14 INTRODUCTION OF DOMESTIC REINDEP:R INTO ALASKA. 



To accomplisli such training it is important that an increased num- 

 ber of small industrial schools shall be established at centers conven- 

 ient to the native population. 



At these schools, in addition to elementary instruction in the 

 English language, there should be given special instruction (a) in 

 making fish nets and in adopting improved methods of catching and 

 preparing fish for family use and for sale ; (h) in the care and raising 

 of reindeer, and in their breaking in and use in transportation; (c) 

 wherever the conditions of soil and climate will allow, in the cultiva- 

 vation of hardy vegetables. 



While destitution is not at present very widespread among the 

 natives, yet it may be wise to have at each of these schools a small 

 supply of food and clothing to afford temporary relief for very special 

 cases of destitution. The principal of the school can be made a 

 bonded officer of the Government and be charged with the care and 

 distribution of such supplies without additional expense to the 

 Government. 



The Secretary of the Interior has again and again called the atten- 

 tion of Congress to the need of hospitals for the natives. These 

 should be provided for at once. But when the hospitals are erected 

 they will necessarily be accessible to comparatively limited areas. 

 In addition to the proposed hospitals, very important service may be 

 rendered and a greatly increased number of natives benefited by the 

 employment of a physician in connection with each of the industrial 

 schools. This plan has been in successful operation at several of the 

 missionary stations in Alaska. 



REINDEER AND THE MINER. 



While the original purpose in the introduction of domestic reindeer 

 into Alaska was to assist in the civilization of the natives and to help 

 them to a better and more certain method of gaining a livelihood, 3'et 

 the reindeer will prove equally important to the white man who may 

 seek a home or engage in business in subarctic Alaska. 



In the development of the rich mineral resources of that region the 

 miner will find the reindeer and the Eskimo herder and teamster the 

 connecting link between himself and the resources of nature — for 

 his comfort and for his profit. 



The ordinary white man is unwilling to undergo the drudgery of 

 herding in that rigorous climate, and unwilling to work for the small 

 compensation that is paid for such services. He can do better. His 

 directive ability can be more profitably employed as merchant and 

 manager of transportation, in employing and directing the trained 

 Eskimo herders and teamsters. 



With the increase of domestic reindeer in Alaska it will become 

 possible for white men to own large herds, but the men that will do 



