The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1897-12-19
NO TRICKS WITH NATIVE ALASKANS.
Rev. Edward Marsden the Missionary of the Northwest
Territory Sounds Note of Warning.

there is 4 native Alaskan settlement. ana
gold is found near and uraer that settle
uaent. The natives do not knew anything
about it. Theiraeyes are not open Tor IL
But some strangers come along and DIS
cover the gold Without any regard
whatever 10 the voice Of the settlers and
to the rights OF their possessions. the
miners locate and record their claims.
BY supposed legal process they develop
these claims al . large profit. The na-
lives receive no benefit by the discovery,
and in the course Of d snort time they are
finally deprived Of their property ana
elected froEn il by force. What else can
they do bur seek redress from the courts
OF lawe If that is not given them, they
viii seek other methods which may prove
fatal 10 all concerned.
Again, the Klondike miners should
trust the natives and deal with them
honestly and honorabiy. The native Alas
kans can be trusted. and when once their
confidence is gained they become good
friends and remain so under all circum-
stances. We have had many iliustra-
tons in the past OF their trustworthiness.
The winter was setting in and a trader
was leaving a native settlement on the
Yukon river. He left his money to a ma
tive and said TO him: Take this. and
when the interior tribes come down in
the middle OF the winter. buy from them
try 10 be back here next SPRING The
native got the money. and the trader re-
turned to California The native was I'M
educated ana was not rich. he did not
sign any receipt, neither did he pledge
anything. The interior tribes came down
to the Coast, and the native bought the
furs wanted. Next spring the trader re-
turned and he found his furs awaiting
him. This is but one example of many
that could be mentioned. AS long as
they are not unlawfuliy instigated the
Alaskans make faithful friends in bust
ness, politics or religion. Trust them and
appeal TO their honor. as you would
trust yourself and uphold your own prin-
ciples, and / am sure there will be no
trouble between the miners and the Alas
kans.
Further, the Klondike miners should
not NEEDLE in any way with the relig-
ious beliefs and customs of the natives.
The majority of the Alaskans are still
heather. but although they are such, yet
they are religious. Now il you want TO
irritate or excite any people. strike at
their fundamental religious beliefs. Many
painful scenes have resulted from this
cause. So, 10 avoid any conflict. it is
wise TO let their strange religious no.
tons alone, and leave it all to the Amer
lean missionaries and schools. But I am
glad 10 say that the Christian religion
has made many converts among them.
These native converts are an honor to
their country, government and flag, as
well as to the churches 10 which they
belong.
The native Alaskans do not object to
miners and commercial men coming to
their country. They will rot give them
trouble as long the gold hunters treat
them right. If these men simply come
for the gold that they can get. regardless
of fiapV ~ and hat h.,r
they infringe upon the rights of others.
SO they get possession of IL, the wronged
natives will take extreme remedial meas
ures. Aside from this, the attitude OF
the Alaskans toward the miners is one
OF which We need not be apprehensive.
EDWARD MARSDEN.
Lane Seminary. Cincinnati, O."