Sketches of an Excursion to Southern Alaska. 



other bad practices. They learned some barl ways from white people, I am 

 sorry to say, and that destroyed them .sooner. But there are tribes of those 

 Indians who live like white people. They have farms and dwellings, work- 

 shops, schools and churches, and plenty of everything to make them comfort- 

 able. You can have the same; but you must learn to live like christians. 

 For this purpose we sent teachers to you ; and nothing can save you but the 

 Gospel of Jesus Christ, which they have brought you. We wish to help you 

 to walk in (jod's ways ; and you must help us by coming to our meetings and 

 schools, and by giving your influence for the improvement and salvation of 

 your people. Alaska belongs to you, and white people have no right to crowd 

 you out of it. But they will surely do it, if you continue to follow your old 

 ways. Feeling this deeply, we come to you now before many white people 

 come, that you may leain the things which make them strong, and which only 

 can make you and them happy. Again I assure you that this is our only reason 

 for undertaking what we are doing for you ; and you must trust us till we prove 

 this to you. You cannot understand our motive, as we understand Fit. No 

 man, indeed, can put a price upon the good we offer you. May God help 

 you to decide wisely. 



Brother Young added remarks in Chinook, explaining Dr. Kendall's con- 

 nection with the Board. They had long before understood my relation to 

 them. I felt most desirous to have a good word from Shustack. He is a 

 i"an of patriarchal dignity; and by reason of age, his authority is greater 

 than that of Shaikes. He spoke with the tone and gesture of a man who 

 was accustomed to be obeyed — and with oratorical skill. 



shustack's RKTIA'. 



He Ijegan : 'T want first to thank you for what you have said. \a\\ have 

 come a long way to see us ; and we believe what you say. When Mr. ^"oung 

 came I was not pleased, because he would not d© what I wanted him to. I 

 wished him not to turn my people away from their old customs. And I op- 

 posed him for interfering with us. I wanted my people to learn new ways to 

 make them strong, and to keep the old dances and ceremonies, because we 

 and Indians of other tribes have always practiced them. White people have 

 their ways — so have Tlinkets ; and it is not seemly for Indians to give up 

 their practices and adopt other people's. 



"But you tell us that we must change some things, and I begin to believe 

 it. I want my people to be prosperous and happy ; and I shall consider what 

 you have said. You will teach the children many things, and I shall not op- 

 pose it. Mr. Young means to do us good, and I shall not stand in his way 

 any longer. But I want to observe the ancient rites and customs. We want 

 nur children and their children to stay in this land, as long as tide flows an 1 

 sun shines. 



This speech was very gratifying. Its concessions were not expected. A 

 brighter light dawned upon our cause. And I thanked God for the exertion 

 of his power upon that man's heart. 



