New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-11-21
REINDEER IN ALASKA.
THEIR INTRODUCTION PROVES A GREAT
SUCCESS.


HERDS TO BE REINFORCED FROM SIBERIA
RELIEF FOR THE ICEBoUND wHAL-
Frs AND GOLD-sEEKERs
IBY TELEGRAPH rRIBUNE.l
Washington. Nov 2O.-Congress builded wiser and
better than IL knew when II appropriated money
FOR the introduction of reindeer into Alaska ana
the establishment of herd for the benefit OF the
native tribes. The appropriations have been small
but have been husbanded with great care and ex-
pended with wise economy. and the consequence
IL that several hundred head OF reindeer can be
spared to relieve the necessities of the crews OF
the icebound whalers in the Arctic. This is not
the sort OF emergency the herd was FORMED 10
meet which was to prevent starvation among inc
native tribes of Northern Alaska II is somewhat
remarkable that this enterprise was the ootsro"'h
Of efforts for the civilization and education OF
those tribes. and 1t has been under the auspices
Of the United States Bureau OF Education OF
which for many years the Rev. Dr. Sheldon jack
has been the official agent and representative
in Alaska To that Bureau and to him especially
II mainly due the fact that the Government In the
vtress OF this emergency can command means of
relief for the icebound whalers which could not
otherwise have been provided at this season of the
year.
1t Is not generally known that an effort is in
progress under DR.. Jackson's direction 10 bring
into Alaska reindeer in much larger numbers than
was hitherto possible with the somewhat meagre
tary aid given by missionary societies and benevo-
lent individuals. With the consent of the Russian
authorities, there has been established on the
Western Siberian coast reindeer depot or supply
station from which, when considerable number
shan nave been collected. the Alaskan herds 10
be reinforced In this way large additions to the
nerds can be made at comparatively small eX-
pense, provided means of transported ara fur
nished by the Government.
That this plan is one which appeals the prac-
teal sense OF business who are interested I'm
tne development OF Alaskas resources, is shown
by the fact that Dr. Jackson has recently received
applications from several individuals who desire
that he or some other representative of the Gov
eminent shall act as their agent to purchase rein
deer In Siberia and forward them TO Alaska for
their account II is understood that one business
II II can be carried out. Such enterprise would
require the consent Of the Russian authorities as
we'll as the approval Of those of the United States
Tor II appears that the purchase in and exporta
OF reindeer from Russia by private individuals
corporations Is not permitted
That the reindeer will solve the difficult problem
OF winter transportation well of subsistence
In case OF emergency in Alaska. st least for the
present and several years to come II a sufficient
number could be obtained is the opinion not only
Of DR.. Jackson, but Of all other practical men who
have investigated the subject in that region. That
uncertainty and anxiety which now prevail In re-
gard to the subsistence Of the gold-seekers In the
Yukon Basin during the coming winter sufficiently
indicate. II there were to-day a sufficient number
Of reindeer stations properly manned and equipped
between St. Michaels, Fort Yukon. Circle City and
munication. and supplies could be forwarded in
suffcient quantities 70 prevent starvation or eX-
treme privaton. and there would be reason for
such anxiety or uncertainV