92 REPORT OF ALASKA INVESTIGATIONS. 



DISREGARD OF FISHERIES LAWS. 



It is an unfortunate fact that efforts are made by some of the cannery interests in Alaska to conceal 

 violations of the law, and I think it is only proper to cite several cases which show the necessity for a better 

 patrol system in order to curtail this disregard of the law. 



In one instance, when a certain cannery in Alaska was advised that I was close by but could not reach 

 their fishing grounds immediately, the superintendent hastily sent a messenger across the country to warn 

 the fishermen of my approach and stop illegal fishing. About two hours later, when I reached there, the 

 first thing that greeted my ears was the talk among the native fishermen as to what all the disturbance 

 was about. It was very evident to me that the superintendent had started something which they did 

 not understand. 



At another time, when coming into an important fishing section, a fog obscured our vessel until we 

 were almost upon a seine outfit. The fog suddenly lifted and showed the fishing gear being hauled by 

 powerful tugs directly across the mouth of the stream. Of course, upon seeing us they stopped as soon as 

 possible. When I later called the attention of the superintendent of the cannery to the matter, he laughed 

 it off with a remark to the effect that you know we do the best we can. But I learned afterwards that 

 this was a common occurrence. We have practically no patrol in either of these regions. 



In another place, where one of our officers had recently taken a cannery to task for allowing its fisher- 

 men to violate the law, the superintendent resented his interference. I happened to be in that country 

 later and heard threats against this official that they would "get him" and "would see that he did not 

 remain long in the service." ■ 



Another case was in respect to three fishing boats that ran into a bay at night without any lights, 

 running as far as they could to the headwaters, then launching their boats and hauling their short seines 

 in shallow water and making their escape before daylight. 



These are only a few of many cases, and the only way to stop such flagrant and intentional violations 

 is to have a sufficient number of vessels and an adequate force of men to patrol effectively all the fishing 

 grounds. It is only fair to say, however, that there are some cannery men in Alaska who have every regard 

 for the fisheries laws and who are doing their utmost to observe faithfully all regulations and require- 

 ments. It sometimes happens, however, that irresponsible subordinates are a source of much annoyance 

 to such conscientious cannery men who are trying to fulfill both the spirit and the letter of the law. 



ENFORCEMENT OF THE LAWS. 



The enforcement of the fisheries laws of Alaska is, of course, an important feature in the preservation 

 of the supply of fish. The few officials connected with the Bureau of Fisheries have done and are doing 

 their utmost; but the fact that they have met with much opposition has handicapped them in obtaining 

 convictions. I am advised by reliable authority that up to this year there had not been a single con- 

 viction by a jury in Alaska for violation of the fishery laws. I am glad to say that there has been a 

 change of sentiment and feeling against those who do not regard the laws as serious, and recently the 

 juries in two courts have brought in verdicts against those who had disobeyed the law. 



In the past, not only have our officials received small support from the majority of the United States 

 commissioners and some of the deputy marshals in Alaska, but they have actually been opposed by some 

 of them in carrying on their duties. In one instance the commissioner and deputy marshal and deputy 

 clerk of the court were actually interested in a cannery and did everything in their power to see that 

 their private interests were not molested and that their company was not prosecuted after it had been found 

 violating the law. This is a deplorable condition, and until rectified there is small chance of bringing to 

 justice those who violate the law. 



Government officials in Alaska should not be interested in any of the local industries. The United 

 States commissioners to-day receive paltry fees, which fact accounts in a large measure for the perpet- 

 uation of the existing conditions. It is imperative that this condition be changed without delay. These 

 men should receive substantial and fixed salaries from the Government, and the offices should be filled 

 with reliable and responsible men. It is hard to realize the antagonism and the influences brought to 

 bear by these men on other officials of the United States Government who are trying to live up to their 

 oaths and enforce the fisheries laws. 



