Author: E. Lester Jones

Publisher:

Published: 2015-08-04

Total Pages: 160

ISBN-13: 9781332187034

Excerpt from Report of Alaska Investigations: In 1914 Sir: I submit herewith a report on my special investigations in Alaska, for transmittal to the Secretary of Commerce and the President. Introduction. By direction of the Secretary of Commerce, I was instructed to proceed to Alaska (1) in order to make a thorough survey and investigation of the various fishery industries, (2) to visit the fur-seal fisheries on the Pribilof Islands and make studies in connection therewith for the purpose of formulating a more definite and businesslike policy for the administration of those islands, and (3) to inquire into the status of the minor fur-bearing animals, including both the matter of the protection of the wild stock and the development of the industry of rearing such animals in captivity. In my report submitted herewith it has been my endeavor to avoid more than an occasional and passing reference to matters of a statistical or historical nature, since these features are quite thoroughly covered in various reports already published. Attention has been given primarily to matters which have a material bearing upon the maintenance of those Alaskan industries over which the Department of Commerce exercises jurisdiction and which seem to require readjustment in accordance with changed conditions. It has been my constant endeavor to view the situation from a practical and impartial standpoint with the view of suggesting certain changes deemed essential to the public welfare, bearing in mind at the same time the necessity for giving equitable consideration to all private interests which may be affected by such changes. The field work occupied a period of between four and five months, from the latter part of May to the first part of October. Visits were made to about 50 canneries, salteries, and mild-curing establishments in southeastern, central, and western Alaska; numerous fox farms in various regions were inspected; considerable time was spent on the Pribilof Islands; and detailed attention was given to administrative matters connected with the recently established Aleutian Islands Reservation. The steamer Albatross, Lieut. L. B. Porterfield, U. S. N., commanding, was placed at my disposal, and I spent practically two months aboard this vessel in central and western Alaska. In southeast Alaska I was aboard the small steamer Osprey for about 60 days. These vessels are owned by the Bureau of Fisheries. Some of the important places visited are quite remote and inaccessible, and had it not been for vessels specially available for the purpose it would have been impossible to reach them during my trip, notwithstanding the fact that I spent more than four months in Alaska. It is my wish to emphasize the point that because of the great distances involved, and as at times there is no service by commercial boats, and when there is it is very unsatisfactory, it becomes urgently necessary in the event of conducting any competent investigation of the fisheries of Alaska that a good seagoing vessel be provided. Without the Albatross this past season, the results of my trip would have been anything but satisfactory. It is my desire to make the fullest possible acknowledgment to Lieut. L. B. Porterfield, commanding the Albatross, for the numerous courtesies and the invaluable assistance rendered so freely and pleasantly during the two months I spent aboard that vessel. The officers and crew also rendered efficient assistance. About the Publisher Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com