Omaha daily bee., 1909-11-14

sea lions and foxes were found
In almost unlimited numbers. The killing
OF all these species Of animals proceeded
with wonton p%rodigality from 1Tss until
1895. when the fur seal herd was reduced
to less than 600. OO0. A closed season was
established on the islands from 1885 to
iS45-5O. during which period only such
seals were killed as were necessary to
furnish food and clothing for the natives.
" hile the killing Of females was prohibited
entirely.
As a result Of these drastic measures
the herd was gradually rehabiitated. and
during the first twenty years OF American
possession 10000 young male seals were
killed annually for commercial purposes.
From 1885 to 1900. both inclusive. there
have been kined In the islands. about
5.1o0.5oO seals. Since 1870 over 2.5OO.OOO skins
yielding a revenue to the government Of
over so, 1000 600, have been killed and ship
ped from the islands.
The natives living upon the islands are
not the least interesting Of It's inhabitants.
They are Aleuts. being members OF the
race living upon the Aleutian chain. from
which they were brought originally by the
Russians to aid IN killing the seals. They
are a simple. kindly people, with whom the
whites have never had any trouble. Police
men arc unknown on the islands. and would
have no work to do II they were present.
The people are exceedingly polite and
civil. not only in their intercourse with
the whites, but among themselves. There
Is no misery or restitution among them.
each family living in a snu frame dwell
ing which is plainly but neatly furnished.
The sanitary arrangements Of the villages
are carefully looked after by the officials
of the government and the company.
American Dress in Vogue.
After the islands became a part Of the
United States, the natives gradually dis
carded the old Russian costumes and now
all dress like ordinary Americans. Some
Of the women have developed into excel
lent seamstresses. A few OF the islanders
have substantial sums to their credit upon
the company's books upon which they
draw interest,
The women are great gossips. Both
women and men make and receive calls
on their saints days, and as these are
numerous, social intercourse is generally
active. Most OF them give dinners on the
anniversary of their birthday.
Seal meat is the principal food OF all,
They are p~assionately fond OF butter and
are also lovers of sweet crackers and
canned fruits. A tremendous quantity of
tea is brewed and drunk every year. Their
samovars and tea kettles of American
max are bubbling and boiling from the
moment the housewife stirs herself at
daybreak until the fire goes out when they
sleep.
They are practically all members Of the
Russian church and both st. Paul and st.
George have churches OF this faith and
resident priests. Every year or so they are
visited by Bishop Innocent, the Russian
bishop of Alaska, and during his visit
but little work is done, all being busy
feasting and attending services in the
church or having professions along the
one street each village boasts. In these
professions the priests, acolytes and sing
ers are all dressed in handsome robes and
all carry crosses. Icons and banners.
Weddings and c~hristenings are occasions
Of especial significance in the church life
and are also celebrated with feasting and
merrymaking in the homes after the
church portion is over with.