New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1870-01-19
ALASKA.
REPORT on ITS CLIMATE AND RESOURCES
WHAT 1T COST AND HOW TO DISPOSE OF IT.

REPORT on ITS CLIMATE AND RESOURCES
WHAT IT COST, AND HOW TO DISPOSE OF IT.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 1S.-In compliance with
resolution OF the Senate the Secretary OF the Treasury
has transmitted that Body the report Of H. H. Mcln
tyre late Special Agent of the Treasury Department for
Alaska The report gives detailed description OF the
general features of Alaska, including climate ana re-
sources of all kinds as well a description OF its inhab
ants The white population Of the territory does not
exceed In Eastern Alaska there are 1900 or $1,000
Indians and about half many in other portions
Of the country Many of the tribes are undoubtedly OF
Asac descent as is shown by their traits OF character
habits and traditions, and a considerable number Of
them are Indians of very high type In regard to the
cost and value of Alaska, he contends that the
price paid, namely s7,2OO.OOO IL only small
item OF its cost TO the United States Assuming that the
public debt will not be paid within IS years, the interest
or that sum will be S2 100000 additional to which must
be added the expenses Of the military and naval estab
lshments say $4,000 per annum or S2,5OOOoO in 20
years resulting grand total cost on this basis, OF
s3OOOOCO In return for this expenditure we may hope
TO derive from the seal fisheries, IL properly conducted
from az 600 TO siOO 600 annually and from customs S. 600
$40 OO6 per annum Nor can look for any material IN
OF for many years except III the event OF
extraordinary circumstances such as the discovery OF
deposits OF valuable minerals sufficiently large to induce
an influx of population With regard TO the question
the worst policy financial measure to abandon the
territory at present until some possible change for the
course course 7 would mot not be c' advisable.
He recommends that one post be garrlsOneu Dy u sa
force and that armed OF the navy or reve
nue. marine be stationed the coast He thinks that
the United States Courts Of California, Oregon, and
Washington Territory should have original jurisdiction
I'm all of law and equity arising In Alaska me
revenue officers should be relieved and all attempts at
collection Of duties abandoned except on the group OF
Seal Islands, need any evil government be author
we'd except such the citizens may institute, under
military supervision for their mutual protection
In a supplemental report full description If gwen OF
the habits OF the fur seals and OF the trade IN their sKs
He discredits the report that greater number OF fur
seals been killed during the last season than was
authorized by law He believes that only such number
was taken as actually necessary for the susenance
OF the people in charge Of the military authorities ana
that the skins taken stored on the lslanu
where they remain in accordance with the Instructions
Of the United states officers.
conclusion he suggests that for the proper protec-
ton and perpeuaton of the seal for the support OF the
natives and for the purpose Of securing such an amount
of revenue as ishOud be derived from this source the
privilege OF occupying the islands of St Paul and ST
George and purchasing annually from the natives not 10
exceed SKINS reasonable rates be granted by
proper authority more Incorporated companies
shall give proper security TO pay annually TO me Gov
eminent such tax may be deemed proper on all hh
purchased and provide comfortably for the support OF
the natives at all times whether actually enRaReu III
serving such companies or otherwise