52 Sketches of an Excursion to Southern Alaska. 



vantage ground are the chiefs. They are clolhec) wi'h hereditary authority uf 

 the most despotic and arbitrary nature. It seems never to have been questioned, 

 so far as to have led to sedition or insurrection. This unqualified submission 

 may be explained by the associations in the midst of which the authority is 

 exercised. Being regarded as the great Father of the whole tribe, the 



chief's rule is patriarchal 



like that of the Arabs. The tribe is therefore bound to obedience, not only 

 by the ordinary sense of duty, but by the ties of kindred and the impulses of 

 affection. These conditions and their influence are speedily detected by a 

 careful observer. After this explanation, it needs only to be hinted that a 

 leading aim of the missionary is, to compel the respect and gain the confidence 

 of the chiefs. If they are conciliated he will have plain sailing into the land- 

 locked harbors of the people. But remembering the caution of the ancient 

 Oracle, "put not your trust in princes," he will rt/;« to win the people, attach 

 them inseparably to the cause, and foster in every way their desires lor the 

 salutary changes which he is introducing. Then if the chief sails in, well 

 and good; if not, the rising tide will float him in or sink him. I need scaicely 

 say, that a wise policy dictates to avoid a collision as long as you consistently 

 can; but if the conflict must come, strike boldly for the truth and trust in God. 



We must make all arrangements that promise success. We stand committed 

 to the task of establishing modern Christian Civilization in Alaska. With 

 God's help we shall accomplish it. But we must employ all means which the 

 customs of society, the peculiar traits and dispositions of the people, and the 

 laws of nature, put within our reach. 



These reflections occurred to me again and again as I sat a silent spectator at 

 the ivawas (conferences) which our Missionary Young held with the natives; 

 or when I engaged in them myself, and was impressed with the conviction that 

 I was attracting those untutored minds away from their bondage, and attaching 

 them to the new cause and new friends. They come to Mr. Young now with 

 occasions for advice often trivial, sometimes momentous to them ; and he re- 

 ceives them all with uniform kindness, and uses his utmost endeavors to assist, 

 relieve and guide them. He has a chieftain's power over them. These inter- 

 views are held in his narrow apartments to the great inconvenience of his 

 family, and exposing him to many interruptions and much loss of time. In 

 the missionary's house a large room is needed for these conferences with the 

 natives. A few hundred dollars will be sufficient to erect a rude but comforta- 

 ble dwelling near the church and school. 



THE HOME FOR GIRLS AT FORT WRANGEL 



grew out of circumstances calculated to arouse the keenest sympathies and 

 immediate efforts for relief. Instances of trading for marriageable girls was of 

 frequent occurrence, and excited no attention, unless accomplished by coercion 

 or cruelty. Among the natives the price is the purchase of a wife — a chief 

 part of the marriage ceremony — differing in no essential from the matrimonial 



