FUR-SEAL FISHERIES OF ALASKA. 323 



they are living, in every respect, the same as civilized people in other 

 parts of the world. The same may be said of places other than the 

 seal islands, but in a less degree. Wo have not done as much for the 

 people of other places, but wherever the posts of the Alaska Commer- 

 cial Company are located the condition of the natives is improved. 



Q. What has the company done at other stations, or at other islands, 

 for the people? — A. It has supplied them with improved facilities for 

 hunting and tishing, and with the necessaries of life pertaining to civi- 

 lization. 



Q. When hunters have not the means for fitting out expeditions, do 

 you you furnish them the means 1 — A. It is customary for us to do so. 

 when they are going upon their annual hunts. 



Q. What do you do for them to enable their families to live while 

 they are on these expeditions f — A. We furnish thefn supplies for their 

 hunting parties, and, to such an extent as is possible, take our pay from 

 the proceeds of the season's catch. They are not always able to pay in 

 full. We furnish them transportation to and from the hunting grounds, 

 and provide for iheir families while they are gone. 



Q. How many assistants have you nsually on the seal islands, taking 

 the summer and winter separately"? — A. I have six men who are called 

 agents of the company. All are on duty during the sealing season, and 

 a part of them remain at the islands through the winter. Then we have, 

 in addition, physicians, storekeepers, teachers, teamsters, cooks, etc., 

 numbering in all about fifteen or twenty men during the summer, be- 

 sides the native seal-hunters. 



Q. From the spring of 1887, in May or the 1st of June, up to August, 

 1888, being the period of Mr. Gavitt's administration, who did you have 

 on St.George Island, where he was stationed during that time? — A. 

 Mr. Webster was the agent in charge ; and he was helped by Mr. Kirk, 

 storekeeper; Dr. Lutz, the physician; Mr. Clark, the teacher; and 

 John Hall, the cook. 



Q, All these gentlemen testified here to-day, except Mr. Webster and 

 Mr. Clark ?— A. Yes, sir. 



Q. What sort of a man is Mr. Webster? — A. Mr. Webster has been 

 in our service as long as I, and was in the same business during the 

 summer of 1869 and 1870, under the predecessors of our company. . 



Q. Do you happen to know whether he was an olficer on Mr. 

 Williams's vessels for twelve or fifteen years previous to that ? — A. I 

 know he has been following the sea nearly all his life. We regard him 

 as one of our very best men. He is a very intelligent man— without 

 book education, but efficient, honest, and thoroughly reliable. 



Q. Have you heard any comjilaint as to how he managed the busi- 

 ness? — A. None whatever. On the contrary, the people of the islands 

 are very fond of him, while the Government agents on St. George have 

 never made any complaint until Mr. Gavitt came in contact with him. 



Q. What are his habits as to temperance? — A. He is strictly temper- 

 ate when on duty. I presume that in San Francisco, if he were off 

 duty, he might take a social glass. 



Q. Did you ever know of his getting intoxicated on the seal islands? — 

 A. No, sir; while he is on duty he can be relied upon. 



Q. I understand that during the holidays whisky or brandy is given 

 to the employes as a beverage ? — A. I did not know that that practice 

 prevailed. I never heard of it until it was mentioned here to-day; but 

 it is quite likely that a glass is set out sometimes on holiday occasions. 

 It certainly is not allowed under the instructions. 



