XXII FUR-SEAL FISHERIES OF ALASKA. 



and childlike, devout in their religious services, and with kind and ju- 

 dicious treatment can be guided, preserved, and elevated, provided a 

 comfortable material condition can be assured for tbem. To accom- 

 plish this the action of the Government and that of the lessees must be 

 in unison and the requirements of the situation be freely comprehended. 



As now represented there seem to be indications that more laborers 

 are imperatively needed on the seal islands, and that to meet this de- 

 mand the lessees should be permitted, under regulations, to transfer a 

 part or all of the destitute population of Attoo (the westernmost isl- 

 and) to the seal islands and establish them there under the conditions 

 that now govern the natives resident on those islands ; that, as sources 

 of support now available to the inhabitants of Oonalaska and the other 

 islands to the westward diminish, means should be taken to insure a 

 proper supply of food and shelter to the people and sufficient occupa- 

 tion to preserve and develop a sense of self-respect and prevent a feel- 

 ing that they were to be sustained without efforts on their own part. 



These ends can, it is believed, be accomplished by utilizing the seal 

 meat now necessarily wasted on the Pribylov Islands, either by the pro- 

 cess of canning or by means of cold storage, and from this supply fur- 

 nishing the chief food of the natives. In this labor of preparing and dis- 

 tributing the services of a considerable number of natives could be 

 made available. The details of such plan would need much considera- 

 tion, but could without difficulty be worked out. The main objection 

 of the canning process would be that which manifested itself when the 

 effort was made to derive income from the oil obtainable from the 

 seal blubber, viz, the smoke and smell proved offensive and disturbing 

 to the breeding seals on the rookeries and the Government decided that 

 it was unwise to further pursue the effort. But possibly improved 

 methods could now be applied or the meat preserved in some other man- 

 ner. The women could be instructed and encouraged to further develop 

 the little industries they now practice, such as weaving grass baskets, 

 making nets, etc., and thus contribute in a minor way to the general 

 well-being. 



It is possible also that about Atka a fishery could be established for 

 taking and salting some of the fish products about that island. It is not 

 supposed that these endeavors would be pursued with the expectation 

 of realizing a pecuniary profit from them, but in the hope of sustaining 

 and improving the natives, and it is believed that if the Government, 

 the lessees, and the people work in accord, the desired end could be at- 

 tained. In this matter all interests are identical. The Government has 

 its obligations to the people and desires also to continue its present 

 revenue from the seal islands. The lessees need the help of the natives 

 to properly prosecute their work according to their contract. 

 • The people need watchful care and guidance to strengthen them to 

 resist the temptations that assail a people just emerging from an inferior 

 state. Their only grievance now put forth is that the Government and 

 the lessees prevent them from enjoying the pleasures of the liquor which 

 ruins them, be it American whisky or native brewed quass. But all 

 these possibilities depend upon the absolute protection of seal life by 

 the Government. Not only in the seal islands, but also and with more 

 importance in the limits of Bering Sea, south of the seal islands, in 

 the passes between the islands and to the extent of national jurisdic- 

 tion south of the Aleutian Chain, the statutes now in existence in re- 

 lation thereto must be executed with a decision and firmness that ad- 

 mits of no misconception, else a most interesting race of people will fade 

 away. A profitable industry, unique in its knd, will be destroyed and 



