Douglas Island news., 1902-10-08
As Others See Us.

purchased, March, 1867, it was looked upon as field producing icebergs and polar bear. It is so considered today, by the North, East and South. The average Fastener thinks of this garden of wealth as barren, fruitless, mount ainous waste. After all, for one to master geography and history, one must travel, see the ground, and watch the drama of history as it is enacted upon the stage of time. Erroneous opinions regarding countries and peoples rob one of much joy, numberless fortunes and great truths. Ignorance or preJu- dice narrows the brain and contracts life's horizon.
 Alaska, one of the wisest and most profitable purchases ever made by the United States! Immortal be the name of William H. SewardI Upon Alaska's glory his case for eternal fame can be safely rested. From scenic point of view Alaska is unequalled. As man touches it's hundreds of islands and upon them builds cities, the homes of comfort and the magnificent resorts of Europe will fade in comparison to the wonders and beauties of Alaska. Its rivers and mountains, lakes and fields demand recognition and it's scenery compels and inspires universal admi- ration. Barring a few sections that fur nish rare exceptions, the climate of AL aska is delightful. healthful and invit- ing. The summers are ideal and con- fortable. Eastern and Southern people find it, physically and intellectually, profitable as a summer resort. Words are inadequate to express the grandeur of an Alaskan sunset. Perhaps those who have seen the midnight-sun realize something of the awe-inspiring scene. You stand entranced, lost in thought and divine reverence. The golden tints indicate the hidden treasure of every mountain, and the long twilights make real the music and beauty of fairy-dom.
 The natives of Alaska are docile, fru- gal and companionable. The white population represents the brain and skill of America. Men have gone there from all states. There are many col lege bred men in the different fields. As rule all the white people are re- fined, cultured, industrious and happy.
 They are men and women, possessed of the material of which heroes and heroines are made. They left loved ones and native state for their far-away homes, but they did not lose the caste and culture of their parental roof, and have built for themselves homes as refined and happy as those left. The schools and churches are in the front, moulding civilization, lifting the minds of all the people, and, are producing, out of the natives, righteous, self-gov- erning people. The scholastic work done by Rev. Sheldon Jackson is of incalculable value to Alaska, and will become monumental contribution to civilization, in general. Many of our denominations have churches and every pulpit is filled by a eoneecrated earnest minister who breaches the pure gospel. The Presbyterians lead in mission work. They have more schools and man more fields than all other denominations. The church is the pioneer in all coun- tries and must precede the flag of all lands.
 Alaska, sgriculturaIly can be, and will soon be, self-sustaining. The fin est wheat grown in the world is produc- ed upon it's soil. The grain is firm, full and the quality and quantity meet the most exacting demands. Oats, corn, clover, potatoes, and, in fact, nearly everything one wants, is, and can be grown in Alaska In very short time her products will be in our markets. You will find nineteen varieties of ber- ries, all edible but two kinds, and they may be, analysis not having been com pleted. Vegetables grow luxuriantly and flowers thrive. Our Alaska will become a great stock country. Cows, pigs, horses and mules could be raised proftably. The timber forests are in- exhaustible, and only await the whis. tie of the mill and the music of the saw. The many and varied resources of Alaska are as inviting as her gold fields. She cost the United States ST. 100000, and has put into our treasury