228 INVESTIGATION OF THE FUR-SEAL INDUSTRY OF ALASKA. 



While I am on this subject I desire to respectfully call your attention to the fact 

 that at least a majority of the advisory board of the fur-seal service — if not indeed 

 the whole body — is of the opinion that the killing of surplus male seals should go on 

 to the extent of 95 per cent each year. This fact is fully attested in recommendation 

 No. 2, as adopted on November 23, 1909, at a full meeting of the board. You will 

 find it in the copy of the recommendations now on file in your office. The advisory 

 board of seven persons and the fur-seal board of the Fisheries Bureau, also consisting 

 of seven persons, not only jointly approved the making of a new killing lease, as shown 

 by recommendation No. 1, but also, by direct implication, approved the killing of 

 "95 per cent of the 3-year-old male seals." The advisory board completely failed 

 to recommend a close season for the fur seals, or for any restriction on commercial 

 killing, beyond a paltry 5 per cent per annum of the 3-year-old males. 



In view of the present situation, I respectfully suggest that, because of his personal 

 interests in the killing of fur seals for commercial purposes, it is to the interest of the 

 Government that Mr. Walter I. Lembkey be dropped from the fur-seal board, and 

 that Mr. Henry W. Elliott, of Cleveland, Ohio, should be appointed to a position on 

 the advisory board. I think it is no more than fair that among the 14 persons who 

 hold the fate of the fur seal in their hands there should be at least one person who can 

 represent the views of a very large number of sportsmen and naturalists who are inter- 

 ested in seeing the fur-seal industry restored by the most thorough and expeditious 

 methods, but whose views are not at present represented in any manner whatsoever 

 before your department. 



Yours, very respectfully, 



W. T. HORNADAY, 



Chairman, etc. 



Mr. Nagel replies deliberately to Dr. Hornaday in the following 

 letter, which is both arrogant, and insulting, to wit: 



Exhibit B 



letter from secretary nagel to the committee of the camp fire club. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 



Office of the Secretary, 



Washington, May 15, 1910. 

 Sir: I have read your letter of the 10th instant with some surprise. As you know, 

 you have been given the fullest opportunity to give your advice as to the management 

 of the seal herds before the congressional committees, and with respect to the par- 

 ticular subject which you now have in mind your advice was not accepted. If you 

 had not had the opportunity to present your views, and urged them for the first time 

 now, I might have some questions as to the propriety of my course. But since all the 

 phases were presented to the committee, and Congress by unanimous vote charged 

 me with the responsibility of determining what should be done by way of killing, 

 you will appreciate that I must regard the question as closed. 



I may add that as far as I know there are only two persons who manifest any interest 

 in this matter and who differ from the view which has been accepted by Congress 

 and by the department. I have reason to believe that members of the Camp Fire 

 Club who have had an opportunity to visit the islands and to see the seal herds — a 

 privilege of which I believe you have not availed yourself — entertain views directly 

 opposed to yours. In fact, I would be glad to know whether you are writing in your 

 own person, or as representative of the club, when you sign yourself as chairman. 



Now, Mr. Hornaday, you have considerable responsibilities in your official employ- 

 ment, and I shall endeavor not to molest you. I hope that you will accord me the 

 same privilege in my capacity. I always welcome advice; I do not fear criticism; 

 but I do discourage unnecessary comment upon other men engaged in my bureau 

 who are charged with responsible duties, who are expected to be loyal, and who are 

 not in a position to defend themselves. I regard it as my part to speak up for them. 

 Respectfully, 



Charles Nagel, 



Secretary. 

 Mr. W. T. Hornaday, 



Chairman Committee on Game Protective Legislation, 



The Camp Fire Club of America. 



