, 1892-08-04
A NORTHERN LAND.
Alaska and Its Wonderful Re
sources Described.

A Fair Climate, magnificent Miner
al Resources, Splendid Timber
and Fisheries Taxable Wealth
of the Country and other Facts.
H. A. Percival, of this city, who recently
returned from Alaska, says Alaska is not
the cold, desolate country that so many
imagine. The average temperature in
July is SO and in January 15 degrees Fab
renheit. The population of Alaska is esti-
mated at about $4,000, the larger portion
being Indians, who are at present wholly
unciVilized. The taxable property is
valued at about $15,OOO,OOO, but under the
existing laws no taxes are levied for any
purpose whatsoever. This estimate takes
into consideration the mines and other in
dustries, such as are usually assessed in
the states and territories, but does not in
clude the seal fisheries. Very little in the
way of agriculture has been done. The
country is as yet generally Wild and unde-
veloped. The soil is of good quality, and
with proper care fine crops of wheat can
be grown.
The mineral resources of the country are
vast and considerable development has
been made in this direction. The immense
stamp mill on Douglas islend opposite
Juneau is the largest of the kind in the
world. 1t is safe to estimate that the out
put Of gold bullion per month is S150000.
Other minerals such as copper, amber, iron
and tin have been discovered and will no
doubt yield an ample supply when de-
Yeloped. Coal exists at various places
throughout the country, at no great dis
tance from convenient shipping point.
While there is an abundance of splendid
timber consisting of FIR, spruce-pine, red
and yellow cedar, and hemlock, there are
but few saw mills in operation, and they
only supply the local demand.
The fishing industry of Alaska is in its
infancy, yet Notwithstanding this fact the
estimate of the market value of the fish
packed and shipped last year is $4,000 900.
Salmon, halibut and cod are the principal
fish used. There are seventeen canning
factories and sailing houses in operation.
Whale fishing is extensively carried on
something like forty vessels being en-
ployed last year. The commerce is such
as grows out out of the fishing and mining
enterprises and the fur trade total of the
last years products being put at $9, ,OO0,0 900.
The demand for labor is we'll supplied
and there is neither a deficiency or sur
plus. The Indians are paid $500 per day
for ordinary labor and a white man re-
celYes $500. The miners get from $4OO to
$500, according to the position they occu-
py. The Indians are very different class
of people from the common red men of the
states. They are very bright and intelli-
gent naturally; Ithey are shrewd, indus
trious, ana Withal keen traders. Many
fair mechanics are found among them and
some are skilled carvers in wood stone and
ivory.
There are thirteen public schools in the
territory; two at Sitka, two at Juneau, and
one each at OOnga, Kodiak, Afognak, Chill
cat, Killisnoo, Wrangel, Klawak, Howkan
and Metlakahtla All these schools are in
operation and the salaries paid the teach
ers amount to over S11 900 a wear. one
might continue indefinitely to describe the
ways and customs of the people of the
Land of the Midnight Sum-" but enough
has been said to convey fair idea of this
vast country and its many important but
undeVeloped resources.