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Following a letter of transmittal to the Secretary of the Interior, this document presents General Agent of Education for Alaska, Sheldon Jackson's report to the Commissioner of Education, W. T. Harris. Before beginning his report of operations in Alaska, Jackson writes to the Commissioner emphasizing the need for Congressional legislation that will secure benefits for Alaska through the acts of Congress in 1887 and 1890 designed to promote instruction in agriculture and the mechanic arts. He explains that the starving condition of the Eskimo on the Arctic coast of Alaska will be relieved by the proposed legislation (Appendixes A and B). He goes on to explain how the Eskimo have reached such a crisis, primarily due to the destruction of the whale and walrus as food sources, and the importance of providing immediate relief. He states that the introduction of the reindeer would ultimately afford them a steady and permanent food supply. In view of the national importance of introducing the domesticated reindeer of Siberia into Northern Alaska, and testing the agricultural capacity of Southern Alaska, Jackson recommends that the Commissioner secure the establishment of an "Agricultural School and Experiment Station" in connection with the system of industrial education in Alaska. By an act approved July 2, 1862, Congress made provision for schools for the "benefit of agriculture and the mechanic arts." By an act approved March 2, 1887, provision was made for "agricultural experiment stations" in connection with the agricultural schools. And by the act approved August 30, 1890, certain of the proceeds of the sale of public lands were set aside for the better support of these agricultural schools. These acts of Congress require the assent of the legislature of the State or Territory in order that their provisions may become available. But Alaska has no legislature, and is governed directly by Congress. On this account, and partly because nineteen-twentieths of the children to be benefited belong to the native races, Congress has committed to the Secretary of the Interior the duty of making "needful and proper provision for education in Alaska." It is, therefore, eminently proper, Jackson argues, that the Secretary should be authorized to extend to Alaska the benefits of the agricultural acts of 1887 and 1890, (Appendix J), and secure the establishment of a school that can introduce reindeer into that region, and teach their management, care, and propagation, and also to conduct a series of experiments to determine the agricultural capabilities of the country. Following his letter to the Commissioner, Jackson begins his narrative by discussing the progress of the Alaska reindeer station established in 1892 for reintroducing the animal to the region. After a May 1893 departure from Washington, D.C., Jackson arrived in Alaska in June 1893 to visit the station, review Alaskan education, and purchase more reindeer. Jackson met aboard ship with the reindeer station superintendent, who informed Jackson that the herd had successfully wintered. Arrangements had been made to purchase reindeer from Siberia on the trip. After several stops to do so, amid heavy ice and various obstacles to purchase, Jackson's ship reached the station on June 23. Jackson was then involved in landing the reindeer, stores, and supplies; inspecting the station; and accounting for stores left from the last year. Jackson also inspected schools in the region. He noted that a large quantity of mail was handed over to a male missionary and two teachers who were a married couple. Jackson recounts his 1892 trip to Alaska, his selection of Port Clarence as a suitable station location, station staffing, and recruitment of Scandinavians and Lapps, as well as their dogs, to be herders. The herd was of great interest to the natives and many native delegations came from as far as 400 miles inland to see the station. Fears that the reindeer would be destroyed by native dogs were not realized, and according to Jackson, the anticipated difficulties in introducing the reindeer were met and solved. Jackson states that another forward step in the reindeer movement was proposed for summer 1894. Namely, because the U.S. government purchased the first herd with donated private funds, it was proposed to give 100 head of reindeer to the Congregationalist, Swedish Evangelical, Roman Catholic, and Presbyterian mission stations, and to other Christian denominations in the region that might want a herd. Jackson recommends that no private parties, except the Eskimos, be allowed to trade for reindeer for a term of years until the government project is well established. He also recommends legislation to protect reindeer for a term of years, placing them under the control of the Secretary of the Treasury. Jackson hopes the Lapps serving as herders will become U.S. citizens and attract emigration from Lapland. Data on funds expended toward the reindeer project are presented. Appended is a detailed report from Station Superintendent Miner W. Bruce on the herd's first wintering, with morbidity and mortality statistics, on the Alaska side of the Bering Strait, along with his observations of life on the Station and the native population. Other appendices cover reindeer information, the Teller Reindeer Station, meteorology at Teller Station, Eskimo habits and customs, liquor seized, memoranda and correspondence, notes on the Lapps, native tribe information, and maps.

