The comet. (Johnson City, Tenn.) 1884-1916, 1885-01-10
LIFE IN ALASKA.
Tho Climate and the People Civilization
and Government.


Ist Louis Giobe.Demoeratl
John H. Kinkead, the district governor
of Alaska, is % pleasant-looking gentle
man of about 55 years of age. He
would attr ct attention from his broad,
benevolent countenance, and he con
verses in an of-hand, easy style which
wins confidence. The governor is en-
route to Washington to report in person
to the president, in compliance with the
act of congress creating the territorial
or rather district government of Alaska.
Governor kinkead was preparing to
go out for walk when reporter was
ushered into his room at tho hotel He
was standing by the fire in his shirt
sleeves If you want to know any
thing about Alaska, my young friend,'
said the governor, cordially, II am full
of information, and give you the liberty
TO fire away with your questions.
1t must be rather frigd up there
just at this time" suggested the ro-
porter. sl e3
mot 4. cold as people suppose.
have been in Sitka, the principal coast
town oil Alaska, three years and Inever
saw but one day whom the thermometer
was below zero. We have the warm
gulf current, but of course back from
the coast in the mountains it is quite
different, and the dwellors in the IN
terror experience tie rigors of the arctic
winter. a.laf W
"A great deal of lawlessness exists"
mot nearly as much as formerly.
Several years ago an American naval
officer policed the town with natives,
and thcy maintain excellent order.
When was there tifteon years ago,
thought the most wretched, dirty, dc.
spicable, sloyenly beings on earth were
the Alaska Indians; but wonderful
change has been wrought in their condi-
tion. Now they keep their houses white
washed and many possess pictures, and
all sorts of brie-a- brac which make their
homes comfortable and inviting. The
Alaska Indians are good -natured,
harmless people, with willingness to
do what is right and great respect for
their white brethren, am delighted
with their progress.
Are the missionaries accomplishing
much in Outstanding the inhabitants
of Alaska!' - &
. No. 1t is strange fact that the mis-
slonaries are not liked by the white
people there, because they are so selfish
and grasping They seem to be trying
TO get hold Of all the good land and are
struggling to secure tile $25, 600 made
by the government for educational pur-
poses. The Indians are ciyilizing them.
selves as rapidly as possible. The Rus
slams have a Greek church with apricst
who receives regular compensation from
.ussia. This priest is a good .natured
fellow, with fondhess for liquor. lie
9 showed me list of 103 children who
are in his parish" i
+ How many Americans arc there ii
> AlasEat' t'4" GAJ
Altogether between ., 900 and 8, 900. '
n "Do you have any difficulty in enforc
ing your authority"
My authority is almost absolute a,
\ there is no legislature, and the onl1
. government officers are a marshal
! Judge, and clerk Congress has ncve
> defined my powers; indeed, the ac
: creating the district organization is yer,
!; crudo and imperfect, and should b
y amended.
n lis it your honest opinion, governor
= = that Uncle Sam bought an elephau
u when he purchased Alaskan
. II believe that the revenue from fur
;, alonc will more than repay the S., 900,
IL IL 900 expended. The great interest 3
y Alaska, however, will be it5 mines. Ther
!" arc immense quantities of gold quart
y along tho coast which can be mined fo
! 1875 per ton. A wealthy syndicate
y which includes Senator Jones, of NJ
yada, is working several extensive mine
=, = below Sitka. They have recently bui
"a "a some great works and put up the fines
!, ,r machinery to be had. | think they wi
70 realize millions on their Investment
y There are no agricultural advantages i
u Alaska, although it is claimed ths
40 cereals can be raised there, but this
OF extremely irs .obable The wonderf,
= = area Of a.. IA is not comprehonded h
u the great majority of the American pet
y !" pie. Capt Schwartze, who recentl
w. made an extensive exploration of the il
terror, says that the territory is largO
' than all OF the United States, east of Il
Mississippi river"