The Indianapolis sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1880-1904, 1885-01-11

the lorg row OF ISLANDS stretching OFT to the
southwest from the mainland. The people
here are OF Eskimo origin, and support them
selves by hunting the sea otter, the fur Of
which Is very valuable. In some OF the
islands the hunters make as much as 81 90
per year each They spend their money
freely for clothing, dressing in the latest
fashion of "Boston clothing when not at
work, supporting churches and q few SCHOOLS.
they are quite extravsgant IN their expendi.
lures N many cases On the whole how
ever their condition is 90 much better than
these mentioned above a. TO appear quite
comfortable. They are mach attaches 20
their mode OF life. Some of these islands
have volcanoes in constsnt state of activity.
The population OF this division is about
zoo lis area about that of Maryland and
Delaware.
> 1be Kadisk division. This comprises
the section from the point where the line OF
islands begins. down the southern coast TO
the little neck OF Alaska land which
stretches along the west coast nt British
Americs. Ii is about the size Of OHIO and
Indiana, has a moderately mild climate so
that potstoes and turnipsare cultivated. The
natives, known as 'Thlinkits" or more COM
monty as Koleshes, are, with those of the
southeastern division still further south. the
best class OF Alaskan population. They have
churches, established by the Russians long
ago, and some degree Of civilization, fairly
comfortable houses and some ambition TO
live in Boston men style" The popula-
ton is 1 500, and supports itself by hunting,
q little fishing and hunting of sea otter, and
a very little agriculture.
6. The Southeastern division. This is the
| narrow neck of Alaska running down the
west coast Of British America, which WAS
annexed to Alaska through the exertions of
Baranof, about the beginning OF the present
century. 1t partakes OF the character OF the
| west coast OF British america Ii is densely
! wooded, mountainous, with mild climate,
the Thermometer seldom falling below zero,
but with a great deal of ~"falling weather."
rain and in summer and snow in winter.
The mining possibilities, as to gold and sill
yer snd copper are very great here, and but
for the d difficulty of obtaining enough sunny
weather to cure hay the prospects for stock
raising would, it is said, be excellent. The
area is about One-half that of Illinois, and
the population about, 5000, including 300
whites The native population is mostly OF
the 'Thlinkit' or kolosh race, and, as
shown by the Governors remarks above, are
quick to learn the ways of civilization aad
| anxious 10 accept them. 1t is in this section
that the town of Sitks, the seat OF govern
| ment OF that vast country, is situated. The
Castle" which Is the present executive
mansion. was formerly the esidence OF the
Russian American Company, and was then
q well fortified building, with souie fifteen
or tsenty cannon commanding the ap.
proacbes to the rocky elevation which 1t
occupies.
Governor KiRkaid will remain here some
time looking after the needs OF his domain,
and possibly may remain here "a meet mis-
wife, who is EN- route with a Washington
lady from Honolulu To this city.
The portrait OF Mrs Carlisle, the wife OF
| Speaker Carlisle, intended for this CORES
i.oudence last week, did not '~'mateuatize'
ia time for use on that occasion, but rataeT
shan de prive tue readers OF seeing the face
az his lady so highly honored, IL IS given
! this week.