Herein, it is stated that the Secretary of the Interior is directed to transmit to the Senate the report of Dr. Sheldon Jackson upon "The introduction of domestic reindeer in the district of Alaska" for 1904, with maps and illustrations. Following a letter of transmittal from the Secretary of Interior to the President of the Senate, this document presents General Agent of Alaska, Sheldon Jackson's fourteenth annual report. General Agent of Education in Alaska Sheldon Jackson's 14th annual report on introduction of domestic reindeer into Alaska notes that as of June 30, 1904, there were 8,189 head of domestic reindeer in Alaska distributed among 12 herds at 11 stations. Tables break out herd and fawn increase; number of animals sold, butchered, or dead over the course of the reindeer project; head numbers of by sex at the stations in 1904; reindeer loaned; numbers of apprentices and their holdings; congressional appropriations; and expenditures. Jackson stresses that natives need to be taught English and attend industrial schools to learn agriculture, herding, and teaming. Herds have rapidly increased, and two central stations will be established. The large northern Michigan Finn population has been selected as a source of new-hire teachers and herders. Jackson also reports on station personnel and conditions. The report details Assistant Agent William Hamilton's school and reindeer-station inspection itinerary from Washington, D.C. on June 8, 1904, to his return to Washington on October 17, 1904. The inspection tour covered 14,500 miles. Hamilton comments on harvesting seals, schools' condition, the natural environment and weather, local transportation methods, road and track maintenance, local community growth brought on by the gold rush, and the attack on Fort Selkirk. Appendices include correspondence on travel arrangements for the assistant agent; excerpts from a journal covering travel from Unalakleet to Bethel and return; U.S. Geological Survey memoranda on a reindeer route; annual reports from the reindeer stations at Teller, Gambell, Eaton, Cape Prince of Wales, Golofnin, Bethel, and Kotzebue; a report on reindeer by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's special agent in charge of Alaska agricultural experiment stations; and a reindeer song.

Herein, it is stated that the Secretary of the Interior is directed to transmit to the Senate the report of Dr. Sheldon Jackson upon "The introduction of domestic reindeer in the district of Alaska" for 1905, with maps and illustrations. Following a letter of transmittal from the Secretary of Interior to the President of the Senate, this document presents General Agent of Alaska, Sheldon Jackson's fifteenth annual report. This report briefly reflects back on the history of the program. Summary statistics are given for deer imported from Siberia and total in herd from 1892 to 1905, fawn increase from 1893 to 1905, and congressional appropriations from fiscal years ending 1894 to 1906. The report covers proposals for mission stations and relief stations' role. Statistics are provided on herd distribution; animals sold, butchered, or died; animals loaned; ownership; apprentices and their holdings; government-owned deer; and sled-trained deer. Jackson presents a historical review of the mission stations with cost and distribution statistics. An overview of each apprentice's character, progress, and herd size is provided. Jackson cites the included station reports as evidence of the reindeer industry's value to the natives. Appendices include the report of the reindeer supervisor of the Alaska central district; report of the superintendent for reindeer herds and schools of the Alaska northwest district; superintendents' reports from the stations at Barrow, Kotzebue, Wales, Gambell, Golofnin, Bethel, Nushagak, Deering, and Iliamna; the Moravian Church bishop's report; the Russian Orthodox Church bishop's views on Russian schools in Alaska; information on reindeer transportation value; correspondence on importing domesticated Alaskan reindeer to Newfoundland; staff trip accounts; and a report on provisioning difficulties.

