FUR-SEAL FISHERIES OF ALASKA. 303 



he could have a separate table in the diuing-room, or if that did not 

 suit him, he could have his meals sent to him ? — A. Yes, sir ; I remem- 

 ber the time that occurred. Of course, I was not present, but I under- 

 stood they said that Mr. Gavitt could have his meals sent to him or 

 have a separate table if be wished. 



Q. How was Mr. Hall dressed usually, when in the dining-room ? — 

 A. Mr. Hall always dressed with very great neatness. He used an 

 enormous amount of stuff to make his aprons. He has at least four 

 dozen. 



Q. Who furnished those aprons? — A. The company. 



Q. How long are they f — A. They reached far below his knees and 

 extended almost entirely around his body. 



Q. Would it be possible to see whether his pantaloons were disar- 

 ranged if he had one of those aprons on? — A. It would have been im- 

 possible. 



Q. Did he always wear them at meal-times ? — A. I think he always 

 did. I am sure I never saw him without them at meal-times. 



Q. What do you say as to the condition of the inhabitants of the seal 

 islands? How are they cared for? — A. I think they are treated with 

 a great deal of kindness and their wants are liberally attended to. 



Q. Are they a religious people? — A. They are a very religious people. 



Q. They are members of the Greek Church ?— A. They have absolute 

 faith in that. 



Q. Are they influenced, or not, by the priests to any extent ? — A. I 

 suppose they could be ; 1 have no doubt they are. 



Q. Does the bishop visit those islands ? — A. I so understand. I re- 

 member the priest has been there while I was there. 



Q. If the company's employes or any one else were to mistreat those 

 natives, would they be likely to look to the priests? — A. I think they 

 would go to the Govern luent officer first. 



Q. Who is regarded as paramount in authority there? — A. The Gov- 

 ernment officer. 



Q. Is there any question about that? — A. No, sir; there is no ques- 

 tion about that. 



Q. The authority of the United States is represented by the Govern- 

 ment agents and his authority is paramount ? — A. Yes, sir. 



Q. Have you known of any conflict of authority between the Govern- 

 ment agents and the company's agents ? — A. l^o, sir. 



Q. Do the company's agents and employes obey the directions of the 

 Government agent in every respect ? — A. Yes, sir. 



Q. What do they call Mr. Tingle ?— A. They call him " the governor." 

 Some of the people speak of him as "father." [Laughter.] They were 

 adults. 



Q. Have you been around to other portions of Alaska ? — A. I visited 

 St. Michaels and two or three other places. 



Q. St. Michaels is up on Bering Sea 700 or 800 miles north. How do 

 the natives of St. Michaels compare with the natives of St. George ? — A. 

 I think the natives of St. George are very much superior. 



Q. What do you say as to tlie influence of the Alaska Commercial 

 Company upon the natives of the section of the country where it is 

 brought in contact with the people ? Is it good or bad ? — A. It is very 

 beneficial to them. 



Q. What do you say as to the morals of the natives of those islands 

 as compared with that of those in other portions of the Territory ? — A. 

 I am quite sure it is better; it is better on St. George Island, at least. 



Q. During the time you have beeu on St. George Island do you know 



