SEAL OF ALASKA. It is unnecessary to dwell, except very briefly, upon the history of the Pribilof Islands, one of the breeding places of the northern fur seal. Discovered about 1787 by Russians, they remained in the pos- session of Eussia until ceded to the United States in 1867. From 1787 to 1805 there were a number of Russian companies on the islands, and the seals were ruthlessly slaughtered without regard to age or sex. In 1806 and 1807 killing was suspended and most of the Indians engaged in the killing were sent back to Unalaska, whence they were originally procured. From 1808 to 1834 killing was resumed with lit- tle care for the preservation of the herd. By 1834 the herd was threat- ened with extermination, and killing, except a limited number for food, was prohibited until 1841. In 1835 the principle of killing only male seals was adopted, and from that time on the herd was watched so carefully that in 1867, at the cession of Alaska, about 5,000,000 seals were on the islands, as many, as far as all evidence goes, as were there in 1787. From the cession until 1871 the seal islands were free to all, and as a result over 250,000 seals were taken in one season. After 1870, how- ever, the catch was strictly regulated and the monopoly of killing seals was leased to the Alaska Commercial Company for twenty years. At the expiration of this lease a new lease was made to the North American Commercial Company, which has not yet expired. From 1870 to 1886 about 100,000 male seals were taken on the islands annually, without in any appreciable degree affecting the size of the herd. From 1886 on, however, causes were at work which soon became manifest in a rapid falling off of the seal herd, until in 1890 only about 25,000 could be taken on the islands as against over 100,000 in 1889. The following table shows the total number of seals killed on the Pribilof Islands from 1870 to 1894, inclusive: Grand total of seals killed for all purposes on the FriUlof Islands from 1870 to 1S94, inclusive. Year. 1870 1871 1872 1873 1874 1875 1876 1877 1878 N amber. 23, 773 102, 960 108, 819 109, 177 110, 585 106, 460 94, 657 84, 310 109, 323 H. Doc. 92- -29 Tear. 1879 1880 1881 1882 1883 1884 1885 1886 1887 Number. 110, 511 105, 718 105, 063 99, 812 79, 509 105, 434 105, 024 104, 521 105, 760 Year. 1888 1889 1890 , 1891 1892 , 1893 1894 Total Number. 103, 304 102, 017 25, 701 14, 406 7,509 7,390 15, 033 2, 047, 374 450 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. The cause of the decrease in number found on the islands is now universally admitted to be the. killing of female seals. As no female seals have been killed on the islands since 1834, it follows that the fall- ing off is caused by pelagic sealing. From 1875 to 1880 vessels occa- sionally took seals at sea, but the number caught was insignificant. By 1880 the vessels engaged amounted to 16 ; in 1886, the fleet had increased to 34, and for the first time entered Bering Sea and commenced taking seals. The subsequent history is well known; the seizures and pro- tests finally culminated in the treaty with G^reat Britain, the Paris Tribunal, and the award providing regulations under which pelagic sealing is now carried on. The following table gives the number of seals killed at sea from 1868 to 1894, inclusive, dividing the catch into localities, as far as possible; also giving the number of vessels employed. The figures prior to 1891 contain some seals killed on the Asiatic coast. It is not possible to distinguish such seals, however, from those killed on the eastern side of Bering Sea and the Korth Pacific Ocean, forming part of the Alaskan or American herd. This table was compiled from the figures in the British and American cases before the Paris Tribunal and subsequent corrections taken from official reports and the official returns of the Loudon trade sales : Totals by localities. Northwest Coast. Bering Sea. Asiatic. Undeter- mined. Total. rear. Vessels, apiiendix Jnited States case, vol. 1. 4,367 4,430 8,686 16, 911 5,336 5,229 5,873 5,033 5,515 5,210 5,544 8,557 8,718 10, 382 15, 551 14, 057 16, 971 21, 840 13, 399 9,324 8,714 14, 361 21, 838 22,900 46, 642 28, 613 24,101 4,367 4,430 8,086 16,911 5,336 5,229 5,873 5,033 5,515 5, 210 5,544 8,867 8,910 10, 382 15, 551 16, 535 17, 183 24,960 38, 994 46, 628 26, 915 43, 158 51,814 69, 788 73, 394 109, 000 142, 000 1868 1869 Page. 591 1870 1871 1872 1873 1874 1875 1876 1877 1878 1879 1880 1881 1882 1883 1884 1885 1886 1887 1888 1889 1890 1891 1892 1893 1894 1 1 1 2 16 12 15 13 11 15 34 47 39 68 01 115 122 84 95 310 1,192 2,500 28 212 1,920 11, 000 16, 000 726 13, 300 11, 000 18, 000 1,200 14, 595 21, 304 17, 475 15, 497 18,976 23, 041 5,847 26, 752 72, 045 79, 478 8,342 6,836 31,585 From the above it will be seen that the pelagic catch of the past sea- son of 1894, the first year in which the regulations of the Paris award were applicable, was the most destructive in the history of pelagic seal- ing, the total killcid reaching 55,686, and, including undetermined skins, 62,522, as against only 15,033 killed on the islands. From 1880 to 1894 the pelagic catch increased from 8,910 to 55,686, or 624 per cent, while the Pribilof Island catch decreased from 105,718 to 15,033, or 86 per cent. ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 451 When it is remembered that the evidence shows that about three- quarters of the seals killed at sea are females, it is easy to understand the inevitable falling oft' in the herd. Our agents report a decrease in the seal herd of at least one-half since 1890, and it is apparent that commercial extermination is near at hand unless changes in the regulations of the- Paris award are speedily- agreed to. It will be remembered that from June, 1891, to and through the season of 1893, under the modus vivendi agreed upon by the United States and Great Britain, all sealing in Bering Sea was prohibited pending the Paris award. Undoubtedly this gave the seal herd great relief in securing for it immunity while on its breeding grounds and in the sea procuring food for the young pups. The subsequent regulations established by the Paris award also helped the herd by closing the North Pacific Ocean and Bering Sea during May, June, and July. This is seen at once in the North" Pacific catch, exclusive of Bering Sea, which fell off from 46,042 in 1892, to 24,101 in 1894 (the falUng off in 1893 to 28,613 is attributed to the fact that the vessels largely went over to the Asiatic shores). This good effect in the North Pacific is corroborated by the report of Mr. C. H. Townsend, of the United States Fish Commission, now OD the Treasury files. The regulations of the award, however, failed signally when applied to Bering Sea, Although the herd was protected in the North Pacific in May and June (while on the way to its breeding grounds), and in Bering Sea in July, yet it is safe to say the greater part of the ad- vantages derived from the regulations was lost by permitting the sealers to kill outside of the 60-mile zone in August in Bering Sea. The old modus Vivendi setting apart Bering Sea as a breeding ground was thereby done away with and the sea was opened to pelagic slaughter. The fatal results were quickly to be seen. In the past season only 37 of the 95 vessels employed in sealing entered Bering Sea, yet in five weeks they killed 31,585 seals, 7,000 more than were killed by 95 ves- sels in four months on the Americaif side of the North Pacific Ocean, exclusive of Bering Sea. As a result of this slaughter, largely consisting of females, in Bering Sea, our agents this last fall counted 12,000 dead pups on the accessible portions of the rookeries. A careful estimate based on this count reaches 20,000 as a total of pups dying of starvation on the islands, their mothers being killed at sea. Such slaughter can only result in the rapid extermination of the fur seal. Every effort should be made to secure modifications of the Paris award regulations. If such modifications be not agreed to, the fur seal within one or two seasons will be commercially exterminated. It will be realized how valuable a source of revenue the Alaskan seal herd has been to the United States when the following table is con- sidered, from which it appears that the total receipts from the Territory, of which all but an infinitesimal portion were derived from our sealing interests on the Pribilof Islands, since 1870, amounted to $6,373,463.08, while the total expenditures of the whole Territory of Alaska for the same period amounted to only $1,126,624.50. To prevent speedy extermination, a new modus vivendi should be agreed upon pending a careful study of the habits, feeding g-rouuds, and present condition of the fur-seal herd by a commission of scientists, who should recommend such suitable regulations for pelagic sealing as will ward off the otherwise inevitable extermination. Inasmuch as there 452 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. are other Governments also vitally interested in this question, notably Japan and Eussia, we should invite their cooperation. I would sugiiest a commission of three members from each country to examine and report upon the questions involved, and that pending their examination and reports the respective Grovernments agree to prohibit all killing of seals on land or sea (save a limited amount on land for food for the Indians), or, failing in this, that the existing regulations established by the Paris award be extended to embrace the whole iSTorth Pacific Ocean, from shore to shore, with the additional provision that Bering Sea be abso- lutely closed to pelagic sealing. In the investigation made by said commission, the methods of land killing, as well as pelagic sealing, should be studied. It may be remem- bered that Mr. Henry W. Elliott, formerly United States special agent, in his report of 1890, claimed that the methods of driving the seals on land were injurious to the herd. In this conclusion he is corroborated by Mr. Townsend, of the Fish Commission, whose report is also annexed. While both these gentlemen are agreed as to the dire results in the past and present of pelagic sealing, yet the fact that any question is raised by them as to the propriety of existing methods of land killing should be sufficient to relegate the question to said commission for careful investigation. The United States should court the most rigid investigation of exist- ing methods of slaughter, both on land and at sea. Out of such investi- gation there can not fail to come results beneficial to the seal herd and the valuable property interests of the United States therein. SALMON FISHERIES. Upon careful inspection of the salmon-fishing industry at Karluk, on the island of Kadiak, the principal site of the canning industries of Alaska, and of many other canneries scattered over the Territory, lam satisfied that the salmon are rapidly decreasing because of the inces- sant and indiscriminate fishing and the illegal use of weirs, nets, etc., thus obstructing the streams. By means of these obstructions and by continuous fishing in the streams the supply of salmon is gradually being exhausted. The result will be that the Indians will be reduced to starvation, as they are dependent upon the river catch for food. I was also in receipt of many complaints from Indians to the efi'ect that the canners refused to employ them in the canneries. My personal observation was that the greater part of the employees engaged in the business, at least as regards the fishermen, were aliens — Italians and others — and that of the workmen engaged in preparing and canning the salmon a large proportion were Chinese. This matter, however, has been carefully gone over by Inspector Murray in his report, to which I invite careful attention. The present laws relating to salmon fishing in Alaska are inadequate and should be at once made more stringent. A rigid closed season should be provided and additional inspectors appointed to enforce the law. Annexed to Mr. Murray's report there will be found a draft of a bill containing such changes as seem expedient. The canning of salmon is a very import-ant industry in Alaska; it contributes nothing, however, to the wealth of the Territory, and I recommend that a small tax be imposed upon each case of salmon canned in the Territory as a rental for the privilege given to the canners to take salmon; tlius some part of the expense of maintaining the Ter- torial Government will be borne by tliose who take from it annually a rich harvest and contribute nothing in return. ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 453 LIQUOR. In spite of tlie earnest efforts of tlie customs officers the smugglmg of liquor into Alaska and its illegal sale to whites and Indians contin- ues tlagrantly and dcliantly. Considering the vast area of the Terri- tory, and its thousands of 'miles of coast line, it is perhaps not surpris- ing that such illegal practices have not been completely broken up. Complaint is also made that it is impossible to secure conviction of offenders against the liquor laws by jury trial because of sympathy with the accused. This renders it all the harder to enforce the law. This flagrant defiance of United States law is productive of evil results when the sale of liquor is to whites, but when extended to Indians its evil effects are almost impossible to describe. Under the Eussian rule the sale of liquor to natives was strictly pro- hibited except at high church festivals, but after the cession to the United States many vessels sailed to Alaska and gave the natives liq- uors in exchange for furs. The natives are passionately fond of liquor, and will do almost anything to secure it. Many murders by the. Indians are directly traceable to liquor obtained in this way ; these cases are rarely brought to the attention of the authorities. Much cruelty, such as wife beating and other crimes, is also caused by the use of liquor. I am of the opinion that some restriction should be placed upon the importation of articles which can be used by the Indians for making liquor, for example, flavoring extracts, bitters, Florida water, bay rum, eau de cologne, etc., which, although ostensibly imported as medicines, are obtained really for the alcohol contained therein. If the United States Government can enforce the liquor laws, murder, inf\inticide, wife beating, and other crimes now common among the Indians would soon be unknown. It may well be questioned whether the existing system of trial by jury is not a failure as regards the enforcement of the liquor laws. If, however, it is deemed advisable to retain the provision for trial by jury, I believe that both the grand and trial juries for the Territory should be selected by the judge of the United States district court. A similar practice now exists in the State of Tennessee, and has been held con- stitutional. It might be well also to give to the United States commis- sioners the power to enforce, without a jury, section 1955 of the Revised Statutes and section 14 of the act of May 17, 1884, as far as relates to the sale, manufacture, or importation of intoxicants. Having carefully considered the question, it is my firm belief that the liquor question 4n Alaska can only properly be solved by having a system of high license and total prohibition of sales to Indians. In this way only will it be possible to regulate the traffic effectively. While in Sitka I learned that many people were confined in jail because of offenses under the liquor law. I found also, to my great sur- prise, that some of them had been imprisoned since June, 1893, await- ing trial for offenses for which, on conviction, not over six months imprisonment could be imposed, there having been no term of court since the first-named date. These facts have been called to the atten- tion of the Attorney-General. FUE-BEARING ANIMALS. THE SEA OTTEK. The value of sea-otter skins, just out of the water, to-day is about $200, whereas fifteen years ago the price would not average much over 454 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. $25. They are becomiug vevj scarce because of indiscriminate slaugh- ter in the past. When under Kussian dominion the sea-otter grounds were divided into three districts, one-third being open to hunting each year. Firearms were prohibited and only bows and spears were per- mitted to be used, and whites were never employed as hunters. After the cession to the United States many whites engaged in hunting, and vessels were fitted out from Pacific ports with otter boats propelled by steam. The result has been almost extermination. The sea otter, contrary to what is generally supposed, has no regular breeding time; it brings forth its young during every month in the year. To prevent its extermination hunting should be prohibited between May and October, and then should be allowed only by natives and whites married to natives. While at Kodiak (St. Paul) a delegation of whites waited upon me and stated that they were deprived of the right to hunt sea otter in Alaska. This right had previously been limited by Treasury regulation to natives and to whites married to natives; that relying on the regula- tions then in force, they had married native women and had invested all their property in schooners, tackle, etc., and that on March 2, 1893, the regulation previously in force, permitting whites married to natives to hunt, was rescinded by President Harrison; that this took away all their means of support. They therefore asked that the old ruling as to whites married to natives be restored, and that the ruling of March 2, 1893, be rescinded. I am of the opinion, after carefully examining the question, that such of these whites as married natives, relying on the existing law as laid down in the Treasury regulations of April 21 , 1879, were wrongly deprived of the privilege of hunting otter by circulars of January 19, 1893, and March 2, 1893, and I believe that said circulars should be changed so as to permit such whites to engage in sea otter hunting. I further recommend that the regulations prohibiting the sale of breech -loading firearms be changed. In the gold region about the Yukon River there are many traders who have much gold. They are surrounded by newcomers who have rifles, and they should also be permitted to have them. The natives now almost universally have Winchester rifles, but they buy them at enormous prices and have inferior weapons. Firearms are a necessity to Indians to-day, for with- out them they can not kill deer or bear upon which they depend for their support. I am further of the opinion that the present prohibition against whites hunting land fur-bearing animals in Alaska should be discontinued. It was originally passed to protect the seals, but their killing is regu- lated now by other statutes, and this x>rohibition should be removed. LAND FURS. There should also be a closed season from April to October for each year for land fur-bearing animals. During this period furs are useless, but the natives can not resist the temptation of killing. For many years parts of the Territory have suffered from failure of reindeer because of indiscriminate slaughter in the past, simply for the tongue, eyes, and tallow, rejecting the meat. Said proposed closed season should also embrace deer and mountain sheep. There should further be a prohibition of the exportation of deer skins from the Territory, because of the indiscriminate slaughter carried on by the natives simply to procure the skins for export. ALASKA INDUSTlilES. 