12 REPORT ON INTRODUCTION OF 



languages. They brought with them a full supply of Lapp literature, 

 including hymn books and Bibles. 



Leaving Kautokeino on April 10, Hammerfest the 17th, and Chris- 

 tiana the 26th, they reached New York City May 12, 1894, the first 

 colony of Lapps that ever set foot on the North American continent. 

 Passing directly westward to Madison, Wis., they tarried there until 

 Mr. Kjellmann, the superintendent, concluded his preparations for 

 removing his family to Alaska. Leaving Madison May 21 over the 

 Great Northern Railway, the party were caught in washouts in Mon- 

 tana. Transferring to the Northern Pacific, they finally reached 

 Seattle June 2, and ultimately San Francisco, by steamer, June 5. At 

 San Francisco, after twelve days' delay, the party was taken on board 

 the whaling brig W. H. Myers, and sailed from San Francisco for the 

 Teller Reindeer Station, Port Clarence, Alaska, where they arrived 

 safely July 29, having traveled over 12,500 miles. 



CONTRACT LABOR. 



The importation of skilled Lapp herders raised the question among 

 a few of the newspapers whether it was not an infringement of the law 

 "to prohibit the importation and immigration of foreigners to perform 

 labor in the United States, its Territories, and the District of Colum- 

 bia," approved February 20, 1885. The legality of the transaction was 

 given early attention. The proposed action was brought to the atten. 

 tion of Mr. Herman Stump, United States Superintendent of Immigra- 

 tion, who, upon learning all the circumstances, decided that the case 

 was provided for by section 5 of the above act, which reads : 



Nor shall this act be so construed as to prevent any person or persons, partnership 

 or corporation from engaging under contract or agreement skilled workmen in 

 foreign countries to perform labor in the United .States in or 'upon any new industry 

 not at present established in the United States: Frovided, That skilled labor for 

 that purpose can not be otherwise obtained. (23 Stat., 332.) 



As herding reindeer was first established in the United States in 

 1892, and as there were no skilled reindeer herders in the country, 

 their importation from abroad was very clearly within the law. 



APPRENTICES. 



During the year fifteen Eskimo men were employed in the care of the 

 herd and in securing supplies for the station. A list of names with 

 ages and former residence is contained in the report of the superinten- 

 dent. (Appendix, p. 72.) His report also gives the standing of each 

 in the several duties required, and a table of rations issued for their 

 support. Special mention is made of the faithfulness of Moses, who 

 was sent from the St. James Mission on the Yukon River. 



Constant changes are taking place in the baud. Some become tired 

 of regular duty and return home. Others are dismissed because of 



