New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-11-19

the first six months or the present year. particularly
In the bond-aided lines In which the United States
is financially interested, and says that the outlook
for increased earnings in the immediate future IL
encouraging.
\ careful inspection was made of all the bond
santial improvements were noted in the mainten-
Of thu ee nd cna Pne 3 e n
ard the rOad5ed and track are kept up TO high
The n G inc Books Ok @ roads
to ascartainng the amounts due the United States
for the year under the existing laws.
The balance of debt OF the several companies to
the United States on June 30. 1897. after deducting
terest and OF sinking fund, follows;
Union Pacific dneudng Kansas Pacnc) sSs37l $50 II
central Pacific qnelHains Western Pache' 80 s2s oS2 %
central Branch, Union .......... 816j oss 81
THE GEOLOGICAL SURVEY.
The work OF the Geological Survey. which en-
braces the four branches of geology topography,
publication and administration. was actively prose
cuted throughout the year.
In the Geologic Branch, thirty parties have
worked IN twenty-seven States and IN Alaska and
Indian Territory The geological work included
the Southeastern and Northern Central States: the
geological problems connected with the under
region ives, OF the Mississippi River: the continue
ton Of the mapping of the areal and structural
region; the continuation OF the survey Of the great
iron-ore district Of the Lake Superior region; the
in the Pacdc Coast and Rocky Mountain States;
the completion Of the survey and map of the phos-
minor problems accounts ' Of Which win be FOUND
in the Directors Annual Report.
% STAT L. 4S providing for the establishment OF
levels and permanent monuments and bench MARKS
the Survey took a step toward the preparation or
a much higher grade OF topographic maps Dur,
$50 bench marks were established in connection
with them The topographic surveys covered ~ 4eS
and Territories
BY act OF Congress approved June T. 1897. pro
', Yet do Of
by the Geological Survey and appropriations OF
$4,000 was made for the purpose. The plan OF
june and before the close Of the month surveying
es In 10 begin the ~, w9r son IN a 'ns
BE BE nor reserves r wyoming the Ber fo0
the Washington Reserve in the state OF Washing
ton Plans were also approved for an examination
il is anticipated that before the close of the field
season, sufficient data will have been secured In
braced in the executive orders and procamations
which were hy the act of Juno 4. 1897. suspended
isoS to enable the Department to form an opinion,
based upon maps and notes as to population and
improvements included within the reserves; also
the Distribution Of the forested and agricultural
lands.
In the Division of photography field work has
been carried or In manner similar to that OF
preceding years. but more streams have been
the investigation OF underground waters ard ar
,s,an Tels in the humid rsTon Of
work consisted principally In gaucnc streams and
studying the problems connected with local
the Dako,as Nebraska Kansas and Texas. the
artesan Investigation. although a considerable
number Of stream measurements have also been
and Pacific Coast States. the principal work has
consisted IN maintanins neasuremenis OF ne Dis;
moving out upon tho adjacent valleys.
ALASKA. THE LAND OF GOLD
In that part Of the Secretary. report which
iltes to the territories the greatest interest at
tachcs to Alaska. and full statement OF its affairs
is made:
The population Of the district according to the
augmented since; notably so during N. last two
has caused large influx OF white people from ali
which in all likelihood will continue for some time
10 come. together with the number OF new mines
therefrom, he's caused new towns and villages TO
spring up. advanced commerce. and stimula ed and
TO such extent that the existing laws In the dis
trict do not provide adequate protection therefor
cicnt for the adninistration Of Justic. and the en-
on 81 NV Snq Onfr in or h ee
gress IT, last session (sundry Civil Act approved
emergency by Authorizing the appointment OF four
additional commissioners. who have all been ap.
sd the ct of june %
!S7 surveyor general for the district was spec-
was created. hut the latter could be opened.
| no appropriation was made for the salaries OF the
officers TO be placed In charge thereof.
CHANGES IN THE LAWS RECOMMENDED.
Existing conditions In the District OF Alaska de-
| mand a radical change in the laws relating there
| to- and that II be placed tho same footing
the existing Territories in the United States. To
| that end ] recommend that the public land laws
be extended 10 the District. that additional land
offices be created and appropriations made TO carry
the into effect. that the granting o: rights OF
| nh and ele phO linz
and the construction OF. roads and trails be spe-
cihcaly authorized that provision be MADE for tho
Incorporation Of municipalities, providing Tor inc
holding Of elections. defining qualifications for vot-
ercised by municipalities elsewhere that the legal
and political status OF the native population. which
in doubt be defined that citizenship be extended
TO the Metlakahtla Indians who emigrated from
Congress- approved March 3. 1891 CT Stat. 1.lOD.
now occupy Annette Island; that complete Ter
ritorial government bc authorized ana esta Dlshed.
and that representation In Congress be granted.
The schools OF Alaska are reported to he In
hourishing condition, but more are needed TO meet
the demands OF the country.
The introduction Of reindeer has proved greas
boon TO the natives. helping them to solve the
food problem. and also increasing the facilities
for transpor alton. Malls can now be sent all
over the country I'm the winter season.
Alaska's agricultural possibilities are said 10 be
considerable, and ii is stated that with reason
able amount OF toll and care much can be dono
there In tho way OF raising the staple crops,
districts and IL forms Of the great resources OF
the territory. The fisheries reported to be in
a fine condition. the salmon canning industry be-
ing especially fourishin8.
MR. CHANDELIERS VIEWS on LEGISLATION.