455 I am further in receipt of information that certain whites use poison to kill foxes. This should be prohibited under stringent penalties. LAND LAWS. The growth of the population in Alaska and the amount of money invested in the Territory is increasing yearly. It is believed that a large immigration will set in as soon as Congress shall extend through- out the Territory the general land laws or some other system enabling the settler to acquire private ownership in land, a privilege now accorded only to the occupiers of town sites, to the owners of mines and canneries, and persons engaged in trade and manufacture. Many other suggestions will be found in the appended report of Inspector Murray. I merely call attention in this brief report to cer- tain broad and general facts and conclusions noted by me during the course of my investigation. Respectfully submitted. Charles S. Hamlin, Assistant Secretary. The Secretary of the Treasury. Treasury Department, Office of the Secretary, Washington, JD. C, June 9, 1894. Sir: In view of the representations made affecting the customs administration on the Pacific Coast, I desire you to visit San Francisco, Portland, Greg., Port Townsend, and such other places as may be nec- essary, for the purpose of making a personal inspection of said ports in order to ascertain the exact condition of affairs and the remedies required to secure the proper conduct of the customs business. I also desire you to make such inquiries as may be practicable with reference to the salmon fisheries of Alaska, and the taking of seals on the Pribi- lof Islands. Should it be necessary, in your judgment, to visit Alaska, you should not hesitate to proceed there to obtain the desired infor- mation. I inclose copies of bills which have been introduced in the House of Eepresentatives affecting the salmon, trout, and other fisheries in the streams of Alaska. I also inclose a statement showing the number of seals taken for all purposes from 1870 to 1898, both inclusive, which may be of service to you in the course of your inquiries. Instructions will be sent to the commanding officers of the revenue steamer Bush to the effect that said vessel will be at your disposal dur- ing such time as you may be on the Pacific Coast. It is suggested upon your return that you give attention to the con- sular sealing system, under which merchandise is permitted to pass the frontier of the United States without critical inspection. The trans- l)ortation of freight between American ports via Canada should also receive your attention. You will please make your arrangements to enter upon these duties with as little delay as practicable, as the season is near at hand when your inquiries may be prosecuted with the greatest advantage. Respectfully, yours, J. G. Carlisle, /Secretary. Hon. C. S. Hamlin, Assistant /Secretary of the Treasury. REPORT OF JOSEPH B. CROWLEY, SPECIAL TREASURY AGENT, FOR THE YEAR 1894. Office of the Special Agent, Treasury Departjvient, Washington, D. C, January 4, 1895. Sir : I herewith transmit my annual report for 1894, with exhibits attached, making a i^art of said report. Eespectfully, yours, Jos. B. Crowley, Special Treasury Agent. The Secretary of the Treasury. Office of the Special Agent, Treasury Department, Washington, D. C, November 20, 1894. Sir : Pursuant to Department instructions dated May 4, 1894, I pro- ceeded to the seal islands of Alaska, sailing from San Francisco May 19 on board the North American Commercial Company's steamer Lakme, Captain Bonni field commanding. I was accompanied by Special Agents Jacob E. Ziebach and James Judge, and we arrived at St. George Island on June 4, when, pursuant to Department instructions, I immediately relieved Special Agent Hall and placed Agent Ziebach in charge of the island. On June 6 we reached St. Paul Island and found Special Agent Tliomas E. Adams in charge, where he was permitted to remain until July 1, when he was temporarily relieved, and Special Agent Judge placed in charge, his appointment as special agent taking place on that date. Agent Adams remained on St. Paul Island, rendering such service as was required, until the return of the steamer in Septembei", when he accompanied me as far as San Francisco on his way home. IMPROVEl^'rENTS. One of the most agreeable changes to be noticed on the islands since I first saw them is the improvement in the physical condition of the native inhabitants since sufficient "food, fuel, and clothing" have been furnished them. On my arrival at the islands in 1893, every family was visited and every dwelling inspected, and where we found a lack of beds, bedding, stoves, cooking utensils, wearing apparel, or other necessaries, they were immediately 8up])lied, and the good resulting from this act of simple justice is quite apparent on all sides, and is very satisfactory. Department order for the erection of a number of suitable water- closets is being com])lied with as rapidly as possible; the change is fully appreciated by the natives, and already the sanitary condition of the islands shows marked improvement. 45(5 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 457 That the morality of the people themselves has partaken of the gen- eral improvement is evident to all who observe their conduct closely; there are most certainly fewer carousals and much less drunkenness, and there is every evidence of a marked personal pride in the home and family relations. It is the census returns, however, that show most clearly the good results of the improvement in the treatment of the natives, for ever since the change was made there has been less sickness and fewer deaths in proportion to births than ever before. (See Exhibits A and B.) SCHOOLS. The attention of the Department has been called to the school system in vogue on the islands by many of my predecessors in their annual reports, but nothing has been done thus far to remedy its many radical defects. The fault is hardly that of the lessees or of the teacher, for they cer- tainly supply a school building and school books, and the teacher is comi)eteut, capable, and attentive to his duties, endeavoring at all times to perform his part well and faithfully. The trouble is one that lies deeper than the personality of the teacher or the necessary school supplies, and until the chief cause is removed there will be but little hope of success in the attempt to impart a knowledge of the English language to the natives of the Pribilof Islands. The remedy lies in an "industrial school" where the pupils might be kept secluded from the older natives until the English tongue became theirs. The annual rejiort of the school teacher on St. Paul Island is attached, and marked Exhibit 0. FUEL. Pursuant to instructions I contracted for 290 tons of coal to supply the Government houses and the native inhabitants on both of the islands. This amount, added to the 80 tons delivered by the lessees under their lease, making a total of 370 tons, was delivered by the North American Commercial Company and was distributed as follows: St. Paul Island : ''^°°^- Govern ment house 1^ Use of natives 240 St. George Island : Government house 1^ Use of natives 100 Total 360 Owing to an error in \A'eigl!iiig thore is still due the natives of St. Paul 10 tons, which will be given them next season. In my report for 1893 I asked that storehouses be erected on both of the islands in which to store the supply of natives' coal, and I again respectfully call attention to the necessity of having them built as soon as possible, for it is very unprofitable to leave the coal out of doors in the winds, rains, and snows of Alaska. The houses need not be ex'pensive affairs, and given the necessary material, the natives can build them immediately and thus save the cost in two years by preventing the present waste in slackage. 458 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. FOXES. In December, 1893, there were trapped and killed by tlie natives of the islands of St. Paul and St. George 811 foxes, of which 770 were blue and 41 were white, divided as follows : St. Paul : Blue 21S White 27 St. George: Blue 557 White , 14 Total •- 811 The skins were sold to the lessees and were classed as follows: First grade, blue; second grade, blue; third grade, white. The amount realized on the skins and credited to the natives was as follows : St. Paul : First class, 146, at $5 $730 Second class, 67, at $4 268 Third class, 27, at $1 27 St. George: First class, 443, at $5 2, 215 Second class, 114, at $4 456 Third class, 14, at $1 14 Total 3,710 The money received for fox skins is not a community fund, but is divided among the men vfho catch the foxes, each man getting credit for the full value of the skins he brings in. The money is credited on his pass book and drawn against for food and necessaries until it becomes exhausted before he again becomes a charge on the Government. This, too, is the system followed in the spending of the fund derived from the taking of seal skins; so long as the man has money to his credit, from daily earnings, he is self sujiporting. I respectfully call attention to the fact that on St. George Island this year the natives received for fox skins $2,085, while the earnings for taking seals were only $1,531, leaving a balance of $1,154 in favor of the foxes. This, I think, is a lesson that should not be forgotten in future, espe- cially as the indications are that unless a change takes place very soon by which the fur seal may be properly protected there will not be many left to take for any xuirpose, and the natives will have nothing to depend on but the blue fox. Firmly believing in the necessity of fostering and preserving the foxes, I have ordered that none shall be trapped on the islands of St. Paul and St. George during the trapping season of 1894-95, but I gave i)ermission to trap foxes on Otter Island, where none have been taken in many years. SEALS. I learned on my arrival at the islands that owing to the extremely long and cold winter and the amount of ice remaining around the beach late into May, the seals had not hauled out so freely as usual, and the assist- ant agents informed me that as late as May 14 passages had to be cut through the ice to allow the bull seals to reach the breeding grounds, ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 459 and after coming ashore they lay in the snow and ice that covered the rookeries. About June 10-12 the young killable males began hauling out in goodly numbers, but at no time during the whole season of 1894 were there as many seals on the islands as hauled out in 1893. The indications of decrease are to be seen on all sides in all classes of seals, but more particularly in the cows on the breeding grounds. Beginning October 23 and ending November 30, 1893, there were killed on St. Paul Island, for natives' food, 774 killable seals, whose skins were merchantable and have since been accepted by the lessees. Beginning October 20 and ending November 17,1893, there were killed on St. George Island, for natives' food, 245 seals, whose skins have since been accepted, thus making the total of 1,019 skins on hand at the beginning of the season of 1894. Beginning the season of 1894 May 9 and ending August 4, 12,196 seal skins were taken on St. Paul Island; and from May 23 to August 9, 2,817 seals were killed on St. George Island. The date of the drive, the rookery driven from, and the number taken at each killing during the season are attached and marked Exhibits D and E. I have also attached copy of shipping receipts for the total number of skins taken by lessees during the fall of 1893 and killing season of 1894, marked Exhibit F. Also report of distribution of the "Community fund " as Exhibits G andH. The total number of skins shipijed by the lessees in 1894 was 16,032, including the 1,019 food skins taken in the fall of 1893. For taking, salting, and lading these skins the natives were paid 50 cents per skin, or $8,016. The amount actually distributed was only $7,946, leaving $70 oJ a balance to be distributed next season. The distribution of the $7,946 had really been made before the accept- ance of 140 skins which were not considered first class, but which were afterwards accepted by the lessees' agent, and the natives will be paid next year. DRIVING. Only two drives from each rookery were permitted during the season of 1894. All long drives were avoided, and yet, in my opinion, there were as many skins taken as could have been obtained by the lessees had they been allowed to drive oftener. I was anxious to have the driving done so carefully that there should not be any possibility of disturbance on the rookeries, and I feel satisfied that the plan adopted was a good one. Had there been the number of young killables on the rookeries that Mr. Henry W. EUiott tells about in his work on Alaska, 1872-1880, there would have been no trouble in securing 100,000 skins, but the " amphibi- ous millions" which Mr. Elliott saw in 1876 have passed away and where they swarmed by the million then is now a grass plat upon which a seal is never seen. That the seal herd has been steadily decreasing during the past ten years is so self-evident now that no one denies it. Had the decrease been due to bad management on the islands it would most certainly have been proven during the years of the "modus vivendi," when not to exceed 7,500 seals were ttiken annually; but, in spite of a long rest of nearly five years, we could not get 20,000 killable seals on the islands in 1894, which shows beyond contradiction, I think, that the cause of the 460 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. steady annual decrease is to be found outsiide the islands, and as there is only one known cause to which the decrease can be attributed, the almost unanjnious verdict of civilization is that the indiscriminate slaughter of stals by the pelagic sealer is the principal cause of the decrease in the herds. From my own knowledge of the situation, gained by an experience of two seasons on the islands, I have no doubt whatever as to the cause of the decrease, for one has only to looli at the official returns of the pelagic catch for 1894 to see at a glance that however numerous the seals may have been in 1884 they could not stand the drain made upon them for the past ten years without showing it. From the best information obtainable it appears that the pelagic sealers secured 142,000 seal skins in 1894. The official figures from the American and British customs show that 122,000 skins were landed on the Pacific Slope, and there is good ground for the belief that the remainder were landed in Japan or Eussian ports and shipped to London via the Suez Canal. It is admitted on all sides that 70 per cent of the catch w.ere females, mostly mother seals in young or in milk, whose death in either case meant the death of two seals, for it is well known that when a mother in milk is killed at sea her pup dies on the rookery for want of sus- tenance. I do not make the statement of the death of the pups from starvation recklessly; there is positive proof of it. In the latter part of August, 1894, when the first dead pups of the season appeared on the breeding grounds, I made daily visits to the rookeries and found hundreds of dead pups that had died of starvation. Hundreds yet alive were so wasted, weak, and feeble they could with difficulty drag themselves over the rocks, and would not attempt to get out of the way when approached. Between September 15 and 20 the Treasury agent on St. George counted the dead pups on all the accessible portions of the rookeries upon which he could climb without disturbing the seals, and, estimat- ing the number not seen to be in proportion to those found, there were 4,110 dead pups on St. George Island. The same method was followed on St. Paul, and the rookeries visited and dead pups actually counted on them are shown in the following table : Date. Rookery. Dead pups. Date. Rookery. Dead pupa. Oct 3 Reef 1,901 847 377 784 2,849 2,143 Oct. 23 Oct. 23 Oct. 23 Oct. 23 Total Lower Zapadnie Lasoon Zoltoi 600 Oct. 6 215 Oct 6 324 Oct ]1 Halfway Point Northeast Point Southwest Bay G-arbotch 267 Oct. 11 Oct 23 10, 307 Tolstoi was not visited, and, as only the accessible portions of the rookeries could be reached, I consider I am below rather than above the mark when I put the number of dead pups on both the islands, in 1894, at 20,000. One sight of the rookeries when the pups are dying by the hundred is enough to convince anyone of the truth of the claim made by the Treasury agents, that it is because of starvation, owing to the deatli of their mothers at sea, that so many pups die in August and September. There is no difSculty whatever in telling the difference between starv- ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 461 ing motlierless animals witb their flattened sides, feeble movements, and lauguid cries, and the well fed, rounded, romping ones that are to be seen in pods along the beach inlaying in the shallows. I fear that this question of dead pups is not fully understood, nor are its lessons appreciated by the nations most deeply interested in the preservation of the seals, otherwise some steps would be taken immediately to put an end to the jiresent mode of sealing at sea. From tlie most reliable data at hand I find that during the nine years beginning with ISSH and ending with 1894 the following numbers of seals were taken by pelagic sealers : Year. 1886 1887 1888 1889 Kumber. 29, 000 45, 000 51,000 57, 000 Tear. Wumber. 