USA > Alaska > Alaska, its neglected past, its brilliant future > Part 13
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once for all and the great international law which opened Bering Sea extends its justice around the globe. The three mile limit, really so mentioned be- cause it was a descriptive clause to the expression "a cannon shot," has at last, after hundreds of years of tacit legality, become a fixed line of demarkation, inside of which each nation has a right to protect its property and to demand indemnity for the infringe- ment of its prerogative over everything contained therein. Did the Commission lose sight of the fact that a modern cannon shot has multiplied the distance from shore to twice or thrice three miles? Can it be possible that in war an attacking vessel may not be bombarded from the coast until she has reached the three mile line? If so what country may not have her sea board devastated, her ports laid in ruins, her coast towns swept from existence? Surely the so- called Bering Sea decision has opened the way to other discussion in comparison with which sealing is trivial. Under the three mile limit, a coast city is helpless after the blockading squadron has stationed itself in front. At any provocation the vessels' guns could soon devastate the city, while modern cannon, which should, by right of ancient custom, have marked the line from shore, would send missiles far beyond the blockading fleet, leaving it to carry on the destruction almost unmolested. In such light it must be conceded that there must be some grand international contro-
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versy toward ratifying a limit compatible with the progressive science of this later century. Conceded that the United States practically gained the point concerning the live property in Bering Sea, still her dignity as a nation has been impugned in that she claimed that to which she was not entitled according to the Commission on Arbitration.
Now it is her prerogative to bring every point into view upon which she based that claim. Did she not pay indemnity to Canada for the bait taken by her fisher- men within three miles of the Canadian coast? Does she not know that England has controlled, without molestation, the seas and channels upon which her group of islands lie? Did not Venice dominate the Adriatic, France the Bay of Biscay? England has forced the Hollanders to accede to her demand con- cerning the North Sea, in support of which the sea line was extended almost ad libitum.
Having obtained the courteous permission of Rus- sell Duane, Esq., to quote from his article bearing upon the subject in question, I find it peculiarly inter- esting.
This point is well explained in his article on the "Sayward Case." as follows: "History shows that large portions of the high seas were treated as lying within the territorial domains of different States, and that these restrictions have been but partially re- moved. As recently as the seventeenth century, pro-
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prietary rights were both claimed and exercised by Venice over the Adriatic, by France over the Bay of Biscay, by England over the British Channel and North Sea, and by Denmark over the broad stretch of ocean which lies between Iceland and the coast of Norway. Hall's International Law, page 126. These rights were not only conceded in practice, but in many instances they were sanctioned by treaty."
In fact, from certain uncontrovertible data cited by the same authority, a nation's jurisdiction has been, according to various circumstances, contracted to three miles, or elongated to "five, six, nine, twelve, fif- teen, sixty, ninety or one hundred miles. It has been measured by common range, and by two days' sail- ing," by the distance from shore touched by the line of the horizon, and by the soundings, which upon some coasts are subjected to annual changes from storms and tides.
Taking the quoted authority, as late as 1890, the legal regulations, regarding the pearl fisheries of Cey- lon, extend from six to twenty miles out to sea. Italy controls the sea in which the coral fisheries are located, as far out as fifteen miles from Sardinia, twenty-one and thirty-two miles from the southwest coast of Sicily. South America governs thirty miles from Panama, the French seven miles from the coast of Algiers and Mexico concedes six miles in its grants regarding pearl fisheries near Lower California, while
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Great Britain regulates the oyster fisheries off the coast of Ireland for twenty miles from land and the Scotch herring fisheries, thirty miles from the shore.
Norway dominates thirty-two miles for her whaling interests in the Arctic Ocean, and Russia claims for the hair sail industry a line of fifty-three miles from the shore in the White Sea.
