FUR-SEAL FISHERIES OF ALASKA. 225 



1885, about tliree years. I was the chief agent and had two assistants. 

 I do not know how I can answer the question except in a general way. 



Q. State whether you have read those charges ? — A. Yes, sir. 



Q. Is there any truth in those statements as to the islands of St. 

 George and Si. Paul? — A. I do not think there is. Of course the morals 

 of the natives are not of as high a character as that of civilized people, 

 but so far as general character is concerned I think it is equal to the 

 average community of that size anywhere. There is no doubt that now 

 and then a man and a woman may desire to have a little " fun," aud 

 when they are acquainted and would like to have it they frequently do 

 have it ; that is all there is about it. I do not know whether the agents 

 are imi)licated or not. 



Q. So far as your observation has extended, has the conduct of the 

 agents of the Alaska Commercial Company tended to the depravity or 

 demoralization of the natives or the contrary f — A. I think the conduct 

 aud teachings of the company have tended to the elevation aud civiliza- 

 tion of the natives. 



Q. Has it bettered their condition generally "?— A. Very much. 



Q. Morally and materially ?— A. I never heard of its doing anything 

 that 1 thoug-ht would deteriorate the morals of the community. The 

 church is the ruling power, and the priest has almost perfect control of 

 the people. Whatever he tells them to do they do. 



Q. Did you hear of any cases of rape of female natives of the islands 

 while you were there ?— A. No, sir ; I never heard any complaint from 

 the natives. 



Q. Was there any complaint made by native fathers or husbands as 

 to abuses of their wives or daughters by white men f— A. Never; aud 

 they knew that I was the person to come to to adjust any difliculties 

 between them aud the company. Whenever they had any little troubles 

 or complaints they would come to me with them. 



Q. Will you state to what extent the laws and regulations of the 

 Treasury Department empower its agents to exercise authority there 1 — 

 A. The agents of the Government make the law and enforce it. If any 

 complaint is made, either by the company's agents or by the natives, the 

 Government agent determines the question as to which of the parties 

 is entitled to redress. I really did not see any difference in the morals 

 of that community and any other that I have ever been in, except that 

 I do not think they are as particular about some things as civilized 

 people. They are not so among themselves. 



Q. What is the extent of your observation as to the general influence 

 of the operations of the Alaska Commercial Company in Alaska ? — A. 

 Only so far as those two islands are concerned. 



Q. Your observations did not extend elsewhere ! — A. No, sir ; I never 

 was on the main-land. 



Q. Do you have any reason to think the influence of that company is 

 detrimental to the public good and the public welfare? — A. No, sir. 



Q. What is the character of the men it employs as agents on those 

 islands I— A. They are all gentlemen, so far as I know, and they are 

 very kind to the natives. 



Q. Do you know of any instance of resistance or repudiation of the 

 regulations and authority of the Government ? — A. None at all. They 

 never refuse, or argue a question. If I made an order they complied 

 with it without question always. 

 By Mr. Jeffries : 



Q. Where do vou live?— A. Albion, N. Y. 



