, 1877-11-16
FROM SITKA.

/ uulet and there had been no trouble
with Indians nor was any trouble an
ricjpatcd. Capt Selden, Engineer
lIasscl, and pilot j. w. Keen, who
have crused in the Alaska waters on
various occasions since the purchase
of Alaska by our Government, all
testify that they have never seen
Sitka so quiet and orderly y as it is
now; and considering the great
number Of Indians assembled there
on the occasion of the greatpotlatch,
by Sitka Jack, and the unlimited
quantity Of Hootchnoo whiskey they
had access to. there was less drunk
eness and fighting than when the
soldiers were stationed there. The
Russian priest assured Capt. Selden
that he feared the half-breeds and
low whites, much more than he feared
the natives.
The whole of the excitement about
the Sitka Indians was created by
Ben. Holidays interest to get
another mail contract; and, as ~
proof that the steamboat men thSw
selves did not believe their own fab
relations, Capt, Selden cites the sig
nifcant fact, that during the big
dance at the height of ihe ceremonies,
and at the time Of the greatest excite
ment, young Holiday with his wife
and another lady, (who were there in
the steamer California) walked into
) the circle Of dancing and shouting
Inpians, and having seated them
selves, quietly witnessed the per
formance, apparently unconscious
that they were surrounded by blood
thirty savages whose deeds of hor-
ror had chilled the blood in the veins
of the Oregon editors who had been
so ready to promulgate the apocry-
phal tales told by that celebrated
passenger on the California from Sit
ka to Portland, whose legends have
put the American Government to the
expense Of sending the cutters
Thomas Corwin and Oliver Wolcott
on fruitless cruises productive Of no
results but to burn up coal and con
sumo rations. Some of the chiefs
remarked to Capt. Selden that the
Indians wanted 70 trouble with the
whites. If they wish to get rid of
the whites, they could easily have
killed them long ago, and the fact
that they had not done so, was proof
of their friendly feelings.
The ceremonies are represented as
having been exceedingly interesting
and the dresses gorgeous and costly.
Robes of Siberian sable, martin, err
mine sea-otter and other valuable
furs wore common. Head dresses OF
the most fantastic designs and o.
glaring colors, and ornaments of gold
and silver OF Indian manufacture and
curious wrought shawls made OF the
wool of the mountain sheep, we're
the most conspicuous objects which
met the eye, while other article TOO
numerous to mention, contributed to
make up grand display which may
be considered as sort of aboriginal
centennial celebration.
The result of this Sitka campaign
is precisely what was predicted by
Capt. White of the Corwin who
stated here on his return, that there
had been, and would be no trouble
with the Indians, if tho cultus whites
aud half breeds could be kept in or.
der. We predict that after the mail
contract is let, we shall hear no more
Of outbreaks among Sitka Indians.
The present time seems to us ia
be the appropriate season to call the
attention Of Congress to the valuable
suggestions contained in Judge
Swans report as Special U. ). Com.
missioner, 10 the Commissioner OF
Indian Affairs in Washington, which
was published in our issue Of Sept,
9Th, and l4th, 1917. Judge Swan
recommended in that report that the
same ipduccment be held to our Gov
eminent 10 settlers in Alaska, that
were extended 10 settlers in Oregon
aud Washington Territory, Of dona
tons Of land, and homestead and
prc-emption grants; also creating q
Territorial Government; aud il the
steamship ountrs pill take the same
view and urge upon Congress the
necessity OF passing such laws, We
feel sure that they will 6nd quite as
profitable a trade Tor their steamers
- by tho present attempt 20 get up
sensational rumors Of Indian troubles
in The vain hope Of inducing Con.
grcss 20 again send troops 10 Alaska
The mineral wealth Of Alaska is
I asa.rraHst4a a. -, 49,, fsraWaA hV fIa