This able international lawyer shows that the United States put forth all of these as support to her claim in the Bering Sea, yet in pursuance of all such proven facts, her plea was pronounced of no avail, and the jurisdiction of the Sea was withdrawn from her au- thority, consequently from that of Russia also, for it cannot be that one nation can hold possession of one- half of the body of water while the other goes free. The prescribed limit of sixty miles from the Pribylov Islands can never be cited as a case in point touching other questions of water territory, for the season in which she may hold that power is limited, and the vast area outside of the islands, though washing around these Alaskan Islands and along the north- western coast of Alaska has been pronounced free outside the three miles limit to all nations, except as a feeding area for mother seals, for sixty miles.
Suppose that a ranchman owning a great number of cattle, should allow them to wander over vast areas of unclaimed territory during certain seasons, could any one legally take possession of them? Would they
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not be his as truly as when they are in their own stock yards?
The Pacific in this case is equivalent to the prairie, the seals to cattle, and the United States must natur- ally be allowed equal rights of possession.
It follows then that without any further disputa- tion, United States vessels have a right to trade just outside of three miles from any coast without inter- vention. She paid thousands of dollars of indemnity once as a requirement, and she made such a sacrifice of money in extenuation of her honor as jeopardized by a few fishermen. The seals are to all intents and purposes protected, if England holds to her side of the arrangement. If not, the industry is once more endangered and the United States crippled by the limitation of her jurisdiction over them. Looking forward, as the matter now stands, sooner or later the animals are doomed.
So far as the limit concerns other seas, the United States is not at all likely to become aggressive, even though supported as she is by the new international law. Her vessels will not fish off the Irish or Scotch coasts, nor interfere with the old time jurisdiction over the pearl and coral beds. She simply stands corrected with regard to Bering Sea without any idea of retali- ation or disputation. But the lesson has sunk into the very core of the national heart, there to be held as a reminder of the verdict pronounced against her pre-
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rogatives as compared with those of her opponent in: the legal strife, and a mentor against giving voice to any such question again. With the utmost respect to every individual and nation represented in the Com- mission, the United States would not have submitted the matter to any party, however noble and true, had she not felt entirely satisfied that her claim would be supported. In pursuance of every dignified argument she was thwarted and left without the slightest sup- port to her platforms, as regards possession of the former Russian Sea. She is, however, now showing earnestly and consistently how her rights in the seal herds should be upheld.
And before very long a Pacific fleet of modern ves- sels, equipped for protection will doubtless patrol the ocean so far beyond the international limitation as to guard the coast and our islands. These guardians must extend their course up into the Sea, even to Bering Strait, the slender water way between Siberia and Alaska. For to-day the reindeer has become a most important object of commerce between two na- tions, and this must be most carefully guarded for the sake of the natives of both from whom the whale and walrus have been taken without any proper return. As the coast natives of the far north were almost entirely dependent upon those animals, not only for personal sustenance, but for traffic with the interior tribes, so must both parties now depend upon
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something else, and this demand seems undoubtedly to have been met in the reindeer. Therefore, we are ably supported in claiming that the growing indus- try, in the direction of these deers, should be very quickly and carefully protected by sound, properly manned and equipped vessels, whose presence alone will secure safety.
A warlike nation the United States will never prob- ably become, but a greater commercial power she must of necessity be, because of her increasing popu- lation and the demand made upon her industries for their support. With this eud in view, all adulteration in the manufacture of any article whatsoever, should be legislated against and made punishable by United States authority. Let every material, every manufac- tured article, whether wool or cotton, iron or steel, liquid or produce, be what they are represented, thus the country must be honored and the commerce aug- mented. When native wines are always found pure beyond question, even Italy and France will pur- chase. When canned goods are found to contain nothing but the best fruit and vegetables and other articles the demand from other countries will test the production, and very little will be left to sell cheaper at the end of the season.
