The morning call., 1894-06-06
LAPS AS TUTORS.
Will Teach Alaskans to
Drive Reindeer.
Arrival of the Government Party
of Reindeer Experts on the
Steamer Umatilla.

The United States Governments expert rein
deer drivers arrived yesterday afternoon on the
steamer Umatilla from Victoria. Sixteen Lap
landers including six women, constituted the
party. All will go north on the whaling brig
W. h. Myer the latter part of the week.
Uncle Sam took notion into his head some
time ago that The Esquimaux in the northern
part of Alaska should become experts in hand
ling reindeer. A number of the animals were
imported from Lapland and thrived wonder
fully in their new home II was necessary that
the natives OF Alaska be placed under the tut
tton OF those VINO understood be habits of the
beasts, so tire Laps were baTganed for and
brought to New York City, whence they were
shipped over the Canadian Pacific TO this city,
Lapanders are not beautiful TO look upon.
The crowd that gathered TO witness their ad.
vent into San Francisco showed much grea, eT
interest in the eight shaggy dogs that stood
with olling tongues beside their masters.
The men are low OF stature and StGpid-look-
ing, withdl dirty and il-Smelliug. The women
could never pass as bellies, except perhaps in
their own country.
Sleds, camping utensils, canoes and other
curious things that constitute a Lapander's
worldly possessions were .stiewn about the
Umatilla's steerage. exciting the cupidtty of
the city front eXpressmen who saw in the pile
OF goods chance TO make lew dollars out of
the Government.
But transportation to an uptown hotel came
in the shape or GuTneys and cOupes. Several
of these vehicles were drawn up 10 line, and by
means OF suasion and numerous friendly lifts
from drivers the motley crowd was gotten into
seats and drawn away.
The six women we're somewhat timid, and
showed marked degree OF respect ana aston
ishmeDt when addressed by d member of the
police force. They cannot speak English, but
persist in trying 10 make themselves under
stood by numerous signs and motions that are
neither graceful nor easily interpreted.
The women carry their babies in a skin sack
that resembles the shoe of Chicago girl, only
the sack doesn't look as If il would hold as
much.
a papoose might be mistaken for a Chinese
infant If 1t were not for its peculiar odor
Chinese babies have a scent that sinks into in
TO lnsIgnifcance compared with the perfumes
that are waited from the vicinity OF Lapland-
ish papoose.
1t isn't fashionable TO 90 about Lapland with
out an individual smell. A stranger who has a
cold iu bis mead cannot tell his friends from his
enemies In tie dark, for the power OF scent is
the only means he has OF distinguishing them
apart after sunset.
The Laps are said to be just as expert in
handling their dogs as they are In driving REIN
deer. They have complete control over theiI
animals, and can force a big Notwithstanding
buck into travelling several hundred miles a
day over Ice nelds without the least trouble Oh
exertion beyond the swinging of lash.
After the Laps have spent several seasons in
Alaska, and have trained The EsqumauX 10
degree OF great pfof1clt ncy in the driving oil
reindeer, they Will be returned TO their native
country by the Government.