FUR SEAL FISHERIES OF ALASKA. XXIII 



here will remain to the Government of its valuable purchase only a 

 waste of barren volcanic rocks. 



The executive department of the Government has ample power and 

 authority under existing law to make nnd enforce ail necessary regula- 

 tions to carry into effect the recommendations here made. 



CONCLUSION. 



The committee have examined numerous witnesses who are familiar 

 with this industry and the nature and habits of the fur seal, with ref- 

 erence to the best method or vsystem to be adopted by the Government 

 to secure the greatest amount of revenue, i)reserve the seal rookeries, 

 and provide for the welfare of the native inhabitants of the islands. 

 All these witnesses concur in testifying to the wisdom of the existing 

 law on the subject, and favor the retention of the present system. All 

 other existing rookeries are managed substantially in the same way by 

 the different Governments to which they belong, all following the lead 

 of Russia, who managed and protected our rookeries by a similar 

 method from their discovery until their transfer to the United States. 



It did not require the testimony of witnesst'S to sonvince the commit- 

 tee that the Gov^ernment itself could not successfully manage this busi- 

 ness, or that it would be wisdom on its part to repeal the laws which 

 protect seal life in Alaska, and open these waters to all comers and in- 

 vite the speedy destruction of this valuable industry. 



It is conclusively established by the testimony that this business must 

 be controlled by one directi<m, by proper and responsible parties as re- 

 quired by the statute, with direct and single responsibility to the Gov- 

 ernment. 



Your committee, therefore, recommend that the act entitled "An act to 

 prevent the extermination of fur-bearing animals in Alaska," amended 

 as recommended by the committee, be continued in force, believing 

 that not only the system it adopts, but the method of carrying it into 

 effect, are well adapted for the purpose intended. 



In conclusion your committee find the following facts : 



First. Tbatif thelawj^rotecting seal life is enforced the preservation 

 of the seal rookeries will be assured, the revenue continued and in- 

 creased, and the native inhabitants of the seal islands maintained with- 

 out cost to the Government. 



Second. That the Alaska Commercial Company has fully performed 

 its contract with the Government and has contributed liberally to the 

 support, maintenance, comfort, and civilization of the inhabitants of 

 not only the seal islands, but also to those of the Aleutian Islands, 

 Kodiak, and the mainland. 



Third. That the fur-seal industry will have paid into the Treasury 

 over $9,000,000 during the period of the present lease. 



Fourth. That the chief object of the purchase of Alaska was the ac- 

 quisition of the valuable products of Bering Sea. 



Fifth. That at the date of the cession of Alaska to the United States 

 Kussia's title to Bering Sea was perfect and undisputed. 



Sixth. That by virtue of the treaty of cession the United States ac- 

 quired complete title to all that portion of Bering Sea situate within 

 the limits prescribed by the treaty. 



The committee herewith report a bill making necessary amendments 

 of the existing law relating to these subjects and recommend its pass- 

 age. 



