386 FUR-SEAL FISHERIES OF ALASKA. 



therefore, make quass. Gambling is their favorite pastime, and is a habit which 

 can not be checked. No bad eflects are perceptible, however, as the stakes are 

 usually small. The company retains to the credit of every man a sum sufficient to 

 buy provisions for their families uutil such time as they can earn more on the seal 

 field, thus preventing the men from squandering all of their money and leaving their 

 families destitute. They would usually invest the whole of their earning in jellies, 

 preserves, sweet crackers, silks, etc., biit the company will sell them these articles 

 in limited quantities, although encouraging them to buy useful and necessary sup- 

 plies instead. 



By precept and example on the part of the Government agents and the employes 

 of the company, these natives are encouraged to lead au upright and industrious life. 

 The welfare of these people and the interests of the Government are well taken c 

 of by Mr. H. A. Gliddeu, special &gent in charge of the seal islands. » « * 

 I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 



John E. Lutz, 



Third Lieutenant, U. S. B. M. 



Capt. M. A. Healy, 



Commanding Eevenue Steamer Corivin. 



No. 2. 



EXTEACT PROM REPORT OF CAPT. M. A. HEALY, COMMANDING REVENUE STEAMER 

 CORWIN, TO HON. DANIEL MANNING, SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY. 



U. S. Revenue Marine Steamer Corwin, 



San Francisco. Cal., 1885. 



Sir : I have the honor to submit the following report of the Alaskan and Arctic 

 cruise of the United States revenue steamer Corwin, under my command, during the 

 summer of 1885. 



* * * Since the Territory of Alaska was ceded to the United States no officer of 

 the Government has been on official duty in Alaskan waters more than I, my first duty 

 having been in 1868. From personal observations, covering most of the time from 

 that date to the present year, I can truly say that the condition of the natives has im- 

 proved in a remarkable degree since the Alaska Commercial Company has obtained 

 the lease of that portion of the country from the Government. 



Before the company assumed control of the seal islands the natives were but little iu 

 advance of the Indians of Alaska. 



Their habitations formerly were mud huts and their food and clothing such only as 

 the country atforded. Education, even of the most primitave nature, was unknown 

 and undreamed of, and they being satisfied to live from day to day, gave no thought 

 whatever of the morrow. 



Their huts have now given place to comfortable frame houses, giving them an air 

 almost of luxuriance, Avhen compared with their former abodes. 



Carpets, furniture, and the ordinary comforts of the middle classes in the United 

 States form the rule of the furnishingsof their houses. In dress they border on the ex- 

 travagant, silks with the women and broadcloths with the men being not infrequent, 

 while many of the latter have neat sums of money placed to their credit. 



Schools are maintained ou the islands, and attendance at them is compulsory. 



A church costing $3,000 was erected on St. Paul Island (the mony having been ad- 

 vanced by the Alaska Commercial Company), and is now almost clear of debt. A 

 doctor is employed ou each of the islands of St. Paul aud St. George and Oonalaska, 

 solely for the care of the natives. 



The general air of cleanliness, happiness, comfort, and prosperity attest iu indis- 

 putable terms that the Alaska Commercial Company have aud do fulfill their obliga- 

 tions towards those people in a most scrupulous and conscientious manner, aud the 

 result might, I am sure, excite the wonder and envy of many missionaries laboring 

 among a similar class. » * » 



I am, very respectfully, yonr obedient servant, 



M. A. Healy, 

 Captain, U. S. E. M. 



Hon. Daniel Manning, 



Secretary of the Treasury, Washington, D. C. 



