The New York herald., 1874-12-04
THE ALASKA SETTLEMENTS.

Return OF the Icelandtc Colonial Conn
mission from Our Arctic Proyince-Ths
Island of Kodiak.
From the San francisco Bulletin, Nov. 1871
Mr.. Olonson. or the Icelandic Colonial Commits
sion, consisting Of the Oofyson Brothers ana Mr..
Bj0rson, arrived here ut iour O'Clock yesterday
afternoon, from the coast OF Alaska In the United
States steamer Portsmouth. The steamer sailed
IRON mere on the 18TH or last September, for the
special purpose OF cruising along the Alaska coast,
TO afford the Commission opportunities for inquir-
Ing into the attractions or that cold country. The
Commission undertook the work In the interest
or the lcelanders who emigrated to the Vicinity OF
Milwaukee, Wis, and lear the climate uncon-
Inc cruise was interesting in many respects
On the morning OF the i4th 0, October the steamer
entered cooks Inlet under clear, cold sky. The
mountains on every side were covered with snow,
and the majestic volcano llllmna was In active
operation. A run OF sixty miles through the Inlet
cast at st. Nicholas. The Commissioners lett the
ship and explored the surrounding country for
W wna anS
there were occasional heavy falls or snow. The
land was barre barren and marsny Tne Ksnai In.
the only inhabitants. and how they continued 70
1--we was mystery. They were sloveniy and
pressed hopes. On the 22d OF October sail was
made for the island Of Of KODIAK. , zoo miles
n"n on the sn' 2sS. save an unusual stress Of
weather. that caused the Portsmouth to Law
70 during the hrss n'gas out rom Sf NICHOLAS % the
was made az 81. Paul. and within Two hours the
Commissioners were satisfied that they had ar
added to the strength OF their first Impressions
On every hand were immense tracks O1 pasture
assure ] the explorers that the climate was OF an
even temperature during the year. The bay
nI i've W
salmon and monRrel FISH called the hawk-bnl
salmon.
Game ia abundant upon the island. Ducks and
geese are so plentiful that they might be killed
with club almost. and the tarmigan or Arctic
plentiful on the near mainland. several fur agen-
cies are established on the island, and the BEARS
foxes offers and white ermines are hunted mer-
ctlessy by the natives aud employees OF the agen-
cies. very large income IS derived from this
industry, and as the several agencies have nither
to enjoyed q complete monopoly ef the trade the
companies are averse 10 the settlement OF the
island by the Icelanders.
tribes. however, welcomed the commissioners,
ana seemed pleased at the idea OF the colonization
OF the country. The Aleuts have really tine best
claim to the island, having occupied 1t for centu-
ries.
with the Aleuts. diner from them very materially
IN point Of appearance and personal habits. the
KOyukuns are low OF stature and heavy set. In
taey have the broad, nat lace and prominent cheek
bones OF the average North American Indian.
Tney origln1sed 10 sitxa out the Rnss1ans M a. drove
iigenr nor SO cleanly as their neignbors, the
Aisuts; but, like them, they hve almost en-
rirely upon the dsh oil the bay and brooks. Both
tribes hunt the fur seal early IN the spring. and
the rest OF the year they 1--we IN idleness SO fae-
ctnated were the Commissioners with the country
that they Immediately resolved to suspend pros
pecring and make arrangements to co0nize
KODIAK. One Of the brothers OlofIson and Mr..
ing .he arrival OF their irlends and the other Mr..
Olofson returned with the Portsmouth and ar
rived last night.
the following is q list OF onicers OF the Ports
mouth :-Commander, J. II. Skerrett: Lieutenant
| Commander and Executive Onncer, Lewis Clark
}. Drake and 8. K. Moore; Masters. F. II. Delanc
and Il; F. Flick kbonm Ensigls, +; Il. Crosby and
tors, W. h. Jones. N. n. Feneber Second Leuten.
ant. N. G. F. Bates: Captain's CLERK, u. ". Graham
Paymaster's Clerk, David Movate; Boatswain,
John KeAtlng; Gunner, Samuel Cross; Carpenter,
J. i ThOmaa: NatImakor John Martin.