Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1910-04-14

Der there are few II any animals left
on the islands. They remain away
until the following spring. the first
arrivals usually appearing about May
and the last the latter part OF June
or July l.
At the time of the discovery Of
these islands by the Russians fur
seal, sea otter, walrus, sea lions
and foxes were found In almost
unlimited numbers The killing Of
all these species of animals proceeded
with wanton prodigality from 1855
until 1885, when the fur herd was re-
duced to less than 100000. A closed
season was established on the islands
from 1885 to 1850 during which
period only 30 many seals were killed
as were necessary to furnish food and
clothing for the natives, while the kill
ing Of females was prohibited entirely.
AS result of these drastic meas
ures. the herd was gradually rehabili-
tated, and during the first 20 years Of
American possession 100000 male
seals were killed annually for COM
mercial purposes. From 1889 to 1909.
both inclusive, there have been killed
up the islands about 5,100,500 seals.
Since 1870 over 100000 skins,
yielding a revenue to the government
of over $10,000.000, have been killed
and shipped from the islands.
The natives living upon the islands
are not the Least interesting of its
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
simple. kindly people, with whom
the whites have never had any trouble.
Policemen are unknown on the 10
lands. 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 them
selves. There Is no misery or desti-
tuition among them, each family living
in snug frame dwelling which ia
plainly but neatly furnished. The san.
itary arrangements Of the villages are
carefully looked after by the officials
Of the government and the company.
After the islands became a part a
the United States the natives gradu-
ally discarded the old Russian Coz
tunes and now all dress like ordinary
Americans. Some of the women have
developed excellent seamstresses. A
few of the islanders have substantial
sums to their credit, upon which they
draw interest
The women are great gossips. Both
women and men make and receive
calls on their saints days. and az
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 passionately fond OF
butter, and are also great lovers OF
sweet crackers and canned fruit. A
tremendous quantity of tea Is brewed
and drunk every year. Their samo
'oas oAAN NSo hCNliCb VI ftnCAACdh luhhe
are bubbling and boiling from the mo
ment the housewife stirs herself al
daylight 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 limo
cent. the Russian bishop of Alaska
and during his visits little work ID
done, all being busy feasting and at
tending services in the church or hav
ing professions along the one street
each village boasts. In these process
sions the priests, acolytes and sing
ers are all dressed In handsome robes
and all carry crosses, ikons and ban
ners.
Weddings and christenings are 90
casions 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.