Following a letter of transmittal between the Department of the Interior and the President of the Senate, this document presents General Agent of Education in Alaska, Sheldon Jackson's seventh annual report on "The introduction of domestic reindeer into Alaska." In his report, Jackson notes satisfactory progress with an advance made during the year. No new reindeer purchases were made in Siberia, but 466 deer were born in the herds, for a total number of 1,466 head as of June 30, 1897. A new reindeer station was established some 60 miles north of St. Michael, Norton Sound, which is a central point for herd distribution. Bringing Lapps to Alaska continues to be valuable for training natives in herd management and care. The Lapps were brought with the understanding it was to be a three-year term, and several have returned to Lapland. Others have remained with the understanding that they will become herd owners and permanent citizens. In the past year, rations have changed to decrease the amount of imported American food like meat and flour and increase native food like fish, seal, and oil. The school has mostly Eskimo children in the immediate station vicinity. Lapps and Eskimo apprentices are learning English, and the superintendent recommends a few years in the States for some of the young people to learn English. Since the last annual report, the Russian government granted the U.S. permission to place an agent on the Siberian coast for reindeer purchase. This will enable purchasing throughout the year and having the reindeer on the coast ready for summer transportation to Alaska. Having met and overcome obstacles to successful reindeer introduction, Jackson observes that the remaining test is to prove the animals' ability to travel long distances in severe winter conditions. Under the Secretary of the Interior's direction, the station superintendent and two Lapps undertook a 2,000-mile trip on December 10, 1896, with nine sleds and 17 head of reindeer. On April 24, 1897, the part successfully reached the Teller Station. The journey convinced missionaries, miners, traders and other in the region that reindeer could successfully be used for travel and freight. Jackson also discusses his 1,600-mile trip up the Yukon River, and registering reindeer brands. He also covers his itinerary from Unalaska, Dutch Harbor to Teller Reindeer Station, Cape Prince of Wales, and the new purchase station at St. Lawrence Bay. He includes his observations of the natives and their customs and the region's natural resources. He concludes with a summary of the impact of the Government's aid sent to relieve miners facing the long arctic winter without sufficient supplies of food; eight whaling vessels unexpectedly caught in the ice and in danger of starvation in the Arctic coast of Alaska; and inhabitants of Yukon Valley experiencing a shortage of food. Appendices include the annual Teller Reindeer Station report, excerpts from the Teller superintendent's diary, the Teller Station daily journal, the annual reports of the stations at Cape Prince of Wales and Golovin Bay, and correspondence and reports on Siberia purchasing and establishing a purchasing station there.

Following a letter of transmittal, this document presents General Agent of Education in Alaska Sheldon Jackson's "13th Annual Report on the Introduction of Domestic Reindeer into Alaska." Winter 1902-03 was unusually severe, but despite difficult conditions overall the reindeer fared unusually well. Currently there are 11 herds of combined 6,505 head. Owners hold their animal under a government agreement preventing slaughter of females for meat and sale of females to other parties than the U.S. government, and ensuring apprentices' instruction in training and breaking deer to harness. Surplus males may be sold for transportation or meat to miners or others in the region. Eskimos have a five-year apprenticeship, and if judged skilled at the end of the term, they are loaned additional deer and continue under supervision for 20 years. If during the 20-year period the government may dispossess a herder from his loan if he fails to care for the herd. Once an apprentice becomes a herder he is expected to train another apprentice, typically a family member. Dr. Jackson estimates that at least 300 natives, counting children and relatives, are being supported by reindeer. No deer were exported by the Russian government from Siberia to Alaska during 1902. He lists personnel and reports on the herds at Point Barrow, Kotzebue, Cape Prince of Wales, Gambell, Teller, Eaton, Nulato, and Kuskokwim. Data breaks out by herd ownership, apprentice numbers, stations needed in 1904, herds loaned by the government to mission societies and to Lapps, congressional appropriations, and expenditures. Dr. Jackson observes the herds' role in providing food and transportation to sustain the natives to serve the miners, and he notes that they need to learn English and attend industrial schools that need to be established. Dr. Jackson also notes that the Secretary of the Interior has repeatedly called on Congress to provide hospitals in the region. He recommends installing a physician in the industrial schools as has been done at missionary stations. He also points out that the herds have been invaluable for mail service, freighting, and relief expeditions. Seventeen appendices are included in the report.

