546 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 



Following this movement of the highest officials of the land, a series 

 of lectures by myself on Alaska was arranged in the various churches 

 of the different denominations in Washington in February, 1882, and 

 a card of invitation, giving the dates and places of said lectures, was 

 sent to each Congressman. In April of the same year Dr. John M. 



Home Missions, at my request sent printed circulars to leading and 

 influential men of their respective denominations throughout the United 

 States, asking them to circulate petitions in their sections for signa- 

 ture, to be mailed to their resiDective Congressmen, asking for the estab- 

 lishment of schools in Alaska. 



showing the condition aiul progress of education in the several States and Territories, 

 and to diffuse such information respecting theorganizationaudmanagementof schools 

 and school systems and methods of teaching as shall aid the people of the United 

 States in the establishment and njaintcnance of efficient school systems and otherwise 

 promote the cause of education throughout the country;" and it is affirmed that I 

 have not yet made any specific recommendation with regard to education in Alaska. 

 I can not claim to he ignorant of the fact that there is no law either for the protec- 

 tion of life or property or for the establishment of schools in that Territory, nor 

 would I be among those who are indifferent to facts reilecting sn unfavorably upon 

 us as a people. I have sought diligently to gather all information in regard to the 

 education of the children of Alaskans, as will be seen by reference to the several 

 reports of this office. Prior to the purchase of Alaska the Russian Government had 

 schools in portions of that country. When it was transferred to the United States 

 those schools were generally discontinued, and the entire Territory, with few excep- 

 tions, has l)eeu left without any means of education. From the census of 1880 we 

 learn that there ai-e about 30,000 people in Alaska, and of these it is believed there 

 are about 10,000 children or young people who ought to have some school privileges. 

 With regard to this people it may be observed — 



(1) That they are docile, peaceful, and have here and there some knowledge of 

 useful industries; are apt in the mechanical arts, and anxious for instruction. 



(2) They are a self-supporting people, needing no annuities, clothing, or rations 

 from the Government, but do need teachers that they can not procure for themselves. 

 These teachers should instruct them not only in letters, but in the arts of civilized 

 life and the duties of American citizenship. 



(3) If given an opportunity for this kind of instruction for a few years they would, 

 it is l)elieved, make good progress in throwing off' tribal relations and in preparation 

 to l)ecomc an integral portion of the American people, thus contributing to the com- 

 mon wealth and prosperity of the country. 



(4) It is well known that civilization in approaching an untutored people may be 

 their destruction by sending its vices before its virtues. It is equally well known 

 that various weeds spring up spontaneously where useful plants must be cultivated, 

 and tbat not neglect but painstaking care is necessary to the improvement of the 

 human mind. 



The ])eop]e of Alaska having received some measure of aid from the Russian Gov- 

 ernment, have expected the same from the United States. The natives, already to a 

 limited extent demoralized by the introduction of intemperance and disease, it is 

 thought, would by the introduction of schools be prepared better to resist these evils 

 and stand a far better clianee to be a permanent and prosperous race. 



(5) The development of the fishing interests, tliediscoverj"^ of gold, and the increase 

 of commerce in that region are now calling public attention to it, and the time seems 

 to have arrived when school privileges should l>e immediately provided. In 1870 

 Congress appropriated $50,000 for educational purposes in Alaska, which, on account 

 of difficulties of administraticm at that time, was not expended tliere. This amount 

 couhl now be expended there, I am sure, with most satisfactory results. 



In accordance, therefore, with these considerations, and in order not to come short 

 of any duty recpiired of me by law, I have the honor to recommend that Congress be 

 requested to appropriate $50,000 for the establishment and maintenance of schools 

 for instruction in letters and industry at such points in Alaska as shall be desig- 

 nated by the honorable Secretary of the Interior. 



I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 



John Eaton, Commisaioner. 

 The Secketaky of the Interior. 



