Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1900-09-07
Terrible Condition of Natives Along
the Coast.
capt. FUTILE OF THE BEAR REPORTS
Observations During a Recent
Trip.
URGENT NEED OF ASSISTANCE

Capt. futile of the revenue cutter sery-
ice, in command of the steamer Bear re-
ports to the Treasury Department from
Nome. August ., on the operations OF his
vessel since July 6. The report relates
principally to the fearful condition of the
natives along the Alaskan coast and adja-
cent islands. At Sinrock the surgeon of
the vessel who was sent ashore, reported
that measles and influenza were epidemic
and that pneumonia was prevalent and
fatal. Several deaths had occurred since
the place was last visited by revenue yes
sci.
At Teller station. where the government
has a reindeer station, much sickness and
many deaths among the natives We're re-
ported AT Cape York the same fatal sick
ness was found among the natives. Going
on to Cape Prince of Wales. practically the
same desperate condition was found to ex-
list as at other places. From that point the
Bear proceeded to East Cape village. ST.
IBERIA, to purchase reindeer, and then to St.
Lawrence bay and Port Clarence.
Wherever the vessel touched officers We're
sent ashore to make investigation of the
conditions and they reported that the ma
tives had never been in worse condition.
The Work of Relief.
Captain futile concludes his report as
follows: "At a conference with Governor
Brady of Alaska, j. +. Evans, special agent
Of the treasury; DR.. Sheldon Jackson and
myself, in reference to the deplorable con-
dition of the natives north of Unalaska, it
was decided that relief must at once be af
forded them they would perish from
cold and starvation during the coming win
ter. I offered to fill the Bear with what
ever could be procured to distribute north
of Cape Prince of Wales. Special Agent
Evans at once ordered a load, which was
put on board. l also steamed to Unalaklik
to get some stores to be puS on board
Capt. futile says he is going to make an
other trip north to distribute the few
things that Were received and to attend to
government business. He reports that the
natives are thoroughly demoralized through
their condition and fright and superstition.
This is the time they should be securing
their winters supply of food.
Capt. futile says that he believes that
If it were not for the little relief he is TAX
ing to them on the trip he is now making
there would not be 10 per cent of them
alive next June.
DIR. JacksOn's Report.
Dr. Sheldon Jackson. who is in charge of
the government reindeer stations In Alaska,
reports to Capt. futile that he has return
ed from a visit through the section of
Alaska around Port Clarence. He finds
that influenza Is epidemic along the entire
coast. He says: "Since you landed Rev.
Mr.. Breyig and family at Teller about a
month ago he reports that fully one-half
the Eskfmos around the station have died.
Eleven have died during the last week. In
some cases whole families have disappear
ed. In others the parents and some of the
children have died. leaving young children
orphans with no relatives to care for them.
THE salmon are running in their waters.
but there are not a sufficient number Of well
people to catch them and thus provide food
for the present and next winter. The raw
ages Of the disease have been SO great that
q panic has seized the native population,
and the dead are left unburied In the
houses In his desperation one who died q
few hours afterward of the Influenza shot
and killed the 'shaman.' The Indian doc
tor was himself sick and would probably
have died in q day or two II he had not
been shot,,