New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1870-01-28
Alaska.
ITS NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. OF THE NATIyES-THE
FUR SEALS.

ITS Observation-Disclosures OF THE NATIYES-TIlE
FUR SEALS.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 27.-In compliance with a
resolution of the Senate the Secretary Of the Treasury
has transmitted TO body the report OF Capt Charles
Bryant Special Agent of the Treasury Department
on the resources and inhabitants Of Alaska The report
s very long and elaborate giving the result of his per
sona examination large portions the Territory in
GLIDING all the principal Islands lie expresses no
describes mnutely its characteristics and resources
ing prominence especially the forests and fisheries,
which ne thinks may be made the basis Of profitable
business Considerable space Is devoted to showing that
the natives possess a capacity for labor that will make
them under the direction OF more Intelligent race
valuable auxiliary In clearing the forests ana IN aiding IN
al other asgPTti!4spts 81 ssIyeS siseH!ai y e IN
After giving an Interesting account OF the habits OF the
fur seals on the islands OF ST. Paul and St George Capt
Bryant makes the following recommendations IN regard
20 the preservation OF the seals and the protection OF the
natives their rights without mourning great expense 10
The seals can be preserved only by placing it in the
interest Of the natives to guard them as the source
whence their support Is to De derived ana II II d M
seal fisheries they would have no means OF subsistence
am OF opinion, therefore, mat the pest inethT "a
one responsible company the right Of purchasing ON the
islands at proper prices according 10 their market Ne
nualy in return for which privilege sad company sI
give security for the OF proper YAK 10 ne o
goods at reasonable fixed prices by the gratutous DIS
tbuton of supplies when and also for
ucation OF the children -
The report estimates the number OF male seals on the
island of St Paul al 100000 and Of the females, lOOOO
The value of their skins IN London is said to be - or u
each. - 800 a..
I'm n supplementary report dated Jan. TO- 1870, Capt.
BRYANT shows that the statements OF Special agent
Wicker regard TO the number OF SKINS taken during tue
mast year din alleged violation Of the law were erroneous
and founded false estimates IL is also stated tht
Gen George II. Thomas, when he subsequently visited
the islands only Endorsed the action or the military
ocers n charge but advised them to allow still larger
number to be taken the natives complained TO MN
that their supply for food insufficient for their com
Portable support The report concludes as follows
100000 may be annually derived from the seal fisheries,
but he does make 1t clear how TINS may De accom-
phed at the present time, when, according 10 te rest
authorities only 100000 skins should be annually TAKEN
which are worth in market not more tha - % each
whether Mr. Wicker has charged grave misdemeanors
upon honest officers and eX-Ocers OF the Government
through malice OF ignorance do not know but feeng
consciousness OF having faithfully performed my duty
IN Alaska and believing that Leuts Barnes and ender-
SON the officers charge Of the islands have been I'M
Justly accused. have deemed IL my duty 10 submit the
facts al above stated