The record-union. [volume] (Sacramento, Calif.) 1891-1903, 1892-04-14
WONDERS OF ALASKA.
An Illustrated Lecture on Uncle Sans
Northern Territory.
Rev. A. G. Herrick Interests a Large
misunderstanding About the
Famous Muir Glacier.

Rev. A. G. Herrick lectured at the Con-
gregational Church last evening on Alaska
the land of the midnight sum- There
was a good attendance and as usual, the
reverend gentleman entertained adj
mirably.
DR.. Herrick said Alaska had very aptly
been described as vast Venice. 1t was
one OF the grandest countries of the uni
verse, and visit to it was a treat to any
BODY. The western-most point of Alask a
was within thirty-six miles of Russian
Asia, and at another it was but seventy
i've miles to japanese possessions. So
lar west is this new country that when
the sun is two hours high in Maine it is
just setting in Alaska-so that the sun
never ceases to shine on Uncle SAINTS
possessions. Despite its extreme north
ern situation, Alaska, said the lecturer, is
not cold country. AS matter OF fact
1t IS warmer at the Capital, Sitka, in
winter than it is in New York or New
England IN the same season. Alaska is
three times as large as California, and
promises TO be great country.
secretary Seward was ridiculed when he
advocated the purchase of Alaska from
Russla Tor 81 10000, said the speaker,
put IL has since proven To be Il good bar
gain. The revenues from seal fisheries
lrom two little islands there-isIands so
small that they do not appear on the
lilap-naVe more than paid the interest on
the money invested by the Government
IN the purchase OF the whole Territory
Inc work OF missionaries, churches and
schooiS IS fast revolutioniZinp affairs in
Alaska. The semi barbarians are rap
ldiy becoming civilized. and relish the
men VINO have come to live among them
1heSe Indians are unusually bright Deo-
pie, ana their children learn wonderfully
IN the schools. They grow up to be
siilarI business men. fully able TO take
care OF themselves and amass fortunes.
me lights were turned down when The
lecturer had concluded his PREDATORY re-
marks, and some handsome stereopticon
views were thrown on the screen First a
number OF scenes in Venice were shown.
giving the spectators an idea OF how the
ehetlans Travelled about in gondolas IN
stead or carriages, as in other cities: also
showing the grand churches and other
structures. Then the Alaskan scenes
were shown. The lecturer kept the spec
tators interested constantly with anec-
QoleS OF his recent northern trip and Of
the customs OF the natives of Alaska.
WI Ile the scenes of Fort Wrangle
Sllka and other cities were interesting
they were completely lost sight of When
q series OF views of Glacier Bay, with its
millions of glistening icebergs and the
g4acler eXpanses and great snow covered
mountains hemming it in on all sides.
were thrown on the canvas The views
showed the points of interest along the
thirty or more miles over which the
steamer travels through the floating ice.
At the end of the journey is the famous
Muir Glacier, the largest in the world.
rms, sad the lecturer, was one of the
grandest and most awe-inspiring sights
he ever experienced. Words failed him
when he attempted TO describe it. The
famous glaciers Of Switzerland were not
to be compared to this one. The Muir
Glacier could cover all of Mount Blanc
and good portion of Switzerland. Mill
ions OF icebergs- of all sizes and fantastic
shapes-could be seen dropping from the
edge of the glacier, some 700 feet, into the
sea below with deafening roar. 1t was
a scene never TO be forgotten.