^r^MrA, 



TO THE READER OF THIS 

 VOLUME 



Kindly handle this book with the utmost 

 care on account of its fragile condition. 

 The binding has been done as well as pos- 

 sible under existing conditions and will 

 give reasonable wear with proper opening 

 and handling. 



Your tJwughtfulness icill he appreciated 



15, 1913. 

 Hon. John H. Rothermel, 



Chairman ComTnittee on Expenditures 

 In the Department of Commerce, 



House of Representatives, Washington, D. C. 

 Dear Sir: I wish to submit for the information and the use of 

 your committee a carefully prepared statement of the facts which 

 bear upon the commercial ruin and near extinction of our fur-seal 

 herd of Alaska. 



I believe that a statement which shall authoritatively cover the 

 causes of that destruction of this fine public property and the true 

 relation which the lessees of the seal islands and certam sworn 

 public officials and others have to that ruin of the same will be of 

 value to your committee. 



I therefore inclose this statement herewith, duly addressed to the 

 committee and yourself. 



Very respectfully, yours, Henry W. Elliott. 



v_^ 