1890 1891 1892 1893 66, 000 78, 000 85, 000 109, 000 Year. ITumber. 1894 1 ' 142, 000 Total .... 662,000 I venture the assertion that the killing of that number entailed a loss of not less than 1,500,000 seals on the herds on both shores of Bering Sea. So constant and so rapid has been the decrease of the seals on the Pribilof Islands, that in 1894 the only sign of increase to be observed over last year was among the large young bulls who were unable to find cows with which to form harems of their own. There were more idle bulls of breeding age on the rookeries than there were bulls with harems on the breeding grounds. That the seals are steadily decreasing to an alarming extent, and that the principal cause of such decrease is pelagic sealing, can not longer be denied. That the regulations adopted at Paris do not protect the female seals in Bering Sea has been proved the past season beyond the possibility of doubt, for never before in the history of the business did the pelagic sealers take so many seals as in 1894. I therefore respectfully recommend that immediate steps be taken to amend the regulations, and that an international agreement be made, if possible, by which there shall be no sealing in Bering ^ea for three years or until the rookeries have had time to recuperate from their present depleted condition, and other arrangements be made for the adequate protection of the females in the future. If such an arrangement can not be arrived at, then I should advise the immediate killing of every seal on the Pribilof Islands rather than allow the islands to be used as a nursery for the propagation of an animal that is to be destroyed before our eyes by the subjects of another nation. MISCELLANEOUS. Pursuant to instructions dated May 5, 1894, Prof. Charles H. Town- send, of the United States steamer Albatross, was permitted to take a suitable specimen bachelor seal for the use of the Smithsonian Institu- tion. GUARDING ROOKERIES. On September 1 a lieutenant and a boat's crew of armed marine guards were landed on each of the two islands, where they remained until November 1, when they were taken off by the revenue cutter Bear, 462 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. During their two months' stay on shore there was no call for their services, nor Avill there ever be so long as the Treasury agent does his duty and the natives are properly armed and treated like men. It is due to the several naval officers commanding vshi^DS in Bering Sea that I say I found them all very willing to do anything they could for the benefit of the Government interest on the seal islands, and as early as June offers of assistance were made to me by the commanders of the Petrel^ Banger^ and Alert. The several vessels composing the fleet in Bering Sea were always at my service, in turn, whenever I wanted to go from island to island, and by this means I was enabled to attend to many matters of interest to the Department which, under otlier conditions, might have been neglected. Except the depleted condition of the rookeries and the decrease of the seals, everything on the seal islands is very satisfactory. Since the native people are better treated than in former years — hav- ing plenty of good food, fuel and clothing, and houses free from rent — there is evidence of good health, contentment, and happiness on every countenance. The widows, orphans, aged, and indigent persons who have no other means of support, are well provided for by the lessees. The conditions of the lease have been complied with in letter and in spirit by the lessees, and the most cordial relations exist between the Government and company agents, both in a social and business way. Very respectfully submitted. Joseph B. Crowley, 8;pecial Treasury Agent, Seal Islands, Hon. John G. Carlisle, Secretary of the Treasury. Exhibit A. — Census of native inhaMtants of St. Paul Island, June SO, 1894. Name and relationship. Age. Name and relationship. Age. Pamily 1 — 4 individuals : A rhnmaiiott' TvftTTio.lc linsliaTld 67 41 26 20 27 34 12 16 22 27 19 40 33 14 9 40 58 6 8 26 20 2 17 48 20 Family 7—5 individuals— Continued. Fratis Agrifina, daughter ?, ArfnTninnflT Alfx^mflrfi wife Fratis John, son -- 7 "Prnlranifft' Anxftnia, flaiitrlite'T Fratis, Sinioen, sou - ai\ Prnnan Erdokea oi'Dban - Family 8—3 individuals : Family 2—4 individuals : 26 Arkasliotf, Arseny, liusband 10 • Arkasliofl', Marina, wife 66 Family 9 — 3 individuals: r-rrotnoff T^icoli hushand .............. 26 Family 3 — 3 individuals : Gromotr, Oulena, wife 24 Sedick, Elizabeth, orphan 5 T^oo()dfttiofi' Marv. sister . Family 10—2 individuals : rrfilixtioTieft' Ale'v husband ............ Family 4—4 individuals : Bourdukoffsky, Apolon, husband 22 niihixiioTifift' MMi'thii wife .......... 22 Family 11 — 1 individual: Hansen, Alex, hachelor 36 Buurdukolisky, Uleta, daughter Family 5 — i individuals : Family 12—2 individuals: Tv^nr'1in<"tffiii •! oliii husband .............. ')■> Ivoc.hooleu. Tiauia. wife - 19 Biiterin. Parasciova wile .-. Family 13—7 individuals: Koehooten, Jake, husband A9. Spdifik Zolior omliaii Kocliooten, Fei'ronia, wife 39 Family 6—5 individuals: 18 Kochooten, Ellen, daughter 9 Eniaiioff, Catherine, wife Kochooten, Theodore, son Ivochooten, Fariau, son -... 5 T^iTiii.TUjfl'' Marv daughter . 1 Lodoshinkofif, Natalia, stepdaughter Family 14—3 individuals: iiooehooten, Euphemc, husband Ivoochooten, Pelogia, wife .......... 14 TCoziiitzoff John, ornhan Family 7—5 individuals: Ti^rntiia Tfthn himhitnd - ........ 50 43 Fratis, Aukolena, wife Koochooten, Trepan, orphan 7 a Months. ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 463 Exhibit A. — Census of native inhabitants of St. Paul Island, June SO, 1894 — Continued. Name and relationship. Family 15 — 6 im]ividual8 : Kozeroff, Stepan, hiisbaiid Kozerofl', Anastasia, wife Kozerofl', Tvanelly, son Kozeroff, Snendul'i, dauglitiT Kozeroff, Alexandra, daughter. . . Nozikoff, Simoen, stepson Family 16 — 2 iudividuals: Haleroff, Paul, husband HalerotF, Agriflna, wife Family 17 — 4 imlividuals : Ki-ukotf, Nicoli, husband Krukoif, Catherine, wife Krukoff, Metropan, sou Krukoff, Oustenia, daughter Family 18 — 4 individuals: Krukoff, Maxinie. husband Krukoff. Feotesta, wife Krukoff, John, son Krukoff', Condrat, son Family 10 — 5 individuals: Kusliin, Aggie, husband Kushin, Mary, wife Kushin, Lukeria, daughter Kushin, Michael, son Kusliin, Nestor, grandson Family 20—5 individuals : Maudregan, Neon, liusband Mandregan, Mary, wife Mandregan, Mary, daughter Mandregan, Zoya, daughter Mandregan, Leokenty, son Family 21 — 3 individuals : Merculitf, Alex, husband Merculiff, Agrifira, wife Merouliff, Paul, brother Family 22 — 5 individuals: Melividov, Anton, widower Melividov, Alexandra, daughter . Melividov, Olga, daughter Melividov, Mareia, daughter Melividov, Alexandra, mother . . . Family 23 — 3 individuals : Melividov, Alex, husband Melividov, Salome, wife Melividov, Anton, son Family 24 — 3 individuals : Melividov, Simoen, husband Melividov, Alexandra, wife Melividov, Margaret, daughter . . Family 25 — 4 individuals : Nederazoff, Stepan, husband Nederazoff, Alexandra, wife Nederazoff, Mary, niece Stopofl", Weketa, orphan Family 26—4 individuals : Nederazoff, Martin, husband Nederazoff, Catherine, wife Shane, Mary, stepdaughter ,. Shane, Parascovia, orphan Family 27 — 5 individuals : Oustegoff, Peter, husband Oustegoff, Parascovia, wife Oustegoff, Neil, son Oustegoff, Stepanda, mother Shaisnikaff, George, orphan ' Family 28 — 4 individuals : Pankaff, Parflri, husband Pankaff, Olga, wife Pankaff, Vlasia, son Pankaff, Vorara, daughter Family 29—2 individuals : Parauchin, Daniel, husband Parauchin, Elexandria, wife Family 30—2 individuals : Shaisnikoff, Paul, bachelor Shaisnikoff, Valerian, nephew ... Family 31 — 4 individuals : Shabolin, Necon, husband Shabolin, Tecla, wife Shabolin, Agrifina, daughter Shabolin, Apollanaria, daughter , Name and relationship. Age. 41 42 4 3 1 17 42 52 43 33 9 3 37 28 12 48 38 17 9 1 36 31 9 7 3 18 17 4 38 12 8 6 58 19 19 a6 28 27 2 36 31 11 3 39 36 14 7 30 26 3 59 11 31 31 5 2 35 32 58 14 27 24 5 a 5* m Monthi. Family 32 — 9 individuals : Sedick, Theodore, husband Sedick, Matha, wife Sedick, Anastasia, daughter Sedick, Mary, daughter Sedick, Tustenia, daughter Sedick, Matrona, daughter Sedick, Inokentk, son Sedick, Anna, daughter Sedick, Philip, nephew Family 33 — 5 individuals: Seduli, Vassily, husband Seduli, Elizabeth, wife Seduli, Vera, daughter Mazekan, Mary, orphan Mazekan, Ivan, sou Family 34 — 3 iudividuals: Stepetin, Dorofay, husband Stepetin, Vassa, wife .i. Stepetin, Vassily, son Family 35 — 4 individuals : Stepetin, Elary, husband Stej)etin, Anna, wife •- Stef etin, Oulena, daughter Stepetin, Parla, daughter Family 36 — 6 individuals : Terrakauoff, Kerrick, husband Terrakanoff, Anna, wife Shane, Elary, orphan Nederazoff, Agriflna Nederazoff, Alexia Nederazoff, Mary '. Family 37—3 individuals : Tetoft', Peter, husband Tetoft", Mary, wife Tetotf, Alexandra, sister Family 38—4 individuals : Tetoff, Neon, husband Tetoff, Agrifina, wife Tetoff, Zaher, brother Tetotf, Simoen, son Family 39—7 individuals : Volkoff, Market, husband Volkotf, Alexandra, wife Volkoff, Teron, son Volkoff, Arefa, son Volkoff, Ellen sister Kusliin, Mouvra, orphan Merculiff, John, orphan Familj' 40 — 5 individuals : Reseff, Nicoli, husband Reseff, Marina, wife Reseff, Olga, daughter Xgnatieff, Anna, orphan Gi teff, Mary, orphan Family 41—1 individual : BoUaglozaff, Ellen, ^vidow Family 42—3 individuals : Koshernikofl', Ardita, widow Kosheruikoff, Paul, sou MercuUft", Martin, orphan Family 43—1 individual : Krukoff", Anna, widow Family 44 — 2 individuals : Krukoff, Natalie, widow Krukoff', John, son Family 45—3 individuals: Balakshin, Matrona, widow Shoposhnikoff, Parascoria, orphan Rookorishnikoff, Stepan, orphan . . Family 46—4 individuals : Kozlaff, Parascoria, widow Kozlaff', Michael, son Kozlaff, Nicoli, son Kozlaff, Anton, son Family 47—2 individuals : Serebrinkoff, Olga, widow Serebrinkoff, Repsemer, son Family 48 — 3 individuals : Popotf, Ardotia, widow Popoff, Erasania, daughter Babakslin, Anna, daughter I 46 39 \» 0 a3J 15 51 55 13 21 3 23 20 1 30 23 4 2 40 34 4 25 4 1 29 33 15 24 19 14 1 49 40 2 «8 40 13 9 64 57 21 15 14 58 33 10 11 28 41 13 41 27 12 35 7 5 aS 29 a 15 34 4 9 464 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. Exhibit A. — Census of native inhabitants of St. Paul Island, June 30, 1894 — Continued' Name and relationship. Age. Name and relationship. Age. Family 49—1 individual : Pishnikoft" Vassolisa. widow ... 34 48 13 28 9 4 60 Family 53— 3 individuals: St'dick. Daria widow . 50 Farailv 50 — 2 individuals: Koochooten, Ellen, dau-. . -a a u v watdiTnen^ 6 North and Starrv Arteel 7 East 8 Zapadnie ( by "watclunen) 14 do ". 17 North and Starry Arteel Total 245 245 245 245 North 1894. May 23 June 8 40 126 40 126 40 do 126 iTime 1 5 Zatiadnie fbv watchmen) .... 3 3 22 Great East 826 826 826 26 Zapadnie (by watchmen) 3 3 Jnly 2 3 Starry Arteel 468 468 468 Zapadnie (by watchmen) 4 4 9 Zapadnie .. 303 275 181 249 303 275 181 249 303 13 Great East 275 16 Starry Arteel .... 181 21 North 249 24 Zapadnie (by watchmen) 3 3 26 Zapadnie 178 152 ...... 178 152 ...... 178 Aug. 6 7 Little East and North 153 Zapadnie (by watchmen) 3 3 3 9 19 19 19 19 Gran d total. ............ ............... 3,062 1 3,063 J. E. Ziebach, Treasury Agent, ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 471 Exhibit F. Island of St. George, Bering Sea, Alaska, Jnr/ust ;?.?, 1S94. This is to certify that 3,062 fnr-seal stins have this day heeu shipped on board the North American Coniuiercial Company's steamer Lakme, S. Bouifield, master, con- signed to the North American Commercial Company, San Francisco, Cal. Jacob E. Ziebach, Assistant Treasury Agent. Island of St, Paul, Bering Sea, Alaska, August 29, 1894. This is to certify that 12,969 fnr-seal skins have this day been shipped on board the North American Commercial Company's steamer Lakme, S. Bonilield, master, con- signed to the North American Commercial Company, San Francisco, Cal. James Judge, Assistant Treasury Agent, Exhibit G. — Division money, St, George Island, 1894. St. Geokge Island, August 9, 1894. Division No. 5: Earnings of natives for fur-seal sliins taken since October 20, 1893, to Angust 7, 1894, both inclusive, 3,062 skiBS, at 50 cents each.. $1, 531. 00 First class: Lestenkoff, Demetri (chief) 125.44 Lestenkoff, Eev. Innokenty 75. 44 Swetzoff, Eustice (second chief) 100.44 Philimonoff, Eoff 75.44 Philimonoff, Simeon 75.44 Philimonoff, Andrean 75. 44 Onstegoff, Alexia 75. 44 Grokoif, Cornell 75.44 Merculoff, Joseph 75.44 Second class: Malavansky, Nicoli 60. 35 Eezanzoff, Peter 60. 35 Philimonoff, Andronic 60. 35 Lekanoff, Stepan 60.35 Onstegoff, Simeon 60. 35 Galanin, Parferi 60. 35 Lestenkoff, Michael 60. 35 Prokopeoff, Peter 60.35 Third class : Philimonoff, Gregory ^5" ^^ Merculoff, George 45. 27 Kulikuloff, Evan.... 45.27 Eezanzoff, Innokentj"" 45. 27 Nederazoff, Nicoli 45. 27 Fonrth class : Prokopeoff, Anfanasia 22. 63 Merculoff, Evan 22. 63 Philiraonof}', Innokenty 22. 63 St. Geokge Island, August 9, 1894. We hereby certify that the foregoing is a true copy of the distribution of the seal- ing fund on the above-named island, and that the respective amounts set op})osite the names herein have been credited to such natives on the pass books of the North American Commercial Company. Jos. B. Crowley, Special Treasury Agent, Dan'l Webster, Agent North American Commercial Company. D. Lestenkoff, Native Chief. 472 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. Exhibit H. — Division money, St. Paul Island, 1894. Division No. 5: Distribution of community fund derived from tlie taking of fur-seal skins from October 16, 1893, to August 4, 1894, 12,830 seal skins, at 50 cents $6, 41 5. 00 First class : Bourdovokoffsky, Apollon $164.57 Buterin, Karp 164. 57 Gromoff, Nicoli 164.57 Kochooteu , Jacob 164. 57 Kozeroff, Stcpan 164. 57 Krukoff, Nicoli 164.57 Kushin, Aggie 164.57 Mandregin, Neon 164. 57 Melevedov, Anton 164. 57 Nedarazoff, Martin 164. 57 Nedarazoflf, Stepan 164. 57 Oustegoii', Peter 164.57 Pankolf, Parfiri 164 57 Paranchin, Daniel 164. 57 Eezoff, Nicoli 164. 57 Sedick, Theodore 164. 57 Stepetin, Elary 164. 57 TervakanofF, Kerrick 164. 57 Tetoif, Peter 164. 57 Volkoff, Markel 164.57 3,291.40 Second class : Artoniauoif, Kerrick 131. 65 Arkashoff, Arseny 131. 65 Bogodauoff, Nicoli 131. 65 Emauoif, George 131. 65 JYatis, John 131. 65 Glotoff, John 131. 65 Haberoff, Paul 131. 65 Kochooten, John 131. 65 Kochooteu, Eupheme 131.65 Galaktioneff, Alex 131. 65 Melevedov, Simeon 131. 65 Melevedov, Alex 131. 65 Seduli, Vassilv 131.65 Shabolin, Necon 131. 65 Stepetin, Dorofay 131. 65 Shaisnakoff, Paul 131. 65 Tetoff, Neon 131.65 2,238.05 Third class : Hanseu, Alexander 105. 32 Koznitzoff, John 105.32 Merculiff, Alex 10.5.32 Nozekoft', Simeon 105.32 Stepetin, John 10.5.32 526 60 Fourth class : Kochergin, George 30.00 Krukoff, John M 30.00 Krukoff, John N 30.00 Krukoff, Maxima 30.00 Sedick, Philip 30.00 Shaisnakoff, Valerian 30. 00 Tetoff", Zachar 30.00 210 00 Special class : Krnkoff, Nicoli (first chief) 50.00 Gromoff, Nicoli (second chief) 50.00 100. 00 Due Jokn Stepetin from division No. 4 48.95 6, 415. 00 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 473 Dr. Prime Btins accepted, 12,830, at 50 cents $6,415.00 Cit. Twenty first-class men, at $164.57 3, 291. 40 Seventeen second-class men, at $131.65 2, 238. 05 Five third-class men, at $105.32 '. 526.60 Seven fonrth-class men, at $30 210. 00 Two special class (chiefs), at $50 100. 00 One amount due division 4, $48.95 48. 95 6, 415. 00 St. Paul Island, Alaska, Angust 14, 1894. We hereby certify the foregoing to be a true copy of the division of the fund derived from taking fur-seal skins on St. I'aul Island from October 16, 1893, to August 4, 1894, and that the several amounts opposite the respective names have been credited, to said natives on their pass books by the North American Commercial Company. Joseph B. Crowley, Special Treasury Agent. J. Stanley Brown, Superintendent North American Commercial Company. NiCOLI Krukoff, Native Chief. REPORT OF JOSEPH B. CROWLEY, SPECIAL TREASURY AGENT, FOR THE YEAR 1895. Office of the Special Agent, Treasury Department, Washington, D. 6'., December 1, 1895. Sm: I have tlie honor of submitting my annual report on the seal fisheries of Alaska. Following your instructious of May 9, I proceeded to San Francisco, Cal., arriving there on the 17th, and on the 20th embarked on theiSTorth American Commercial Company's steamer LaJcme, en route for the seal islands, accompanied by Assistant Special Agent Thomas E. Adams. We reached St. George Island June 9, where Mr. Adams was placed in charge temporarily, relieving Assistant Special Agent Jacob E. Zie- bach during the summer. On the 10th of June I proceeded to St. Paul Island, on board the United States revenue cutter Ferry, finding Assistant Special Agent James Judge in charge. He was permitted to so remain until September 13, when he was relieved by Special Agent Adams after the return of Special Agent Ziebach to St. George. I found on my arrival at the seal islands the business affairs of the Gov- ernment intact. natives. The native inhabitants had been properly cared for during the winter. Their health was good. The mortality light, as is evidenced by the census reports and the reports of the resident physicians on the islands of St. Paul and St. George, marked Exhibit A. The order of the Department, that the lessees should erect suitable water closets at the dwelling of each native family on the islands, has been complied with. The villages undergo a thorough cleaning both spring and fall, and the sanitary condition is good. The lessees have complied with the terms of their contract toward their subjects for support; namely, widows and orphans, and the aged and infirm who are unable to provide for themselves. School was maintained on each of the islands eight months during the past year, as required by the terms of the lease. expenditures. The sum expended out of the appropriation, $19,500, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1895, for the support of the natives on the seal islands was as follows : * On St. Patd $10,930.95 On St. George 3,728.55 Amount paid to the bishop of the Greek Church of Alaska 3, 325. 00 Total 17,984.50 474 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 475 In addition to tliis sum there was expended in support of tliese natives derived from their own earnings, as follows: On St. Paul : Division of sealers' comumiuty fund $6,537.50 Derived from blue foxes 1? 