New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-02-05
AN ALASKAN TRIBE EXCITED.
PROPOSAL TO OPEN METLAKAHTLA RESER-
WALTON TO MINERS.

PROPOSAL. TO OPEN MEILAkAHIlSA RErS Elk
WALTON TO MINERS.
Washington Feb. I (SpecaD.-The Metlakahtla
Indians I'm Alaska have recently been made con-
sidera bly, excited as well apprehensive by
bill offered in the House OF Representatives by Mr..
Devener OF West Virginia. and referred the
Committee on Indian Affairs II Is a bill segre-
gate and return to the unreserved public domain
mineral lands included In the Metlakahta Reserva-
ton which consists Of island about forty miles
long by three miles wide lying in the Alexander
Archipelago. Southeastern Alaska. The recent his
tory OF these Indians is interesting and somewhat
romantic In 1857 William Duncan was sent by
tho Church Missionary Society OF London. Eng
land a lay missionary the Taimpsheean
tribe, of British Columbia. Since then these In
dams. have through his efforts. been raised from
n state OF savagery TO civilization.
Troubles having arisen in 1880 between Mr. Dun
cans colony and the Colonial Government Of
British Columbia mainly with regard TO ownership
OF the soil. in the winter OF 1868 they sent their
leader TO Washington. He conferred while here
with the President. the Secretary of the Interior
and other officers Of the Government. and received
such encouragement that in the spring OF 1881 the
Indians concluded to leave British Columbia and
move IN q body to the contiguous territory OF
Alaska In order 10 come under the more liberal
laws OF the United States. In the interviews with
President and the Secretary Of the Interior. no
positive promises made. but Mr.. Duncan was
given 10 understand that III MS people removed 10
the United States Congress would take action Sc
curing to them suitable land for a home. This vas
subsequently, done in Section Is OF the act OF Con-
sress entitled An act to repeal timber culture
laws, and for other purposes. approved March j.
1891 which reads follows:
Until otherwise provided by law, the body or land
known as Annette Island. situated In the Alex
ander Archipelago In Southeastern Alaska Oh tho
north side OF DiXon's Entrance. be and the Same
hereby apart Il reservation FOR the use or
the Metlakahtla indians. and those people known
as Metakahtlans. who have recently emigrated
from British Columbia 20 Alaska, and such other
Alaskan natives may join them. 70 be held and
regulations aDd subject 10 such restrictions as
may Be prescribed from time TO time by the Secre-
tary OF the Interior.
In British Columbia they had formed local
government, which they transferred with them
se.ves 10 their settlement Annette Island. This
local government is Officially known by them
Town and Associated Community Of Mctiah-
Anita" An annual election Is held by the MEM
laws. and IS tho governing power OF the people.
Every person desiring 10 upite with the community
Is required 10 make application to the Counci Tor
membership. II the request Is granted. the new
member subseribes 10 tho following fifteen rules
l. To give UP sorcery.
:. To cease calling IN sorcerers when sick
& To cease gambling. .
4 To cease giving away their properly Tor DIS
play.
s To painting their faces
G To cease drinking intoxicating liquors
Z To observe the Sabbath.
8 To attend religious instruction.
q To send their children to school