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. 



