New-York daily tribune., 1854-05-01
RUSSIAN AMERICA.

In the war whose serious work is, after SO much
mere words ard hesitating PREPARATION so close at
hand. the Russian possessions on the northeastern
shores Of the Pacific will very likely become point
of attack for the English cruisers These possessions
are administered by a so-American Company,
chartered by the Imperial Government. This compa-
Nv is under the special direction of the Emperor and
has its principal seat Stka, among the islands
of the small Archipelago extending along the north
western coast of the American Continent. Having
come into possession OF private information concern
ing the present condition Of this colony and of
It's trade from perfectly authentic source, We pro-
ceed TO lay il before the public.
The native population in those regions is composed
partly of Aeutians, Kuriles OF Mongoian and Kams
cLahan stoch but the principal bulk consists OF the
Kalashes, tribe differing in type from the others.
The Kasshes are fair and bue-eyed race, with oval
features and light hair and speak language peculiar
TO themselves They easily managed with justtreat-
ment but are brave and quickly reused TO anger For
the most part they have preserved heirlndependence
since out OF nearly fifty thousand the greater part have
not submitted to Russian domination. However they
all trade with the colony, bringing thither beaver
skins and potatoes. They are very fond OF wheaton
groats and Iext to gunpowder prefer that article IN
exchange for their produce. Like many other native
American tribes they subdiyded into smaller clans
living in continual feud with each other. They are all
armed with rifles.
Sitka has good harbor, but its entrance is most
dangerous, or even impossible without experienced
pilots of whom there are only five or six in the set
tlement. The colony ia commanded by naval officer,
and all the vessels in the service Of the Russian Com
pany are armed aud manned with sailors belonging to
the imperial navy. For the defense of the roads,
Stka has no Notifications, but possesses cannon
and few very large mortars Sltka is likewise the
seat of an archbishop and OF theological seminary,
most of the natives that sub to Russia have
been converted 10 the RussO-Greek Church. The
number Of Russians in the colony is about 5000. OF
late extensive trade has been carried between
the Russian Company and San Francisco. 1t con-
ssts IN the export from Stka of salt fish and OF lee
the latter being It's chief staple. From six to seven
thousand tuns yearly are sent to San Francisco.
company IN that city, which, we believe has at It's
head Mr. Beverly c. Saunders, formerly Collector OF
San francisco has established storehouses for ice al
SIAa' and directs the work of cutting and storing the
lsboEer' being furnished by the Russians The latter
are paid Tor the labor ard the ice-which formerly
1
the purchasers are no losers by the operation. since
we axe correctly informed they realize not less thar
si~o tun for their merchandise delivered at Sar
francisco. The voyage thither occupies about fifteen
da!s 1t was with reference TO an extension and pro
ohsed possession OF this advantageous branch of com
merce and to scheme for the introduction of steam
boats Oh the river Amour that Mr. Saunders under
tooA his late journey to ST. Petersburg. The wa
may however, render valueless any contract which
he may succeed in forming. for the British may eithe
seize upon the island, which lies much nearer thei
continental possessions than those of the Russians
Isy lay il under blockade
Some time since the English Hadson's Bay Com
pany leased from the Russians for twenty years ~
neistboring island of stahna aud established =.
tlement upon it. This island crows the best os
toes, and is cultivated by the Kalashes who aD y.
10 be always ca bad terms with the English of,sD
'aeking the settlement; and We are even told N,
TIE! are ss.s to prevent tie EasLGh aag from aoa,i,