Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1885-12-11
ALASKA.
How the Territory Appeared to Senator
Dolph, of Oregon.

now the Territory Appeared to Senator
Dolph, of Oregon.
Senator Dolph, of Oregon, made a
trip along the Alaska coast to and north
of Sitka, and says: II was more inn
pressed with the village than with the
country itself. The trip was a delight
full one, indeed. Persons who have
travelled extensively in Europe expressed
the opinion that it was one of the most
picturesque and enjoyable trips in the
world: The journey is made by ocean
steamships from Portland. The steamer
makes n trip every month. By tax
my the Northern Pacific Railroad to
Puget Sound, that is from Portland to
Fort Townsend, one avoids an ocean
voyage, as he take the steamer
there, and its route thereafter is entirelv
by inland channels, except crossing
Queen Charlotte Sound, the passage Of
which is only about three hours long.
1t is only Southern Alaska that's visited
by tourists. The scenery is grand
throughout the entire voyage. Noun
tains frequently arise abruptly from the
waters edge, covered with timber and
verdure to their SUBMITS. Not the least
interesting of sights arc the glaciers.
The steamer during the summer usually
goes into Glacier Bay, at the head Of
Which five large glaciers reach down to
the water, continually throwing off ice
bergs.
envy impressions of the value of
Alaska were confirmed by what / saw
and learned. I believe, owing to the
numerous inland channels, islands and
great rivers that the fishing interests of
the Pacific Northwest will exceed in
magnitude and value the fishing. inter-
es;s OF the North Atlantic coast when
ever there is q sufficient market for food
fishes to cause their development. Cod
fish, salmon, herring and halibut are
abundant. Goldfish are being caught at
a few places for market. At several
points salmon are being picked. Re-
Gently there has been established q
number of salmon cannerles. Owing to
the low price OF salmon and expense of
transportation the ~canneries have not
been in operation this season. Ihave
no doubt but Alaska possesses great
mineral resources. Mines of corner.
iron and coal have been discovered, as
well as Lodges of gold and silver-bear-
ing quartz. There is also placer mines
of both metals.
"Ihe value of the seal fisheries are
generally known. The Government has
leased to a California COMPANY the
small islands of St. Paul and ST. George
for $50, 1000 4 year, and S2.67] for each
seal EilIDI tho ,,r;y1n.o rs l:1l..-,n
600 seals annually. making 1917, 500 per
annum revenue from these islands
alone. The value. Of the timber of
Alaska, | believe, has been over-esti-
mated. The Alaska cedar is a very val
liable timber, and will be in great de-
mand some day for furniture and finish
ing lumber, but 1 fear it will only be
found in limited quantities. The whole
country, as 1 judge it from Southern
Alaska, is covered with less valuable
varieties Of pine. l do not think Alaska
will ever become an agricultural coun-
try, o tso much on account of the cold
ness Of the winters, for it is asserted
that the weather at Sitka during winter
months is very little colder than Wash
lngton City, but On account of the cool
wet summers and the shortness of the
summer season. In fact, but q very
small portion of the Territory has suit
able soil for agriculture if the climate
We're suitable. However, vegetables,
including cabbages, beets, turnips and
potatoes, seem to thrive in Southern
Alaska, and it is said some kinds of
grain have been raised on Cooks Inlet.
north OF Sitka, and some parts of the
main land. 1saw strawberries at Sitka
in July. but they were not numerous
Chicago San.