Suggestiofis Concertiing Schools — Ways and Means. 5 1 



REPORTS ON ALASKA.-NO. IV. 

 Suggestions Concerning Schools — Ways and Means. 



In clusinj; my Second Report, I intimated that I should give you a sketch 

 of the work at Fort Wrangel ; and some considerations touching the manage- 

 ment of Missions to be introduced in other places. A part of this task was 

 executed in my Supplementary Report, and I now propose to execute the 

 remainder — all in compliance with the Board's directions. 



The influence of civilized domestic life upon the Aborigines of Alaska, is 

 very great. A missionary's wife can, in many instances, be as useful as her 

 husband. There are calls which she alone can answer, and lessons which she 

 only can leach. 



* DWKIXINUS FOR MISSIONARY FAMU.IES 



must be erected, except at Sitka where rent is nominal. There is no occasion 

 for putting much style or expense upon the building. But there may be some 

 occasion for the missionary to endure hardships at first. A man of adaptations 

 could make himself comfortable in one of the capacious houses of the natives. 

 He can make the side apartments suitable for domestic and private life, and fit 

 up the spacious interior for school and church — this for temporary use — looking 

 to the Providential future for radical improvements. 



A LARGE SAVING ON THE COST OK BUILDINGS 



can be made at the localities proposed for new missions. The natives put up 

 houses of timber, round and hewn, which are very strong, and can be made 

 very comfortable. A "white" carpenter with good tools can efficiently direct 

 native workmen in fitting up buildings of this kind — with some improvements 

 in flooring and ceiling- -which will answer a very good purpose, until something 

 better can be provided in process of time. But the missionary's abode, what- 

 ever it may be, should be made at the outset comfortable, and conformalile to 

 sanitary laws. No permanent buildings should be erected, until the eligibility 

 of the location shall have been adequately tested. After even a brief experi- 

 ment, a change of location may be discovered to be eminently desirable. 



A DWELLING FOR THE MISSIONARY AT FORT \VRAN(;EI. 



must be erected near the Mission Buildings. He lives now in the garrison, oc- 

 cupying two separate houses, small and inconvenient, for which he pays one 

 hundred and eighty dollars per annum, with incidental expenses that bring his 

 rent up to two hundred dollars. But the distance from the new buildings is 

 too great for daily trjivel. Yet his duties will require him to be there daily. 



FOR CONFERENCE WITH THE NATIVES 



31 large room should be provided in the missionary's house. They manifest a 

 trustful and teachable spirit towards any one who wins their confidence. The 

 missionary must secure this position among them, and effectually maintain it. 

 The alternative is, utter failure. His principal competitors on the way to this 



