New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-05-30
JUSTICE TO THE METL4KAHTLAS.
THE EFFORTS MADE TO OPEN ANNETTE
ISLAND TO WHITE SETTLEMENT
AND THEIR MENACE

TO the Editor Of The Tribune.
Sir When read in your columns this morn
Ing the eloquent words Cf the Hon. Vhtelaw
Reid touching better understanding. warmer
sympathy and fuller cooperation between the
Englsh-speaking nations in the interests of
peace and universal civilization" while Iejoic-
Ing in such utterances from one Of our leaders
Of thought could not but recall how much
easier 1t Is to advocate than 10 bring to pass
such desirable contamination. The moral
alliance between England and America seems
nearer every day. but the ends Of that alliance.
peace and universal civilization have yet
many triumphs to win ere they are dominant
Is there not danger that these rohle watch
words will be associated with great and prom
inent causes only. and that they will fan O. APP
plication in many lesser issues?
A pertinent instance may be cited In our Ma
tional affairs at the present moment refer to
the case Of Annette Island, Alaska. The eyes or
citizens are SO intently bent upon the DIS
tressed Cubans that few are aware OF the anX-
iety and alarm stirring little community IN the
Far North, already under the nominal protection
Of our flag and longingly turning to IT for relief
1t is over ten years since the people OF Metla-
kahtla, eight hundred in number. settled upon
Annette Island, granted them by our Govern
ment. Redeemed from the lowest forms OF saw
agery and degradation. these ex-cannioais had
for thirty years constituted orderly. indus
trious, Christian community IN British Column
bia, but had emigrated at great sacrifice and
with extreme reluctance for the sake OF con-
science and greater political liberty. They have
made great progress since settling "ithm our
borders carrying on various industries. erecting
neat and substantial cottages for themselves.
schoolhouses. town hall and the largest
church ediAce in Alaska
This peaceful and progressive little colony is
now threatened with invasion that would
work it's moral and thus ultimately. It's ma
terial ruin White men have not legal risht
10 occupy the lands originally given 10 these
people but gold having been discovered OH 'e
island as It Is asserted, an effort is on FOOT 10
overt,Irn Justice and throw open 10 the pubic
all the land not now actually occupied OH
TO that effect Is before Congress. or soon 10 DC
presented.
American to think that at the very hour wheh
we are posing the generous champions OF inc
oppresscd without our borders there Is DOUBT OF
our dealing out the simple justice asked py
Community within our jurisdiction. toward
whom we may venture this breach or iaitn De
cause they are so few In number SO remote ana
so unnoticed by the world
William Duncan. the devoted missionary
whose labors have achieved such remarkable
results in the elevation OF these Indians, says
in his plea for Justice: Should the bill intro
duced into Congress become law al! ines; SUI SUI
stantial gains will be lost. Our youths OF both
sexes brought in proximity to mining camp,
would be quickly debauched and ruined Al
that we crave from the Government Tor the
natives is protection and Isolation from VICIOUS
whites" 49,
VIII you not lend your editorial pen. which
has SO often done good service for the cause or
civilization humanity and National purity. In
the interest Of our Nations wards. now praying
'0' '''e'' SARAH F. DAVIS.