The New York herald., 1879-03-08
THE ALASKA TROUBLES.

grants. about seventeen per cent
THE ALASKA TROUBLES.
DETAILS OF THE RECENT INDIAN OUTBREAK
THE APPEAL FOR PROTECTION TO BRITISH
MAN-oF-wAR-NEcEssITY FOR SOME ACTION
BY THE GOVERNMENT.
WASHINGTON. March Z, 1879.
To THE EDITOR THE HERALD:-
have received the following letter from Victoria,
containing interesting details concerning the Indian
troubles in Alaska. which forward you for the bene-
fit Of your readers:-
VICTORIA. b. c.. Feb 10, 1879.
WILLIAM GoUvERNEuR MoRRIs, Washington. D. CT
SIR knowing the great interest you Ieel in Alaska
affairs have thought statement from me on the
present difficulties in that locality would be accept
able You are, no doubt, already informed by tele-
graph of the principal facts. but the details may
better enlighten you.
Sth of February and found the citizens there under
arms, momentarily expecting raid by the Indians.
lieve, to the Kake tribe, on the day previous had
attempted it, and in endeavor the part of some
of the peaceable chiefs to prevent actual hostties
fight had occurred among themselves which re-
suited in the killing and wounding of some Of the
party The Indians then threatened to revenge these
deaths the whites, their creed requiring the blood
Of some white man compensation, matter how
indirectly the whites might have been the cause of
the Indians death.
This is the latest ca.us be which has been raised
by the Indians, although, you well know, they
have for some months past been very insolent and
with comparative impunity, aud even murdered one
white man at the Hot Springs. Two of the Indians
have been arrested and sent down by the Collector.
Colonel Ball. the steamer California to Portland,
but in the absence of evidence fear good can
suit from the arrest
THE APPEAL FOR ASSISTANCE.
1t feared that this would add fuel to the fame.
and the uncertainty of the fate of these Indians
would still further stir up the hostile feeling and
increase the probability of trouble and render the
need tor assistance more urgent; hence the appeal
from the citzes of Sitka to the captain Of British
ship-of-war for relief. This appeal was brought
down by the California and delivered on the 10Th of
February to Captain Holmes Court. of Her Maj
estys ship Osprey, who immediately repaired to the
Consulate ana signifed his readiness to go to Stka
on ofhcial request This request was made. be-
lieve. after communicating with the department ut
Washington, it appearing by q communication from
Collector Webster that United States vessel could
be sent at short notice the seemed to
quire. and the 18th, at noon, the Osprey sailed
with competent pilot.
1t is generally understood that she will remain
until relieved by vessel of the United States. The
appeal not signed by Colonel Ball. tho Collector
as believe he depended on the arrival OF cutter
from Port Townsend. gathered. in conversation
with many OF the citizens. that they felt able TO
stand siege until the arrival OF assistance but con-
sidered the position critical. Some women and chill
dren came out on the California
NEGLECT OF THE GOVERNMENT.
This. then. seems the elimination of the Indian
difficulties IN that district, which has been foreseen
tor some time past by those acquainted, like your
SELF with the state OF affairs III Alaska aud Is tho
ernment to afford the people in that part OF the Terri
tory the protection which IL accorded specially
tina. an ns hn TO sss
not that l. by any means, join in the lat presently
popular outcry that that corporation is the Of
all Alaska difc utes On the contrary. great deal
of aptrap and tuncombe appears in the press
l. with others whose interests lie in Alaska, simply
ask what we are entitled othat protection for lite
and property which ought to be the aim of all
good government but which in this case seems
singulary overlooked.
hny n f,kf1
for the Territory Some very excellent lodges OF gold
and silver have been discovered about the Tongues
country which increase the necessity for civil gov
ernnent there. Respectfully yours,
WILLIAM Il. GEORGE. Alaska Coast Pilot.
The writer Of this letter, Captain George, is tho
pilot of the mail steamship California, which makes
monthly trips from Portland, Oregon to Sitka. He
is q reputable man and his statements be relied
on. He has been on the Northwest coast for years
is intimately acquainted with the Indian tribes their
habits and customs. He married the daughter the
Russian Bishop Of Kodeak Island, and has been in
the employ of the Hudson Bay Company. and is
authority upon this subject.
NEGLECT CONGRESS.
Congress has adjourned without doing anything
toward establishing form Of government for this
abandoned and unhappy country The Senate Com
mittee on Appropriations refused to insert in tho
Sundry Civil bill the item of $175.OOO for the
struction of steamer for special service In
Alaskan waters notwithstanding that Senator Mitch
ell appeared before the committee and made verbal
argument in support thereof. showing the absolute
necessity for such vessel and reading also strong
letter from Secretary Sherman urging the appropra.
tion aud stating that he had not single vessel in the
revenue marine suitable and available for this ser
vice.
Unfavorablc criticism upon my part OF Congress.
sonal action might be misconstruod. And therefore
must patiently await the result which the produc-
ton of additional light upon this subject may have
upon the minds of lawgivcrs at tho approaching
extra session. Very respectfully yours
wM. GOUvERNEUR NORRIS. Special Agent.