The daily morning journal and courier., 1904-04-30

5000. Dr. Jackson. in the revenue cutter Thetis, commanded by Capt. M. A. Healy tan enthusiastic and intelli- gent helper in the business, sailed along the Siberian coast for 1.500 miles before he was able to obtain reindeer from the Siberians, who re- fused to sell. although they owned large herds. They feared competition, and had besides a superstitious dread of dealing with strangers. However, about 200 were secured. Then Lieuten- ant Bertholf entered Siberia from Europe in 1894, and after several months of travel on sleds entered the reindeer country and purchased 200 more which he finally landed in Alaska. As they were imported they were placed in the Government stations, from which they were distributed to the missionary schools and settlements.
 Tn these schools the Eskimos are ap- prenticed to the reindeer industry for a period of five years. The Govern ment can recall the deer it has loaned to the missionary station or it will re- ceive the same number it has loaned, leaving to the station all of the in crease. In our missionary station there are now about 1000 animals, and some of these are given to the Eskimos in payment of wages when they are known to be reliable in the care and use of them. It may be regarded as a crude plan of education, but it raises far above his original state. The graduates of the school will be able to feed and clothe themselves and to furnish food to the white inhabitants. Moreover, as reindeer teansters they will command good and even high wages. A few Siberians were imported to instruct the natives in the care and use of the animals. They proved to be ignorant and unsatisfactory. Lapland- CTS were then tried.
 The reindeer school is now well es- tablished in Alaska. There are already over 6000 in the territory, and they are increasing rapidly. The Govern cational one only and not as com mercial venture spends $25000 a year lin developing it. The Bureau of Edu- cation hopes to see a herd of 5000 anil mals at each of the 3S missionary settlement. It is believed that 1O,0O0,- GOO deer can be fed, and vast food supply created for the Pacific coast and even for the Central States. It is un- fortunate, however, that the Russian Government, with it's narrow com mercial policy, is now discouraging the export of reindeer from Siberia. There lis no danger of decreasing the herds, but there is some fear that it might en- courage a rival business. This atti- tude of Russia will, however, prevent the growth of the industry in Alaska
 The capacity of the reindeer for team work is remarkable. His hoofs are very broad and do not penetrate the |snow crusts. His average weight is about 400 pounds. He will swiftly draw sled carrying 600 pounds, and with this load can cover 30 50 and even 90 miles day. When used in relays 50 miles apart, reindeer can transport the mails at the rate Of 200 miles day. This speed is equal to that of many steamboats. The reindeer teams now carry the mails from Kotzebue to Point Barrow, a distance of $50 miles, the most northerly post route in the world. Where dogs are used extra sleds are necessary to carry the fish which furnishes food for the dogs. No food is carried for the deer. At the end of his journey, or at any stopping place, he is turned loose and at once breaks through the snow to the white moss. It costs nothing to feed him. As the white settlements increase in the mineral-bearing parts of the Territory, and in many places remote from rail- way and steamboat transportation, the reindeer express will be one of the most important factors in territorial life. Over thousands of square miles of snow-covered areas innumerable teams will race. burdened with pas sengers and freight. Owing to the large snowdrifts it is hardly possible that any known form of transportation will take its place. If the mineral in- dustry continues to grow s50,000 teams of reindeer will not supply the needs of the inhabitants. "Sleepers' on sleds will be used and passenger will re- pose as quietly in one as in a Pull man.-Southern Workman.