The morning call., 1891-10-11
CRUISE OF
TIE BEAR.
A Summers Voyage in tht
Arctic.
Introduction Of Reindeer Into Alaska
From Siberia Probable Solution
Of the Food Problem.
Special to THE MORNING CALI

WASHINGTON, Oct. 1O.-Captain Healy,
commanding the revenue steamer Bear, mas
made report to the Treasury Departments
in regard to the recent cruise of that vessel
in the Arctic Ocean. 1t is dated OonalasKa'
Alaska, September 18th, and gives a de-
tailed account of the places visited ana ths
services performed during his two ana
half months cruise. Cape Prince OF wales
was reached July 7th. and then it was found
impossible, on account OF the ice. to prOceeu
further north, and it was determined ln-
stead to gather information regarding the
introduction into Alaska of tame reindeer
procured from the Siberian coast.
The Bear entered the Arctic aud arrived
at Point Hope on July Goth. Point Belcher
was reached August 18th. and it was found
the ice was packed solid to the north and
east along the shore, with no signs OF NOV
ing, and it was found impossible to reach
Point Barrow Relief Station to deliver the
coal and provisions brought from San
Francisco. Word was received from the super
iDtendent saying they have coal and other sup
plies sufficient to carry them comfortably
through another year.
ON THE SIBERIAN COAST.
The Bear proceeded south August 23d, going
TO the Arctic Siberian coast, where there were
purchased eight reindeer. Kings Island was
visited on the 30h, on which there Is village
of 200 natives They found them short of pro-
visions, owing to bad hunting and fishing sea-
son. aud in actual danger of starvation. Enough
food was left with the islanders TO enable Them
to bridge over till sealing begins Captain Healy
called attention to the injustice OF the law pro-
hibitlng the sale of breech-loading aims to the
natives OF Arctic Alaska. especially as thelr
lives depend on their success III hunting. Inc
white men have made lne seal and walrus so shy
that the spears OF the natives are no longer Of
any use. In closing his report, Captain Healy
said: During the cruise much Information was
gained concerning tie reindeer. aud the matter
OF the introduction Of animals into Alaska has
taken such hold upon both natives and whites
that IL is now tie most important question before
the country. The reindeer seem 10 De the means
OF the solution of three vital questions OF exist
TRANSFORMATION, and 1 believe that under The care
and attention Of white men the usefulness oil the
animals will be lmmeasurably improved over
what II Is now In Siberia"
RESIGNATION ACCEPTED.
The President mas sent the following letter TO
Hon. Henry W. Blair in accepting his resigna-
lion as Minister 10 China:
EXECUTIVE MANSION. oct 8. 1891.
To Hon. H. ". blair. Neutrality-suspicious. sIRi
Your resignation OF the office OF EdyOy ExtraOr-
binary and Minister PIenipOtentary 20 China was
rendered some time ago. but action OIL 1t mas been
it. Now. 1 assure you that 1t has been source OF
great regret to that what believe to have been
q misunderstanding has led to an uutenabe objec-
ton on the part of China to your acceptance as a
representative OF this Government. L have d.
the Secretary Of State to protest 10 the Chi
nese Government against the suficeuey of the OBJ
ections presented by 1t. and to say that you have
terminated the correspondence by a peremptorY
resignation Let me assure you that have, after
inquiry, found nothing that In any degree reflects
friendship In which 1 have long hed you Very
respectfully yours. BENJAMIN HARRISON
CONDITION OF THE CROPS.
The October report OF the Statistician OF Agri.
culture Ielales 10 the yields per OF grain and
tile condition Of corn, potatoes, buekwheat aud
tobacco.
bushels; oats, 29.3; barley, 25S; rye, IA. The
condition: Corn. 92.5; buckwneat, 92.7i pota-
toes, 91.3; tobacco, 92.S.
The yield of wheat in thrashing in most OF the
districts has proved higher than the apparent
condition OF the crop at harvesting would indl-
wheat region exceptional individual yields
| have been more numerous than usual, carrying
the Stale average to the verge of the best records
OF former years.. The averages OF the Middle
States are nearly as high. California presents
disappointing output, large area having been
| cut for hay, and some districts. notably in the
San Joaquin Valley, return reduced yields aud
are nearly failures.
OATS AND OTHER CEREALS.
The average yields Of oats are higher than the
early returns OF The condition would Indicate.
though that OF last month, showing the cOndl-
tion when harvested, WIS the highest Tor several
Oats evidently shared the beneteent influences
OF the present season. yielding quite UP TO the
popular expectation. The sams may be said OF
barley.
The corn crop was very promising last month,
though little late and in danger OF frosts above
the latitude of 400. Ii Is somewhat injured
already in the more northern districts. II has
improved during tie month, and a result Of
the high temperature OF the last Two or three
weeks good crop is assured.
POTATOES, which were in some sections threat
ened with rot OH the LIST OF September, have gone
through the month In good condition. with loss
of only half point. There Is a slight lowering
in he condition In Maine, and Ia some Of the
States an improvement is made.
The average condition OF tobacco materially
advanced during September by tine weather for
maturing.
THE RUSH ORDERED NORTH.
Orders have been sent TO the revenue steamer
Rush at San Francisco 10 sail the 10th inst.
for the Seal Islands aud 10 remain there until
December. and as much later as may be ueces.
sary, TO protect tile islands Il ON poachers.
PoRTLAND's CUSTOM HOUSE.
The Assistant Secretary OF the Treasury has
selected the property bounded by Seventh and
Park and ID aud streets. Portland. Oregon, as
the site OF the CuStom-hOuse TO be erected In
that city. The blOca was offered to the Cove rn-
ment at S165, 900.