025. 00 On St. George: Division of sealers' community fund Ij 408. 50 Derived from blue foxes .-■-■■.•- ^' ^^^' ^^ Cash paid natives by North American Conuuercial Company for mis- cellaneous labor 2, 000. 00 Total 13,656.00 COAL. There was landed at the islands 370 tons of coal, 290 tons being delivered under special contract, and 80 tons under the terms of the lease. The coal is of fair quality, and sufficient quantity for the com- fort of the natives and Government agents in charge of the islands. The same was distributed as follows: St. Paullsland: T^^"- Government house 10 Use of natives 250 St. George Island : Government house 10 Use of natives 100 Total 370 A house was built on each of the islands in which to store the coal for native use, the one on St. Paul Island having a capacity of 300 tons; the one on St. George, 150 tons. The E"orth American Commer- cial Company furnished under contract all materials, including lumber, hardware, and paint, and superintended the construction of the two buildings, for $790. The natives on the respective islands performed the labor of erecting the same without charge to the Government. The coal is stored in" these buildings and it is believed that they will prove a great saving in the future. FURNITURE FOR GOVERNMENT HOUSES. The following articles for the furnishing of the Government houses were received : St. Paul Island : One hundred and forty-five yards of carpet $156.10 Six rugs, to match, at $2.75 16.50 One water pitcher, cup, and tray 5. 50 One Franklin stove 16.00 Felt for office desk 1-50 St. George Island: One Franklin stove 16. 00 Three rugs, at $2.75 8.25 One dust tray, one-half dozen brooms 1-85 Eight vrindow shades 7. Oo One toilet set ■1.00 One water pitcher, cup, and tray 5.50 Total 238.20 BLUE FOXES. The past winter was an exceptionally long and severe one at the seal islands. There was more snow fall than usual and the ice remained 476 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. attached to the shores much later than common. The result was that food lor blue foxes became very scarce and many of them starved to death. Special Agent Ziebach on St. George Island bought food in such quantities as he could procure and fed to the foxes that came to the village in search of food, and in this manner averted the death of many that would have otherwise perished. No foxes were trapped on the islands during the past winter. Orders were given to trap foxes on both islands the coming winter, with the further order to kill all white foxes found. This was done to prevent the intermixture of the two foxes, the pure blue being much more valuable. Ten pairs of young blue foxes were captured on St. George Island and delivered to Rudolph Neumann of Unalaska, in compliance with the permission granted by the Department to Messrs. Neumann and Apple- gate. Mr. Applegate having failed to call for or arrange for the pay- ment of his portion of the foxes, the entire number was delivered to Mr. Neumann, who paid for each fox the sum of $5.50, the 50 cents being given to the natives for caring for the foxes from the date of their capture to the date of delivery. The $110 received from Mr. Neumann for the 20 foxes secured by him were placed to the credit of the several natives on their pass books, in amounts corresponding to the number of foxes taken by each. MARINE GUARDS. An armed boat's crew in charge of a lieutenant was landed on both the islands about September 1, as an additional guard to prevent raids on the rookeries. They were given quarters in the villages in accord- ance with Department instructions. The service rendered by the American fleet in the patrol of Bering Sea, under the command of Capt. C. L. Hooper, was most efficient. I most heartily commend the Kevenue Cutter Service as being capable of performing this work, and recommend that they be given charge of this work in the future. Every courtesy was extended to me so that I was enabled to make frequent trips between the islands in the supervision of the business thereon. SPECIMEN SEALS. In compliance with your letter of May 16, Mr. Frederick W. True, curator of mammals for the United States National Museum, was per- mitted to visit the seal islands and remain there throughout the sum- mer, accompanied by an assistant. Every facility was given Mr. True to enable him to investigate the fur seal, and to study seal life on and about the islands. He was permitted to take fifteen sj)ecimen seals for official Government purposes. Dr. Sharp, of Philadelphia, was permitted to take two specimen seals for a like purpose. Hon. James Sheakley, governor of Alaska, on his tour of western Alaska, visited the seal islands in July, in order to personally acquaint himself with the true condition of the seal herd. C. H. Townsend, of the United States Fish Commission, visited the islands during the summer for the purpose of observing, photographing, and making charts of the rookeries. Cai>t. F. J. Drake, of the United States Fish Commission steamer Albatross, spent two weeks on the islands taking observations and making a plane table survey of the rookeries. ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 477 SEALS. The sealing season began on the 13th of June, after my arrival at the islands. Very few bachelor seals hauled out until about the 20th of June. The breeding bulls arrived early in May. The remainder of the herd was full three weeks later in arriving than in former years. This is accounted for by the fact that the iloe ice remained about the islands, extending for miles out at sea, until after the middle of June. Soon after its disappearance the bachelor seals hauled out in goodly numbers. The cow herd came later and apparently all at once. The harems were rapidly formed and the pups were born very soon after the arrival of the cows. From August 10, 1894, to June 8, 1895, inclusive, 1,269 seals were taken on St. Paul Island for native food, and from October 20, 1894, to June 3, 1895, inclusive, 196 seals were taken on St. George Island for a like purpose. During the past season, closing August 1, 11,231 seals were taken on St. Paul by the lessees and 2,315 on St. George, making a total of 15,011 fur-seal skins in the salt houses. The skins taken from seals killed for native food in the fall were taken uuder the quota allotted for 1894, and remained in the salt houses throughout the winter. Blue foxes broke into the salt house at St. George in search of food, and damaged 11 of these skins, rendering them unfit for market. These damaged skins were shipped to the col- lector of customs at San Francisco, Cal., as per instructions. Statements showing the number of seals taken, date of killing, and rookery from which the same were taken, are marked Exhibit B. Summary of slcins taken. On St. Paul Island: For native food h 269 By lessees ^1> -"^1 On St. George Island: For native food 1"^° By lessees - 2,315 Total 1»'011 Damaged by blue foxes H Skins accepted by lessees 15, 000 The 15,000 fur-seal skins were shipped from the islands on the steamer Bertha, consigned to the j^orth American Commercial Com- pany, at San Francisco. Receipts for the same are marked Exhibit C. Distribution of community fund, St. Paul Island : To 12,000 seal skins, at 50 cents - $b, Z5U.UU To 1-10 seal skins, rejected in 1894, subsequently accepted, but not in- cluded in Division No. 5 70.00 6, 320. 00 By 22 first-class men, at $164.38 ^'*^io"^A By 15 second-class men, at $131.52 l,dT2.m By 4 third- class men, at $105.21 oTn nn By 7 fourth-class men, at $30 ^innn By first chief, $50; and second chief, $50 100.00 6, 320. 00 478 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. St. George Island : To 2,500 seal skins, at 50 cents $1, 250. 00 By 7 first-classmen, at $67.91 475.37 By 8 second-class men, at $54.32 434. 56 By 6 third-class men, at $40.75 244.50 By 1 fourth-class man, at $20.75 20.75 By salaries to first and second chief 75. 00 1, 250. 00 For detailed statement of distribution of the community fund, with certificate attached, see Exhibit D. QUOTA NOT DIFFICULT TO OBTAIN. It was not found specially difficult to obtain the maximum quota, 15,000 seals, at the islands this season. It need not be taken for granted, however, that a like number can be as easily taken the coming year or at any time in the future under the i)resent regulations governing pelagic sealing. It will be remembered that pending the modus vivendi no seals were taken in Bering Sea, and only 7,500 male seals were killed on the islands. A cow could then go to sea for food in safety, and return to the rookery to suckle her young. Thus the pups born in 1891, 1892, and 1893 were properly nurtured during their infancy, and did not die of starvation on account of their mothers having been killed at sea. The male portion of them came of killable age last year and this. Fully 50 per cent of the seals driven to the killing grounds this season were of killable size. This exceptionally large percentage is accounted for in no other way except in that just given. NEW KILLING GROUNDS. A new killing ground was established for Halfway Point, at the firsL lake, one-half mile south of the rookery. The killing ground estab- lished for English Bay, Tolstoi, and Middle Hill is at a small lake near Telegraph Hill, not to exceed a mile from either rookery. Since the establishment of these killing grounds there is not a drive on St. Paul Island to exceed a mile in leugtli. OVERDRIVING. The natives are accompanied on almost every drive by one of the assistant agents in charge of the islands or myself, and absolute cau- tion is taken in every instance to avoid overdriving. If seals be given their time, they can be driven a mile, or even two, in the cool hours of nighttime with but slight fatigue. It has been contended that many seals die by reason of being turned back into the sea from the killing ground immediately after the drive, while in a heated condition. This is an erroneous idea. Evidence to the contrary appears at every drive made. Two drives were made from Middle Hill and Tolstoi, and as many as 1,000 to 1,500 seals were turned back from each of these killings and driven directly into the lagoon. A very large proportion of them remained in this water as long as ten days before returning to the rook- eries. They were watched constantly, and not a single seal was found dead in these waters or along its shores as a result. At nearly every killing of seals from the Eeef, Zapaduie, Halfway, and Northeast Point rookeries, a large proportion of the seals turned back went directlj^ from the killing ground to the rookery from which they were driven, without going into the water, and took u^ their places there as though they had never been disturbed. ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 479 PELAaiC SEALING. The result of pelagic sealing iu Bering Sea the past two years already shows a marked decrease in the breeding seals on the rookeries. There were fewer cows in the harems, and on several of the rookeries there were "breaks" or "spaces" wholly unoccupied that had never appeared before. It is evident that the cow herd can not long with- stand the onslaught of pelagic sealing in Bering Sea. It was believed, when double the number of sealing vessels came into the sea August 1 than were there last year, that double the number of seals would be taken. But not so. Nor was it the fault of the sealer. It was the scarcity of seals. They were not there in sufficient numbers to be taken, although the tragedy of last year was reenacted. At the time of my leaving the islands, dead and dying pups were to be found on every hand. During the month of October, 22,054 dead seal pups were counted on the rookeries on the island of St. Paul and 6,012 on St. George. They were distributed in proportion to the num- ber of breeding seals on the several rookeries, thus showing conclu- sively that their death was produced by starvation, and not by an epidemic on any special rookery. The breeding-seal herd has been reduced to such proportion that they can now be counted with comparative accuracy. I made the count as follows : St. Paullsland: Breeding cows 78,696 Bulls 4,372 St. George Island : Breeding cows 21, 240 Bulls 1,180 Capt. F. J. Drake, of the United States Fish Commission steamer Albatross, also made a count of the breeding seals on the islands at the time of making his plane-table survey of the rookeries, and it is prob- able that by the aid of the survey he may be able to give a more accu- rate count of the number than I can. But I am certain that if I err it is in overstating and not understating the actual number. EXCESS OF MALE LIFE. There is a surplus of available bulls on the islands. As the cow herd decreases the bulls increase. There is now a large per cent of male life that is a detriment rather than a benefit to the breeding grounds. Nearly 50 per cent of the bulls of breeding age were unable to procure a single cow with which to start a harem. A large number of bulls had from one to four only in their harems. The idle bulls loiter about the boundaries of the breeding rookeries, intercepting the cows as they come and go to feed, keeping up a constant warfare. The cows are thus annoyed and harassed througliout the season, when they should be permitted to rest and care for their young. Every cow that leaves the island is pursued by one or more of these big, strong, young bulls. How far this pursuit is kept up can not be determined. It is believed by some that this is the cause of the cows going so far out at sea before stopping to procure food, and it seems plausible enough. If regulations can not be made at once to prohibit pelagic sealing in Bering Sea, there is but one remedy left, that of taking such number of seals on the islands as to reduce the herd to such proportions as will make the business of sealing at sea unprofitable. The large number of schooners now engaged in that business will be compelled to seek other employment. The business once stopped, the 480 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. taking of seals on the islands could be abated and tlie herd permitted to rest and recuperate. I most earnestly urge that this course be taken without unnecessary delay. The social and business relations existing between the agents of the company and the Government at the islands the past year have been most pleasant. Respectfully, yours, Jos. B. Crowley, Special Treasury Agent in Charge of the Fur Seal Islands^ Alaska. Hon. John G. Carlisle, Secretary of the Treasury^ Washington, D. 0. Office of Special Agent, Treasury Department, St. George Island, Alaska, October 10, 1895. My Dear Sir : On October 2 and 8 I made a careful count of the dead fur-seal pups on the several rookeries on St. George Island and found the following number : Zapadnie rookery 2, 083 North rookery 1, 559 Starry Arteel rookery 1, 131 East rookery 986 Little East rookery 253 Total 6,012 The count was made systematicallj' and its correctness can be absolutely depended upon. The number represents only the actual dead bodies and indisputable remains of others that foxes and the elements had more or less destroyed. All trace of those that died during the fore part of August had been washed away. On all the rook- eries were seen a great many seal pups that were very emaciated, and it was only a question of a few days before they too would die of starvation. Some were so thin and weak that they did not have the strength to move, while along the outskirts of the herd — as we drove the seals slowly to one side of the rookeries — were hundreds of weaklings that could scarcely keep up with the balance of the herd. A great proportion, if not all of them, will die. In no case was it necessary to drive the seals over 200 yards to enable a count to be made. For three weeks previous to making the count I made frequent visits to and examinations of the rookeries, and on all could see the carcasses of seal pups on all parts, and numerous among the live seals would be seen the emaciated forms of others slowly dying from starvation. Of course it was impossible to make a count of the weaklings, but my judgment would say that on the five rookeries on St. George Island not less than 800 will die for want of sustenance between the 10th and 31st of October. There is but one reason for this deplorable and even criminal destruction of young seal life, and that is the killing in Bering Sea of the females that gave tliem birth and on whom they are dependent for sustenance until they are old enough to main- tain themselves, which is in three or a little over three mouths; and just so long as sealing in Bering Sea is permitted under the present regulations, just so long will this destructive waste of fur-seal life continue. Sealing vessels commence the work of exterminating the seal herd in Bering Sea on August 1, and in two weeks after you can see the rookeries dotted all over with dead pups, and the number keeps increasing day by day until a great proportion of the number born die from starva- tion, their mothers having been killed at sea, where they had gone for food, by the sealers. It is an established fact that the male seal, with but few exceptions, goes but a short distance for food during the season the seals are on the island, while the female travels far outside the limit for food and rest, and is then killed in great numbers by the sealers. Something could be gained by the extension of the 60-mile limit to 110 or 125 miles, but a more desirable and practical measure of protection to the young and female seal life would be the addition of the months of August and September to the closed season in Bering Sea. The last suggestion would prolong the fur-seal life a few years, but nothing of a temporary or restrictive nature will be of an established benefit to the continuation and rehabilitation of the seal herd but the absolute prohibition of killing fur seal in open water. The two years of sealing in Bering Sea has been terribly destructive of seal life, and if it is continued two or three years longer the fur-seal herd on the Pribilof Islands will be practically exter- minated. Respectfully, yours, Jacob E. Zieuach, Treasury Agent in Charf/e of St. George Island. Hon. .TosEPH B. Crowley, Special Treasury Agent for the Seal Fisheries of Alaska, liobinson, III. ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 481 Count of dead seals, St. Paul Island, Alaslea. Date. Eookery. Pups. r C0W8. Bulls. Total. 1895. Sept. 23 23 Ketavie ... , ... 