New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1870-10-09
alaska.
Its Arabic Lands, Climate, Etc.

Its Arabic Lands, Climate, Etc.
The following interesting sketch of the
northwestern corner of the United States.
was written by gentleman who has lived
there, and can be depended upon for ac-
curacy of statement and the correctness Of
the conclusions arrived at:
That there is an immense area of land in
the Territory of Alaska susceptible OF cuu-
tivatiOn. is beyond dispute. At many and
various points throughout this broad extent
the fact is visible Previous TO the cession
OF Alaska to the United States, little or no
attention was given TO the cultivation of the
soil. The gardens were made to supply the
wants of the better classes OF Russians.
but beyond this the subject was almost en-
tirely neglected.
MANY of the Indians have been in the
habit Of planting potatoes in rude DAN
ner. giving no heed whatever to the tillage,
draining or manuring OF the soil, the
planting being accomplished with sharp.
ened stick. while the digging was performed
with the same aboriginal implement. Still
some very fine specimens OF vegetables
were to he found in their villages. The
Russian population, as a general thing,
were constantly engaged in the fur trades
and fisheries, assisted by the Indians, whose
characteristic life and avocation would at
once preclude the idea of their becoming to
anv great degree successful tillers of the soil.
Since the cession Of the territory to the
United States, some few hardy pioneers
have located in the country, and developed
the fact that potatoes, onions, cabbages,
turnips, beets, lettuce and many other kinds
Of roots can be successfully raised. and Ill
such quantity as would sustain a numerous
population.
No doubts are entertained that if the same
care and attention were gwen these lands
as in the Eastern States, the results would
be equally satisfactory.
1t is estimated that there are twelve mil
lion eight hundred thousand acres-about
twenty Thousand square miles of land-in
the Territory which could be brought under
cultivation, provided the general land laws
of the United States were extended over the
Territory, and settlers were induced to go
there.
Mr.. Blodget. a celebrated clmateologist,
and q gentleman whose statements are au-
thority. estimates that between the forty
fifth and sixtieth parallels of northern iati-
tude there are three hundred thousand
square miles of cultivable lands, the greater
portion OF which is in the Territory of
Alaska.
Other authorities who have travelled
some what extensively throughout the ter
ritOry express the belief that in the vicinity
of Cooks Inlet, which is described as the
garden of Alaska there are at least twenty
seven thousand square miles Of arabic
lands. From kenay, and the great river
Youkon, similar evidence is furnished in
abundance.
With a rich soil, and an almost unac
countably mild climate, this much-abused,
though little known country, must eVcntl!-
ally become Of great Importance.
There is certainly more Land suitable for
agricultural purposes in the Territory of
Alaska than was estimated to be in Califor
nia previous to its purchase from Mexico
Many persons, competent to judge. are
firm in the belief that under proper culture,
oats, barley. and III many places wheat
could be raised; an excellent quality of wild
grass, also burr clover is found i'll abund-
ance, atfOrding most excellent pasturage.
Everything tends to show that there is an
abundance of cultivable lands throughout
the territory. while. on the other hand 1t is
admitted. that no attention has been given
to agriculture or the developments OF other
and valuable enterprises. which have been
neglected or absorbed rather in the one great
Qucs tIOn-tur seal.
1t is unnecessary to pursue the subject
farther. than 10 establish the fact that there
is excellent vegetation, that crops can be
raised in abundance and in quantity suffi-
cient to supply the demands of the pOpula-
ton no matter how numerous it may be.
But it il to other interests that the atten-
ton of the reader is dirccted-thc mining,
fur and fisheries, mineral deposits. timber,
etc, all OF which are valuable, and the sup
ply almost nexhaustible. The public mind
is but just beginning to estimate Alaska at
its true value, aud waking up to realizing
sense of the commanding position she Is
Ii ,.l1r 4, hold N tbe f,ItiIra ot the
world.
Here, beyond a question, is the key to the
great Pacific and Indian oceans: the most
direct, shortcs: and most desirable route to
the empires OF the east-lndia. China. and
Japan. Here also is that wonderful chain
of isIands-the Aleutian and kueiIlc-reach
ing from the continent i'll question to the
shores OF Asia.
Above Us lie the Arctic circle, of which,
at the present time, 50 little Is known.
Bchring Sea is now and for all time substan-
tally American. 1t is an utter impossibi!ity
at present to estimate its value but that it
will afford great national advantages Of
which, as :, people. we have heretofore been
deprived is undeniabe.
1t is no stretch of imagination, but quite
probable, that at no distant day direct lines
of communication and traffic will be opened
between this section of the United States
anu tUt i:.llllS CltitS VI
China and Japan. In such an event the
future of Alaska is clear. A rush of emf
grafton to its shores and foreign vessels
laden with the wealth and merchandise OF
the empires o. the East finding refuge in cx-
ceIlent harbors. swelling our trade, making
our commerce, and increasing
the national treasury.
A market would thus be opened for the
lumber trade. the vast forests of timber
would be made available in building docks,
mills and houses.
The coal and iron mines would no longer
be neglected, but would be found OF I'M
mense value.
The fisheries would be more fully appre-
ciated and developed, and labor and indus
try meet encouragement and reward.
In the midst Of this IneXampled prosper
ity, a. grateful public will turn to the past
and bless tic wise craftsmanship that CON
reived the idea of purchasing, for the bene-
tit OF ourselves and future generations, this
extensive and valuable domain.
ECCE SIGNUM.
Kansas City and Memphis ifailrOad.