Herein, it is stated that the Secretary of the Interior is directed to transmit to the Senate the report of Dr. Sheldon Jackson upon "The introduction of domestic reindeer in the district of Alaska" for 1900. Following a letter of transmittal from the Secretary of Interior to the President of the Senate, this document presents General Agent of Alaska, Sheldon Jackson's tenth annual report. Jackson's report begins by noting the influx of miners and related workers made it hard for him to engage passage from Washington, D.C. to Alaska. Reaching Siberia intending to purchase reindeer, the party found the population ill or recovering from la grippe, measles, and pneumonia. Many herders were ill, and a number had died. Only 29 head of reindeer could be purchased. The epidemic extended throughout the Aleutian Islands on both the Siberian and American sides, as well as on the Lower Yukon River. Hundreds of natives died at the Teller Reindeer station, half of the native population died, including whole families. This occurred during fishing season, diminishing the food supply as so few natives could catch or dry fish. Children from the Teller Reindeer Station and several mission stations whose lost parents went to an orphanage established by missionaries. The U.S. revenue cutter "Bear" was authorized to distribute provisions to central points as possible for allocation by missionaries, government teachers, and government officials. Jackson reports on the herds at Eaton Station, Golovin Bay, Teller Reindeer Station, Cape Douglas, Cape Prince of Wales, Point Hope, Point Barrow, Gambel, and St. James Episcopal Mission. He cites laws to protect reindeer and to punish those who set prairie fires which ruin reindeer pastorage and burn the moss they eat. Data on domestic reindeer number, distribution, and ownership in Alaska in 1900, population increase from 1892-1900, and expenditure of the reindeer fund from 1899-1900 are provided. Jackson goes on to note that construction has started on a military telegraph line which will be of great help in regulating the work among the reindeer stations. Jackson then details his itinerary, leaving Washington, D.C., for Alaska on April 23, 1900 to visit reindeer stations and schools, procure reindeer, and arrange for Lapps to return to their country following the end of their contracts. Jackson's 18,587 miles of travel ended on September 8, 1900. Appendices include the Eaton Reindeer Station daily journal, reports from the Golovin Bay, Cape Prince of Wales, Point Barrow, St. Lawrence Island, and Gambell reindeer stations; and correspondence and reports on Lapps' request for a pay increase, telegraph-line construction, Kotzebue Sound reindeer mail contract, hoof disease, epidemics among the natives, trouble with dogs, and military reindeer use.

Following a letter of transmittal, this document presents the 12th annual report on the introduction of reindeer into Alaska. The document includes commendations for several Lapp and native herders in Education Commissioner W.T. Harris's report-transmittal letter to the Senate. The report by General Agent for Education in Alaska, Sheldon Jackson, notes that a prosperous year has passed. With the spring birth of 1,651 fawns and purchase of 30 deer, the herds total 5,148 head. There are 27 Eskimo apprentices learning herd management and care. Although the winter of 1901-02 was the coldest since 1894, the light snowfall meant there was no fall thaw covering the moss that would inhibit feeding. Jackson reports on the Teller Reindeer Station and the Point Barrow, Kotzebue, Cape Prince of Wales, Gambell, Golofnin, Eaton, Nulato, and Kuskokwim herds. Following news that the Russian government prohibited reindeer exportation to Alaska, a U.S. request was made to allow 300 head to be bought in summer 1902. The Russians consented as long as coin rather than barter was used. Jackson recommends that the U.S. government seek an agreement with the Russians for using barter when trying to purchase from Siberian natives who have never used circulating money and are completely unfamiliar with it. Jackson noted that customs law on animals purchased from Asia came to his attention, and thus he also advised that a customs inspector accompany the reindeer purchasing party and inspect the reindeer before leaving Siberia, given the difficulty in bringing the animals from Siberia to San Diego for customs inspection and then taking them to Alaska. Data breaks out reindeer ownership in the region, five-year increase, congressional appropriations, and reindeer-fund expenditures. Jackson also details the school and reindeer-station inspection itinerary of Assistant Agent William Hamilton, and covers reindeer transportation, the 260-mile reindeer mail route in which one experienced carrier froze to death with no loss of his herd, herd transfers, and the value of reindeer for missions. Jackson details his school- and herd-inspection itinerary from Washington on June 27, 1902. He returned to Washington on September 10, 1902, after journeying 15,108 miles. Appendices include letters of instruction; correspondence on Bureau of Education agents' transportation; official papers on reindeer inspection; annual reports from the Point Barrow, Kotzebue, Cape Prince of Wales, Gambell, Teller, Golofnin, Eaton, Nulato, and Bethel Reindeer Stations; the Teller Reindeer Station daily log book and meteorological record; extracts from Eskimo apprentice Sepilla's daily journal; and papers concerning herd transfer, purchasing, loan, and mail usage; as well as a memorandum on the potential economic value of cod-liver oil if fish are caught from August to March around the Kodiak, Shumagin, and Sunnak Banks.