854 1,347 300 1,970 1,514 5,231 381 2,582 3,376 301 4,017 7 8 2 2 7 15 2 8 25 i' ' 2 3 1 1 8 861 LukaDDon 1 355 28 Lagoon .... . 303 Oct. 6 Polavina.. .. 1 972 6 Garbotch 1,523 5 249 8 Zapadnie. 8 Engli.sh Bay 384 8 Tolstoi 2,591 3 409 8 Reef 2 Sea Lion Rock 361 10 Northeast Point 25 4 4 046 Total 21, 933 101 20 22 054 The above table shows the u umber of dead seal pups, cows, and bulls found upon the rookeries of St. Paul Island, Alaska, and actually counted between the dates- of September 23, 1895, and October 10, 1895. Thos. E. Adams, Sj>ecial Agent, Treasury Deparlment. EXUIBIT A. Census of St. Paul Island, Alaska, June SO, 1S95. Name and relation sliip. Place of birth. Age. Remarks. Family 1 — 4 individuals : Artomonofif, Kerrick, husband Artomonoff, Alexandra, ■wife Ivanotf, Ardokia, sister-in-law Prokopiet, Auxenia, daughter Family 2 — 3 individuals : Arkaahoff, Arseny, husband Arkashoff, Mariana, wife Stepetin, John, stepson Family 3 — 3 individuals: Bogodanoff: Nicoli, husband BogodanofF, Oulita, wife Bogodanofif, Mary, sister Family 4 — 4 individuals:- Bourdukoffsky, Apollon, husband . . . Bourdukoffsky, Chionia, wife Bon rdukofFsky, Peter, son Bourdukoffsky, Oulita, daughter Family 5 — 6 individuals : Buterin, Karp, husband Buterin, Parascovia, wife Sedick, Constantine, stepson Sedick, Zahar, orphan Mezeekin, Mary, niece Mezeekin, Vassa Family 6 — 5 individuals: Emanoff, George, hwhanfl Emanoff, Catherine, wife Emanoff, Mary, daughter Emanoff, John, son Koznitzoff, John, nephew Family 7 — 5 individuals : Fratis, John, husband Fratis, Ankolina, wife Fratis, John, son Fratis, Simeon, son Fratis, Argrafina, daughter Family 8 — 3 individuals : Glotoff, John, husband Glotoff, Avdotia, wife Glotoff, Mary, mother Family 9 — 3 Individuals: Gromoff, Nicoli, husband Gromoff, Oulrana, wife Sedick, Elizabeth , Northeast Point . St. Michaels ....do St. Paul ....do.... Atka Unalaska . St. George . do ....do TJnalaska . St. Paul... do.... do .... St. Paul... Unalaska . St. Paul... do .... ....do .... do.... -do -do .do .do .do Ladrone Islands . Unalaska St. Paul do do St. Paul. do.. do.. Attn St. Paul.... do a Months. 68 42 21 27 28 35 17 23 28 20 41 34 15 10 41 39 7 9 22 a2J 27 21 3 1 18 49 21 8 1 2 27 20 67 27 25 6 AVidow. Daughter of Mary. Clothes furnished by com- pany. H. Doc. 92 31 482 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. Census of St. Paul Island, AlasJca, June SO, i<§95— Continued. Name and relationship. Place of birth. Age. Kemarka. Family lu— 4 individuals : Galaxtionefif, Alexander, husbana ^tka 23 34 15 a2 37 18 2 43 53 6 24 20 a8 43 40 19 10 6 2 15 51 44 8 17 37 9 7 42 43 5 2 44 34 10 4 38 29 13 TJnalaska ....•.••..... St. Georse ............ Clothes furnished by com- St. Paul pany. Daughter of Claudia. Family 11—3 individuals : Sitka St. Paul do Family 12—3 individuals : TJnalaska Shabolin, Agraflna, adopted daughter. Family 13—3 individuals : St. Paul do St. Paul Family 14—7 individuals : ......do Unga St. Paul Kochooten, Ellen, daughter do .do do Lodoshnikofif, Matalia, stepdaughter. . Family 15 — 3 individuals : Kochooten, Eupheme, husband TTtI feL ....*■•••... St Paul TTTnilaska ........ St Paul Family 16 — i individuals : do Provisions fu rn i s h e d by Government. Clothing ' for widow and daughters Tetoff, Feclusia, widowed mother Kurile Islands St. Paul do furnished by company. Family 17 — i individuals: do St Paul do Family 18 — 4 individuals: Sitka "K'-rnlrnff' OnthftrinA 'Wlfft - ...... Atka St. Paul "K"— nirnflF Onflfmip Haiiflitifir ... .. do Family 19 — i individuals : Sitka -..-..-...•.-. 1 Tins family Is supported by the company. John M. St. Paul do [ draws clothing on Gov- ernment orders. Family 20—4 individuals : St. Georaro 37 10 8 4 19 18 1 5 39 13 9 7 60 20 20 14 27 27 3 1 37 31 11 2 4 St. Paul . ..do do Family 21 — 1 individuals: MerculifP, Alexandra, husband llfArpnliflP A crafia ■wiffi St Paul ...do do do Family 22—5 individuals: Kodiak - ...,.- Melividov, Alexandra, daughter St. Paul . do ...do Melividov, Alexandra, mother Family 23—3 individuals: Melividov, Alexander, husband (California ............ St Paul do do Family 24—4 individuals : Sitka Akootan. ............. Melividov, Margret, daughter St. Paul do Family 25 — 5 individuals : St Paul Attu St. Paul N'ftilArn7f»ff TVTarv ................. . do Clothes furnished by com. HopofF, Neketa do pany. Do. a Months. ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 483 Census of St. Paul Island, Alaska, June SO, 1895 — Continued. Kame and relatioBship. Place of birth. Age. Eemarks. Family 26 — 4 individuals : Nederazoff, Martin, husband Nederazoif, Catherine, -wife Shane, Mary, stepdaughter Shane, Parascona, stepdaughter. Family 27—2 individuals: NozekoflF, Simeon, husband Nozekoff, Anastasia, wife Family 28 — 4 individuals : Ouatigoff, Peter, husband Ouatigoff, Parascovia, wife Oustigoff, Niel, eon Oustigoff, Stepanida, mother Family 29 — 5 individuals : Pankoff, Parferie, husband Pankolf, Olga, wife Pankoff, Blasa, son Pankoff, Varvara, daughter Shaisnekotf, George Family 30—2 individuals : Paranchin, Daniel, husband Paranchin, Alexandra, wife Family 31 — 5 individuals : Eeseff, Rev. Nicoli, husband Reseff, Matrona, wife Reseff, Olga, daughter Ignatief, Anna, orphan GUiof, Mary, orphan Family 32—7 individuals: Sedlck, Theodore, husband Sedick, Martha, wife Sedick, Mary, daughter Sedick, Oustmia, daughter Sedick, Matrona, daughter Sedick, Innokenty, son Sedick, Philip, nephew Family 33 — i individuals: Seduli, Vassili, husband Seduli, Elizabeth, wife Seduli, Vera, daughter Mezeeken, Ivan, adopted son Family 34 — 3 individuals : Shabolin, Necon, husband Sbabolin, Feocla, wife ShaboLLn, ApoUenaria, daughter .. Family 35—2 individuals : Shaisnekoff, Paul, uncle Shaisnekoff, Valerian, nephew ... Family 36 — 4 individuals : Stepeton, Elary, husband. , Stepeton, Anna, wife Stepeton, Ouliana, daughter Stepeton, Paola, daughter Family 37 — 3 individuals : Stepeton, Dorafay, husband Stepeton, Vassa, wife Stepeton, Vassili, son , Family 38—5 individuals : Terrakanoff, Kerrick, husband . . . Terrakanoff, Anna, wife Nederazoff, Agraflna, niece Nederazoff, Alesie Shane, Elefery Family 39 — 4 individuals : TetofF, Neon, husband Tetoff, Agraflna, wife Tetoff, Simeon, son Tetoff, Zahar, brother Family 40—3 individuals : Tetoff, Peter, husband Tetoff, Neaey, wife Tetoff, Alexandra, sister Family 41— 5 individuals : Volkoff, Markel, husband Volkoff, Alexandra, wife Volkoff, Techon, son Volkoff, Arifa, son Mercnlifl", John, son Family 42 — 4 individuals : Balakshin, Matrona, widow Shaposhnikoff, Parascovia Eookovishnikoff', Anna, orphan .. Rookovishnikoff', Stepan, orphan . St. Paul.... Sitka St. George. do TJnalaska . St. Paul... St. George . St. Paul.... .-.-do St. George . St. Paul.... St. George . St. Paul.... do do St. Paul... TJnalaska . Sitka... do .. Kodiak . Barka . . Atka . . . St. Paul... TJnalaska. St. Paul... do .... do .... do.... do.... Eodiak . . . TJnalaska . St. Paul... do..., St. Paul.... St. George , St. Paul..., St. Paul. do .. St. Paul... TJnalaska . St. Paul... do.... St. Paul.... St. George . St. Paul.... St. Paul. Sitka ... St. Paul. -do .do St. Paul... TJnalaska . St. Paul... do.... St. Paul..., St. George . St. Paul . . , Atka TJnalaska . St. Paul... do.... do.... TJnalaska . St. Paul... do.-.. do.... 40 37 15 8 18 18 31 27 4 60 32 32 6 3 12 36 33 60 60 23 16 17 47 40 7 6 4 9 16 52 54 14 4 28 25 1 59 15 31 24 5 2i 24 21 2 41 35 26 5 5 25 20 li 15 30 34 16 50 41 2i 1{ 10 45 28 10 13 Clothing furnished by com- pany. Adopted daughter. Do. Clothing furnished by com- pany. Son ol Agrafiiuk Clothing furnished by com- pany. 484 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. Census of St. Paul Island, Alaska, June SO, 1895- -Continued. Name and relationship. Place of birth. Age. Remarks. ParaUy 43—1 individual : St. Paul 59 34 11 12 36 8 6 li 30 2i 29 4 41 14 35 5 o2 10 49 14 35 29 5 61 51 31 26 75 42 41 14 39 10 Family 44— 3 individuals: Koshovnikofi*, Avdotia, widow St Paul do do Family 45—6 individuals : TTualaska ....-•.....-- St Paul 'K'n'/lnff' "NTiPoli aOTi ............... do "K'nTlnflf Antftn son ............. do do do Daughter of Olga'a. Family 46— 2 individuals: St. Paul Kozeroff, Sundulee, adopted daughter Family 47— 2 individuals: ir-PTilm-ft-' '^Jnfl^l^i^ Tvidnw ...... do St Paid TTTmlrn-ff .TnTin "N" AOn ............. . do Draws clothes on Govern- Family 48— 4 individuals: Atka ment orders. St. Paul . do "Rq QlreliiTi ATinn flaup"htjftr ....... .do Family 49—2 individuals : St. Paul minf-zQcraTi T)arin, ornliflTl . .......... do Family 50—1 individual : do Family 51—2 individuals : Rookovishnekoff, Anesia, widow Rookovishnekofl; Parascovia, daugh- ter. Family 52—1 individual : TTnalaaka St Paul St. Michaels Family 53—3 individuals : TTualaska ............. St Paul do Family 54 — 2 individuals : do do Family 55—2 individuals: St. Paul do Family 56— 2 individuals: St. George ..- Husband at TTnalasksu TTnaliiTi ATiptiapl son St. Paul ORPHAN GIRLS AT SCHOOL IN TTNALASKA BELONGING TO ST. PAUL ISLAND. Sedick, Avdotia Krukoff, Lukeria Koznitzoff, Agafla ... Merculiif, Leiboff Ivanoff, An astasia ... Zakaroff, Feodosia . . . Zatzmanoff, Auxenia. Fratis, Ellen St. Paul... TJnalaska . St. Paul.-. do .... do .... do .... do .... do .... 14 18 17 19 17 16 14 13 Daughter of John Fratis. a Months. RECAPITULATION. Families 56 Resident inhabitants 199 Nonresident inhabitants 8 Total native population 207 Female inhabitants 120 Male inhabitants 87 Females in excess of males 33 Inbabitants born outside of seal islands 51 Male adults 43 Males between 5 jind 17 years 26 Males under 5 yoars 18 87 Female adults 72 Females between 5 and 17 years 33 Females under 5 years 15 120 Marriages 2 Births 6 .. 2 Deaths . 1 Departures from Island Net increase in population from June 30, 1894, to June 30, 1895 ■ 8 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. Census of St. George Island, Alaska, June SO, 1895. 485 Kame and relationship. Family 1 — 3 individuals : Galanin, Parflre, husband Galaniu, Euphronia, wife Galanin, Elexia, son Family 2 — 3 individuals : Gorokoff, Comiel, husband Gorokofif, Katherine, wife Galanin, Alexander, adopted son. Family 3—2 individuals : Kulikuloff, Evan, widower Zacharoff, Emanuel, adopted son. Family 4— 3 individuals : Lestnikoff, Demitri, widower Lestnikoff, Anna, daughter Merculiff, Mark, adopted son Family 5 — 4 individuals : Lestnikoflf, Michael, bachelor Lestnikoff, Elizebeth, mother Lestnikoff, Mary, sister Lestnikoff, Sarah, sister Family 6—6 individuals: Lekanoff, Stepan, husband Lekanoff, Pelegia, wife Lekanoff, Anatole, son Lekanoff, Sergius, son Lekanoff, Sarah, daughter Lekanoff, Mariana, daughter Family 7 — 6 individuals: Merculiff, Evan, bachelor Merculiff, Vasalisa, mother Merculiff, A vdotia, sister Merculiff, Elexandra, sister Merculiff, Nicoli, brother Merculiff, Helena, sister Family 8—6 individuals : Merculiff, Joseph, bachelor Merculiff, Euphronia, mother Merculiff, George, brother Merculiff, Helena, sister Merculiff, Evan, brother Merculiff, Marfa, sister Family 9 — 5 individuals : Malavansky, Nicoli, bachelor — Malavansky, Repsimia, sister Malavansky, Stepenida, niece . . . Malavansky, Peter, nephew Malavansky, Vassa, sister Family 10—4 individuals : Nederazoff, Nicoli, bachelor Nederazoff, Evgenia, mother Nederazoff, Melania, sister Nederazoff, Isadore. brother Family 11 — 4 individuals: Oustlgoff, Elexia, husband Oustigoff, Marfa, wife Oustigoff, Alexandra, daughter . Oustigoff, Stepineda, daughter . . Age. 22 17 aZ 39 40 8 49 14 31 7 9 22 60 25 18 26 26 4 3 1 a3 18 43 11 10 13 8 23 41 21 10 5 2 30 35 16 7 20 17 41 21 4 45 25 2 a6 Name and relationship. Family 12—3 individuals: Oustigoff, Simoen, hu.sband Oustigoff, Mary, wife Oustigoff, Anfesa, daughter Family 13 — 6 individuals : Philomanoff, Eoff, husband Philomanoff, Ulita, wife ■-- Philomanoff, Gregoire, son Philomanoff, Afgania, daughter Philomanoff, Demitri, sou Oustigoff, Susanna, adopted daughter. Family 14—6 individuals : Philomanoff, Simoen, husband Philomanoff, Avdotia, wife Philomanoff, Innokenty, sont Philomanoff, Fedosia, daugther Philomanoff, Zoya, daughter Philomanoff, Joseph, son Family 15 — 2 individuals : Prokapieff, Peter, husband Prokapieff, Stepenida, wife Family 16 — 5 individuals: Philomanoff, Andronic, husband Philomanoff, Zenobia, wife Philomanoff, Marian, daughter Philomanoff, Mary, daughter Philomanoff, Leonti, son Family 17 — 3 individuals : Rezanzoff, Innokenty, bachelor Rezanzoff, Fedosia, mother Rezanzoff, Serephina, sister Family 18 — 3 individuals : Rezanzoff, Peter, husband Rezanzoff, Matrona, wife Rezanzoff, Fatiama, daughter Family 19—3 individuals : Swetzoff, Eustin, husband Swetzoff, Christine, wife Swetzoff, George, son Family 20 — 2 individuals : Galanin, Okalina, widow Galanin, Bvan, son Family 21 — 3 individuals : Philomanoff, Parascova, widow Philomanoff, Pelegia, daughter Philomanoff, Fecla, daughter Family 22 — 4 individuals : Shane, Riessa, widow Shane, Uleta, daughter Shane, Michael, son Merculiff, Stepan, nephew Family 23—2 individuals : Swetzoff, Polexania, widow Swetzoff, Paul, son , Age. 31 18 a3 50 33 22 21 8 8 45 22 20 13 3 1 30 18 , 28 30 5 2 1 17 51 7 49 53 11 44 37 9 32 13 31 5 a6 43 28 7 4 35 3 a Mouths. RECAPITULATION. Families 23 Individuals 88 Males 40 Females 4° Males between 6 and 16 years 9 Males under 6 years 9 Males over 16 years......... 22 ~~4Si Females betweeen 6 and 16 years 9 Females under 6 years 11 Females over 16 years 28 48 Sealers and families, supported by the Govern- ment 76 Widows and orphans, supported by company 12 486 _ ALASKA INDUSTRIES. jBepor* of the resident physician. St, Paul Island, June, 1, 1895. Dear Sir: The resident physician respectfully submits the following report on the public health of St. Paul Island during the year ending June 1, 1895: Two epidemics have visited the island. The first in October, of influenza; the other, varicella, occurred in March, 1895. An endemic, gastroenteric in type, broke out in the latter part of February, immediately after the opening of the winter seal- meat cache. This meat had been piled up on the ground before being thoroughly cooled, and the layers lowest became tainted. There were 30 cases of influenza severe enough to make note of, 8 cases of pneu- monia, 5 cases of pleurisy, and 3 cases of phthisis pulmonalis. Acute bronchitis has been very common. Hsemophthesis has, as in previous years, been frequent. Of the eye, conjunctivitis and iritis have been most common ; of the ear, otitis media of the throat, tonsilitis, and pharyngitis. One case of cellulitis requiring surgical interference occurred in Sanko Melevedov from exposure on the last killing field last year. Five severe cases of icterus occurred. In the surgical line there has been done the following : Operation on Axanosia Popoft", for suppurative synovitis of the left knee, December 21, 1895 ; good recovery. Operation on Mrs. Elory Stepetin, for osteosarcoma of the antrum, December 29, 1894. Incision made over the tumor and diseased bone, and neoplastic tissue removed ■ to the posterior vault of the pharynx ; part of the floor of the orbit removed ; eye- ball intact; good recovery; no return as yet. Fracture of the radius : Mrs. Nikoli Krukof. Circumcision for paraphimosis. Tw^o cases requiring surgical aid. Dislocation of the lower jaw. A number of cases of minor surgery, scalp wounds, etc., occurred, but none severe enough to require special mention. Sixty-seven teeth were extracted. Since November, 1894, there have been 993 prescriptions given out. This does not include simple requests for salts, etc., but represents closely the number of cases of sickness requiring examination and diagnosis which have occurred during that time. Two deaths have occurred. First. The daughter of Theo Sedic, age 11 months. The child had an attack of influenza early in October, but made a good recovery. I ■was notified of its last illness. It died, as far as I can learn, while undergoing the native process of manipulation, by Ellen Voekof. Second. Mrs. Neon Mandregin, cause, acute phthisis. The births were 6 in number: To Agrafia Merculif, a son, July 4, 1894; Alexandria Melevedov, a son, August 11, 1894; Fatiana Koochooten, a son, November 4, 1894; Mary Messekin, a daughter, February 10, 1895; Evdotia Popoff, a daughter, April 24, 1895, and Claudia Vikoulof, a daughter. May 3, 1895. Increase in population, 4. At the bottom of by far the majority of troubles among the natives is that vague constitutional condition known as the stromous diaothesis or scrofula. It shows itself chiefly in a general lack of the phosphates and mineral salts in the native physiological economy. Little can be accomplished in the way of remedying this condition by the various medicinal sirups or emulsions until they can be induced to adopt a diet which will furnish the regular daily demand of nature for those essential constituents of the body. To this end I would suggest that the next year's food supply contain a larger per- centage of those foods rich in phosphates and easily convertible hydrocarbons, as for example, of fats, lard, buttermilk, sweet oil, and of foods containing phosphates and earthy salts, oatmeal, graham flour, cracked wheat, graham crackers, etc. It would also be advantageous if the Government agent would encourage the raising of such vegetables as will grow here, such as turnips, radishes, lettuce, etc. One of the most serious obstacles in the way of attempts to improve the physical condition of the people is the fact that most of them are such inferior cooks. Since March 7, 1895, the resident physician has taken the obstetrical work in his own hands. On that day, Mrs. Julia Resef gave birth to a dead child under such circumstances that he felt it a matter of necessity to put a stop if possible to the further ministrations of the native midwife, Ellen Volkof. A communicatiou was sent to the Government agent, who took immediate stops to that eff'ect. The village has been cleaned and disinfectant thrown in the garbage holes. In concluding, the resident physician would like to acknowledge the hearty sup- port, both moral and material, given him by the United States Government agent, Mr. Judge, in every attempt to better the public hygiene. Very respectfully, Gardner Perry Pond, M. D Mr. J. Stanley-Brown, Superintendent North American Commercial Company. ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 487 Exhibit B. Annual statement of fur seals killed on St. Paul Island, Alaska, during the year ended August 1, 1S95. Date. Deo. June 1894. A ng. 10 Nov. 6 17 21 24 25 25 25 28 1 4 1895. May 27 28 1 4 8 13 16 20 24 26 1 2 3 9 10 15 17 19 22 27 Aug. 1 Eookery. July ■Watchmen to date Middle HiU "Watchmen to date Eeef "Watchmen Northeast Point Tolstoi and Reef Watchmen HalfWay Point "Watchmen Southwest Bay Tolstoi and Eeef "Watchmen Northeast Point Tolstoi, Lukannon, Garbotch.'and Reef.. Number of seals killed for na- tives' food. Large young seals. "Watchmen Northeast Point. Eeef "Watchmen Northeast Point. Reef "Watchmen Northeast Point. Tolstoi "Watchmen Northeast Point. Northeast Point Reef Half Way Point English Bay Zapadnie Lukannon Northeast Point do Eeef Half "Way Point Zapadnie Northeast Point Lukannon Reef Total. 24 132 12 147 1 87 2 3 218 2 474 6 79 3 70 3 Skins ac- cepted by lessees. 185 1,454 24 132 12 147 1 87 2 3 218 2 474 6 79 3 76 3 Number of seals killed by lessees for skins. Accepted (prime) . 185 1,454 184 2 1,961 1,548 575 751 861 364 960 431 1,138 324 834 827 286 Aggregate. Skins accepted. 11, 046 184 2 1,961 1,548 575 751 861 364 960 431 1,138 324 834 827 286 Total number of seals killed. 11,046 24 132 12 147 1 87 2 3 218 2 474 6 79 3 76 3 184 2 1,961 1,548 575 751 861 364 060 431 1,138 324 834 827 286 185 12, 600 488 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. Annual statement of fur seals killed on St. George lsla\%d, Alaska, during the year ended July 31, 1895. Date. Kookery. Number of seals killed for na- tives' food. Number of seals killed by lessees for skins. Aggregate. Large young 'seals. Skins ac- cepted by lessees. Accepted (prime). Skins accepted. Total number of seals killed. 1894. Oct. 20 North 58 3 19 3 3 14 35 3 3 1 13 16 25 58 3 19 3 3 14 85 3 3 I 13 16 25 58 3 19 3 3 14 35 3 3 1 13 16 25 139 483 2 471 2 156 232 3 538 3 279 7 58 23 Zapailnie (killed by guards) 3 26 East 19 29 North 3 30 Zapadnie (killed by guards) 3 Nov. 2 do 14 6 North 35 6 Zapadnie (killed by guards) 3 13 do 3 20 do 1 Dec. 3 North 13 1895. May 25 Great East 16 June 3 North 25 14 do 139 483 2 471 2 156 232 3 538 3 279 7 139 24 Starry Arteel 483 24 Zapadnie (killed by guards) 2 26 Great and Little East 471 29 Zapadnie (killed by guards) '• - - - •2 July 1 North 156 8 Zapadnie 232 8 Zapadnie (killed by guards; 3 11 Great and Little East 538 20 Zapadnie (killed bv guards) 3 22 279 30 Zapadnie (killed by guards) 7 Total 190 196 2,315 2,511 2,511 Eleven of the foregoiug skins, taken from seals killed for native food during the fall of 1894, were damaged by blue foxes, leaving 2,500 marketable skins to be shipped by the lessees. Thos. E. Adams, Assistant Special Treasury Agent. Exhibit C. Receipts for fur-seal skins shipped from the seal islands, including eleven skins shipped to the collector of customs at San Francisco, Cal., 1S95. Island of St. Paul, Bering Sea, Alaska, August 11, 1895. This is to certify that 12,500 fur-seal skins have this day been shipped on board the North American Commercial Company's steamer Bei'tha, J. M. Hays, master, con- signed to the North American Commercial Company at San Francisco, Cal. James Judge, Assistant Treasury Agent, Island of St. George, Bering Sea, Alaska, August 14, 1895. This is to certify that 2,500 fur-seal skins have this day been shipped on board the North American Commercial Company's steamer Bertha, J. M. Hays, master, con- signed to the North American Commercial Company, San Francisco, Cal. Thomas E. Adams, Assistant Treasury Agent, Island of St. George, Bering Sea, Alaska, August 14, 1895. This is to certify that 11 damaged fur-seal skins boxed have this day been shipped on board the North American Commercial Company's steamer Bertha (J. M. liays, master), consigned to the collector of customs, San Francisco, Cal. Thos. E. Adams, Assistant Treasury Agent. ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 489 Exhibit D. Distrihution of community fund, St. Paul Island, Alaska, August 1, 1895 — Division No. 6. To 12,500 prime fur-seal sldua, at 50 cents .- $6, 250. 00 To 140 prime fur-seal skins, taken in 1894, rejected by local agent, subsequently accepted by the lessees, but not included in Division No. 5 70.00 $6,320.00 First class : ^ Arkashof, Arseny 164. 38 Bourdukoffsky, Apollon 164. 38 Buterin, Karp 164. 38 Gromof, Nicoli 164.38 Kochooten, Jacob 164. 38 Kochooten, John 164. 38 Kozernf, Stepan 164. 38 Krukof, Nicoli 164.38 Mandreo an, Neon 164. 38 Melevedov, Anton 164. 38 Nedarazof, Martin 164. 38 Nedarazof, Stepan 164. 38 Ovstegof, Peter 164.38 Pankof, Parfiri 164.38 Baranchin, Daniel 164. 38 Eeseff, Nicoli 164.38 Sedick, Theodore 164.38 Stepetin, Elary 164.38 Terrakanof, Kerrick 164. 38 Tetof, Peter 164.38 Tetof, Neon 164.38 Volkof, Markel 164.38 3,616.38 Second class : Artomanof, Kerrick 131. 52 Bogodanof, Nicoli 131. 52 Emanof, George 131. 52 Frati8,John 131.52 Galaktionef, Alexander 131.52 Golotof, John 131.52 Haberof, Paul 131.52 Kochooten, Eupheme 131. 52 Koznitzof, John 131. 52 Merculief, Alexander 131. 52 MelevedoVj Alexander 131. 52 Seduli, Vassily 131.52 Shabolin, Necon 131.52 Stepetin, Dorofay 131. 52 Shaisnakof, Paul 131.52 1,972.80 Third class: Hansen, Alexander 105. 21 Melevedov, Simeon 105. 21 Nozekof, Simeon 105. 21 Stepetin, John 105.21 ^ 420.84 Fourth class : Kochergin, George 30. 00 Krukof, John M 30.00 Krukof,JohnN 30.00 Krukof, Maxim 30.00 Sedick, Philip 30.00 Shaisnikof, Valerian 30.00 Tetof, Zahar 30.00 210 Special class : Nicoli Krukoff (first chief) 50.00 Nicoli Gromoff (second chief).... 50.00 490 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. We, the undersigned, do hereby certify that the foregoing is a tme statement of the distribution of the community fund, derived from taking fur-seal skins on the island of St. Paul during the season of 1895; that the apportionment is just and equitable; that the amount set opposite each name has been credited to such native sealer on the books of the North American Commercial Company, and also placed to their credit on their pass books. Subscribed this the 2d day of August, 1895. J. C. Redpath, Agent North American Commercial Company. NiCOTJ Krukoff, First Chief . NicoLi Gromoff, Second Chief. Joseph B. Crowusy, Special Treasury Agent in Charge Seal Islands. Distribution of commnnity fund, St. George Island, Bering Sea, Alaska— Division No. 6. To taking 2, 500 fur-seal skins, at 50 cents $1,250.00 By seven men, tirst class $475. 37 By eight men, second class 434.56 By six men, third class 244. 50 By one man, fourth class 20.57 By salary to first chief 50. 00 B V salary to second chief 25. 00 •^ "^ 1,250.00 First class : =^ Demetri Lestinkoff 67.91 Eustin SweztoiTt" 67.91 Eoff Philomonoff 67.91 Simeon Philomonoff 67. 91 Elexia Oustigoff 67. 91 Corniel Grokoff 67.91 Joseph Merculiff 67.91 . , 475.37 Second class : Nicoli Melovansky 54. 32 Peter Rezanzoif 54. 32 Andronic PhilomanolF 54. 32 Stephan Lekanoff 54.82 Simeon Oustigotf 54.32 Parfiri Galanin 54.32- Michael Lestinkoff 54.32 Peter Prokopief 54.32 m, . . , ^34. 50 Third class : George Merculiff 40.75 Gregory Philomanoff 40.75 Evan Kulikuloff 40. 75 Innokenty Rezanzoff 40, 75 Nicoli Nederazoff 40.75 Evan Merculiff 40.75 „ .^ , 244.50 Fourth class: Innokenty Philomanoff 20.57 Special : Demetri Lestenkoff (first chief) 50.00 Eustin Swetzoff (second chief ) 25. 00 ^ 75. 00 We hereby certify that the foregoing is a true statement of the distrilnition of tho commnnity'fund, derived from the taking of fur-seal skins on the island of St. George, Alaska, during the season of 1895; that the apportionment is just and equi- table, and that each individual sealer has been credited on tlie books of the North American Commercial Company with the same amount as herein set opposite each name, etc. St. George Island, August 1, 1895. Thos. E. Adams, Assistant Special Agent, Daniel Webster, Agent North American Commercial Company. Demetri Lestenkoff, Native Chief. APPENDIX. By David Starr Jordan and George Archibald Clark. As stated in the prefatory note to this volume, the present writers have been asked by the Secretary of the Treasury to prepare a brief appendix in which such errors of fact or opinion as appear in the fore- going text maybe noted and corrected in the light of the detailed investi- gations of the fur-seal question and related subjects undertaken in 1896 and 1897. In the following notes, prepared in response to this request, reference is made in each case to the" author of the article in question, the year in which it was written, and the page on which it is printed. W. A. Howard, 1868 : Page 3, It is not true that the sea otter and the fur seal have been driven by man northward from California to the Arctic regions, or that they are in danger of perishing there from cold because "nature intended them for a warmer climate." The habits of the' fur seal and sea otter, totally different one from another, were not distinguished by early writers, and traces of this confusion still persist. The fur seal pursues its migrations with the regularity of clockwork, returning to its haunts in utter indifference to man and his actions, and has undergone no appreciable changes in location or habit since it was first known. The sea otter, shyest of shy animals, flees from contact with man and wanders from place to place, abandoning every rookery where man has left his traces, and at the present day in Alaska it seldom visits the land for any piirpose, breeding in the sea. Hiram Ketchum, 1868: Page 4. It is not true that the first males who land reconnoiter the coast and return to communicate with other males and then with the main host. The fur seals, male and female, come individually, not in a body, and each one arriving remains till the force of hunger or other personal instincts draws him back to the sea. It is not true that " loud noises, the appearance of blood, or the active signs of habitation deter the seal from settling upon the coast." These matters affect the sea otter, but not the fur seal, who is stolidly indifferent to everything except moving objects. 481 492 APPENDIX. There is not the slightest foundation for the idea that "reckless hunting of the fur seal by inexperienced hands will have the effect of driving him to other shores," nor is there the slightest foundation for the story that the seals have ever, in whole or in part, deserted the American islands to take refuge on the Commander islands. The two herds are wholly distinct and have been so for centuries. The Kuril herd is distinct from both the others. Hiram Ketchum, 1868: Pages. The idea that the first males are sentinels or scouts, who report to the main body, is one naturally suggested by their behavior, but it has no foundation in fact. E. C. Jordan, 1869 : Page 11. The number of fur seals taken on St. Paul and St. George in 1868 is here underestimated at 140,000. A closer estimate places the number at about 300,000. S. N. Buynitzky, 1870 : Page 18. It is not probable that the fur seals avoid the sandy beaches on account of the danger of the surf to their young. The animals prefer the rocks because they sink in the sand when walking, and because rocks do not become filthy. It is not probable that females recognize their former mates, or at least that they have any preference for them. For their former stations both males and females seem to show some preference. The average size of the harem is about thirty females rather than ten. As not more than half the females are ever present at one time, the count of those in sight is misleading. It is still currently believed by the natives that the skin of an overheated animal is worthless because the fur is liable to fall out. We have been unable to verify this statement and doubt its truth. The statement that "thousands of old bulls encumber the rookeries" indicates that at that time male seals on the islands were, as now, in excess of the females. Few of these are, however, really decrepit, as in general only the strong return in the spring from the winter migrations. Charles Bryant, 1871; Page 29. It is true that the breeding males occupy the rookeries " without leaving their places until the end of July;" but the females come and go regularly from the feeding grounds. It is not clear how Captain Bryant arrives at the conclusion that the conditions of 1871 showed " a decrease in the number of females * * * equal to 10 per cent of the two former years" (1869-70). Undoubtedly the herd suffered a natural loss at sea as indicated by him, but this loss was a customary one and was compensated for by the accession of 3-year-old females as breeders. His suggestion of possible necessity for restricting the number of jwung males to be taken is of course groundless. The killing of males could not have any influence on the increase or decrease of the herd until at least five years after the kill- ing was done. The fact that a steady increase of females is noted and that the herd continued to yield its full quota of 100,000 skins for fifteen years after shows that the decrease here noted did not exist. APPENDIX. 493 Charles Bryant, 1871: Page 30. It is likely that the reference here to the taking of pnps about Sitka is intended to refer to some of the Aleutian Islands, where to this day- pups are taken in the bays and inlets while the herd is passing south- ward into the Pacific Ocean. As the pups and their mothers leave the islands in company, and as the latter are taken off the California coast in December, their course south must be very direct. It is only on the return trip in March, April, and May that the seals are taken along the coast of British Columbia and in the vicinity of Sitka. Charles Bryant, 1872: Page 36. It is here suggested that the ''4 and 5 year old bulls perform an important service along the shores during the period of incubation." A 4 or even 5 year old bull can not obtain a place on the breeding grounds. The males Captain Bryant has in mind are doubtless 6 and 7 year olds, which tease and obstruct the movements of the females when landing or going to sea. They are not essential to the welfare of the rookeries, except as they represent a maturing reserve of bulls, and they probably seldom serve cows. Samuel Falconer, 1872 : Page 39. While the restriction here noted relating to the use of firearms on and about the rookeries is wise, the inference that it had anything to do with the increase of the seals is without warrant. The only effect which the use of firearms about the rookeries could have would be to temporarily drive the seals into the water. It would not drive them from the islands. Samuel Falconer, 1873: Page 56. The weight of the pup when born instead of being 6 to 8 pounds as here stated, is between 11 and 12 pounds. It is an error to suppose that the pups are taught to swim, or even assisted in the art, by the older seals of any class. The young bachelors hanging about the rookery fronts frequently play with the swimming pups and tease them, but the bulls and cows pay no attention to them. The first pups to seek the water may follow the example of the depart- ing cows and the later ones follow the example of the earlier, but they are not in any sense " taught " to swim. It has been currently believed as here reported that many pups are killed by the surf, and a few are undoubtedly so killed, but the number is insignificant. Before the pup has learned to swim well it keeps to the shallow and protected pools. When it has become expert, it likes nothing better than to play among the breakers, and does so with impunity. It is suggested under the head of copulation that the service by the bull " continues at intervals of a week for each female." There is no reason whatever to suppose that the act of copulation is repeated with the same female. Samuel Falconer, 1874: Page 57. It is not true to any considerable extent that the yearlings of " both sexes haul ux> on the backgrounds." Occasionally a yearling cow will be found among the bachelors, but the number is very small. Such of 494 APPENDIX. them as come to tlie islands spend tlieir time among the pups of the year on the breeding grounds. It may be that the yearling females as a class do not come to the islands at all. Samuel Falconer, 1874: Page 58. The figures of Mr. Elliott are here correctly given. His estimate was 163,420, but this included only "breeding seals and young," not seals of "all classes," as Mr. Falconer suggests. The opinion here expressed that on St. George Island there is but one seal where "there are twenty on St. Paul" coincides with Mr. Elliott's estimate, which gave to St. Paul, in round numbers, a population of 3,030,000 "breeding seals and young" and to St. George 163,000. That such a disproportion was unwarranted, liowever, is evident from the fact that St. George up to 1873 had furnished one-third as many seals as St. Paul. In 1874 and for a time after it furnished slightly more than one-sixth as many, and never fell below one-ninth of the quota of St. Paul. Samuel Falconer, 1874: Page 59. In discussing the departure of the seals, Mr. Falconer intimates that "a few old bulls remain behind to protect the females." He here mis- interi)rets the fact that a certain number ot the breeding bulls return to their places on the rookery after feeding. These remain among the cows and pups during the fall, coming and going from the feeding- grounds. They leave at about the same time as the cows. The bachelor seals as a class remain latest, in open winters not leaving the vicinity of the islands at all. The views here expressed that "the favorite haunts" of the seals " are the shores of British Columbia and lower Alaska," and that "the fish upon which they live are more abundant in shallow than in deep water," are derived from a misapprehension of the habits of the animals. That some of the seals come into the bays and inlets of still water off the British Columbian and Alaskan coasts is doubtless true, but they have no landing place there, nor do they specially frequent these waters. They make a rapid trip south through the Pacific Ocean to the latitude of southern California, where they strike the coast and return slowly along its length. On their migrations the main body of the herd keep well off shore. A platting of sealing catches, including some 120,000 animals made by Mr. C. H. Townsend in 1896, shows that the seals are found for the main part oft" the 100 fathom line. Even in Bering Sea they feed in deep water. They rarely molest the shore fishes, and do not to any considerable extent devour species used for food. Charles Bryant, 1875: Page 64. It is here stated that " one male is considered equivalent to ten or more females." The actual i)roportion, as found in 1806-97, is about one bull to thirty cows. It is probable that the only warrant Captain Bryant had for concluding that the killing of 100,000 males each year had been detrimental to the herd was this low estimate of the size of the average harem. The estimate was reached by ignoring the fact that never more than half the cows in any harem are present. That the killing of males was not detrimental is clearly enough shown by the fact that for at least twelve years subsequent the full quota was taken without injury to the herd, and it oidy became excessive after the breeding herd had declined under pelagic sealing. APPENDIX. 