By so dealing in nothing but the very best products, this country will one day be able to require interna- tional legislation regarding return articles of com-
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merce, and the whole world will be the better by fol- lowing the same method. We will then have pure goods for food and drink, first-class manufactures and no flaws in the important products used in the numerous industries upon which the millions depend for a livelihood. Let no imperfect productions go from any part of the Union unless they are so marked and the value set accordingly. Let no spurious imitation of a good article be placed on sale, unless its condition is acknowledged and its price made consistent with its worth. Aim at manufacturing such classes of every commercial item that the name alone shall be the watch word of its success. To attain this end every firm and every workman must take the motto-Make nothing but the best-and the day will come when every country -- even distant India and exclusive China-will turn to this country perfectly willing to make interchange of their best commercial productions for those made under the supervision of the United States, whose name alone will be the guarantee of their value. So long as the fur seals exist, the United States will be en- titled to her share of them. So by abiding by the legal practice of taking only the young males, the trade in furs must far surpass in value that engaged in by those who obtain the skins by pelagic sealing, and in such case the true owners will have the credit of the super- ior article. Thus even in that matter the best will be
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the standard, and the poorer furs will be practically forced from the market.
Having firmly established a true value status for all out-going articles, the reasonableness of a request for an international law regarding all commercial wares would be accepted and the interchange of noth- ing but standard goods permitted, while all adultera- tions, imitations and faulty articles would be retained in its producing country, thus carrying out in the commerce of the world a consistent quarantine against spurious goods or those of less value than their trade mark insured, just as we long ago advocated regard- ing international quarantine of contagious diseases, whereby the countries in which they emanate will re- tain them upon their own ground as strenuously as the nations of the earth will close their doors against their advent. So if each nation will send out none but the best goods for the value, and retain at home all others, and at the same time place a safe guard upon the health of the nations with which it holds communica- tion, by holding back contagion, the question of peace, plenty and national unity for right, will be answered to the honor and interest of all concerned.
CHAPTER XXXIII.
THE CLIMATE OF ALASKA-ITS HEALTHFULNESS.
T HE apparent contradictions shown by different writers upon the agricultural, atmospheric, cli- matic, and topographic conditions of Alaska may be readily explained by taking a panoramic view of the country, whose vastness alone is greatly the cause of seeming incongruities.
As we have taken occasion to mention in a previous chapter, the temperature of the southeastern coast and the adjacent islands is largely influenced by the Japan current-Kura siwo. Its warmth acts in such a manner as to force vegetation rapidly upon the is- lands, particularly upon their shores on the southern and western sides, and in like manner the southeastern margin of the mainland. Take Sitka as an example. The little city is situated on a fertile island, surrounded by a beautiful bay or sound. In Sitka there is no ex- treme of cold in winter, and though the snow falls heavily at times, it only lodges deeply on the over- looking peaks, where it remains in rifts and patches nearly all the year, but when it reaches the earth in the warm valleys it begins to melt almost immediately. Such places as that upon which the capital is built are therefore perennially green. For this reason it has
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been predicted that the grass grown plains, which slope down from the peaks and promontories, will one day produce the best grass and dairy cattle in the far North-West, the wild grasses grow in such luxuriance and profusion. Truth leads us to the pleasant task of repeating again and again that the islands and contig- uous mainlands of the archipelago are most exqui- sitely beautiful while the summer days of June, July and August make their loveliness fairly radiant, and at that time the climate is almost ideal, for those who are inclined to summer weather; but after that the perpetual humidity is quite objectionable, and very unsuitable for those whose health requires rather the dry, healing atmosphere of higher altitudes, or those more distant from the sea. At the same time that class of sufferers from pulmonary diseases, to whom the moist climate of the Gulf States would be ex- tremely benign, but for the danger from the malarious air and the extreme heat, would most probably find the surroundings of this portion of Alaska quite suitable to their condition. A great feature in favor of the several distinct climates of the Territory is the extraor- dinary purity of the atmosphere, from which the winds and snows of the mountains and glacier portions, and the rains of the coast country, wash out the par- ticles of dust and possible germs of most diseases. The consequence is that the days which are blest with sunshine are more wonderfully clear and radiant than
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in Italy itself. There being no dust, the blue of the sky and the colors of sunrise and sunset are prismat- ically pure and brilliant, giving not only to the eyes, but to the inmost soul a glimpse of loveliness.
