In answer to a Senate resolution of January 7, 1879, copies of portions of the report of William Gouverneur Morris, special agent of the Treasury Department, in regard to the condition of the public service, resources, &c., of Alaska Territory.

FEBRUARY 4, 1879.-Referred to the Committee on Commerce and ordered to be

printed.

TREASURY DEPARTMENT,

OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY,

Washington, D. C., February 3, 1879. SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of a resolution of the Senate, dated the 7th ultimo, directing that this department communicate to the Senate, if not incompatible with the public service, the report of William Gouverneur Morris, special agent of the Treasury Department, recently submitted, in regard to the condition of the public service, resources, &c., of Alaska Territory.

The report has been examined, and the portion which is deemed to be of public interest is herewith transmitted. The portions omitted are mainly the recommendations made by Mr. Morris which require immediate action by this department.

Portions of the report indicate the necessity for the adoption of some legislation for the better protection of the inhabitants of the Territory and the preservation of law and order, as well as the necessity for some system of land records in that Territory by which titles to real estate may be perfected.

Very respectfully,

Hon. WM. A. WHEELER,

Vice-President.

JOHN SHERMAN,

Secretary.

OFFICE SPECIAL AGENT OF THE

TREASURY DEPARTMENT, TWELFTH DISTRICT,

Port Townsend, Washington Territory, November 25, 1878.

SIR: For the past two years and more I have made Alaskan matters my especial study, and have devoted much time and patient attention to gathering all available information relating to that unexplored region.

Since the acquisition of the Territory, in 1868, no adequate steps have been taken by the government to properly acquire any definite knowledge of its geography, topography, ethnology, or natural resources. To the Smithsonian Institution are we principally indebted for such meager scientific information as has not been the direct result of the hardy and adventurous prospecters, who have penetrated its inaccessible cliffs and mountainous retreats in search of mineral treasure. Added to this, must be mentioned the reports of Elliott, Dall, and Whymper, of the Russian Telegraph Expedition, and books and maps prepared by the United States Coast Survey, relating principally to the coast and harbors. These sum up about all the written knowledge we have of Alaska of to-day, save what can be gained from occasional contributions to newspapers, and by contemporaneous testimony furnished those who have explored its depths, and who, by dint of hard work, industry, and untold hardships, have demonstrated that Alaska is not the "desert watery waste" hitherto supposed to be, and that instead of it being only fit for polar bears to live in, it has, if properly protected and nurtured by the government, a, bright and useful future before it.

It is not purposed in this communication to make any reference to the works of older writers, which have been published about Alaska before its acquisition by the United States. When the treaty was before the Senate, the Hon. Charles Sumner ably reviewed its history, and presented an elaborate and interesting description of the Territory. The Hon. William H. Seward was most enthusiastic, as is well known, in the negotiation of the purchase, and has contributed valuable and lasting information concerning its resources.

I shall only deal with the present condition of affairs; what development has been produced during the past two years, the present status of the country, and more particularly since its abandonment by the War Department. In fine, not Alaska of the past, but Alaska of the present, as she now stands, utterly desolate and all forlorn, unprotected in the extremest sense of the word, weeping at the doors of Congress, and begging that her citizens may be permitted to enjoy the blessings of freedom, and be protected in their lives, liberty, and pursuit of happi

ness.

Being deeply interested in the promotion of the advancement of this neglected region, it occurred to me forcibly, that perhaps by being personally present at the seat of government during the last session of Congress I might be able to mature some plan of action which would receive the sanction of the department and facilitate the necessary legislation. It had also occurred to me that if proper representations were made, Congress might be induced to make the requisite appropriation for a scientific exploration of the country. Having also been unofficially informed that the honorable Secretary had advised the abolition of the customs-district of Alaska, based upon a report said to have been furnished by Col. Henry C. De Ahna, late collector at Sitka, I thought my presence in Washington, where I could converse with the Secretary and present my views to the proper committee of Congress, might be conducive to the public good, and so, instead of making written report, I addressed the department the following letter:

SPECIAL AGENCY TREASURY DEPARTMENT, Victoria, B. C., January 9, 1878. SIR: Since the withdrawal of the military from Alaska, that Territory has been practically without any government or protection whatever, save the occasional presence of a vessel of the revenue marine.