Following a letter of transmittal, this document presents General Agent of Education in Alaska, Sheldon Jackson's ninth annual report on the introduction of reindeer into Alaska. Jackson notes that 1899 saw an unusually large number of employees connected to the herds. The discovery and opening of the Cape Nome gold mines created reindeer transportation demand. Mission herds and the government needed trained reindeer in the vicinity. The federal government's promise to return reindeer borrowed for the 1898 Point Barrow rescue operation to the American Missionary Association Mission and to Eskimo owners involved 934 head. To meet the demand for transporting the animals, Congress appropriated $20,000 to fit out a naval vessel specifically for moving the reindeer from Siberia to Alaska. The U.S. Treasury Department enabled the U.S. revenue cutter Bear to devote time to securing reindeer, and a private firm was contracted for reindeer procurement and delivery. Data breaks out the number, distribution, and ownership of domestic reindeer in Alaska. Appropriations and expenditure data are included. Jackson discusses reindeer usefulness for carrying mail, U.S. troops, and packing. Jackson details the itinerary of his trip to Alaska from Washington, D.C., on April 25, 1899. Stops were made to inspect schools and to make arrangements for procuring reindeer. Explorer memorials, earthworks, and batteries are described. The party encountered U.S. troops and horses from Seattle headed for Manila. Jackson returned to Washington on October 12, 1899. Appendices include the annual, medical, school, and supplementary reports and the daily journal and ration list of the Eaton Reindeer Station; the Teller Station daily journal; site reports on the herds at Cape Prince of Wales, Point Barrow, Point Hope, and Golovin Bay; correspondence on purchasing and delivery of animals and supplies; congressional appropriation information on increasing reindeer appropriation from $12,500 to $12,500; correspondence on appropriating funds for a vessel fitted for reindeer procurement; correspondence on using reindeer for mail service, and for supply transportation to Nome mining camp; correspondence on introducing reindeer into Canada; and reports on reindeer food.

In the eighth annual report on introduction of domestic reindeer into Alaska, General Agent for Alaskan Education Sheldon Jackson notes that 1898 saw a government relief expedition to whalers stuck in ice near Point Barrow as well as a government commission sent to Lapland to procure a Lapp colony and purchase a herd of reindeer to transport supplies to the destitute people in Alaska's mining regions. Detailed accounts of these experiences are given. A new reindeer station was established near Unalaklik. The report includes data on herd numbers and distribution in 1898 and on herd increase from 1892 to 1898. It also notes that several Eskimo children were taken to the Carlisle Indian School in Pennsylvania. Two teachers, along with the wives and children were lost at sea in separate incidents while returning to their schools. Jackson made several recommendations in the report, including his suggestion that the government loan each mission association 100 deer for five years on condition that two Lapp families take charge of the herd, with the mission furnishing food and clothing and the government paying salaries. Jackson provides data estimating the five-year increase from 100 deer. On December 23, 1897, Jackson was directed by the Secretary of the Interior to report to the Secretary of War for temporary duty concerning Yukon River-region relief. The Secretary of War gave orders for Jackson to go immediately to Norway and Sweden to purchase 500 head broken to harness, along with sleds, harness, and drivers, transport it into the U.S. for use in hauling supplies to the Yukon Valley. Appendices include station reports from the Eaton, Teller, and Golovin Bay stations; the Teller daily logbook; reports on the Point Barrow Relief Expedition; discussion of Yukon Valley agriculture, correspondence and contracts on Lapp employee procurement and on reindeer acquisition and sales; supply lists; and recommendations on the disposition of Lapps and reindeer.

