FUR-SEAL FISHERIES OF ALASKA. 179 



While the Rush v:a^ busy takin<!; caro of the marjuuhrs aioniul St. Geor}i;o, three 

 schooners were killing seals near St. Paul, frequently in sight but beyond the reach 

 of the Treasury agent, as we have no facilities for going out to sea so far to board 



What we should have on St. Paul Island is a :20-ton steam-yacht, to draw not over 

 5 feet of water, provided with one small rilled gun. Such a steamer we could run 

 up in the lagoon at the village for good harbor where she would bo perfectly safe 

 against all kinds of weather. There is always an engineer on the island competent 

 to run a small steamer, and natives for crew always at hand, willing to serve the 

 Treasury agent when called on. In this way it would not cost the Government a 

 dollar to run the yacht. She could cruise all round the island doing the work of a 

 cutter without any expense for crew. It is impossible for one cutter to guard the 

 two islands successfully — as, for example, the J!ash left this island the night of the 

 15th instant, and had not returned when we left on August 3, at 8 ]). tn. She had all 

 she could do around St. George and to the eastward. Luring her absence three 

 schooners operating at St. Paul's must have secured large cat(Jies of seals. For the 

 next month I haveno doubt the marauders will concentrate near the islauds. If the 

 condition of the cutter iJ^'ar, on her return from the Arctic, will admit of it, Captain 

 Ilealey will remain at t ho islands uuti I the sea is cleared of the sealing vessels. The 

 Bear was leaking badly when I boarded her at St. Paul, on her way north, and, in- 

 deed, the captain thought he would have to return from St. Michael's and proceed 

 direct to San Francisco. If such should prove to bo the case Captain Shepard will 

 have more than he can do during the mouth of August. 



As shown by my report to the Departmeut, there was killed for tlie 

 year ending- July 31, 1SS7, a total of fur seals on the two islands of 

 104,829, divided\is follows : 



Young pups for native food 4, 110 



For native food during the stagey season when the skin is nor merchantable- 6(i6 



Small young seals killed by natives during food killing 22 



Small young seals killed by the Alaska Commercial ('ompany through acci- 

 dent while taking their carcli 31 



Alaska Commercial Company under contract 100,000 



104,829 

 As shown by my report to the Department, there was killed for the 

 t-ear ending July 31, 1888, a total of fur seals on the two islands of 

 103,920, divided as follows : 



Young ymps for native food 3, 533 



For native food during the stagey season when the skin is not merchantable. 309 



Small young seals killed by natives during food killing (50 



Small young seals killed by the Alaska Commercial Company through acci- 

 dent while taking their catch 18 



Alaska Cou'mercial Company under contract 100,000 



103, 920 



Wednesday, December 19, 1888. 

 TESTIMONY OF WILLIAM GAVITT. 



William Gavitt, sworn and examined. 

 By the Chairman : 



Q. Mr. Gavitt, are you occui)yinj? any official position now, and if so, 

 wbat? — A. Yes, sir; I am a special agent of the Treasury Department 

 at the seal islands. 



Tbc chairman here read to the witness the resolution under which the 

 committee ac.ted. 



Q. Y^ou said that your are a special agent of the Treasury Depart- 

 ment. To which island were youassigned for dut y ? — A, To fcSt, George 

 Island. 



J)984— X3 