I have endeavored to keep the department advised of the state of affairs in that

locality to the best of my knowledge, and very satisfactory result has been obtained with the limited means and jurisdiction at its command.

The opinion, however, is respectfully ventured that some additional legislation is needed for that Territory, and a report has already been rendered in reference to the importation of spirituous and vinous liquors.

As previously advised, I am collecting the requisite data and information for the presentation of some reflections upon the proposition to abolish the whole customs district of Alaska, a measure which can only result in great loss to the revenue.

Since my incumbency as special agent, August 6, 1874, a great deal of my time and attention has been directed to the wants and resources of this, to-day, almost unknown region.

I am not prepared at present to charge directly any persons with a deliberate intent to undervalue the natural wealth of Alaska, and prevent its settlement and civilization, but that there is an undercurrent at work to belittle the purchase and decry the acquisition from Russia as worthless and a desert watery waste, is patent to all those who have the good weal and interest of the Territory at heart, and who have made explorations there, and who are cognizant there lie in Alaska immense fields of undeveloped mineral wealth, which only require the fostering care of the government to make valuable to mankind.

For more than two years have I endeavored to impress upon the department the substantial result which would ensue from a thorough inspection of that country by an officer of this agency, not only to thoroughly overhaul the customs force, location of officers, suggest changes, &c., but to collect all useful information practicable in regard to its mineral wealth, fisheries, timber-growth, and other natural resources.

It may safely be stated there is not a single vessel in the revenue marine which is properly built and large enough to enter upon a lengthened cruise in Alaskan waters. If the Treasury Department is to alone exercise control and jurisdiction over Alaska, necessity exists for the immediate construction of a suitable steamer.

As I have made the whole subject a study for years, it has occurred to me the presentation of my views might have some weight with the Department and Congress, especially with the delegation from this coast. Personal presence in Washington would, in my judgment, be of practical benefit, hence I have the honor to submit most respectfully to the honorable Secretary the propriety of directing me to report there in person for that purpose.

There are also many other matters touching department affairs on this coast which I am satisfied a visit from myself to the seat of government will improve and better the interests of the public service. A precedent for this was established while Secretary Boutwell was in office. He ordered my immediate predecessor, C. A. Morrill, special agent, to report in person at Washington for consultation in reference to custom matters on the Pacific coast.

My address will hereafter be San Francisco.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

Hon. JOHN SHERMAN,

Secretary of Treasury, Washington, D. C.

To which the department made this reply:

WM. GOUVERNEUR MORRIS,

Special Ag.nt..

TREASURY DEPARTMENT, OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY, Washington, D. C., February 12, 1878. SIR: Your letter of the 9th ultimo was duly received, in regard to matters in the Territory of Alaska, and suggesting that some additional legislation is needed for the better protection of that Territory.

For the purpose of more thoroughly explaining your views in regard to matters within the Territory of Alaska, you request permission to report to this department in person.

I have given the subject-matter of your letter due consideration, and can see no practical good to be accomplished by your personal visit beyond that which could be accomplished by a statement of your views in writing.

I have therefore to suggest that whatever views or considerations you may have to urge upon the department in the matter may be submitted in writing and forwarded at an early day.

Very respectfully,

JOHN SHERMAN,

Secretary.

WILLIAM G. MORRIS, Esq.,

•Special Agent, Treasury Department, San Francisco, Cal.

