418 ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 



the history of salmon in America is a history of wanton destruction and 

 waste, and that unless we begin now to enact laws and rigidly enforce 

 them for the protection of the species it is only a matter of time until 

 the same destructive methods pursued from Maine to Oregon will pro- 

 duce the same results in Alaska. 



An industry that has produced in five years 3,850,466 cases of canned 

 salmon 184,822,368 pounds of the very finest and richest of human 

 food is undoubtedly one that is deserving of the very highest consid- 

 eration from us all, and ought to have the best possible protection from 

 the General Government. 



Particular attention is invited to the report for 1892 of the honorable 

 Commissioner of Fisheries, from which I have largely quoted ; for there 

 he shows, beyond the possibility of contradiction, what destructive 

 methods have been followed in other localities, and which, if continued 

 in Alaska, will bring about the same direful and irreparable results. 



Knowing the possibilities that await Alaska in the near future if her 

 natural resources are not allowed to be frittered away, and also know- 

 ing how easy it is to make a bad or a good beginning, I respectfully 

 recommend that all possible safeguards be thrown around those natural 

 resources, consistent with the best interests of all who have investments 

 made and business established in the Territory. 



A revenue cutter, reenforced by half a dozen steam launches, ought 

 to be sent to and kept in Alaska for the purpose of enforcing the reve- 

 nue laws patrolling the inland waters, and carrying the officers of the 

 Government from place to place in the prosecution of their duties. The 

 appointment of an inspector of Alaskan fisheries and two assistants, to 

 visit and reside at the canneries during the fishing season, would be 

 productive of great good to all those who are in favor of law and order 

 and good government. 



All of which is very respectfully submitted. 



JOSEPH MURRAY, 

 Special Agent for the Protection of Salmon Fisheries in Alaska. 



Hon. JOHN.G. CARLISLE, 



Secretary of the Treasury. 



