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. 