In conformity with these instructions, I at once proceeded to compile the material on hand and gather all available information which could be ascertained without personal visit to Alaska, and so notified the department on March 14, 1878. While so engaged, I received an important report from the deputy collector at Wrangel, which was immediately transmitted to the department, with a strong indorsement to the effect that Mr. Dennis "be sustained in his manly and energetic efforts to enforce peace, law, and order." Said report is in the words and figures following, to wit:

CUSTOM-HOUSE, WRANGEL, ALASKA, Deputy Collector's Office, February 23, 1878.

SIR: In reply to your letter under date of the 26th ultimo, I have the honor to say that the condition of affairs here is daily growing worse.

As set forth in a former report, I have inaugurated a war of extermination on whisky makers and law breakers. I have not taken this step willingly, neither without carefully considering the consequences. Circumstances forced me to assume authority, and, having assumed authority, I propose to have the same respected and obeyed. The liquor business here has brought whites and Indians to that point wherein bloodshed was apprehended and feared. Both white men and Indians appealed to me to act, and I did so. The destroying of liquor and stills found among the whites I can do without any help outside the customs force; but to attend to the vast numbers of Indians that are now here and who are daily arriving I had to have assistance. Several of the Stickine Indians volunteered to help me, and I accepted their services, giving them the authority to search for and destroy liquor whenever found among Indians. The authority vested in these (my policemen, as they are termed) caused jealousy among the non-church going Indians and liquor makers. A great howl and commotion was kicked up whenever they attempted to search for Liquor, and in many instances threats were made and resistance shown.

When I commenced the war on whisky, I informed all Indians that in future the guilty should be punished, and that whoever interfered or resisted the authority of those who I had authorized to assist me would also be punished. On January 24 twenty canoes loaded with Indians arrived at this port from Tar-koo; in one canoe was found one-half gallon of whisky, the owner of which I fined two blankets, which was paid. On February 1 a Stickine Indian intefered with my policemen. I cited him to appear at my office and he refused. Therefore I have him booked, and whenever I have any backing I am going for him. Shustack, a chief of the Stickines, and a very bad Indian, talked of shooting in case his premises were searched. I politely informed him that I could not be bluffed, and if he desired to make any disturbance I was ready at any time; that I would search his premises whenever I suspected he has liquor, and so I will, be the consequences what they may.

There is a lot of contemptible white men here who are inciting the Indians to resist my authority, thinking thereby they can scare me off the track, but they have mistaken their man.

These same contemptible curs will soon be on their way to the mines; and if they could cause a conflict between me and the Indians that would bring blood, they would exult over the same.

On February 18, while I was at Sitka, nine canoes arrived at this port from Auk. In one canoe was found a half gallon of whisky, and the owner was fined by Mr. Militich, the inspector, two blankets, which was paid.

While my policemen were searching the canoes a Tar-koo Indian came out of his hut and attempted to kill one of the policemen. He snapped the cap twice, and the gun would not go off. Mr. Militich cited the offender to appear before him, and as a punishment demanded his canoe. This he refused to surrender, whereupon he was informed that he would be tied to a post. Not relishing the idea of being tied up, he said he would surrender his canoe, which was done. On my return from Sitka I cited this Indian to appear before me, and he refused to appear, sending word that if I desired to see him I could call at his house. I thereupon sent him word that his canoe is forfeited. He said he would come and take it away, and I notified him that I will shoot the first Indian that attempts to touch it, and so I will.

While I was at Sitka another thing occurred at this port that puts to shame anything that has happened heretofore. A gang of rowdies and bummers have, for the past three months, been in the habit of getting on a drunken spree, and then at midnight going about the town making most hideous noises imaginable, disturbing everybody, and insulting those who complain of these doings. On the night of February 16 the incarnate devils started out about midnight, and, after raising a commotion all over town, visited a house occupied by an Indian woman, gave her whisky that made her beastly drunk, and then left. Shortly after their departure the house occupied by the woman was discovered to be in flames, and ere any assistance could

be rendered the poor woman was burned to death. The burning house being so near to the custom-house, the people had great difficulty in preventing it from being burned.