It has been truthfully asserted that pulmonary and scrofulous diseases prevail among the natives but the country cannot be justly held accountable for these conditions. In the first place morality was at a very low ebb previous to the work of the missions and schools, and it still continues to be so except where their influence has made rapid progress toward a bet- ter state of affairs. In the second, their universally miserable manner of living-feasting one time, and almost starving the remainder of the year-greatly aided the development of imported, and probably in- nate disease. But the proof is to be seen that as they accept civilization with all of its improvements, clean- liness not the least important in the calendar, the gen- eral health is also benefited. Therefore, it is unjust to attribute to the climate those evils that in great part belong to the above mentioned causes.
With enlightenment comes to them the kind of food which will produce heat and development. With that there will develop more activity, and the esquimaux men, women and children once congregated in under- ground huts, with perpetually burning blubber, clog- ging their lungs and intellect, with only sufficient air to support life, will find themselves able to face the
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weather long enough at least, to take in sufficient ozone to energize and raise them a little above their former state. It must not be blamed upon the cold climate, that they have acquired and cultivated to an alarming fatality the disease germs that this very at- mosphere would destroy if permitted. Instead of the race being delicate, we should count it very hardy, having existed for ages under such adverse condi- tions. We believe that if these people are given warm houses in which to live, and proper food and fuel that their progeny will yet prove a great factor in the fu- ture prosperity of the country. That men and women can go from our Eastern and Middle States and not only exist, but prosper and grow fond of their sta- tions, even so far as the cold of the Arctic Circle, de- monstrates to what the natives may come, when their surroundings are made conducive to real human health and comfort. Properly protected, cold weather is not at all opposed to health. It rather braces and invigorates, when extremes of exposure and hardship are avoided, and met with careful regard to food and rest. The race for wealth must not drive humanity beyond its strength, which if husbanded would grow more enduring in this unvitiated atmosphere upon which neither smoke, impure dust, nor disease has as yet left a taint.
If men and women will inform themselves of their natural tendencies, with regard to lung, heart or other
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weaknesses, and by these be guided either to remain in the vernal, humid coast districts, or to climb into the rarified atmosphere of the snow capped mountains and glacier swept hills and mesas, there will be no higher death rate in Alaska than in any other coun- try with like topographic and atmospheric conditions.
Man has received the gift of intelligence and with its educated use he need not suffer inconvenience or illness in that naturally disease-proof land, whose very riches prove that it was not intended by its All- Wise Creator to remain forever an uncultivated waste. Why should it be so when even on the glacial mo- raines, wherever a patch of earth is visible, some flower or perhaps a berry bearing vine appears to grace the spot? Every traveler of note has remarked upon the luxuriant growth of flowers, grass and tim- ber, within the beautiful land, upon the one side, as they grow enthusiastic over its mountain grandeur on the other. Taking an impartial view of the climates of the several districts, or we say latitudes, of Alaska, to people who can dwell comfortably all the year round on the wind-swept, wave-washed, rain-drenched coast of Scotland, or on the wild coasts of our own Eastern States, Alaska, on its Pacific side, would be quite accommodating both as to temperature and barometer. Those who delight in swift changes would find them exquisitely suitable at Sitka, while Juneau being cooler is less humid. Besides its solid moun-
ALASKAN HUNTING IMPLEMENTS AND OTHER CURIOS.
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tain background greatly protects it from extremes. Inland, where the region of winter extends through more than half the year, there are no less desirable locations for, a grand city, or cities. The land upon which St. Petersburg is situated in frosty Russia, and the trades upon which the natives of Russia and Si- beria flourish would be equally prosperous here. In fine, if mankind will make wise selections with regard to health and business location, being careful to make no overestimate of his powers of endurance, there will soon be loud necessity for municipalities, instead of small, ill constructed villages. Let suitable homes and surroundings be provided before the magic greed of gold has stolen the energies and overtaxed both brain and heart and there will soon be progress and refinement, as well as wealth in the coming cities of Alaska, while her rich pastures and evanescent, but fruitful summer, assisted by her immense fishing inter- ests and augmented commerce, will provide abun- dantly for her increasing population.
