923 



cated copy of such of them as may be required, will be, at all times, 

 ^•iven by the United States to the Russian government, or to such 

 Eussian officers or subjects as they may apply for. 



Article III 



The inhabitants of the ceded territory, according to their choice, 

 reserving their natural allegiance, may return to Russia within three 

 years ; but if they should prefer to remain in the ceded territory, they, 

 with the exception of uncivilized native tribes, shall be admitted to 

 the enjoyment of all the rights, advantages and immunities of citizens 

 of the United States, and shall be maintained and protected in the 

 free enjoyment of their liberty, property and religion. The uncivil- 

 ized tribes will be subject to such laws and regulations as the United 

 States, may from time to time, adopt in regard to aboriginal tribes 

 of that country. 



Aeticle IV 



His Majesty, the Emperor of all the Russias shall appoint, with 

 convenient despatch, an agent or agents for the purpose of formally 

 delivering to a similar agent or agents appointed on behalf of the 

 United States, the territory, dominion, property, dependencies and 

 appurtenances which are ceded as above, and for doing any other act 

 which may be necessary in regard thereto. But the cession, with the 

 right of immediate possession, is nevertheless to be deemed complete 

 and absolute on the exchange of ratifications, without waiting for 

 such formal delivery. 



Article V 



Immediately after the exchange of the ratifications of this conven- 

 tion, any fortifications or military posts which may be in the ceded 

 territory, shall be delivered to the agent of the United States, and 

 any Russian troops which may be in the Territory shall be withdrawn 

 as soon as may be reasonably and conveniently practicable. 



Article VI 



In consideration of the cession aforesaid, the United States agree 

 to pay at the Treasury in Washington, within ten months after the 

 exchange of the ratifications of this convention, to the diplomatic 

 representative or other agent of his Majesty the Emperor of all the 

 Russias, duly authorized to receive the same, seven million two hun- 

 dred thousand dollars in gold. The cession of territory and dominion 

 herein made is hereby declared to be free and unincumbered by any 

 reservations, privileges, franchises, grants, or possessions, by any 

 associated companies, whether corporate or incorporate, Russian or 

 any other, or by any parties, except merely private individual prop- 

 erty-holders; and the cession hereby made, conveys all the rights, 

 franchises, and privileges now belonging to Russia in the said terri- 

 tory or dominion, and appurtenances thereto. 