Now, sir, unless we have some power here very soon that will drive terror to the hearts of all contemptible white men and insulting Indians, trouble will occur of a serious nature.

At present there are about two hundred and fifty white men here awaiting the Stickine River to become good traveling; and unless it should grow colder than it has been thus far the ice will not become good, and miners will have to wait till the opening of the river, which will be two months. In such an event nearly a thousand men will be congregated here, and they, mixing with two thousand Indians, with plenty of whisky, what may we expect?

Is it policy for me to let white men and Indians understand that I have no legal right to interfere in the liquor traffic? No, sir; that would be the worst thing that ever happened. Should I stop raiding on whisky-makers, in twenty-four hours thereafter the town and Indian village would be flooded and would be to pay. In the absence of all law and order, when the people were excited and crazed with liquor, and when we all expected a conflict between bad white men and law-abiding Indians, at the request of a few good citizens and Indians, I stepped to the front and announced that I could and would preserve peace and good order in defiance of all opposition. Notwithstanding the slurs, insults, and vile abuse heaped upon me by a set of bummers, and notwithstanding the resistance shown by Indians to my authority, I have not weakened, but become more determined. All I ask is that I may be supported in my efforts by whatever assistance or authority that is sent here. I have taken the names of all Indians that have bucked against my authority, and I expect them to be punished in some way. If not, then there is no use for me to try to execute the laws, for if an Indian resists my authority in one instance he will in another.

One of the Indians who has interfered with my efforts to stop the liquor traffic has in his house two bales of English blankets that he smuggled into this port last summer. Have I not the authority to seize them? Whenever a war vessel or other power comes here I intend to make a raid for blankets unless otherwise directed. If you think it advisable, I will take them at any time, war vessel or no vessel.

Another thing I think would be advisable for the department to do in case a war vessel comes here, and that is to compel all bad Indians who are located here temporarily to pull up stakes and go to their own homes. There are plenty of Indians here that belong to other tribes, and who are staying here solely for the purpose of trafficking in liquor. They should be sent away, and informed that if they return they will be punished.

The fines that I have imposed on Indians I propose to turn over to the mission school at this place to be used for church purposes, unless the department should disapprove of my actions and order them refunded. In such an event, I would be compelled to resign my position, inasmuch as I nor any man can, under the present state of affairs, execute the customs laws faithfully without assuming certain authority not conferred by the statutes. The policy of the government towards Alaska has been a disgrace.

Instead of encouraging immigration and a development of the resources of this country, the policy has been to discourage enterprise and keep capital from being invested in the Territory. I trust, however, that Alaska's darkest days are past. The present prospects bespeak a bright future. Moneyed men have at last come to the conclusion that Alaska is a good field to operate in, and her resources will the coming season receive a thorough test. A company, with a capital of $100,000, has located at Clawock, and have commenced erecting buildings necessary for a large canning establishment. The steamer California this last trip landed for the company at Clawock 120 tons of freight, and has contracted to land there within the next three months 300 tons more. Among the freight landed this last trip were 50 tons of tin. All of which looks like business. At Sitka, the quartz mines look well and encouraging. I understand that mills have been ordered for these mines, and that work will commence in earnest as soon as spring opens.

At Schuck, in Alaska, 70 miles up the coast from this port, are placer gold mines, that gave employment last season to about thirty men, who all make good wages. At the present time there are about twenty men there at work, and more will go thither Aside from the placer mines in the Schuck district, rich veins of quartz have been found and are now being tested. With all these facts before us, is it strange that we demand law and order to be extended over this country?

soon.

The people who are now endeavoring to develop the resources of this Territory demand that they be protected in life, property, and their lawful pursuits. It remains to be seen what will be done in the premises by Congress.

I have to lay before you the following: Mr. Millitich, the deputy who was stationed at Tongass, being ordered to this port, the place was unoccupied by any one. This office has been informed that a trader from Naas River, British Columbia, by the