Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1889-10-11
NO LONGER A BONANZA.
The Alaskan Seal Privilege Likely to
Go Begging

SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 1.-Louis Sloss presi-
dent Of the Alaska Commercial company. saws:
"Our lease expires the 1st OF May next. but if
the present state Of affairs continues the COM
pany will not want to renew it. The number Of
piratcal vessels In Behring sea is greater this
year than formerly. The government cutter
has done what 1t could, but it is entirely pow-
erless to watch the whole region. There have
been probably $4,000 skins stolen by private
sealing vessels and fully so 600 or 10000 seals
killed. Our company has taken about 100. 900
less skins this year than usual. Not only are
the seals becoming less but they are smaller
than formerly. Last seasOn l 700 casks were
required to pack 100000 pelts. This year the
same amount of skins were put in !. l.565 casks.
Unless we could be guaranteed absolute pro-
lection against illegal sealing we would under
no consideration renew the lease.
If the revenue cutter could bring any cap
tured sealers to Ounalaska. it is most a foregone
conclusion that a riot would occur there Much
damage would result by fire and destruction of
property. Such an occurrence is probable at
any time, and the possibility Of its spreading is
standing menace to the peace of Alaskan
ports. owing to the criminal and brutal char
acter of the Outlawed sealprs"
Regarding the other industries In our north
ern territory. Mr.. Sloss said it was thought
that the Alaskan salmon supply was inexbaust.
BILE. but the experience of this year teaches diff
ferently. The canneries have reduced the
amount OF salmon materially. As an IIlustra-
tion. one establishment that last season put up
100000 cases was only able this year. even with
more men and increased exertion, to secure
SO. .OOO cases. There are small forests In Alaska.
but on account Of the distance they would
never be of any commercial Importance until
all timber lands nearer to market have been de-
nuded. He believed Alaska must depend for
her future prosperity uron Der mineral wealth
Paris Bankers Brought to Law.
LONDON. Oct. 11.-Attachments issued In Paris
yesterday against the property Of nine directors
OF the Bankrupt Compton d. Escompte, which
was ruined by the failure of the copper corner
Six directors are in prison, convicted for ad-
vaGcing funds on copper cert ificates. The d.
rectors and accountants were sentenced to pay
Tor the benefit OF creditors f760 900 and stand
committed until the amount was paid This
means life sentence to most of them. Several
directors, who are involved, took no active part
in the Management Of the bank Efforts are
being made to secure relief for these men.
Still In the Mud.
SANDY HOOK, n j., Oct. IL, 10 A. M-Twelve
tugs have been pulling on the steamer City of
New York, but have now stopped. She remains
which probably means that she will be lghtened
before another effort is made to pull her OF at
high tide ut $50 tonight.
1t was reported among the passengers that
the cause Of the ships taking course too tar to
the north was the presence Of pilot boat which
stood across the channel and obliged the pilot
of the New York to steer ont Of the line of buoys
to avoid q collision.
Another report In circulation last evening was
that the steamship was DELAYED In her ruu over
by fire In the coal bunkers, which ragged for
twelve hours before she got out Of the channel
Th,s rumor WAS Confirmed nv spveraI NJ tho ro a
gers, but they could not tell any Of the details.
he time OF passage OF the City Of New York
was days 10 hours and 20 minutes.
The steamer. It is thought, will get OF tomor-
row morning at high tide, but there 10 chance
of floating her at high tide tonight. All her
reight must be taken of befors she will noat
The Total NUle OF France.