495 Charles Bryant, 1875: Page 65. This aaccount of the return of the females, and the period between delivery and service by the bull is essentially correct. But while a certain number of cows are caught on landing and appropriated by the bulls, the great mass of them slip in quietly and take their places in the harems of their choice. The pup is born from a few hours to three days after landing, and the cow takes the bull in about five or six days more. About the 1st of August the adult bulls leave the rookeries to feed, but many of them return again to spend the rest of the season among the cows and pups in their old places. The copulation at sea here referred to by Mr. Bryant does not occur. He has probably mis- taken the playing of the seals in the water for the act of copulation. Charles Bryant, 1875: Page 66. In making the statement that the " method of killing does not admit of setting apart * * * the requisite number for breeding pur- poses," Captain Bryant overlooks the fact that there were inaccessible hauling grounds, as Otter Island, Sivutch Rock, Lagoon, Zapadni Head, etc., from which the seals could not be driven, and which were doubtless then, as now, nearly adequate to supply the necessary incre- ment of breeding bulls. The feeling here and elsewhere freely expressed by Captain Bryant of danger in land killing seems not to have been justified by the history of subsequent years. Charles Bryant, 1875 : Page 67. Whatever may have been the grounds on which Captain Bryant based his belief in the inadequacy of the sujDply of breeding bulls, the subsequent history of the herd did not confirm it. Had there been the scarcity of male life here noted, it must have eventually showed itself in a diminution of killable seals, which did not occur within ten years at least. The reduction of the quota he contemplated could not have affected the herd within five years, as it would require this period for the young males to mature. At the same time. Captain Bryant notes an increase in the killable seals on St. George's Island, and recommends an iucrease of the quota by one- third (seep. 87; see also Falconer's report, 1876, p. 88). On page 42 Captain Bryant says, in 1873, that after taking the quota of 100,000 skins " there is still a surplus of males required for breeding purposes." He had also himself recommended the increase of the quota for 1874 from 100,000 to 130,000. In view of these and other contradic- tious of a similar sort we must conclude that Captain Bryant's fears were unfounded. Charles Bryant, 1876: Page 91. Here Captain Bryant gives the proportion of breeding males as 1 to 17, whereas, in his opinion, it should be 1 to 10. As we know, the per- centage of males to females on the breeding grounds averages 1 to 30 to-day, and this i)rop®rtion is not a matter of necessity but of natural adjustment. For every bull controlling a harem to-day there is an equally capable bull which can not get any cows. On the following page (92) we find that notwithstanding the fact that the necessity for a decrease in the quota to 80,000 is urged, at the same time it is asserted that among " the young males between the ages of 2 and 5 there is quite a visible increase." He also notes through aU 496 APPENDIX. these years a steady increase in the breeding herd. In 1876 he says this amounts to 4 or 5 per cent. This of itself disproves the whole con- tention of scarcity of adult males. An undue absence of males would make itself felt in a diminished birth rate, and this in turn would affect the breeding females as a class, which is recruited solely by the acces- sion of young 3-year-old females as breeders. Charles Bryant, 1876: Page 93. It is here intimated that the diminution of the quota in 1873 for St. George Island had the effect of steadily increasing the male seals, and consequently it is held that the quota can now be increased again. Noth- ing could be more absurd than this. The seals saved out by the reduc- tion of the quota in 1873 could now be no more than 6 years of age, and those of 1874 and 1875 still younger; none were then of breeding age. The reduction of the quota therefore could not have had this effect. A consideration of the whole matter shows that Captain Bryant did not understand the circumstances fully, and finding a larger pro- portion of females to males than he had made up his mind was proper, he decided that the one sex was increasing and the other diminishing. It is not possible for us to decide absolutely what was the fact, but it is plain from the history of the herd for the years immediately follow- ing that Captain Bryant's fears regarding the effect of the taking of the quota of 100,000 skins were groundless. The killing of males could do no harm to the rookeries so long as the males were really superfluous, as was certainly the case in the years in question. At no time on any of the Pribilof hauling grounds has the killing of males been nearly as close as is at present the case on Bering Island, yet of all the rookeries of the Commander Islands those of Bering Island held their own longest, because they were the last to be affected by pelagic sealing. While actual overkilling of males might be temporarily disastrous, there is no evidence that its supposed evils have ever been felt. There is not the slightest reason why the males hauling out on Otter Island (referred to on page 94) should not have been included in the lease, and their killing by raiders had or could have only the effect which similar killing on the hauling grounds of St. Paul could have, namely, to reduce the number of killable (not breeding) seals. Charles Bryant, 1877 : Page 99. Mr. Bryant supposes that many pups were destroyed by the storm of October 30 and 31. At this time they were three months and a half old, and able to swim well. To what extent drowning in storms is a source of loss at that age and later, has not yet been shown. Among the younger pups drowning is a very rare accident. The "considerable loss in the product of this year" which Captain Bryant anticipates, did not occur, as the killings of 1879 and 1880 show. The full quota was obtained, and none of the decrease complained of in 1875 and 1876 was visible. Harrison G. Otis, 1879: Page 120. According to Mr. Otis "many of the natives profess to believe that the seals are decreasing in numbers on St. Paul Island," and this fiict is ascribed by them to the presence of the steam oil works. APPENDIX. 497 These people are unable to generalize in any effective degree and their opinions on such subjects are wholly valueless. The most intelli- gent native on St. George assured us that the seal herds were all right, because the old bulls came back regularly as ever. Mr. Otis was doubtless right in thinking that this notion of the natives was without foundation. It may have been an echo of the view of Captain Bryant in the years preceding. Harrison G. Otis, 1880: Page 130. We find here the first distinct reference to the injury of the herd from pelagic hunting and of the international questions which might arise in connection with it. Mr. Otis notes in the same connection that the catch of 1880 "is but slightly below last year's figures at this date," but in 1881 no contraction was apparent, while he finds a considerable surplus of idle bulls, " capable bulls who have been elbowed out of the family circle '' The table published by Mr. Otis (page 143) shows that from 1871 to 1881, the number of killable seals was slowly increasing. George Wardman, 1882 : Page 163. Mr. Nicholas Grebnitzky as quoted by Mr. Wardman is quite right in rejecting the suggestion ''by a scientific writer on seal life that it is quite possible our fur seals may some day migrate to breeding grounds on the Eussian side." Henry A. Giidden, 1884 : Page 168. Mr. Giidden visited St. George, where he ascertained "that the taking of 15,000 seals" there reduced the killable seals to such an extent as, in his opinion, "to endanger the seal life." Doubtless this number involved an over-killing, in the sense of an anticipation of the next year's quota. But there is no probabihty that the killing of 2-year-old bachelors to make up the quota of 3-year olds, had then or at any later time reduced the number of males to a point of danger to the herd. In 1883 Mr. Tingle notes a surplus of old idle bulls and recommends that 1,500 on St. Paul and 500 on St. George should be killed, which was doubtless a wise suggestion. These recommendations are interesting in view of the statements made by Captain Bryant in 1875-76 about the effect of killing for the quota on the herd. George R. Tingle, 1886: Page 197. This attempt at an enumeration of the seals through measurements of the acreage of the rookeries has very little value. It is not likely the increase here noted since 1872 (on Garbotch, for example, from 366,000 to 750,250 square feet) actually took place. Mr. Elliott in 1872 estimated 2 square feet for each seal, or 3,030,950 on St. Paul. Mr. Tingle found a number of square feet which on this basis would give 5,148,500 seals, or an increase in fourteen years of 2,137,550 animals. Mr. Tingle thinks "the space assigned to each seal by Mr. Elliott is not large enough, and a reduction of one-fourth from the figures above would give more nearly correctly the actual number of seals on the rookeries named." But a reduction of one-half would be still nearer. The fact is that both estimates represent little more than playing with figures— the sum of a series of estimates multiplied by an assumption. It must be borne in H. Doc. 92 32 498 APPENDIX. mind that this increase is found by Mr. Tingle at a time when, as is now well known, the herd was already declining under pelagic sealing. Mr. Tingle (p. 201) is doubtless right in supposing that the rookeries of St. George had been in 1872 relatively underrated by Mr. Elliott. Mr. Tingle (p. 202) estimates a loss of 10 per cent of the pups before they enter the water. This estimate, which is not far from correct, is, he says, " caused by bulls in preserving rigid discipline * * * in their domestic affairs." The discovery that most of this early loss is due to a parasitic worm ( Uncinaria) was not made till 1897. The num- ber of " pups lost by being washed off the rocks by the surf before learning to swim " is, however, relatively very small, though it is cer- tain that not more than half the pups which go to sea return as year- lings, and but one-third as 3-year olds. On page 205 Mr. Tingle correctly notes that the slaughter at sea will in a few years make it impossible for 100,000 skins to be taken on the islands by the lessees. The estimate that the 30,000 reported as taken at sea in 1887 involved the death of 300,000 may be an exaggeration. It is certain, however, that in the early years of i^elagic sealing the number lost was greater than the number secured. It has taken time for hunters to learn when to shoot the swimming seal, and what size of shot is most effective. The loss by the use of the rifle was especially great. Charles J. Goff, 1890: Page 234. Mr. Goff assigns the cause of the rapid decline to " indiscriminate slaughter on the islands regardless of the future life of the breeding rookeries." There is, in our judgment, not the slightest positive evi- dence that this was the case. The excessively close killing for a num- ber of years had reduced the bachelor herd, but we see no reason to believe that there was ever a lack of sufficient male life to impregnate all the females. The fact that " no 2-year olds of average size were turned away in 1890" would account for the scarcity of 3-year olds in 1891, but it would not involve a paucity of 10-year old males. It is, to say the least, doubtful whether any one could "stand on Old John Rock and count 10,000 fighting bulls." If that number ever existed on Garbotch and the lieef, no one could possibly have approached "Old John Rock." There is no doubt that a great decrease in the number of breeding seals as well as of killable seals had taken place; but these reductions were due to different causes: The reduction of breeding seals to the killing of females at sea, the reduced number of bachelors to the killing of the natural quota of 1-year olds as 2-year olds the year preceding. The reduced number of breeding seals also reduced each year the number of pups born. Joseph Murray, 1890: Page 236. The fact that the natives on St. George voted that " the seals had diminished and would diminish from year to year, because all the male seals had been slaughtered witliout allowing any to grow to maturity for use on the breeding grounds," has very little value, unless it is actually shown that there were too few males to form harems. It is also not clear on what grounds it was decided that "the seals have been steadily decreasing since 1880." APPENDIX. William H. Williams, 1891: Page 273. 499 Mr. Williams and his assistants reached the conclusion, true beyond all question, that " the seals were decreasing very rapidly, and that the cause of their decrease was pelagic or deep-sea hunting." " 1 am con- vinced," he says, " that the conclusion arrived at is the correct one, and any attempt to make it appear to be due to other causes is not war- ranted by the facts." . . The many subsequent investigations have only confirmed this just conclusion, and it is the essential fact in the whole fur-seal controversy. It is, moreover, one which every British discussion of the subject, ot whatever grade, has persistently avoided. William H. Williams, 1891: Page 375. The dead pups seen on Tolstoi rookery in August, as shown in a pho- tograph by Mr. George M. Dawson, for a copy of which we are indebted to Mr. Macoun, were undoubtedly in large measure killed by Uncinaria. But many were also starved. It is unquestionably true that every pup whose mother dies before November starves to death, aud in this year pelagic sealing was carried on without limitation as to time in Bering Sea. Mr. Williams counted 1,200 grown bulls about the rookeries without cows in 1891, besides hundreds of others with one to four cows each. This observation, with others of similar nature, show the absurdity of the contention that any part of the decline of the herd is due to the lack of male life. This fact is further emphasized by the observations of Mr. Murray, then assistant agent. This report of Mr. Williams deserves especial commendation for its accuracy and sound sense. Joseph B. Crowley, 1893: Page 410. The large number of pups drowned on Tolstoi rookery has been sev- eral times noted. These are pups killed by a parasitic worm ( Uncin- aria) breeding in infected sands. These carcasses, washed from the rookeries by the surf, are piled up on the sand beaches beyond Tolstoi and constitute the " windrows " of " drowned " pups so often spoken of. Hamlin, 1894 : Page 449. The total of 5,000,000 seals here assumed as on the islands in 1867 is based upon the estimate of Mr. Henry W. Elliott, made in 1872, of 4,700,000. This estimate, we have now reason to believe, was a greatly exaggerated one. The actual number in these early years and through- out the period until 1884 probably did not exceed 2,500,000, including males, females, aud young, and was probably nearer 2,000,000. Hamlin, 1894: Page 451. The investigations of 1896 and 1897 show that there is a considerable mortality among young pups prior to the beginning of pelagic sealing. These early deaths are due to a variety of natural and customary causes, such as the parasitic worm Uncinaria, trampling, drowning, etc., which are doubtless as old as the herd itself. A certain proportion of these early dead pups (of which 11,000 were counted in 1896) are nec- essarily included in the count of 12,000 and estimate of 20,000 dead pups for 1894, which are here ascribed to starvation. At the same 500 APPENDIX. time, however, the counts on which this estimate is based were made about the 13th of September, before pelagic sealing had ceased, whereas the deaths from starvation continue as late as October 15, or nearly a month after pelagic sealing closes, this time being required for pups of that age to starve. The estimate of 20,000, taken at its full value, therefore, must fall below the actual conditions. From the pelagic catch of 31,000 for 1894 and the known preponderance of females which it contained, we may assume that fully 25,000 pups starved to death in that season. Crowley, 1894: Page 460. What has been said in the preceding note (Hamlin, p. 451) applies with equal force here, as these are doubtless the data on which the former statement was made. These counts include pups which died from other causes as well as from starvation, but at the same time they fall short of the actual conditions, because they were made before half the period during which pelagic sealing acts as a cause of death was over. Crowley, 1894: Page 461. The alternative proposition here put forward, namely, " the immediate killing of every seal on the Pribilof Islands," can not be too strongly condemned, even though coming, as it does, from an officer of the Government. There can be no more absurd or unworthy method of set- tling the fur-seal question proposed than this, Mr. Crowley has feel- ingly and justly set forth the evil effects of pelagic sealing in the slaughter of " mother seals in young or in milk," leaving their mother- less young, "with flattened sides, feeble movements, and languid cries," to die on the rookeries. But his proposition to kill off the seals would necessarily involve all this inhuman waste on a wholesale scale and lodge the odium for it for all time on the Government of the United States. But in addition to all this, the method has not the merit of being capable of attaining the end sought. It would not be possible to totally exterminate the race of animals without keeping up the slaughter for a period of many years, as all the animals are never present at one time nor in one season. A hunted remnant must remain, which if left unmolested, would restock the rookeries and reopen the whole question. Such a settlement of the fur-seal question would be as ineffective as it would be disgraceful. It should be remembered that diplomatic dis- putes of long standing can not be settled in a day, and the fur- seal herd under protection would be one of the most valuable pieces of property in the possession of any nation. Crowley, 1895: Page 479. The estimate of 27,000 starved pups for 1895 is again vitiated by the inclusion of a certain number of the early dead pups, as already noted in connection with the estimate for 1894. The counts here given are, however, probably more complete and accurate, as they were made after October 1. But this still left a subsequent period in which starva- tion acted as a cause of death, and the lateness of the count doubtless involved the loss of many of the early ones through the action of the elements and the hunger of the foxes. We can not, of course, say exactly what the death rate from starvation was in 1895, but it was large, and judging from the increased pelagic catch (44,000) in Bering Sea for this season, we may assume that it was not far from 30,000. APPENDIX. 