Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1882-08-04
our Most Distant Countrymen,

who was On board the revenue steamer Cor
win, on her recent relief cruise, writes a
dismal account of the state of things at
Oonaaska, from which one will gather the
impression that Our latest annexation Is not
an altogether charming spot, assuming that
the island and its inhabitants are fair ex-
amples OF the remainder of the territory and
its people. He writes:
The village of Oonalaska contains about
four hundred inhabitants, while the whole
number on the island is less than nine hun
dred Two trading companies make the
place their headquarters. Every Spring
they fit out parties of hunters and send them
out TO kill seal, sea-otter and sea-lion. AT
the close of the Summer the hunter returns,
sells his collection to the company, and
spends the remainder of the year in dlencss.
Each company employs several vessels in
taking out the parties, distributing supplies,
and IN collecting and transporting the furs
to San Francisco. The arrival or departure
of one of these vessels is the great event for
the people here, as the harbor is seldom
visited by any other craft. Much sickness
prevails among the natives. Thirty-eight
have died since April 10, and many more are
lying at the point of death. Typhoid fever,
pleurisy and pneumonia are devastating the
island. Although not a contagious disease,
it is n terrible epidemic, and, unless its
progress is stayed, the entire population
must soon be swept from the island. The
dwellings of the natives are small, being
usually about twenty feet lang and ten feet
wide. Nearly one-half Of the house is below
the surface, and the upper part is so well
covered with earth and sod, that the whole
affair has externally the appearance of a
mound of natural formation. In one end is
small window, and in the other end q
doorway. The latter is so small that per-
son is obliged to stoop very low to enter
After effectng an entrance, we found our
selves in damp, dark apartment of unpleas-
ant odor, the floor covered with straw and
litter of various descriptions. A few tin
cans, tubs and kegs arc scattered about, and
a pair of sickly-looking chickens stand in a
corner modify eying the intruders. Through
q second doorway we passed and entered the
other room. This is parlor, bedroom and
kitchen combined. A small stove stands in
corner, and on each side of the room is a
small bedstead built against the wall these,
with wooden box or two, make up the fur
niture of the apartment. The occupants, a
man, his wife and three children, are
crouched on the floor, silently contemplating
the filth and squalor of the interior. They
turn listlessly and glance at us as we enter.
They exchange greetings with the captain in
the native tongue, staring at us vacantly.
Anybody sick!' inquired the captain.
Eyes sick-all SICK" is the reply; and the
statement is shown to be true by the hacking
cough, pale faces and signs of pain. They
will rot go to bed, but usually sit with their
chins resting on their knees, grooming mis-
erably. The disease makes greater ravages
among the females than among the males.
In the course of the day we visited a dozen
of the squaid dwellings, with similar cxpe-
rience. In the houses which the trading
companies have built for the natives the con-
dition is found to be much better, however
The interior of these structures, with their
carpeted floors, papered walls and improved
household furniture show great advance
ment toward civilization. A marked I'M
provement has taken place since white men
have come to furnish the islanders with the
commodities of the civilized world, in ex-
change for the hunters spoils. Although
the companies make large profits, they are
liberal in their dealings, and will not allow
the natives to suffer for the ncccssaries of
life, even if they are unable to pay for
them.
The Aleuts bear close resemblance 10 the
Japanese, but they are harder race. They
formerly dwelt in holes and subsisted on
fish. They were undoubtedly warlikc
people at one time, but their spirit was
crushed by the iron hand of the Russians
They are now so peaceable that they seldom
resent an injury. Their language is the
Russian. changed greatly, however ly sim.
plifcatien and corruption. The people are
extremy superstitious, and believe in any
occurrence that may be interpreted as an
omen They worship in accordance with the
teachings of the Greek church. They have
Il substantial little chapel here, and full
priest and assistant or second priest. Abou,
1870 church holidays are observed during the
year. In addition to this, every person takes
a holiday on the anniversary of the birth OF
each member of the family. The number OF
working days is, therefore, small, indeed,
although the natives seem to think that II
might well be reduced much more The
men are dull and stolid, with little apprecia.
ton of humor or mental enjoyment. They
have no literature or tradition, thus exhibit.
ing an inferiority to the Indians. The natives
crave intoxicating liquor, but its sale is for.
hidden by the Government. They contrive
however, to brew quass in hidden places
and drink it in large quantities. All efforts
TO stop the practice have been futile, as the
materials can be proc Ired without trouble
and the drink concocted in small space
These people usually mix the ingredients in
a keg, which they conceal under corner Of
their house until fermentation takes place
Then number assemble in secret and have
a glorious drunk" This practice is greatly
in vogue during the Easter holidays. The
recovery from such spree" occupies many
days, during which time they almost starve
While under the influence of beer the,
perform queer antics, and may frequently b,
seen lying on the ground and holding OF
with both hands, for fear of failing off, " a
they express the sensation