Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1891-12-17

We are Indebted to Gov. Lyman f.
Knapp of ALASKA for copy Of his third an
nual report to the secretary OF the interior
in relation to affairs in that distant Terri
tory. The contents of the report include
much that will be OF general interest in view
of the attention that has been attracted to
Alaska through the sealing troubles, and it
has a special interest for Nermonters from
the fact that Gov Knapp when at home is
II resident OF Middebury. The report
shows that wonderful progress has been
made during the year 1891 in
a variety OF ways. The total population of
Alaska is placed at 33, 900 by estimate, the
census not having been completed so that
the result of the enumeration could be in
cluded in the report. The white population
of southeastern Alaska is larger than ten
years ago, but it is still small, only about
1900 persons. The white population is
nearly one half foreign born, and worry
many have never been naturalized as citi
zens of the United States. There is constant
progress in civilization aud improved condi
tons of life among the natives along the
coast and on the islands. Churches and
sCuOOiS, as well as otueT agencies lOr the up
lifting Of these people, are doing effective
work. but these people are, says the report
IN a very sad physical condition. Diseases
that ought to bs arrested or averted by
medical skill are doing terrible work among
| them us never before, and hospital treat
ment is suggested as the only effectual rem
ely. The people are pronounced pcGccabIy
and kindly disposed, measureably honest,
and they have great respect for the govern
ment.
The report says that while it was not the
mines and minerals of Alaska that first
called attention TO the remarkable features
and characteristics of this country, the dis
covery Of gold hcs had great influence in its
progress and Development Our mineral
resources are the subject of more discussion
and still create n greater fever OF excitement
than any other. Furs first attracted the
en- sraut, and the fur business may still he
considered its leading industry. The fish.
ing interests come second, and raise the
question by their ma nitude and importance
whether they should not he held first in
estimation. After furs and fisheries stats
tics give mining the chief place in Alaska'i
industries, and the confident expectation in
the minds Of many people that mining in
terests will soon lead all Others is certainly
supported by numerous and suggestive ini
cations of great wealth. Many discoverie
of rich orc and placer deposits have beer
made within tho year, and locations by
scores have been recorded in the local re
cordn9 districts.
Governor Knapp says there is less excuse
for errors of policy in dealing with the alb
origines of Alaska than with American In
dams. Their conditions are entirely differ
ent. Their habits OF life are unlike thu
habits of the Indians of the plains. They
are more intelligent, settled and reliabl Z
They live in fixed abodes ana are accustome,
to independent and self sustaining ways
They have already made great stride
toward the American civilization. Tn
government is not embarrassed by treatie
with them or other precedents Of recognition
of tribal relations, and it has fair and opel
field for inaugurating a system which shal
5 yield better results than the old one.
, The natives consider themselves the tru
e owners of the country, with all tho accom-
( paniments of soil, forests, streams, and nav
s igable waters. Its game fish, and vegeta
= BILE growths are their personal property
g Tho white man is an invader to be tolerate
= as a matter Of necessity, or perhaps as
matter of advantage. AS conquered pee
Pile they bow to the inevitable and will az
o cspt such a place in the loyal structure q
h shall be accorded them.