village have been known to break with stones stained glass windows of churches not occupied; hence we cannot expect too much from these halfnaked savages. In fact, under all the circumstances, I do not think they have stolen any more than the same number of white men and boys would. The great thing to be feared in permitting petty thieving and intrusion of this kind is that it emboldens the Indian to greater outrage when he becomes intoxicated, for he attributes his immunity from punishment to fear of him by the white man. An Indian never credits us with any magnanimity of feeling for not punishing him with death and perpetrating upon prisoners all sorts of barbarities and atrocities. These exemptions and the rules of civilized warfare all are summed up by the Indian in one word-fear. Illustration 8 gives a very fair idea of the present custom-house, with flagstaff and troops drawn up in front. This is a very commodious and comfortable building, far better than in one-half of the small ports of the country; is in pretty good repair, and will be occupied by the collector and his family. To the right are the barracks formerly occupied by the troops and now used for school purposes. In the rear of the custom-house, on the summit of the hill, will be seen a front view of "The Castle." This was the residence of the Russian nobility, and here resided for many years Prince Maksoutof, who dispensed true princely hospitality. The ball and reception room bears evidence of having at one time been tastefully decorated and a very grand affair. The foun dation of the building is fast giving way. Illustration No. 9 presents the rear view of the Greek church and front view of the old Russian club-house. Illustration No. 10 gives a front view of the church and Main street and a portion of the old military parade-ground. No. 11 shows a group of Indians on the rocks at Sitka. The Greek church is now under the charge of the Rev. Nicholas I. Metropolsky, a Russian priest. It was, until quite lately, the cathedral church of the Pacific coast. It is cruciform in architecture and is in a good state of preservation. The interior bears evidence of wealth and taste. There are several rare and valuable paintings on the walls. One beautiful representation of the Madonna peculiarly attracted my eye. The decorations of the altar are rich and the carvings are creditable. Valuable silver ornaments exist and the church service is expensive. The sacerdotal vestments are of heavy cloth of the finest texture and tastefully embroidered in gold. A beautiful hat, worn by the archbishop, attracted my attention, having an exquisite malachite cross of rare value in front. All the surroundings have been supplied at great expense. When Sitka was in the height of her glory this sanctuary was thronged by officers of the army and navy, government officials and some of Russia's proudest nobles; but now a general gloom pervades her church property as well as the whole place. The condition of the Russians and their descendants to-day in Sitka is truly lamentable. They exist in a most pitiable state of poverty; in fact, most of them are in absolute want. They are subjected to all kind of ill treatment and contumely by the Indians. They have no means of livelihood save what the sea brings forth and small patches of cultivated ground. There are no enterprises which furnish employment for their labor, and save a few who are working in some of the mines, and others who have means, the majority are in a state of starvation. These people are, at least, entitled to protection. There are a few who are in better circumstances and who own property and are in busi |