Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1870-02-24
asutlamd Daily Nerald
THE RUTLAND HERALD.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY II, 1917
The Alaska Seal Fisheries.

Speculations for long period have
been rife as to the productions of Alaska,
especially in reference to the value of its
seal fisheries The House of Represent
atives on the 18th of January, adopted a
resolution calling upon the Secretary OF
the Treasury for information relating to
the fur seal fisheries The Secretary has,
in compliance with that order, sent a
Communication to Congress, answering
the inquiries, together with recommenda-
tions as to the best means of preserving
them and securing revenue therefrom.
He replies that tho act of July 81, 1868,
was construed by the Treasury Depart
ment as designed chiefly to apply to the
killing of the fur-seal trade; and instruc-
tions were issued allowing the natives to
take sufficient number, estimated at
forty cents each, to furnish an annual in
come to each native of $45.624. This per
mission authorized the killing by the
natives on both islands of AZ, ,317 seals in
all. As to whether greater number
evidence is conflicting, but he is of the
opinion that ut least 10000 in excess of
this number have been killed by the ma
tives. All the skins which have been
islands, which are in charge Of the agents
Of the Government.
The Secretary says that great care is
necessary for the preservation of the seal
fisheries that the animals would either
oe destroyed or driven away if the busi-
ness OF capturing them, or even the trade
in their skins at the islands, were left
open to free competition, and that such a
course would be destructive not only to
the business, but criminally injurious to
the natives, who have right to the ben.
Gifts of their fisheries at least to the ex-
tent necessary to their own support, aud
VT ON the Government of the United
States il boand TO protect If the animals
are protected, 100000 skins may be taken
each wear without diminishing the sup
Il ply,
n The proposition to lease the islands for a
term Of years to private parties for An an
N aual rental he deems Objectionable, be-
cause it would give exclusive control of a
branch of industry important to the peo-
pie of the United States if the prepara-
tion of the skins for use should be trans.
ferred from London to this country.
Fe proposes that the Treasury Depart
ment assume entire control of the bust
ness of the islands, establish rigid sys'
tenn Of military and naval police, exclude
everybody but its own servants and
agents, and carry on the fur-seal business
with the natives by means of Treasury
ageuts; the skins so taken to be sold by
the government at auction in San Fran
cisco or New York, and the profits, If any
to be applied to the education and relig
ious instruction of the natives, and
generally, for their physical, intellectual
and moral improvement. ae states tha'
j the expense of retaining the military anc
naval forces under this plan would not be
much greater than at present.
In accordance with the foregoing recon-
mendations, he suggests that the Secre
tary of the Treasury be authorized to ap'
point agents to superintend this business
and that an appropriation of 100000 be
made, out of which the natives shall bt
paid for the labor performed by them and
that other expenses incident to the bust
meas shall be betrayed.
In conclusion, he urges immediate leg.
islation, as the season for operations will
soon begin.