General Agent for Alaskan Education Sheldon Jackson's 11th annual report to the Interior secretary on the introduction of reindeer into Alaska from Siberia notes that a number of reindeer were secured from the Ola, Siberia, region for crossing with existent herds. Jackson reports on the herds at Eaton Reindeer Station, at mission stations, and Point Hope. He observes that the annual inspection is a learning opportunity for both superintendents and herders. Data is broken out on herd distribution, five-year increase, congressional appropriations, and expenditures. During the reindeer project's 10 years, 30 to 35 herders have served an apprenticeship of two to five years. Among them, 20 now have their own reindeer. The enterprise's growth has become profitable. Reindeer have transported goods for relief of snowbound troops building telegraph lines, telegraph poles, and telegraph supplies. They have also taken men and supplies to mining camps. Reindeer are the only draft animal in Alaska that can secure its own food when traveling. Although some in the U.S. consider the congressional reindeer appropriation uselessly expended, Jackson observes that the appropriation provides for emergencies that may happen at any time, especially with the great influx of gold miners. A branding system has been developed to distinguish 19 ownerships. On March 30, 1901, President William McKinley issued an executive order establishing lands to be set aside for reindeer stations. Jackson details his itinerary, leaving Washington, D.C., for Alaska on May 4, 1901, and returning on November 5, 1901, a trip of 15,400 miles. On the trip, Jackson inspected schools and reindeer stations and procured reindeer. Appendices include a report on missions' education work, the Eaton Reindeer Station annual report and daily journal, other reindeer station reports, papers on U.S. soldiers' relief, discussion of reindeer brands, and papers related to Jackson's trip and his transportation, among others.

The action of the US Senate is that the Secretary of the Interior be directed to transmit to the Senate the report of Dr. Sheldon Jackson upon "The introduction of domestic reindeer into the District of Alaska for 1895." Following a letter of transmittal, this document presents General Agent of Education in Alaska, Sheldon Jackson's report to the Commissioner of Education which presents his account of the government's progress establishing reindeer in Alaska for the economic benefit of the native population and stabilization of their food supply. Jackson recaps the project's history and purpose with discussion of Point Clarence (on whose shores the Teller Reindeer Station is located). Although the project had been sustained by the government with donated private funds, the report notes that on March 3, 1893, the 52nd Congress appropriated $6,000 for the reindeer project. The fund was placed under the aegis of the Commissioner of Education and was made part of the Alaskan school system, a wise move in Jackson's view. The first session of the 53rd Congress increased the appropriation to $7,500 in 1894, and the same amount was appropriated in 1895 during the third session of the same Congress. Jackson reports that during 1893 and 1894 new fawns were born and new reindeer were purchased in Siberia for the Alaska project. The station superintendent resigned, and a new superintendent came on board. Seeking new herders from Lapland but without public funds available for the task, Jackson turned to friends of the project who donated $1,000 for sending an agent to Norway for recruiting Lapps. A superintendent was selected for the Teller Reindeer Station and left for Lapland from New York City on February 21. He returned in May 1894 with seven men and their wives and children, making the first-ever Lapp colony brought to the U.S. The group reached Teller in July after traveling 12,500 miles. The Teller superintendent's report is included. Jackson notes that the Teller superintendent position later changed hands. Jackson's four years' experience showed him the reindeer procurement process is too slow, requiring many years for accomplishing the government's purpose. He recommends establishing a Siberian purchasing station, with Russian government consent, that would remain open through the year. Another recommendation is to contract for purchase and delivery of so many head of reindeer annually at certain designated Alaska points. Jackson believes that with abundant white moss for food, the vast 400,000 arctic and subarctic land mass Alaska could sustain 9,200,000 reindeer. At the Swedish valuation of $9.00 each and using the Lapp ratio of 32 reindeer per