XXVIII FUR-SEAL - FISHERIES - OP ALASKA. 



necessary to tlieir well-being that they should, be restricted to ihe enjoyment of only 

 such rights and privileges as tho Government agents, in their wisdom.'raay see fit to 

 prescribe. On the contrary, it seems to me that the duty of these agents, so far as 

 their relations to and with the natives are concerned, lies in the direction of protect- 

 ing them in the full enjoyment of all their just rights and privileges and not in the 

 way of their abridgment. 



In my last annual report I submitted very briefly my views as to the policy which 

 should, in my opinion, be adopted by the Government in regard to the fur-seal in- 

 dustry. A visit to the rookeries has not served to change or modify those views. I 

 can see no good reason why the present monopoly of tho business may not be abol- 

 ished, not only without loss to the Government, but to its very great advantage, so 

 far as the amount of revenue to be derived is concerned. The present system of farm- 

 ing out the rookeries is not only obnoxious to every sense of right and justice, but, 

 as I think I have shown, is in a very great degree inimical to tho best interests of the 

 Territory. But if it be concluded that the plan briefly outlined in my last report is 

 impracticable, then I respectfully suggest that the law authorizing the lease of the 

 seal islands should bo so amended as to positively prohibit; the lessees, under penalty 

 of forfeiture, from engaging, either as a corporation or as individuals, <lirectly^pr in- 

 directlj', in any otherbusiness than the taking of fur sealswithin the limits of Alaska 

 Territory. 



If it is considered that there is no other way of dealing -with the question so as to 

 perpetuate the industry, and at the same time secure a revenue to the Government ; 

 if the business must be monopolized in order to prevent its destruction, then, on be- 

 half of Alaska, in this my last otHcial report, I beg and pray that the monopoly thus 

 created and perpefruated'by Congress may be restricted *o the leased islands, and not 

 be permitted to spread itself all over the Territory, to the detriment of almost every 

 other interest within its borders. 

 Very respectfully, 



A. P. SWINEFORD, 



Governoi- of A laska. 



While tbe scope of the resolution directing this inquiry by the com- 

 mittee did not embrace the investijyation of affairs in Alaska, except as 

 to the Government reservation of St. Paul and St. George Islands, the 

 committee admitted evidence showing the condition of the uativ-es of 

 the seal islands, as compared with that of the native inhabitants of 

 other parts of Alaska, and particularly as to those parts of the Terri- 

 tory in which said company had trading stations, and came in contact 

 with these inhabitants, as well as to their present condition compared 

 with their condition under the Eussian Governmeut. On these points 

 numerous witnesses were examined, all of whom testified that the con- 

 dition of the native inhabitants, not only of the seal islands, but in all 

 otlier parts of the Territory to which the operations of the company" 

 extend, had materially improved since the transfer of the Territory to 

 the United States; and that these people who inhabit localities at or 

 near which the company have trading stations are better cared for, 

 more civilized and prosperous, than those inhabiting other sections of 

 the Territory beyond the limits of the company's operations. 



The following extracts from the testimony on this subject are here- 

 with submitted : 



WASmNGTON, D. C, September 24, 1888. 

 George R. Tingle, sworn and examined: 



By the Chairman : 

 Q. Please state your official position. — A. I am the United States Treasury agent' 

 in charge of the fur-seal islands of Alaska at the present time. 



Q. Have you had occasion to observe and judge of the general effect that this lease 

 has on the natives, and whether this lease enables the Alaska Connnercial Company 

 to exercise over tbe business interests and general prosperity of the natives any influ- 

 ence ? — A. Yes, sir ; it enables them to exercise a very large influence throughout 

 Alaska. 



Q. Is it injurious? — A. The basis of their business is the fur-seal industry. With- 

 out this contract it would not be there. This contract enables the company to main- 

 tain stations in other portions of the Territory where there are natives congregated, 



