808 INVESTIGATION OF THE FUE-SEAL INDUSTRY OF ALASKA. 



has been the habit ever since I first studied this question in 1872- 

 1874, on the Pribilof killing grounds, for the natives to be allowed to 

 take off the skins with a film of blubber varying in thickness from 

 one-tenth to one-eighth of an inch between their knives and the skin 

 proper. Thus this object of having more or less blubber adherent 

 to the skin is, first, to prevent the risk of accidental cutting in the 

 rush and fatigue of a heavy day's work; and, second, it serves a useful 

 purpose also in preventing the skins from drying out too rapidly 

 when exhibited for sale. 



The Chairman. Mr. Elliott, it seems to me you have practically 

 gone over this part of your statement before. 



Mr. Elliott. No; I have never gone over this. This is the first 

 time I have defined this to the committee. 



The Chairman. My idea was that you should merely answer this 

 telegram. 



Mr. Elliott. I am. I am showing that it is false, and giving the 

 reasons why I have made that charge of falsehood to the committee, 

 so there can be no misunderstanding. 



The Chairman. Do the papers you have before you refer to your 

 explanation ? 



Mr. Elliott. These papers cover this whole subject. I want to 

 end it at once, and for all, now, as far as I am concerned, so there will 

 be no doubt in any one's mind as to what a "low" skin or a "cut" 

 skin, or a "blubber" skin is. I think it ought to go in; but, the place 

 to put it in is immaterial. 



The Chairman. It is immaterial to me, but I thought perhaps you 

 could give more of a direct answer at this time. 



Mr. Elliott. This is a direct answer to the falsification of the 

 trade journal by Funsten Brothers in their telegram. I think it is 

 important and necessary it should go right in here, now, in order to 

 make that man stand up and face these facts. 



The Chairman. Very well, unless there is some objection. 



Mr. Elliott. Because he has imposed upon a member of this com- 

 mittee, and I think it only fair that he snould be answered. I do 

 not believe you ever had any idea 



Mr. McGuire (interposing). I am the party to whom the telegram 

 was sent. 



Mr. Elliott. Yes. 



Mr. McGuire. And in no respect have I been imposed upon. 



Mr. Elliott. I feel that this is an untrue statement. 



Mr. McGuire. That may be, but do not say that I have been im- 

 posed upon. 



Mr. Elliott. You would not put it in if you knew that were so. 

 I know you wouldn't, and therefore to make it clear I think it is im- 

 portant that my whole statement should go hi now and let these 

 gentlemen see exactly what Mr. Funsten and Ids people have done. 



The Chairman. Well, unless there is some objection, proceed. 



Mr. Elliott. I am perfectly willing to wait later, but I think it 

 would be better to put it in right now. 



The Chairman. Proceed. 



Mr. Elliott. To prevent danger of cutting the skins is the real 

 object and service of "blubbering" the pelts. Xo amount of blubber 

 on the skin adds 1 cent to its value. A properly salted "clean" 



