Norwich bulletin., 1921-03-10
opp INCIpENTs IS AMERICAN
 HISTORY
Whsp Alaska Rssspe orr Property.

Although Alaska is 9ur only remain ing territory pn the Western He1ni- sphere and we recognize it's great im- portance as g part of this country, purchased by us as recently as 1S6l, Yet very little is known ef the early history of the northwestern arm of the United States. On account of it's isolation and it's barren condition Alaska vas practically unknown to us up to half a eentury ago.
 It was in 1741 that Alaska was dis covered by a Russian expedition un- der Boring. Small settlements began f6 be made, but none of much conse- aaehce until 1888, when the territory was granted to a Russo American fur company by the Emperor Paul VIII, ana the charter was renewed in 18SS. It was not until after the Ameri- can purchase that portions of the ter ritory began to be explored and made into divisions, particularly by the Russo American Telegraph Company, who went there in order to survey an overland telegraph route to Europe. As early as 1859 there were unofh- : ciaF nications between the Rus sian and American Governments on the subject of the sale of Alaska by 1 the former to the latter. Russia was more than willing to part with a piece of territery which she found difficult fo defend in war, and the interests 1 connected with the fisheries and fur I trade in the Northwest were disposed I to promote the transfer. l In March. 1867, definite negotiations on the subject were opened by the | Russian minister at Washington, and
 on the 2sd of that month he received l from Secretary Seward an offer, sub l ta ha S7. .2eo, 600, on condition that the cession l be free and unencumbered by any observations, privilege, franchises l grants or possessions by an associ l ated companies, whether corporate ol
 incorporate; Russian or any other"
 Two days later an answer was re- l turned, stating that the minister be- liexed himself authorized to accept those terms. On the 2Sth final instruc- lions were received from St. Peters burg. On the same day a note wa! I Addressed by the minister to the Sec \ EetAry of State, informing him that thu il CzAr consented to the cession of Rus sian America for the stipulated sum il l gola. treaty was signed by the two partie without further negotiation. In Ma. the treaty was ratified and on Jun II 2N, 1887, the usual proclamation wa
 issued by the President of the Unite' 1 states.
 On the 18th of October the forma
 transfer of the property was made a Sitla, Gen. Rousseau taking possessio , ia the name of the United State:
 For seventeen years after the pur
 chase of Alaska Congress took no ac 3 ton regarding the acquired territor! l save to protect financial interest," Murder, rapine and lawlessness fol
 lowed and the citizens if Sitka in on extremity appealed for aid to Britis ' Columbia, and after a time were pro - tectsd by the British navy.
 Finally, on Mar. r, 1884, the laws (
 Oregon were extended to Alaska. whie Il l authorized Governor. establishe tI District Courts and commissioner created land districts, provided fo
 scheols, etc. Where moral obligation
 failed material interests prevaile The discovery of gold ard the influx t mines imRelled Congress to act, an . On May t4, 1898, railway right wei
 granted.
 On March 5, 1899. thirty-two year L. after the cession, Congress ga, k Alaska it's final penal code of crimin \ ProesAure, drawn from the statut F Sf gregsn. The Act of June S. 1se
 providing for civil government, mat
 itbe Territory a civil and judicial di 70 trict, and established the seat of go, l. ernment at Juneau. It enlarged u ,r powers of the G9yerner and oth 7 Civil officials, provided for Distri
 Courts for each of the three judic .+ divisions of Alaska. for public recorf ' confirmed the rights of lands actual ls used by Indians, schools and mission F provided for secondary education al
 established g system of licenses on
 classfs of business.
 . Since May :, 19be, when Alaska " .g ssnized as Territory" it h <, feRrssentatien through delegate ssf Congress. While the Territory ns
 has executive and julical officers, is with8ut any legislative body, a '. \. so dsRenas on Congress for all la