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CHAPTER XXXIV.
MISSIONS.
F ROM the starting point at St. Michaels we find mission stations all along the route; cven up to the gold fields of the creeks in the source of the Great Yukon and all along its shores. Eighty miles north of the upper mouth, in Bering Sea, at St. Michaels, is one of the oldest missions, a Greek Catholic Church, established by the Russians.
A Greek Mission was formed at Kadiak in 1799, though a mission school was established in 1792. In 1823, Innocentius Veniaminoff took charge of a sta- tion, and to this day his name is revered among the people of the Greek Church. In 1869 the Russians claimed seven mission stations in the Territory with a membership of 12,140 members.
In 1877, Rev. Sheldon Jackson began a mis- sion at Fort Wrangel in the name of the Presbyterian Church. The indefatigable work of this man, for the benefit of Alaska, cannot be easily computed. Suffice it to say that there are now ten Presbyterian Stations, namely: Wrangel, Killisnoo, Juneau, Haines, Hoo- nah, Sitka, Klawok, Jackson, Point Barrow and Met- lakahtla. This denomination has recently sent two missionaries to the head waters of the Yukon, from
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there to drift to the mining camps and establish churches as they may deem advisable in that field of labor. The Rev. S. Hall Young was the first chosen, the second was the Rev. Geo. McEwen, both young. vigorous men having had much experience among the Alaskans and their modes of living. Both have also been engaged in missionary work at Atlantic Coast Missionary Stations.
The Government receives annually a full report of all mission stations in Alaska and their status at the time the report is made.
There are eight Greek Catholic Stations-Killisnoo, Juneau, Sitka, St. Michaels, Unalaska, Belkofski, Ikogmut, and Oogavagamute. Five Roman Catholic -Koserefski, Okagamute, Cape Vancouver, Nulato and Kusilvak. One Congregational at Cape Prince of Wales. One Quaker at Douglas Island. Two Meth- odist-Unalaska and Onga. Four Moravian-Ooga- vagamute, Bethel, Quinehaha and Carmel. Three Swedish Evangelical-Golovin Bay, Unalaklik and Yakutat. One Baptist, Kadiak. : Four Episcopal, -- Anvik, Point Hope, Fort Adams, and St. James Mission, making at least Forty-one and possibly more missions at active work among the natives and aliens of Alaska.
At Nuklaket, on the Yukon River, is situated the most distant and most lonely mission in Alaska. It is an Episcopal Mission named St. James, and conducted
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by Rev. Jules L. Prevost, who having established it, came East on a visit and returned with a carefully se- lected outfit for a house, a hospital and a chapel. He was accompanied by his bride, who bravely went out by his side, to face the dangers and adversities of his calling in the Arctic country.
The cold may be partly realized when it is told that Mr. Prevost had a thermometer specially made that could register 90 degrees below zero F .; anything much above that being practically quite useless at times in the winter climate of that district.
The census of 1890 gave the Territory a population of 30,329, of whom 4,416 were white. It is probable that the white population has more than doubled in the intervening years. Prosperity lias unquestion- ably marked every undertaking. The press, the steamers and the missions have brought the once un- known land into fair communication with the great outside world. Such a thing as going back to pris- tine obscurity is utterly impossible, so it remains that Government, business men and people shall all unite in the determination to uphold the good, out-general the bad and make of Alaska a wonderfully law abiding and progressive State as well as one of the most wealthy districts in the world. Not only in gold, but in coal, copper, oil, furs, and last, but none the less important and lucrative, fish, which abounds in count- less numbers and various qualities and kinds, but all
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