, 1879-08-28
FROM ALASKA.

The mail steamer California arrived on
the 18th inst. The revenue cutter Rush
is far north among the seal islands. The
naval slip Jamestown rides at auchor in
the harbor of Stka. and Capt. Bearlsley
shows the determination to execute orders.
which is sufficient TO oyerawe the mischief
makers and preserve peace. His admins
tration is satisfactory to all classes, except
hoo-cbinoo venders and dstillers. He
understands the real source OF the late fer
nent; and while he is on that station or
n Alaskan waters, it will be impossible TO
rekindlc it.
The usual tlattering reports about gold
mining aud prospecting. are current. Not
being on the inside, it Is safe to say, "klo-
mas
Business at TT. Wrangel is much liveller
than at Stka. For the most oi her trade
Wrangel is indebted 10 the Cassiar gold
mines. This trade. however, is limited
chiefly to the summer months. But
large and increasing business is transacted
here with tile nityes. They gathered az
Wrangel from all points. Every day half
a dozen tribes are represented here. and
some days twice as many. They bring
skius, tnrs, dried fish, n few manufacturers,
aud some of them raise potatoes tor tile
market. This place Is the home OF the
Stickte Ell tribe; and many natives of other
tribes live here permanently. This oilers
great facilities TO those who are studying
the aboriginal character and hab.s, or at
tempting the arduous task of clvilizlng
them. They all belong to the Tlinket
people, race embracing eight or ten
tribes, who speak the same language. AMI
have many customs IN common. They
occupy Southwestern Alaska.
The first attempt made by Americansto
civllze this race, Is described In Goyernuer
Morris report on the condition OF Alaskh'
laid before Congress and published by its
order. 1t appears that Rev. DR.. Lindsey,
of Portland, Ogn., more than two years
ago sent members OF his church to Fort
Wrange, to undertake this good work,
and afterwards secured the appointment
OF Il teacher and missionary for SitKa
also, when the Board Of Home Missions
assumed tile responsibility. The work at
Wrangel has enjoyed uninterrupted pros
peiity.
DR.. Lindsey lately returned from his
Alaska tour with DR.. Kendall OF the above
named board, and reports having organ
lied the first American church ever formed
In that Territory. 1t Is composed OF 30
members -6 are white, OF whom are
from DR.. Lindsley's congregation at Port
land, and one his liiece, wife Of Rev. S.H.
Young, the missionary ut Fort Wrangel'
A house OF worship Is also being built by
means OF funds obtained at Portland.
without which 1t could not have been be-
gun. Valuable aid both In cash and labor
Is being rendered at Wrangel, promi-
nent in which Is John M.VanderbilT, Esq.
merchant, to whom the mission Is indebt-
ed for many favors. A house for the girls
Industrial school Is also being built out OF
funds collected at the east and brought on
by DR.. Kendall. These gentlemen arc
making arrangements to open missions
and schools at other eligible points In
Alaska. These are the cheap clyllizers
orall races, and never fail.
Passengers and tourists speak in terms
OF high admiration oil the novelties In
scenery both on land and water. Capt.
Thorn and his Officers appear to have been
very successful In making the voyage as
agreeable as possible, In the nature OF the
circumstances. A more general knowl-
cdge OF Alaska's wonderful scenery VIII
attract tourists thlther in large numbers