Plans for Improving the Natives, 45 



In these interviews, much that I said was assented to \Vith what we had rea- 

 son to believe was sincere cordiality; and even the most obstinate engaged no 

 longer to oppose us. 



These conferences did not embrace the natives alone; I conversed freely with 

 white men of all classes, the one subject being, the Aborigines — their capabili- 

 ties, condition, and prospects. I was gratified to discover a far more favora- 

 able opinion of them among the white men who are acquainted with them, 

 than I had reason to expect. I report in general respecting the views of white 

 men in the Territory, that I heard not of one that would cast any impediment 

 in the way of the improvement of the natives. Uniformly, 



THE WHITES EXPRESSED INTEREST IN OUR AIMS ; 



some promised co-operation, and all concurred in the opinion that the protec- 

 tion of law should be thrown around the natives, and that they were ready to 

 petition the Government for the attainment of these ends. Many of them en- 

 tertain just and benevolent sentiments towards the natives. 



To remove a misapprehension, it should be known that our missionaries and 

 teachers extend the advantages of missions and schools to the white inhabitants 

 as well as to the natives. We aim to benefit both, and make no distinctions. 

 Our cause contemplates the highest good of our whole country, and all classes 

 and conditions of its inhabitants. It includes all judicious means for pro- 

 moting the public welfare, and advocates the rights of all. Regarding this 

 view as embraced in my errand, my attention was frequently drawn to 



THE ANOMALOUS STATE OF SOCIETY IN ALASKA. 



The absence of Civil Government continually exposes the inhabitants to all 

 the evils of anarchy. No legal process whatever can be issued, because there 

 is no court to try it, no officer to execute it. 



To the "white" people, this condition is fraught with great risks. It virtu, 

 ally gives a license to the lawless and profligate. Beyond the force of numbers 

 brought to act in an emergency and soon disbanded, there is no restraint but 

 popular sentiment, uttered not in the public press, for there is none— not in 

 conventions, for the people hold none — but in the ordinary intercourse of life, 

 and therefore feeble, irregular, and inefficient. 



In law-governed communities, public opinion must be continually sustained 

 and reinforced by the various api^liances known to enlightened society, and 

 tested by long experience. With these supports, it is often apathetic and inop- 

 erative; and this is sufficient to explain why the most equitable laws sometimes 

 cease to be administered. In Alaska the support-, of a well ordered commu- 

 nity are rudimental and unorganized. Moral influences are weak, and have no 

 acknowledged leaders. 



The annual voyage of a revenue cutter, the appearance of a naval vessel, 

 the monthly mail and the steamer that transports it, an occasional sail flapping 

 over a solitary ocean, are reminders of civilization, government, and law in 

 other parts of the world, and no doubt operate as some restraint upon the dis- 

 solute and turbulent spirits that seek to shun public observation. 