501 Crowley, 1895: Page 479. The enumeration of breeding seals here given can have only the valne of a personal estimate. No details are given as to how it was obtained. Combining the totals for the two islands we have 99,930 breeding cows and 5,552 breeding bulls. The more carefully and accurately worked out census of Mr. F. W. True for the same season gave only 70,423 cows and 4,402 bulls. It is likely that True's estimate falls below the facts, because of the early date at which it was made as well as because he failed to discover that not more than half the cows are present at once. From our better understanding of the conditions of 1896 and 1897 we may therefore infer that the actual number of breeding seals in 1895, present at any one time, lay somewhere between these two estimates. But both of these estimate were made under a misapprehension of the real condition of rookery life, it being assumed that at the period known as the " height of the season " all, or x)ractically all, the animals were present. As we now know, even at the time of their greatest exi^ansion, not more than half of the cows are on the rookeries at any one time, and, therefore, in considering either of these estimates, they must at least be doubled. Il^^DEX. Accounts : ^*Se- Alaska Commercial Company witli United States 110, 124, 140, 149, 160, 166, 171,180, 182, 196, 213, 219 Native, transferred to North American Commercial Company by Alaska Commercial Company 249, 257 Native, with North American Commercial Company 258, 290, 353 North American Commercial Comjiany with United States 252 Act of July 1, 1870, restrictions as to sealing 32 Act of July 30, 1870, authorizing lease of islands 93 Adams, Thomas E., assistant agent 443, 488 Adele (marauder) 1^^ Adoption of or])haus ''^ Age, killable, of seals ^ Agents, appointment of, defect in •'do Agents, assistant, reports of : Adams, Thomas E A". o^'Tno Falconer, Samuel 22,31,37,48,49,53,71,88,493 Lavender, A. W 239,297,363,428 Lessen, Francis J,n? Loud, A. P 225 Mclntyre, W. J 7b, 80 Manchester, J. P A'^o 'Tol Moulton,J.H 96,98,110.113,131 Murrav, Joseph 236,292,359,364,423,443,498 Nottleton, S. R ' l ro Wardman, George 'a a- Ian Ziebach, J. E 46d,480 Agents, special, reports of : . Ainsworth. Lieut. D. J ---• *l^, 423 Bryant, Charles 15, 21, 23, 30, 35, 39, 46, 50, 61, 70, 72, 86, 90, 98, 492-496 Crowley, J. B 408, 443, 456, 474, 499, 500, oOl Elliott, H.w r:r.^\r.n' ii^ Gliddeu,H. A 154,157,167,497 Sc-J 214,228,230,498 McLean, John T inVinfi -til Morton, J. M 102, 106, 113 Otis, H. G 114,116,125,127,128,132,141,152,496,497 Ryan T. F 1°^ Wimams,W H 271,287,292,300,301,304,307 Aid to natives. Government - ^07 Aiusworth, Lieut. D. J., acting special agent 41b, 4Jd Alaska : _ Conditions of trade in ' Fur seal of 449 Land laws *^2 Salmon fisheries 4^^ Smuggling of liquor 4oo Table of distances 44» Alaska Commercial Company: Accounts of, with United States ••■:*%";,, o Articles made by, sold to traders 155, 229 Burial rites of 208 Cause of mortality among adults 187 Change in manner of payment suggested 199 C i V i 1 a ffair s o f 67 Clothing of, use of skins for, limited - I'^p Earnings of, distribution 43, 68, 119, 131, 146, 158, 159, 221, 251, 258, 261, 262, 288, 289, 351, 352, 410, 435, 471, 477, 489, 490 Drunkenness ^^ Easy to control ■--•• ^^ Enforced idleness detrimental to r. . . . lo9 Expenditures for support of ^^* Gambling - 159 Government aid to ^*^'' ^™ Habitations 20,26,37,73,119 Habits, oistoms, etc "f? '^^l Harsh treatment of, by assistant agent '9 Improvement in conditions of 20 L an gu age - - ^J Maintenance and employment of ^-^ Members of Greek Church oO Occupations of 21 Physical characteristics ^^ Physical condition, improvement in 4o6 Protest against methods of assistant agent 69 Protest against restriction of sealing 1^ Provisions for 16 Return of church funds to ■ ^^^1 Securing money from, by false pretenses 280, - J^ Stoves for ^^ Strike of IJl Subsistence of ^-^ Transfer of moneys of, to North American Commercial Company 23 L Nettleton, Mrs. S. R., teacher oc i qI i Nettleton, S. R., assistant agent : - - - 264, 311 Neumann, Rudolph, agent Alaska Commercial Company, permission to dispose of food skins requested 244 North American Commercial Company: Account of natives transferred to - - - - - ^^9 Accounts with natives 258, 290, 3»3 Accounts with United States ^^^ Agreement with Alaska Commercial Company 230 Compensation to natives ^o? Compliance with requirements of lease 431 Liabilities to natives 24J Property of Alaska Commercial Company transferred to 231 Seizure of flag 'Iqq Widows and orphans supported by - *^^ Koyes, L. A., physician '^I Ocean Spray (marauder) °^ Officers, constant supervision of, demanded I-'' Fund 148,158 Manufacture of 28, 108, 118, 12o Waste of ^1 Orphans, adoption of *.","A f qq Orphans and widows supported by North American Commercial Company^ -. 433 Orphans at Unalaska school ^"^i '^64, 484 Orphans, widows, and others to be furnished food and clothing .--.... ...--- 434 Otis, H. G., special agent 114, 1 16, 125, 127, 128, 132, 141, 1d2, 496, 497 Otter Island: ^.^ Guard over --i qq Location -^ (^i Not included in lease ^^ Topography ^\f Under care of Treasury agent ^^^ Otter, sea : « i o ikq Prices of skins ' ' tA Scarcity of ^^^ 508 INDEX. Page. Oustigoff, Zecar, deposition 78 Overdriving, results of 478 Paris regulations do not protect seals 461 Patrol, period of, by revenue cutters 337 Pelagic catch : 1868-1894 450 1886-1894 461 Pelagic st-aling: (Jause of diminution of herds 74, 234, 273, 295, 297, 319, 460 Results of 451j 479 Physical characteristics of natives 60 Physical condition of natives, improvement in 456 Pirates 173 Pond, G. P., physician 486 Population, classification of 20 Powell, George B., letter to special agent 304 Preservation of meat 322, 359 Pribilof Islands. {See also St. Geoi'ge Island; (St. Paul Island) : Cateli of seals 114 Condition of rookeries 172 Condition of seals on 107, 167, 448 Fur-bearing animals on 453 Improvements on 456 Meteorological 127 Natives 51,60,119 Oil production 28 Quas brewing 52 Receipts and invoices of skins 151 Rookeries, dead pups on 460 Schools 457 Sea otter, scarcity of 454 Seal oil, waste of 51 Seals taken for all purposes (1870-1894) 449 Vital statistics 155,158,173,281 Prices : Food 321 Pup skins 129 Sea-otter skins 8, 12, 453 Proclamation, modus vivendi 282 Protest against liability to support natives 434 Protest by G. R. Tingle against prohibition of sealing 259 Protest of natives against methods of assistant agent 69 Protest of natives against restriction of sealing 15 Provisions, mode of issuing 16 Pups: Articles manufactured from skins of, sold by natives 155 Characteristics 56 Dead, number counted 297,460,479,480,481 Skins of, not commercially valuable 128 Skins, prices of 129 Starving of 275 Useless slaughter of 229 Weight of, when born 56 Quas brewing 23,52,60,105,134,146,322,414,431 Question of increase or decrease of seal life 142 Quota. ((See shipping receipts.) Raids upon islands 130, 310, 336 Raymond, Capt. C. W., United States Engineers 12 Recall of Treasury agents 90 Reeeii)ts, shipping. ((See Shipping receipts.) Recommendation for government of islands 339 Regulations : Absence of, an embarrassment 317 Greek Church, promote immorality 333 Marriage 200, 280 Paris, do not protect seals 461 Reports, Bryant's, criticism of 83 Repressive measures against quas browing 134 INDEX. 509 Kevenue cutters : Page. More needed to guard islands 89, 204 Period of patrol by 337 Ritual, Russian Church, translation of 309, 331, 361 Rookeries : Arrivals of seals on . 314 Cause of late landing of seals on 207 Condition of 97,172,186,318,408 Dead pups on 297,460,479,480,481 Description of 29, 55 Diminution of seals on 235 Guarding of 335,425,461 Invasion of 75, 76 Measurements of 188,197,201 Misapprehension as to names of 365 Number of seals on 201 Permanent character of 42 Protection of, from marauders 3 Russian Church ritual 309, 331, 361 Kyuu, T. F., special agent 183 Sailors, wrecked 306 St. George Island. {See also Pribilof Islands) : Account of United States with natives 429 Affairs on 80,88,96 Blue foxes, number taken 428 Census - 97,111,119, 133, 145, 164, 167, 173, 187, 200, 210, 256, 281, 298, 315, 357, 430, 441,464, 485 Civilization, degree of 22 Destruction of seals 96 Earnings, distribution of, to natives 134, 146, 159, 221, 236, 258, 262, 289, 352, 410, 436, 471, 478, 490 Expendi tures for support of natives 474 Food, seals taken for 246,262 Foxes taken 436,458 Fuel supply 299,311,413 Geographical situation 54 Greek Church, permission to locate a curate on 46 Habitations 20,26,119 Health of natives 311 Marauders 155, 184 Meteorological 23, 31, 54, 81 Native accounts transferred to North American Commercial Company 257 Native earnings, distribution of, by Alaska Commercial Company (^1870-1889) 262 Natives, condition of Ill Natives, conduct of 312, 431 Natives, health of 311 Quas brewing 431 Rookeries, condition of - - - 97, 111 Rookeries, names of 38 Sanitary conditions 327 Sanitary svstem, need of 237 School statistics 226, 311, 430 Sealing seasons, beginnings of 248 Seals taken by Alaska Commercial Company 262 Seals taken on 8, 22, 37, 48, 71, 110, 123, 131, 139, 161, 170, 181, 182, 194, 212, 219, 243, 246, 261, 262, 285, 312, 349, 350, 365-407, 432, 470, 488 Skins shipped from 108, 117, 132 Subsistence of natives 311 Topographv 54 Vital statistics 23,80,97,119,173,298,437,465 Water supply 237 Widows, orphans, and indigents 312 St. Paul Island. {See also Pribilof Islands) : Census 43, 73, 104, 119, 133, 145, 164, 167, 173, 187, 200, 210, 228, 253, 281. 354, 421, 462, 481 Earnings, distril)ution of, to natives 43, 50, 92, 104, 134, 146, 158, 221, 236, 251, 261, 288, 351,410,435,472,477,489 Foxes, number kiWed on 426, 458 Fuel supply 293,413,423 510 INDEX. St. Paul Island — Contiuuecl. Page. Government 26 Habitations 20,26,119 Industrial school 29'!, 362 Influenza, epidemic of 292 Marriages 362 Meteorological 72, 106, 127, 208, 227, 248 Native accounts transferred to North American Commercial Company 249 Natives easy to control 265 Natives, expenditures for support of 474 Natives, i)hysical and moral condition of 119 Pups killed for food 154 Qnas brewing, abatement of 105 Rookeries, breeding 172, 186,188 Rookeries, guarding of 425 Sanitary conditions 327 School 21,24,44,49,100,104,227,412,465 Seal grounds, deplorable condition of 265 Sealing seasons, beginnings of 248 Seals, dead, count of 481 Seals, decrease of 360, 424 Seals taken by Alaska Commercial Company 261 Seals taken on 62, 121, 137,143, 170, 177, 191, 210, 217, 241, 246, 261, 265, 284, 347-, 359,365-407, 432, 468, 487 Sexes, difference in number of 362 Skins shipped from 62,108,117,132 Vital statistics of 21, 43, 119, 145, 173, 222, 292, 422, 437, 486 Watchhouses 361 Water and drainage 327, 426 Weights of skins 417^ 419 Widows and orphans supported by lessees 434 Widows, orphans, and others furnished with food and clothing by lessees. 434 Salmon fisheries of Alaska 452 San Diego (marauder) 87, 89 Sanitary conditions 327 San itary system, need of 1 237 Schools 24,49,147,309,334,457 Industrial 294, 362 Lack of interest in, by parents 101 Little progress made by native children 231 Unalaska, orphans at 427, 464 Schooners, poaching 89, 115 Sea lions 60 Sea otter : Prices of skins 12, 453 Scarcity of ' 454 Seal catch, limitation of ^ 82 Seal catch, pelagic : 1868-1894 450 1886-1894 461 Seal Islands. {See also Pribilof Islands) : Absolute control by Government recommended 240 Act of July 30, 1870, authorizing lease of 93 Aftairs on 13, 51 Census 438 Protection of 1.52 Vessels touching at 135 Seal life : Authority on 235 Condition of 132,142,167 Question of increase or decrease 120 Sealers : Arrangement of, in classes 43 Boys as I57 Government aid for 443 Sealing : Change in method of 32 Operations 132 Pelagic, cause of diminution of seals 74, 234, 273, 295, 297, 319, 460 Pelagic, results of 451,479 INDEX. 511 Sealiug — Contimied. o^A Protests against restriction and prohibition of 15, 259 Seasons of, beginnings 248 Sealing fleet, catch of: American -° ' Victoria ^86 Seals : Act of July 1, 1870, restricting killing of 32 Arrival of, on rookeries 314 Catch by marauders 1^6 Characteristics of 53 Commercial oxteiniiuation of, near at hand 451 Dead, count of 297,460,479,480,481 Decrease of 29,276,424 Deficiency in certain classes, causes of 36 Departure of, from islands 59 Destruction of 205 Diminution of, by pelagic fishing - - 74, 234, 273, 295, 297, 319, 460 Diminution of, on rookeries 235 Excess of male life "l^Q Food of ^^ Fur of 57 Government management not responsible for decrease oi 319 Habits of 4, 40, 54, 56, 65 Home of 59 Killable age of 29 Killing, indiscriminate 3 Large proportion killed at sea lost 274 Mode of taking and killing 19, 58 Number accepted by lessees 248 Niimber taken at sea 450 Number taken by Alaska Commercial Company 261, 262, 365-407 Number taken l)y pelagic sealers 461 Number taken for all purposes 365-407, 449 Number taken for all purposes by Alaska Commercial Company 365-407 Number taken on islands (1870-1889) - 262 Paris regulations do not protect 161 Pelagic sealing cause of diminution of 74, 234, 273, 295, 297, 319, 460 Preservation of meat of 322, 359 Question of increase or decrease in herds 120 Rapid diminution of 232 Request to take specimens 241 Rule governing taking of 64 Size of 5a Specimens taken 'l'^6 System of legal protection admirable 129 Time of arrival on islands 5 Weight of 55, 57 Young, death of, great, when absent from Islands 66 Season, closed, proposition for, absurd 274 Season, stagey, duration of 143 Seasons, sealing, beginnings of 248 Sexes, difterence in number of 362 Sierra (marauder) - 188 Situation, geographical, of islands 54 Size of harems 133 Shipping receipts 33,34,47,52,61,82,95,98,112,116,123, 139, 150, 156, 166, 169, 175, 190, 206, 214, 225, 258, 286, 349, 364, 442, 471, 488 Skins : Fox, arrangement for taking 335 Market for, depression in 164 Principal market for 19 Pup, articles manufactured from, sold by natives 155 Pup, not commercially valuable 128 Receipts and invoices of, from customs returns 151 Sea otter, prices - 8,12,453 Stagey, description 35 Tax on 173 Use of, for clothing, limited - 129 Smithsonian Institution, collection of specimens for 232 512 INDEX. Page. Smuggling of liquor - 453 Spauldiug, O. L., Assistant Secretary of the Treasury, instructions 287, 305, 341 Specimens taken 4:76 Stagey rejected skins 415 Stagey season, duration of 143 Stagey skins, description of - 35 Stanley- Brown, .J., special agent 316 Starvation of pups 275 Statistics of seals taken for all purposes during lease of Alaska Commercial Company - 365-407 Statistics of seals taken for food 261, 262 Stoves, coal, for natives - 99 Subsistence of natives 321 Tax on skins 17^ Taylor, Thomas, conditions of trade in Alaska 7 Tichenor, George C, Assistant Secretary of the Treasury, instructions 243 Tingle, George E., special agent 171, 175, 1X6, 198, 205, 206, 497 Tingle, George R., superintendent North American Commercial Company: Coal supply under lease with United States _ 442 Letter to special agent 245, 325 Proposition to take food skins to fill quota 244 Protest against company's liability to support natives 434 Protest against prohibition of sealing 259 Request to take specimen seals 241 Sanitary improvements on islands 358 Trade, statistics of 5 Treasury agent, Otter Island under care of 152 Treasury agents, recall of 90 Treasury agents, (^ee Agents, assistant; Agents, special.) Treasiiry regulations, absence of, an embarrassment 317 Treasury regulations aud laws, publication of, recommended 154 Treasury, Secretary of 1,259,267,282,285,341,455 Tyones, functions of "73 Unalaska : Location of 21 Orphans at school at 427,464,484 United States : Accounts of Alaska Commercial Company with 110, 124, 140, 149, 160, 166, 171, 180, 182, 196, 213, 219 Accounts of North American Commercial (Jompany with 252 Valdimir, Bishop, questionable practices of - 280, 292 Vanderbilt (marauder) 1^8 Vessels, marauding 144, 414 Adele l]^ Alfred Adams 205 Angel Dolly 203,206 Anna Beck 204 Black Diamond ; r, So^ Borealis 310, 337 Challenge 204,310,337 City of San Diego 18» Cygnet 74 »8 Dolphin 204 Grace 204 Loleta - 118 Lottie Fairfield ■^^^ Lottie L - 201 Mary Ellen - 20o Mattie 216 Ocean Spray °9 San Diego 0''°9 Sierra 1^*5 Vanderlnlt 188 W. P. Sawyer 204 Vessels touching at seal islands 135 Victoria sealing fleet, catch of "":A.;■:/^^ "^o^ Vital statistics 21 , 23, 43, 80, 97, 145, 173, 222, 292, 298, 422, 437, 465, 486 Voss, Otto, physician -437 Wardman, G., assistant agent J^o^, ■*»< INDEX. 513 Page. Water and drainage 237, 426 Weight of pups when born -^6 Weight of seals ^'^I f^ Widows and orphans, list of 324, 326 Widows and orphans supported by lessees 433 Widows, orphans, and indigents, supplies furnished to 32") W idows, orphans, and others to be furnished food and clothing by lessees 434 Wike, Scott, Acting Secretary of the Treasury 447 Williams, W. H., special agent 271, 287, 292. 300, 301, 301,499 Wilson, Joseph, inspector of customs 9, 10 Windom, William, Secretary of the Treasury, instructions 259 W. P. Sawyer (marauder) 204 Wrecked sailors 306 Ziebach, J. E., assistant agent 465,480 H Doc. 92 33 \ ., ■*■*♦• K, /3^;V7