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. 