person, the reindeer would be worth $83,000,000 and support 287,500 people. Jackson points out large new valuable gold deposits found in the region would increase habitation, and with it the need for food and supplies that could be transported by reindeer. Moreover, reindeer meat, tanned skins, and hair are valuable commodities. Jackson recommends publishing herder-recruitment pamphlets in Norwegian and distributing them in Lapland. Jackson also provides reindeer fund summary financial information. Appendixes include: (1) Report of William Hamilton on the itinerary of 1895; (2) Annual report of William A. Kjellmann (including details about his trip to Lapland (August 6, 1894 to June 30, 1895) and arrival at Teller Reindeer Station followed by a report of operations at the station including information such as: herd statistics, fawn births, milking, herders and apprentices, rations, reindeer dogs, sealing, Eskimo herd, sickness, schools, medical and police services); (3) herd report of W. T. Lopp, Cape Prince of Wales; (4) Letter of J. C. Widstead to Dr. Sheldon Jackson; (5) Letter of Dr. Sheldon Jackson to Hon. W. T. Harris, LL.D; (6) the Teller Reindeer Station 1894-95 logbook; (7) a meteorology report; and (8) actions of the National Educational Association, the Lake Mohonk Indian Conference, and the Conference of Board of Indian Commissioners.

The action of the US Senate is that the Secretary of the Interior be directed to transmit to the Senate the report of Dr. Sheldon Jackson upon "The introduction of domestic reindeer into the District of Alaska for 1896." Following a letter of transmittal, this document presents General Agent of Education in Alaska, Sheldon Jackson's sixth annual report of "The introduction of domestic reindeer into the District of Alaska" as submitted to the Commissioner of Education.In his report, Jackson notes that since his last annual report a log schoolhouse with bell tower and woodhouse were built for reindeer station employees' children. The main headquarters building was also enlarged, furnishing temporary herders' family quarters when necessary, and enabling storage of seal meat, oil, blubber, dried and frozen fish. The addition also has a carpenter's bench, and sleds and snowshoes are made there. The attic stores sails, boat oars, and fishing nets. Huts were made for herders moving between the herd and the main station during winter. In July, a brig loaded with school supplies and a missionary family's personal effects were lost after a strong southerly wind wrecked the vessel. The Lapps, valuable reindeer care and management instructors to the Eskimos, expressed concern that there was no physician in the area to tend their families, and a medical doctor was appointed assistant station superintendent. In all, five herds have been established in Alaska, for a total of 1,100 head. Herds close to the central station take priority in distribution so that the new herds can be more conveniently supervised. Hopes were to purchase 1,000 or more head per year from Siberia, but this has not been possible, and the central station at Port Clarence cannot distribute head such that the central herd is weakened. Influx of Yukon miners in the last season has created a demand for reindeer as freight carriers, and numbers of missionaries have increased. Reindeer have become as essential to white men as to Eskimos, and more Lapps will have to be imported for herder training. At the request of Jackson's office, through the Secretary of the Interior, the Secretary of State communicated with His Imperial Majesty the Czar of Russia requesting permission for Jackson's office to place a purchasing agent and one or two herdsmen on the Siberian coast adjacent to Alaska. Food scarcity continues, with ensuing loss of life. Jackson notes that larger congressional appropriations would enable purchase and distribution of two herds of 5,000 head each. Their natural increase would extend the stock until the region is covered. Jackson extensively documents his itinerary for inspecting stations and schools, leaving from Washington, D.C. on May 14, 1896, and arriving in Seattle on May 29th. On July 4 off St. Lawrence Island, the ship was decorated with flags and a 21-gun salute fired. Jackson returned to Washington on October 22. Appendices include the Teller Reindeer Station report, the Teller daily journal, Teller meteorology report, annual reports from Cape Nome, Cape Prince of Wales, Golovin Bay, reports on reindeer transfer to Swedish and Episcopalian missions, driving a herd from Port Clarence to Golovin Bay, an inland trip from Point Barrow, reindeer disease, and Lapp colonization, as well as correspondence.